Forging-grade copper alloy billet

01

Choose the alloy and its lead limit

The Copper Development Association (CDA) alloy database lists C37700 forging brass with 58.0–61.0% copper, 1.5–2.5% lead, 0.30% maximum iron and zinc remainder, a forgeability rating of 100 and machinability rating of 80, excellent capacity for hot forming but poor capacity for cold working, and lists applications including door handles, decorative knobs and valve bodies for refrigeration and chemicals; for its M30 hot-extruded rod entry at a 1 in section size and 20 °C, it gives tensile strength 52 ksi (typ.) and elongation 45% (typ.). [1]

CDA lists C69300 (ECO Brass), a lead-free option, at 73.0–77.0% copper, 2.7–3.4% silicon, 0.04–0.15% phosphorus, 0.09% maximum lead and zinc remainder, with forgeability 95 and machinability 85; and C46400 naval brass, uninhibited, at 59.0–62.0% copper, 0.50–1.0% tin and 0.20% maximum lead, with forgeability 90 and machinability 30. [2] [3]

Editorial note: drinking-water and food-contact rules can restrict lead in brass; confirm which lead limit applies to your parts before choosing between leaded forging brass and a lead-free alloy, and ask the supplier for the matching certification.

Forging stock of these alloys is specified under ASTM B124/B124M, the specification for copper and copper alloy rod, bar and shapes intended for hot forging. Its alloy list in the 2020 edition includes C37700, C46400 and C69300, along with coppers such as C11000 and EN 1412 grades CW612N and CW617N. The starting material must be a cast rod, bar or billet pure and sound enough to be hot worked, cold worked and annealed to a uniform wrought structure. Products are supplied in tempers H50 (extruded and drawn), M20 (as hot rolled) or M30 (as hot extruded). They are tested for dimensions (diameter, thickness, width, length, shape and straightness), mechanical properties and chemical composition. [4]

Give the supplier the alloy designation (for example C37700, C69300, C46400 or national equivalent), lead limit, bar or billet form (cast, extruded), diameter and tolerance, cut length and squareness, surface condition, straightness, quantity per lot, composition and mechanical certificates, packing and delivery.

02

Set billet size and hot-working temperature

CDA gives a hot-working temperature of 1,200–1,500 °F and annealing at 800–1,100 °F for C37700, with density 0.305 lb/in³ at 68 °F and specific gravity 8.44, liquidus 1,640 °F and solidus 1,620 °F; C69300 is hot worked at 1,202–1,517 °F and C46400 at 1,200–1,500 °F. [1] [2] [3]

Editorial calculation: converting the C37700 hot-working endpoints using (°F − 32) × 5/9 gives approximately 649–816 °C for 1200–1500 °F. For mass estimation, assume a solid circular slug exactly 100 mm in diameter and 100 mm long, with no chamfers, defects or machining allowances, and approximate density as 8.44 g/cm³ using the listed specific gravity and a 1 g/cm³ water reference. Volume = π × (10 cm)²/4 × 10 cm ≈785 cm³; calculated mass ≈6.6 kg. These are conditional geometric estimates and a temperature conversion, not manufacturer-published slug weights or measured production data. The forger must separately set flash/scale allowances and confirm the process temperature. [1]

The reviewed ASTM B249/B249M-16 scope supplies general requirements for B124 and the other named wrought-copper product specifications to the extent referenced in those specifications. It covers sampling and testing for dimensions, tensile strength, Rockwell hardness, elongation, electrical resistivity, chemical composition and grain size. Performance tests named include residual stress, mercurous nitrate, ammonia vapour and semiguided bend tests. The public abstract says the product specification takes precedence in a conflict; the ordered edition and its applicable tests must be agreed. [5] Name both specifications, the alloy and the temper in the purchase order.

Editorial note: ask the supplier for diameter and length tolerances and end squareness suited to automatic feeding, and whether billets are supplied cut to length or as full bars.

03

Leaded brass rod supply for hot stamping

Jintian lists precision leaded brass rods for hot stamping and machining. Identify the ordered grade and certificate rather than treating the listed rod grades as direct substitutes for every CDA example.

04

Compare the alloy options

Values from the CDA alloy database; check the current standard for your market.

05

Alloy analysis, slug dimensions and lot certificates

The alloy analysis establishes the selected material; bar diameter, cut length and tolerances establish the incoming slug geometry. Keep the hot-working range attached to that alloy. [1] [2] [3]

06

Send the alloy, size and certificate needs together

Paste it into your enquiry below or into an email to a maker, then replace every bracket.

Alloy: [designation; lead limit]
Form: [cast; extruded; bar or slug]
Size: [diameter; length; tolerances]
Quantity: [tonnes; lots]
Certificates: [composition; mechanical; compliance]
Supply: [packing; delivery]

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