H96 Brass Standards and Composition
GB/T 5231-2012 Standard
Grade: H96 (Chinese national standard, classified as ordinary brass but actually a low-zinc brass with performance close to that of pure copper).
Composition Requirements:
Copper (Cu): 95.0%–97.0%
Zinc (Zn): Balance (3.0%–5.0%)
Total Impurities: ≤ 0.3% (lead, iron, etc.).
International Equivalents
ASTM: C21000 (U.S. standard, low-zinc brass, nominal copper content 96%).
JIS: C2100 (Japanese standard, similar composition).
H96 Brass Characteristics
Color and Appearance
Appears reddish-purple (low zinc content, close to pure copper but slightly yellowish).
Electrical/Thermal Conductivity
Electrical Conductivity: Approximately 50–60% IACS (lower than pure copper due to zinc solid solution strengthening).
Thermal Conductivity: Approximately 200–250 W/(m·K).
Mechanical Properties
Higher strength than pure copper but with good plasticity (due to zinc solid solution strengthening).
H96 Brass Mechanical Properties (Typical Values)
| Condition | Tensile Strength (MPa) | Yield Strength (MPa) | Elongation (%) | Hardness (HV) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Soft (M) | 250–300 | 80–120 | ≥35 | 60–80 |
| Hard (Y) | 350–450 | 300–400 | 8–12 | 100–130 |
H96 Brass Corrosion Resistance
Advantages
Resistant to atmospheric and freshwater corrosion, superior to ordinary brass (low zinc content reduces dezincification tendency).
Limitations
Sensitive to acidic and sulfur-containing environments (avoid contact with corrosive media).
H96 Brass Processing Performance
Cold/Hot Working
Good cold workability (soft condition suitable for deep drawing, bending).
Hot working temperature: 700–800°C (avoid high temperatures to prevent zinc volatilization).
Weldability
Recommended Methods: Brazing, TIG welding (Argon Arc Welding).
Challenge: Zinc tends to evaporate; heat input must be controlled.
H96 Brass Typical Applications
Electrical Industry
Conductive terminals, relay components (balances conductivity and strength).
Decoration and Architecture
Antique metal crafts, roof decorations (aesthetic reddish-purple color).
Mechanical Parts
Gaskets, rivets (wear-resistant parts with moderate strength requirements).
Comparison with Other Copper Alloys
| Characteristic | H96 (GB) | T2 (Pure Copper) | H62 (Ordinary Brass) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Copper Content | 95%–97% | ≥99.9% | 60%–63% |
| Electrical Conductivity | 50–60% IACS | 100% IACS | 28–30% IACS |
H96 Brass Key Considerations
Selection Recommendations
Choose H96 when conductivity close to pure copper is needed but with higher strength.
Choose T2/C11000 for pure conductivity requirements.
Surface Protection
Passivation or clear lacquer coating can prevent oxidation and discoloration (especially for decorative applications).
H96 Brass Common Questions
Is H96 Pure Copper or Brass?
Strictly classified as low-zinc brass, but due to its high copper content (>95%), it is often categorized as "pure copper" (its performance lies between the two).
Difference Between H96 and H90?
H90 contains 90% copper and 10% zinc, has a more yellowish color, higher strength, and lower electrical conductivity.
For further differentiation between H96 and other copper alloys (e.g., H65, H80), provide specific application requirements (e.g., conductivity, corrosion resistance, cost).
Our product range
Our factory is a professional manufacturer of copper and copper alloy products, specializing in the export of high-quality copper materials. We possess modern production facilities and a strict quality control system, employing advanced production processes and technologies from raw material smelting to final product forming. The factory is equipped with precision extrusion, drawing, rolling, and heat treatment equipment, enabling the production of various specifications of copper pipes, copper plates, copper strips, copper rods, copper wires, and special profiles. We particularly excel in producing standard-grade brass products such as H96, H90, and H62, while also customizing chemical compositions, dimensional specifications, and surface treatments based on customer requirements. Certified with the ISO 9001 quality management system, our products comply with international standards such as ASTM, EN, JIS, and GB. They are widely used in construction, electronics, machinery, automotive, and other industries and are exported to over 50 countries and regions worldwide. We are committed to providing high-quality products and professional services, making us your reliable copper material partner.
Copper product packaging
We adopt professional, safe, and environmentally compliant international standard packaging solutions. All products are custom-packaged according to their form and transportation requirements: pipes are reinforced with moisture-proof woven bags or wooden crates, with protective sleeves added to the ends; plates and strips are wrapped in anti-rust paper and placed in dry wooden crates or on pallets, with special protection for the edges; wires and rods are wrapped in waterproof film and secured on pallets or bundled wooden crates. All packaging includes clear labels detailing product specifications, grades, batch numbers, and shipping marks. Additionally, moisture-proof and anti-rust treatments are applied to withstand long-distance sea transport or special climate conditions, ensuring that the goods remain intact during transportation and storage. Our packaging meets the import standards of various countries.
