Overview
C268 Brass, commonly known as Yellow Brass, is a copper-zinc alloy containing approximately 66% copper and 34% zinc. It is widely recognized for its excellent combination of formability, corrosion resistance, strength, ductility, attractive appearance, and cost-effectiveness.
Compared with C260 Cartridge Brass, C268 contains slightly higher zinc content, resulting in improved strength while maintaining excellent cold-working properties. It is extensively used in architectural, electrical, decorative, automotive, and industrial applications.
C268 brass is widely used in:
- Electrical Terminals
- Decorative Hardware
- Architectural Components
- Heat Exchanger Parts
- Radiator Components
- Metal Stampings
- Lighting Fixtures
- Consumer Products
Because of its excellent balance of performance and affordability, C268 remains one of the most popular brass alloys worldwide.
Material Specification
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Material Designation | C268 Brass |
| UNS Number | C26800 |
| Common Name | Yellow Brass |
| Standard | ASTM B36 / ASTM B152 |
| Material Family | Copper-Zinc Brass Alloy |
| Density | 8.47 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) | 64.0–68.5 |
| Zinc (Zn) | Balance |
| Lead (Pb) | ≤0.07 |
| Iron (Fe) | ≤0.05 |
| Other Elements | ≤0.30 |
The higher zinc content provides greater strength while maintaining excellent formability and corrosion resistance.
Mechanical Properties
Annealed Condition
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | 310–390 MPa |
| Yield Strength | 95–180 MPa |
| Elongation | 45–65% |
| Hardness | 60–90 HB |
| Elastic Modulus | 105 GPa |
Cold Worked Condition
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | 480–680 MPa |
| Yield Strength | 320–580 MPa |
| Hardness | 120–190 HB |
Physical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Density | 8.47 g/cm³ |
| Melting Point | 900–940°C |
| Thermal Conductivity | 116 W/m·K |
| Electrical Conductivity | 27% IACS |
| Electrical Resistivity | 0.064 μΩ·m |
| Thermal Expansion Coefficient | 20.7 × 10⁻⁶/K |
| Specific Heat Capacity | 380 J/kg·K |
Electrical Conductivity
| Material | Conductivity (% IACS) |
|---|---|
| C110 Copper | 100 |
| C260 Brass | 28 |
| C268 Brass | 27 |
| C272 Brass | 26 |
| Stainless Steel 304 | 2 |
C268 provides sufficient conductivity for many electrical and electronic applications.
Thermal Conductivity
| Material | Thermal Conductivity (W/m·K) |
|---|---|
| C110 Copper | 390 |
| C260 Brass | 120 |
| C268 Brass | 116 |
| C272 Brass | 115 |
| Stainless Steel 304 | 16 |
The good thermal conductivity supports use in HVAC and heat transfer systems.
Corrosion Resistance
| Environment | Performance |
|---|---|
| Indoor Environment | Excellent |
| Dry Atmosphere | Excellent |
| Fresh Water | Excellent |
| Marine Atmosphere | Good |
| Salt Water | Moderate |
| Industrial Environment | Good |
C268 exhibits excellent atmospheric corrosion resistance and retains an attractive appearance over time.
Recommended surface treatments:
- Nickel Plating
- Chrome Plating
- Gold Plating
- Powder Coating
- Lacquer Coating
- Polishing
Weldability
| Welding Process | Rating |
|---|---|
| TIG Welding | Good |
| MIG Welding | Good |
| Resistance Welding | Excellent |
| Brazing | Outstanding |
| Soldering | Outstanding |
C268 is frequently used in fabricated assemblies requiring brazing or soldering.
Machinability
| Process | Rating |
|---|---|
| CNC Turning | Good |
| CNC Milling | Good |
| Drilling | Good |
| Grinding | Good |
| Stamping | Excellent |
| Deep Drawing | Excellent |
Machinability Comparison
| Material | Machinability |
|---|---|
| C360 Brass | Excellent |
| C268 Brass | Good |
| C260 Brass | Good |
| C110 Copper | Fair |
| Aluminum 6061 | Excellent |
C268 is valued primarily for forming and stamping rather than 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 |
Like most brass alloys, C268 gains strength through cold working rather than heat treatment.
