C260 brass has a recognizable bright yellow, almost gold-like appearance. The alloy is sometimes referred to as cartridge brass or 70-30 brass, which refers to its 70% copper and 30% zinc composition.
This copper alloy is commonly used to manufacture cartridges (hence its name) because it is extremely formable. In sheet form, it can be readily stamped, bent, and deep drawn, making it ideal for storage tanks, holding tanks, and enclosures. C260 brass plate is often used in industrial applications, and C260 brass tubing finds many uses in plumbing, heat transfer, and in some decorative applications.
C260 brazes and solders readily, but machining is difficult because of its high ductility. This alloy’s corrosion resistance makes it suitable for applications in tanks, heat exchangers, and car radiators. Its attractive appearance opens up additional uses in architecture and household consumer goods.
C260 brass hardens under cold working, but can be softened through annealing. It is available in a range of hardnesses.
| Property | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Material Type | Cartridge brass, 70-30 brass | UNS C26000 |
| Composition | 68.5-71.5% Cu, 28.3-31.5% Zn | Trace amounts of Pb and Fe |
| Density | 8.52 g/cm3 | 0.308 lb/in3 |
| Melting Point | ~ 915-954 °C | ~ 1,680 -1,750 °F |
| Hardness (Brinell) | ~ 65-145 | From annealed to fully hard |
| Tensile Strength | ~ 303-683 MPa | ~ 44,000-99,000 psi |
| Yield Strength | ~ 76-448 MPa | ~ 11,000-65,000 psi |
| Elongation at Break | ~ 4-55 % | Depends on temper |
| Modulus of Elasticity | ~117.2 GPa | ~16 x 106 psi |
| Electrical Conductivity | 28% IACS | |
| Thermal Conductivity | ~ 121 W/m | ~ 70 BTU·in/(hr·ft²·°F) |
| Corrosion Resistance | Very good | Attacked by some acids and ammonia |
| Magnetism | No | |
| Heat Treatment | Harden through cold working, anneal to soften | Available in hardened grades H through H08 |
| Machinability | Difficult when ductility is high | Produces stringy chips |
| Weldability | Excellent brazing and soldering, GSAW and spot/resistance welding possible. | |
| DFARS Compliance | No | Not qualified as a specialty steel under DFARS |
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