Overview
C260 Brass, commonly known as Cartridge Brass, is a copper-zinc alloy containing approximately 70% copper and 30% zinc. It is one of the most widely used brass grades due to its excellent combination of formability, corrosion resistance, ductility, electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity, and attractive appearance.
C260 brass is particularly valued for cold-working operations and deep drawing applications, making it a preferred material for electrical, architectural, automotive, and industrial components.
C260 brass is widely used in:
- Ammunition Cases
- Electrical Terminals
- Decorative Hardware
- Heat Exchanger Components
- Radiator Parts
- Metal Stampings
- Architectural Trim
- Musical Instruments
Because of its excellent cold formability and corrosion resistance, C260 remains one of the most versatile brass alloys in global manufacturing.
Material Specification
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Material Designation | C260 Brass |
| UNS Number | C26000 |
| Common Name | Cartridge Brass |
| Standard | ASTM B36 / ASTM B152 |
| Material Family | Copper-Zinc Brass Alloy |
| Density | 8.53 g/cm³ |
| Magnetic Property | Non-Magnetic |
| Typical Supply Condition | Annealed, Half-Hard, Hard |
| Standard Forms | Sheet, Plate, Strip, Rod, Bar, Tube |
Chemical Composition
| Element | Content (%) |
|---|---|
| Copper (Cu) | 68.5–71.5 |
| Zinc (Zn) | Balance |
| Lead (Pb) | ≤0.07 |
| Iron (Fe) | ≤0.05 |
| Other Elements | ≤0.30 |
The 70/30 copper-zinc ratio provides an ideal balance of strength, ductility, and corrosion resistance.
Mechanical Properties
Annealed Condition
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | 300–380 MPa |
| Yield Strength | 75–150 MPa |
| Elongation | 55–70% |
| Hardness | 55–85 HB |
| Elastic Modulus | 105 GPa |
Cold Worked Condition
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | 450–650 MPa |
| Yield Strength | 300–550 MPa |
| Hardness | 120–180 HB |
Physical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Density | 8.53 g/cm³ |
| Melting Point | 915–950°C |
| Thermal Conductivity | 120 W/m·K |
| Electrical Conductivity | 28% IACS |
| Electrical Resistivity | 0.061 μΩ·m |
| Thermal Expansion Coefficient | 20.5 × 10⁻⁶/K |
| Specific Heat Capacity | 380 J/kg·K |
Electrical Conductivity
| Material | Conductivity (% IACS) |
|---|---|
| C110 Copper | 100 |
| C260 Brass | 28 |
| C360 Brass | 26 |
| Aluminum 6061 | 40 |
| Stainless Steel 304 | 2 |
While lower than pure copper, C260 provides adequate conductivity for many electrical applications.
Thermal Conductivity
| Material | Thermal Conductivity (W/m·K) |
|---|---|
| C110 Copper | 390 |
| C260 Brass | 120 |
| C360 Brass | 115 |
| Aluminum 6061 | 167 |
| Stainless Steel 304 | 16 |
The thermal conductivity of C260 supports heat exchanger and radiator applications.
Corrosion Resistance
| Environment | Performance |
|---|---|
| Indoor Environment | Excellent |
| Dry Atmosphere | Excellent |
| Fresh Water | Excellent |
| Marine Atmosphere | Good |
| Salt Water | Moderate |
| Industrial Environment | Good |
C260 exhibits excellent resistance to atmospheric corrosion and tarnishing.
Recommended surface treatments:
- Nickel Plating
- Chrome Plating
- Gold Plating
- Lacquer Coating
- Polishing
- Electropolishing
Weldability
| Welding Process | Rating |
|---|---|
| TIG Welding | Good |
| MIG Welding | Good |
| Resistance Welding | Excellent |
| Brazing | Outstanding |
| Soldering | Outstanding |
C260 is particularly suitable for brazing and soldering applications.
Machinability
| Process | Rating |
|---|---|
| CNC Turning | Good |
| CNC Milling | Good |
| Drilling | Good |
| Grinding | Good |
| Stamping | Outstanding |
| Deep Drawing | Outstanding |
Machinability Comparison
| Material | Machinability |
|---|---|
| C360 Brass | Excellent |
| C260 Brass | Good |
| C110 Copper | Fair |
| Aluminum 6061 | Excellent |
| Stainless Steel 304 | Moderate |
C260 is valued more for formability than for high-speed machining.
Heat Treatment
Stress Relief Annealing
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 250–350°C |
| Cooling Method | Air Cool |
Full Annealing
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 450–650°C |
| Cooling Method | Air Cool |
Heat Treatability
| Property | Performance |
|---|---|
| Hardening by Heat Treatment | No |
| Cold Work Strengthening | Yes |
| Annealing Response | Excellent |
C260 gains strength primarily through cold working rather than heat treatment.
