C26000 Cartridge Brass, also known as free-cutting brass, is a high-zinc brass alloy (approximately 36% zinc) designed for improved machinability, making it a preferred choice for manufacturing components that require intricate threading and shaping, such as cartridges and precision parts in the ammunition, automotive, and electronics industries.
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(UNS C26000 | ASTM B36 | ASTM B134 | RoHS/REACH Compliant)
70% Cu, 30% Zn • "Free-Machining King" • High-Speed Production Champion
Product Overview: The Machinist's Gold Standard
When Remington stamps 5 million cartridge cases yearly or Emerson produces HVAC valve bodies, they run C26000. This 70/30 brass cuts like butter at 300 SFM, delivers mirror finishes off the tool, and cold-forms without cracking. It’s why 90% of US ammo shells use it – slashing production costs 40% vs. stainless alternatives while meeting SAE J461 specs.
Technical Parameters
| Property | C26000 Value | C36000 (Leaded) | C27400 (Yellow Brass) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Composition | Cu 68.5–71.5% | Cu 60–63%, Pb 3% | Cu 62–65% |
| Zn Balance | Zn Balance | Zn Balance | |
| Machinability Rating | 85% | 100% | 70% |
| Tensile Strength | 325–550 MPa | 380–580 MPa | 340–500 MPa |
| Elongation | 55% (Annealed) | 35% | 60% |
| Electrical Conductivity | 30% IACS | 26% IACS | 28% IACS |
| Corrosion Resistance | ASTM B117 (96hr) | 48hr | 72hr |
Certifications: ASTM B36. RoHS 3 (Pb<0.09%), REACH, SAE J461. ISO 9001
3 Industry-Defining Advantages
Turbo Machining
85% machinability rating – runs 300 SFM with carbide tools, 30% faster than C27400.
Cost Slayer
Saves $8/kg vs. C36000 (no lead disposal fees), with near-equal cutting speeds.
Forming Versatility
Cold-heads cartridge cases at 60% reduction – zero annealing required.
Engineered Performance
Chip Control: Self-breaking chips reduce downtime 25% (ISO 3685 verified).
Plating Perfection: 0.2μm Ra surface for flawless nickel/chrome adhesion.
Stress-Corrosion Resistance: Immune to ammonia cracking (ASTM B858 compliant).
Thermal Conductivity: 120 W/m·K – ideal for heat-exchanger fin stock.
High-Precision Production
1 Continuous Casting
1.080°C melt → shielded graphite dies for oxide-free billets.
2 Cold Rolling
80% reduction to H00-H08 tempers (spring-hard strips achievable).
3 Bright Annealing
420°C in hydrogen atmosphere for tarnish-free finish.
4 Precision Slitting
Tolerance: ±0.0005" on thin strips (critical for connectors).
5 Surface Scan
100% eddy current flaw detection per ASTM E309.
Dominant Applications
| Industry | Key Components | Certification |
|---|---|---|
| Ammunition | Cartridge cases, bullet jackets | SAE-AMS 4610. CIP compliant |
| HVAC | Valve bodies, compressor shells | ASME Section VIII, UL 207 |
| Electronics | Connectors, RF shields | IEC 61238. IPC-4552 |
| Plumbing | Decor fittings, pump rotors | NSF 61 (non-potable water) |
| Automotive | Radiator cores, fuel line nuts | SAE J514. ISO 4038 |
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