C22000 brass tube is a copper-zinc (Cu-Zn) based single-phase alpha-brass alloy, often referred to as "commercial bronze" because of its high copper content (about 90%). The material combines good corrosion resistance, ductility, and moderate strength, and is widely used in architectural finishes, hardware, musical instruments, and low-pressure fluid transfer systems. Its nomenclature follows the American ASTM standard and corresponds to international standards such as JIS C2200 (Japan) and CW501L (European Union), and it is a typical representative of mid-to-high-end brass products.
Chemical composition
The composition of C22000 is copper (Cu 89.0-91.0%), zinc (Zn residual), with trace impurities allowed (Pb ≤ 0.05%, Fe ≤ 0.05%, and total other elements ≤ 0.15%). The high copper content gives it a color and corrosion resistance close to that of pure copper, while retaining the processing convenience of brass.
Physical and Mechanical Properties
Color and density
Golden yellow in color, density about 8.8 g/cm³, easy to polish the surface to mirror effect, commonly used in decorative parts.
Conductivity
Conductivity of approx. 45% IACS (International Annealed Copper Standard), better than most low-copper brasses, suitable for decorative contacts requiring electrical conductivity.
Strength and Plasticity
Tensile strength in annealed condition is about 250-350 MPa, elongation ≥35%, and strength after cold working is up to 550 MPa, which combines molding and load-bearing capacity.
Corrosion resistance
Excellent corrosion resistance in atmospheric, freshwater and neutral environments, but surface protection is required in sulfur-containing or high humidity environments.
Fields of application
Architectural decoration: Door handles, light fixture frames, bathroom fittings, utilizing its golden appearance and oxidation resistance.
Musical Instrument Manufacturing: Wind instrument components (e.g. saxophones, trumpets), decorative reeds for their acoustic properties and ease of processing.
Fluid transportation: low pressure water pipes, gas pipes for non-corrosive fluid environments.
Electronic hardware: conductive terminals, decorative connectors, balancing the need for conductivity with aesthetics.
Artistic sculpture: small metal sculptures, trophies, diversified surface effects through polishing or plating.
Production process
Melting and Casting
Adopting industrial frequency induction furnace to melt copper and zinc raw materials, controlling the deviation of zinc content, casting into tube billet or continuous casting hollow ingot.
Hot extrusion molding
Extruded into tubes after heating to 700-750°C, or seamless tubes by slant rolling and piercing.
Cold drawing and finishing
Multiple passes of cold drawing with intermediate annealing (450-600°C) to progressively reduce the diameter of the tube and improve dimensional accuracy.
Surface treatment
Polished, chemically nickel-plated or coated with clear lacquer to enhance corrosion resistance and maintain metallic luster.
Core advantages
Outstanding decorative properties: stable golden luster, not easy to oxidize and change color, suitable for high-end appearance parts.
Processing adaptability: supports a variety of molding processes such as stamping, bending, and welding (brazing/fusion welding).
Controllable cost: low zinc content, material cost is lower than high zinc brass, cost-effective.
Precautions
Stress corrosion protection: Avoid long-term use in ammonia-containing environments or under high stress to prevent the risk of cracking.
Dezincification control: In chloride-enriched environments it is recommended to use modified alloys with arsenic or tin (e.g. C23000).
Alternatives: For higher strength or resistance to seawater corrosion, aluminum brass (C68700) or naval brass (C46400) may be used.
Summary
With its unique decorative properties, balanced physical properties and processing convenience, C22000 brass tube has become an important material in the field of architecture, art and light industry. With the growth of consumption upgrading and personalized design demand, its application scenarios in high-end home, cultural creativity and low-carbon buildings will continue to expand, promoting the transformation and upgrading of traditional brass materials to high value-added areas.