International Equivalent Grades
| Standard | Equivalent Grade |
|---|---|
| UNS (USA) | C26000 |
| ASTM | C260 |
| EN (Europe) | CuZn30 |
| DIN (Germany) | CW505L |
| JIS (Japan) | C2600 |
| ISO | CuZn30 |
| GB/T (China) | H70 Brass |
Available Forms
| Product Type | Availability |
|---|---|
| Sheet | Yes |
| Plate | Yes |
| Strip | Yes |
| Round Bar | Yes |
| Flat Bar | Yes |
| Tube | Yes |
| Wire | Yes |
Typical Applications
Electrical Industry
- Electrical Terminals
- Connectors
- Conductive Contacts
- Switch Components
Ammunition Industry
- Cartridge Cases
- Shell Casings
- Precision Drawn Components
Architectural Industry
- Decorative Trim
- Door Hardware
- Nameplates
- Architectural Panels
Automotive Industry
- Radiator Components
- Electrical Parts
- Decorative Components
HVAC Industry
- Heat Exchanger Components
- Cooling System Parts
- Condenser Components
Musical Instrument Industry
- Trumpets
- Trombones
- Horn Components
Manufacturing Characteristics
| Manufacturing Process | Rating |
|---|---|
| CNC Machining | Good |
| Stamping | Outstanding |
| Deep Drawing | Outstanding |
| Welding | Good |
| Brazing | Outstanding |
| Soldering | Outstanding |
| Electroplating | Excellent |
Advantages
Excellent Formability
Outstanding deep drawing and cold-working performance.
Good Corrosion Resistance
Performs well in atmospheric and industrial environments.
Attractive Appearance
Natural golden color is highly desirable for decorative applications.
Good Electrical Conductivity
Suitable for many electrical components.
Excellent Brazability and Solderability
Easy to join and fabricate.
Cost Effective
More economical than pure copper while retaining many beneficial properties.
Limitations
Lower Conductivity Than Copper
Not suitable for high-current electrical applications.
Lower Strength Than Some Brasses
May require cold working for higher strength.
Susceptible to Dezincification
In certain aggressive environments.
Limited Wear Resistance
Not ideal for high-friction applications.
Comparison with Other Brass Grades
| Property | C260 | C268 | C272 | C360 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Copper Content | 70% | 66% | 63% | 61.5% |
| Formability | Outstanding | Excellent | Excellent | Moderate |
| Machinability | Good | Good | Good | Excellent |
| Conductivity | 28% IACS | 27% IACS | 26% IACS | 26% IACS |
| Corrosion Resistance | Excellent | Excellent | Good | Good |
Comparison with Common Metals
| Material | Conductivity | Formability | Corrosion Resistance |
|---|---|---|---|
| C260 Brass | 28% IACS | Outstanding | Excellent |
| C110 Copper | 100% IACS | Excellent | Excellent |
| Aluminum 6061 | 40% IACS | Good | Excellent |
| Stainless Steel 304 | 2% IACS | Good | Outstanding |
Available Surface Finishes
Raw Finishes
- Mill Finish
- Annealed Finish
- Bright Finish
Functional Finishes
- Precision Machined Finish
- Brushed Finish
- Polished Finish
Decorative Finishes
- Nickel Plated
- Chrome Plated
- Gold Plated
- Lacquer Coated
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is C260 brass?
C260 is a 70% copper and 30% zinc brass alloy commonly known as Cartridge Brass.
What is C260 brass used for?
Typical applications include:
- Cartridge Cases
- Electrical Terminals
- Decorative Hardware
- Heat Exchanger Components
- Musical Instruments
What is the equivalent material to C260?
Common equivalents include:
- CuZn30
- CW505L
- C2600
- H70 Brass
Why is C260 called Cartridge Brass?
Because it has traditionally been used to manufacture ammunition cartridge cases due to its exceptional deep drawing characteristics.
Is C260 suitable for electrical applications?
Yes. It offers good conductivity and is widely used for terminals and connectors.
Can C260 be welded?
Yes. It has good weldability and excellent brazing and soldering performance.
What is the difference between C260 and C360?
| Property | C260 | C360 |
|---|---|---|
| Formability | Outstanding | Moderate |
| Machinability | Good | Excellent |
| Lead Content | Very Low | Higher |
| Deep Drawing | Excellent | Limited |
Is C260 corrosion resistant?
Yes. C260 provides excellent resistance to atmospheric and industrial corrosion.
Why choose C260 brass?
Because it combines:
- Excellent Formability
- Good Conductivity
- Attractive Appearance
- Corrosion Resistance
- Cost Effectiveness
Does GCNOV provide custom manufacturing services for C260 brass?
Yes. GCNOV provides:
- CNC Machining
- Precision Stamping
- Deep Drawing
- Brass Fabrication
- Surface Plating
- Prototype Development
- Low-Volume Production
- Mass Production