What is H68 brass?
H68 brass, internationally designated as C26000, is a classic single-phase α brass alloy with a nominal copper content of approximately 68% and zinc content of about 30%. Known for its outstanding overall performance, it is widely referred to as "cartridge brass." It exhibits excellent cold-working plasticity, good strength and corrosion resistance, and a golden-yellow hue. This material is extensively used in multiple industrial fields, including ammunition casings, radiators, electronic connectors, decorative hardware, and musical instrument manufacturing.
h68 brass composition
| Element | Content (% by weight) |
|---|---|
| Copper (Cu) | 68.5 - 71.5% (The "68" in H68 refers to the nominal Cu content) |
| Zinc (Zn) | Balance (approx. 28.5 - 31.5%) |
| Lead (Pb) | ≤ 0.07% (typically) |
| Iron (Fe) | ≤ 0.05% |
| Other Impurities | ≤ 0.15% total |
Properties of H68 Brass
Strength & Hardness:
High strength: The higher zinc content in H68 brass increases its hardness and strength compared to alloys with lower zinc content. It has a tensile strength higher than many other brass alloys, making it suitable for heavy-duty applications.
Good mechanical properties: It offers high wear resistance, making it ideal for applications where friction and abrasion resistance are crucial.
Corrosion Resistance:
Good resistance to corrosion: H68 Brass is resistant to general corrosion and is particularly effective in moisture-rich environments. However, due to its higher zinc content, it is more prone to dezincification (a form of corrosion), particularly when exposed to acidic environments or saltwater for prolonged periods.
Machinability:
H68 Brass offers good machinability, although it may require more care compared to lower-zinc alloys. It is suitable for cutting, threading, and forming operations, but lubrication during machining can help reduce wear on cutting tools.
Ductility & Workability:
Moderate ductility: While the alloy is more brittle than lower zinc brasses (like H59), it still has enough ductility to be cold-formed and machined into rods, bars, and other shapes without cracking.
Applications of H68 Brass
Manufacturing & Engineering:
Precision Parts: Used for producing high-precision components, such as gears, bushings, bearings, and washers that need high strength and wear resistance.
Machine Components: Ideal for components that experience mechanical stress and friction.
Electrical Components:
Electrical Connectors: Suitable for electrical contacts, terminals, and connectors due to its moderate electrical conductivity and corrosion resistance.
Switchgear & Circuitry: Used in certain electrical circuit components that require both strength and corrosion resistance.
Plumbing & Fittings:
Fittings and Valves: Commonly used for valves, pipe fittings, and other plumbing components. Its good corrosion resistance to water makes it suitable for indoor plumbing systems.
Marine Applications: It is used in parts exposed to moisture and in some marine environments, though it's less ideal for direct contact with seawater than alloys like H65.
Automotive:
Automotive Parts: Often found in engine components, fuel systems, and brake parts due to its strength and wear resistance. H68 Brass is used where parts need to endure high pressure and mechanical stresses.
Architectural & Decorative Uses:
Hardware: H68 Brass Rod is used in the production of architectural hardware such as door handles, locks, knobs, and hinges.
Jewelry & Ornaments: Due to its attractive golden appearance, it's also used in making decorative jewelry and ornamental pieces.
FAQ
| What is H68 brass? H68 brass is a copper-zinc alloy according to the Chinese GB standard, containing approximately 68% copper and 32% zinc. It is renowned for its excellent cold workability. |
| What is the U.S. equivalent of H68 brass? The direct U.S. equivalent of H68 brass is UNS C26000. |
| What is the European equivalent of H68 brass? The European standard equivalent of H68 brass is CuZn30 (also identified as CW505L). |
| What is the chemical composition of H68 brass? The typical composition of H68 brass is 67.0-70.0% copper, with the remainder being zinc and very low levels of impurities (lead ≤ 0.03%). |
| What are the key mechanical properties of H68 brass? In the annealed condition, H68 brass typically exhibits a tensile strength of about 300-400 MPa, excellent elongation (>45%), and good ultimate strength. |
| What is H68 brass primarily used for? H68 brass is primarily used for deep drawing, stamping, and forming complex parts such as cartridge cases (its common name is "cartridge brass"), radiator cores, electrical sockets, and decorative items. |
| How does the machinability of H68 brass rate? The machinability of H68 brass is rated at approximately 30% on the industry scale where free-cutting brass C36000 is 100%, meaning it produces long, ductile chips. |
| Can H68 brass be welded? Yes, H68 brass can be welded and brazed using appropriate techniques and filler metals (like silicon bronze or brass fillers), though it requires skill due to zinc's volatility. |
| What is the density of H68 brass? The density of H68 brass is approximately 8.53 grams per cubic centimeter (g/cm³). |
| Is H68 brass resistant to dezincification corrosion? H68 brass has moderate resistance to dezincification. For environments highly prone to this type of corrosion, specific inhibitor-added brasses like C44300 are often recommended instead of H68 brass. |
| What is the difference between H68 brass and H62 brass? The main difference is copper content. H68 brass (~68% Cu) is more ductile and better for cold forming. H62 brass (~62% Cu) is stronger and better for hot working and general hardware. |
| What tempers is H68 brass available in? H68 brass is commonly supplied in tempers such as annealed (soft), quarter hard, half hard, and hard to suit different forming and strength requirements. |
| Does H68 brass contain lead? H68 brass specification requires a very low lead content, typically a maximum of 0.03%, classifying it as a virtually lead-free brass suitable for many restricted applications. |
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copper product packaging
Our products are packaged using professional, customized industrial packaging solutions to ensure they remain intact during long-distance transportation and multiple handlings. For long products such as copper tubes and bars, we use sturdy waterproof wooden crates or metal-frame boxes for secure fixing and protection. Copper plates and foils are individually wrapped with anti-rust paper, then packed into steel-edged boxes or on pallets with reinforced hard corners. Copper wires are wound with moisture-proof film and neatly coiled onto custom-designed reels or placed in wooden cases. All packaging is clearly marked according to customer requirements with shipping marks, specifications, batch numbers, and handling symbols. Desiccants can also be placed inside the packages when needed, providing complete protection against rust, moisture, and impact throughout the entire journey from production to the destination port.
