C38000 Architectural Bronze

C38000 Architectural Bronze

Cu 55.0 - 60.0%
COPPER
≥330 MPa
TENSILE STR
ASTM B455
SPEC STD
C38000 architectural bronze, also known as low-leaded forging brass, is a copper-zinc-lead alloy containing 55.0–60.0% copper supplied as extruded rod, bar, and shapes under ASTM B455. Its bright golden finish, free-machining lead content, and excellent hot-workability make it ideal for architectural trim, builders' hardware, and decorative forgings.
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Product Overview

C38000 architectural bronze, commonly referred to as low-leaded forging brass, is a copper-zinc-lead alloy containing 55.0–60.0% copper with zinc as the balance, plus 1.5–2.5% lead and a small aluminum addition. It is manufactured to ASTM B455 for extruded rod, bar, and shapes requiring good hot-workability, free machining, and a bright decorative appearance.

Produced through hot extrusion and controlled cold drawing, C38000 delivers tensile strength of 330 MPa minimum in the as-extruded condition, with yield strength around 110 MPa and elongation of 15% or more. The lead phase provides excellent machinability (about 95% of free-cutting brass) while the aluminum addition gives the alloy its characteristic golden architectural-bronze color and added oxidation resistance.

C38000 is widely used in architectural extrusions, builders’ hardware, and decorative forgings where appearance and machinability matter. Linsy Copper supplies C38000 architectural bronze rod and bar to ASTM B455, with low-MOQ custom production (typical lead time 10–60 days), in-house CNC machining and surface finishing, an MTR/MTC for every order, and optional SGS testing on request. Contact our Shenzhen team for a quotation within one hour.

Key Features

Low-leaded brass (Cu 55–60%, Zn balance) with 1.5–2.5% lead for free machining
Bright golden architectural-bronze finish from a small aluminum addition
Excellent hot-workability for extrusion and hot forging
High machinability (rating ~95) for turned builders' hardware
Conforms to ASTM B455 for rod, bar, and shapes
Reliable atmospheric corrosion resistance for indoor and light-outdoor use

Available Sizes

Copper Shape Thickness (mm) Width/Diameter (mm) Length (m)
Bar - Φ5-200 1-6
Wire - Φ0.05-10 Customize
Sheet 0.25-6 500-2500 1-6
Plate 6-200 200-3000 1-6
Strip 0.15-6 8-610 Customize
Tube OD: φ2-600; WT:φ0.2-100mm - 1-6
Coil 0.15-6 3-1250 1-6
Foil < 0.15 10-1350 Customize
Profile Customized Customize Customize

* Custom sizes available upon request. Contact our sales team for special requirements.

Technical Specifications

Precision data for engineering decisions. All values tested per ASTM standards.

01 Chemical Composition

Element Min % Max % Notes
Cu 55.0 60.0 Primary base
Zn – Remainder Balance
Pb 1.5 2.5 Free machining
Al 0 0.50 Color & oxidation
Fe 0 0.35 Impurity
Sn 0 0.30 Impurity

02 Mechanical Properties

Property Typical Range Condition Unit
Tensile Strength (UTS) 330 - 460 As-extruded MPa
Yield Strength (0.2% offset) 110 - 228 As-extruded MPa
Elongation at Break 15 - 25 As-extruded %
Elastic Modulus 97 - 100 All tempers GPa
Hardness (Rockwell B) 120 - 130 As-extruded HRB

Applications & Use Cases

Proven solutions across diverse industries. From aerospace to marine environments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about C38000 architectural bronze specifications, applications, and ordering.

C38000 (low-leaded forging brass) is supplied as extruded rod, bar, and shapes under ASTM B455. Its bright golden finish, free-machining lead content, and hot-workability make it ideal for architectural extrusions, builders' hardware such as hinges and handles, hot forgings like faucets and fittings, and decorative structural sections.
They share nearly identical chemistry (Cu 55–60%, Pb 1.5–2.5%, Zn balance). C38000 is typically supplied as extruded rod, bar, and shapes for architectural and builders' hardware, while C38500 is the hot-forging grade used for forged faucets, fittings, and valves. Choose based on whether the part is extruded or hot-forged.
C38000 machines very well thanks to its 1.5–2.5% lead content, with a machinability rating around 95% of free-cutting brass (C36000 = 100). It produces fine chip breaking and a good surface finish, which is why it is favored for turned builders' hardware and decorative fittings.
C38000 is supplied as extruded round, hex, square, and rectangular bar, plus custom profiles, typically up to about 120 mm diameter or across flats and lengths up to 4 m. Custom tempers and sectional shapes are available with minimum order quantities.
C38000 solders and brazes well, and hot-working is excellent; cold workability is poor. Fusion welding is generally not recommended because of zinc and lead vaporization at high heat. For joined assemblies, brazing or mechanical fastening is preferred, with low-temperature stress relief where needed.
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