What is H96/C21000 brass?
H96/C21000 brass is a copper-zinc alloy, conforming to GB/T 1527-1997 standard. It contains 95.0%–97.0% copper, with zinc as the balance. While it has the lowest strength among common brasses, it possesses excellent electrical and thermal conductivity, exhibits good corrosion resistance in atmospheric and freshwater environments, and demonstrates good ductility with no tendency for stress corrosion cracking.
H96 brass has a tensile strength ≥205 MPa and an elongation δ10 ≥35%. It can be formed through hot and cold pressure processing and is suitable for welding, forging, and tin plating. The hot working temperature range is 775–850℃, and the annealing temperature must be controlled between 540–600℃.
Chemical Composition of H96 Brass
Phosphorus (P): ≤0.01
Iron (Fe): ≤0.10
Antimony (Sb): ≤0.005
Bismuth (Bi): ≤0.002
Note: ≤0.2 (impurities)
H96 Brass Mechanical Properties
Tensile Strength σb (MPa): ≥205
Elongation δ10 (%): ≥35
Elongation δ5 (%): ≥42
Note: Room temperature longitudinal mechanical properties of the pipe
H96 Brass Heat Treatment Specifications
Hot Working Temperature: 775~850℃
Annealing Temperature: 540~600℃




Common Product Forms and Specifications
|
Product Form |
Specification Range |
Delivery Condition |
|
Bar |
Diameter: 4-350mm (Stock covers 6-350mm) |
Bright turned, drawn round, black surface |
|
Plate |
Thickness: 0.3-300mm (Standard 1-150mm) |
Machine-cut plate, forged plate |
|
Strip |
Thickness: 0.1-3.0mm |
M (Soft), Y (Hard) |
|
Tube |
Outer diameter: 3-300mm (Capillary tube outer diameter 1-6.1mm) |
M, Y2, Y, etc. |
|
Wire |
Diameter: 0.1-12.7mm |
Coils or straight rods |
FAQ
| Q: How does H96 differ from pure copper (like T2/C11000)? A: While very close to pure copper, the small addition of zinc (4%) in H96 provides slightly higher strength, hardness, and wear resistance than pure copper, while retaining most of its conductivity and corrosion resistance. It is often a more cost-effective and durable alternative for many applications. |
| Q: What are the most common applications for H96 brass? A: Common applications include: Waveguides, heat exchanger/condenser tubes, heat sinks, electrical conductivity springs, jewelry, medals, commemorative coins, decorative architectural trim, and nameplates. |
| Q: Can H96 brass be welded or soldered? A: Yes, it has excellent solderability and brazability. However, welding can be challenging due to its high thermal conductivity and zinc content, which can lead to porosity and zinc fume. Specialized techniques (like TIG welding with proper filler metal) are required. |
| Q: What are the main standards that cover H96/C21000? A: It is covered by various international standards: China: GB/T 5231 (H96) USA: ASTM B36 (C21000 for sheet/plate/strip), ASTM B134 (C21000 for wire) Europe: EN CW500L (similar composition) Japan: JIS C2100 |
| Q: Is H96 brass resistant to dezincification? A: Yes, it has very high resistance to dezincification due to its high copper content (above 85%). This makes it suitable for use in certain aqueous environments where lower-copper brasses (like H70, H62) would be susceptible. |
| Q: What is the typical form and size range for H96 products? A: It is commonly supplied as strip/coil, sheet/plate, wire, and tube. Typical dimensions include: Strip/Coil: Thickness 0.1mm - 3.0mm, Width up to 600mm. Wire: Diameter 0.5mm - 12.0mm. Tube: Outer Diameter (OD) 3mm - 50mm. |
| Q: What is the temper (hardness state) available for H96 strip? A: It is commonly available in soft (O), quarter-hard (H01), half-hard (H02), and hard (H04) tempers to suit different forming requirements. |
| Q: How does the price of H96 compare to other brasses and copper? A: Due to its high copper content, its price is higher than common brasses like H62 and H68, but generally lower than pure copper and premium alloys like phosphor bronze. It offers a good balance of performance and cost. |
| Q: What are the main surface finishes available for H96/C21000 brass? A: Standard finishes for H96/C21000 brass include mill finish (matte), polished, and various coated finishes (such as clear lacquer or passivation) to prevent tarnishing, especially for decorative uses. |
| Q: Is H96 suitable for making springs? A: Yes, its good combination of conductivity, corrosion resistance, and spring properties (in hardened tempers) makes H96/C21000 a preferred material for certain electrical conductivity springs and contacts. |
| Q: How does H96 perform in terms of machinability? A: Its machinability rating is relatively low (around 20% on the free-cutting brass C36000=100% scale). It is gummy and tends to adhere to cutting tools. It is not typically chosen for high-volume machining operations. |
Our product range
| Category | Other Key Grades (Extensive Range) | Product Forms | Typical Size Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pure Copper | T2 (C11000/C10100), TU1/TU2 (Oxygen-Free), T3 (C11000), C10100, C10200 (OF), C10300, C10400, C10500, C10700, C10800, C11000, C11300, C11400, C11500, C11600, C12000, C12200 | Pipe/Tube, Plate/Sheet, Coil/Strip, Wire/Rod, Busbar | Pipe/Tube: OD 3mm - 400mm, WT 0.5mm - 15mm Sheet/Plate/Coil: Thk 0.1mm - 50mm, Width ≤ 1250mm Wire/Rod: Dia. 0.5mm - 80mm |
| Phosphorus Deoxidized Copper | TP2 (C12200), C1201, C1220, C12200, C14200 | Pipe/Tube, Plate/Sheet, Coil/Strip | Pipe/Tube: OD 4mm - 300mm, WT 0.5mm - 10mm Sheet/Plate/Coil: Thk 0.2mm - 30mm, Width ≤ 1000mm |
| Brass | H96, H68, H65, H70, HPb59-1 (C3771), CW505L (C12200), C2600 (Cartridge Brass), C2680, C2720, C28000, C36000 (Free-Cutting), C38500 | Coil/Strip, Plate/Sheet, Rod/Bar, Wire | Strip/Sheet/Coil: Thk 0.05mm - 10.0mm, Width ≤ 650mm Rod/Bar: Dia. 3mm - 200mm Wire: Dia. 0.5mm - 12mm |
| Bronze & Other Alloys | Phosphor Bronze: C51000, C52100, C54400 Copper-Nickel: C71500, C71640 Aluminum Bronze: C60600, C63000 Beryllium Copper: C17200, C17500 Other: C19210, C19400 |
Strip/Coil, Plate, Rod/Bar, Wire, Pipe | Customizable per alloy and form. Strip/Coil: Thk 0.05mm - 5.0mm Rod/Bar: Dia. up to 150mm |