International Equivalent Grades
| Standard | Equivalent Grade |
|---|---|
| UNS (USA) | C26800 |
| ASTM | C268 |
| EN (Europe) | CuZn33 |
| DIN (Germany) | CW506L |
| JIS (Japan) | C2680 |
| ISO | CuZn33 |
| GB/T (China) | H68 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
- Connector Components
- Contact Parts
- Switch Hardware
Architectural Industry
- Decorative Trim
- Door Hardware
- Architectural Panels
- Nameplates
Automotive Industry
- Radiator Components
- Trim Parts
- Electrical Components
- Decorative Hardware
HVAC Industry
- Heat Exchanger Components
- Cooling System Parts
- Condenser Components
Consumer Products
- Lighting Fixtures
- Decorative Accessories
- Appliance Components
Industrial Manufacturing
- Stampings
- Drawn Components
- Fabricated Assemblies
Manufacturing Characteristics
| Manufacturing Process | Rating |
|---|---|
| CNC Machining | Good |
| Stamping | Outstanding |
| Deep Drawing | Outstanding |
| Welding | Good |
| Brazing | Outstanding |
| Soldering | Outstanding |
| Electroplating | Excellent |
Advantages
Excellent Formability
Ideal for deep drawing, bending, and stamping applications.
Good Strength
Higher strength than C260 due to increased zinc content.
Attractive Appearance
Bright golden color suitable for decorative applications.
Good Corrosion Resistance
Performs well in indoor and outdoor environments.
Excellent Joining Characteristics
Supports welding, brazing, and soldering.
Cost Effective
Provides a strong balance between performance and affordability.
Limitations
Lower Conductivity Than Copper
Not suitable for high-current electrical applications.
Lower Corrosion Resistance Than Copper
May require coatings in aggressive environments.
Limited Wear Resistance
Not ideal for high-friction applications.
Susceptible to Dezincification
In some corrosive water environments.
Comparison with Other Brass Grades
| Property | C268 | C260 | C272 | C360 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Copper Content | 66% | 70% | 63% | 61.5% |
| Strength | Higher | Good | Higher | Moderate |
| Formability | Excellent | Outstanding | Excellent | Moderate |
| Machinability | Good | Good | Good | Excellent |
| Conductivity | 27% IACS | 28% IACS | 26% IACS | 26% IACS |
Comparison with Common Metals
| Material | Conductivity | Formability | Corrosion Resistance |
|---|---|---|---|
| C268 Brass | 27% IACS | Excellent | Excellent |
| C260 Brass | 28% IACS | Outstanding | Excellent |
| C110 Copper | 100% IACS | Excellent | 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 C268 brass?
C268 is a copper-zinc alloy containing approximately 66% copper and 34% zinc, commonly known as Yellow Brass.
What is C268 brass used for?
Typical applications include:
- Electrical Terminals
- Decorative Hardware
- Architectural Components
- Heat Exchanger Parts
- Consumer Products
What is the equivalent material to C268?
Common equivalents include:
- CuZn33
- CW506L
- C2680
- H68 Brass
What is the difference between C268 and C260?
| Property | C268 | C260 |
|---|---|---|
| Copper Content | Lower | Higher |
| Strength | Higher | Lower |
| Formability | Excellent | Outstanding |
| Cost | Lower | Higher |
Is C268 suitable for electrical applications?
Yes. It is commonly used for terminals, connectors, and electrical hardware.
Can C268 be welded?
Yes. C268 offers good weldability and excellent brazing and soldering characteristics.
Is C268 corrosion resistant?
Yes. It performs very well in atmospheric and industrial environments.
Why choose C268 brass?
Because it combines:
- Excellent Formability
- Good Strength
- Attractive Appearance
- Corrosion Resistance
- Competitive Cost
Is C268 suitable for decorative applications?
Yes. Its bright yellow-gold appearance makes it ideal for architectural and decorative uses.
Does GCNOV provide custom manufacturing services for C268 brass?
Yes. GCNOV provides:
- CNC Machining
- Precision Stamping
- Deep Drawing
- Brass Fabrication
- Surface Plating
- Prototype Development
- Low-Volume Production
- Mass Production