What are CuZn39Pb3 CuZn39Pb1 CuZn37 and CuZn30 brass grades equivalent to?
CuZn39Pb3, CuZn39Pb1, CuZn37, CuZn30, and CuZn28 are European EN brass grades commonly compared for their international equivalents, chemical composition, mechanical properties, machinability, and forming performance. While CuZn39Pb3 and CuZn39Pb1 are leaded free-cutting brasses optimized for CNC machining, CuZn37, CuZn30, and CuZn28 are primarily non-leaded alpha brasses selected for cold forming, structural strength, and wear resistance. This comprehensive brass grade comparison guide covers EN, DIN, UNS, and ASTM equivalents, property differences, and application-based material selection.
International Standard Equivalents
| EN Grade | EN Number | Common Name | UNS | ASTM | DIN | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CuZn39Pb3 | CW614N | Free-cutting brass | C36000 | ASTM B16 | 2.0401 | Leaded machining brass |
| CuZn39Pb1 | CW612N | Low-lead brass | C35300 | ASTM B16 | 2.0402 | Leaded machining brass |
| CuZn37 | CW508L | Forming brass | C27200 | ASTM B36 | 2.0321 | Alpha brass |
| CuZn30 | CW505L | Cartridge brass | C26000 | ASTM B36 | 2.0265 | Alpha brass |
| CuZn28 | CW504L | High-strength brass | C27000 | ASTM B36 | 2.0260 | Alpha brass |
Chemical Composition Comparison
| Alloy | Cu (%) | Zn (%) | Pb (%) | Key Character |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CuZn39Pb3 | 57–59 | 38–40 | 2.5–3.5 | Highest machinability |
| CuZn39Pb1 | 58–60 | 38–40 | 0.8–1.6 | Controlled lead machining |
| CuZn37 | 62–64 | 36–38 | — | Excellent cold forming |
| CuZn30 | 69–71 | 29–31 | — | Balanced strength |
| CuZn28 | 71–73 | 27–29 | — | Higher strength & wear resistance |
As zinc content decreases from 39% to 28%, strength and wear resistance generally increase, while ductility and deep-drawing performance change accordingly within the alpha-brass range
Mechanical & Processing Property Comparison
| Property | CuZn39Pb3 | CuZn39Pb1 | CuZn37 | CuZn30 | CuZn28 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | 350–500 MPa | 350–480 MPa | 280–450 MPa | 300–500 MPa | 350–550 MPa |
| Yield Strength | ≥150 MPa | ≥140 MPa | ≥100 MPa | ≥120 MPa | ≥150 MPa |
| Elongation | 10–25% | 15–30% | 25–50% | 20–40% | 15–35% |
| Hardness | High | Medium-High | Medium | Medium-High | High |
| Machinability | Excellent | Very Good | Good | Very Good | Good |
| Cold Formability | Moderate | Good | Excellent | Very Good | Good |
| Wear Resistance | Excellent | Good | Moderate | Good | Excellent |
| Typical Products | Machined fittings | Machined parts | Deep-drawn parts | Cartridge cases | Precision mechanical parts |
Application-Based Material Selection
1,CNC High-Speed Machining → CuZn39Pb3
For high-speed CNC turning, automatic lathe processing, and complex precision machining, CuZn39Pb3 (CW614N / C36000) is the preferred choice.
Its relatively high lead content (approximately 3%) significantly improves chip-breaking performance, reduces tool wear, and ensures stable dimensional accuracy during large-batch production. This makes it the industry standard for:
Precision fittings
Connectors
Valve components
Machined industrial parts
When machining efficiency and surface finish are the top priorities, CuZn39Pb3 offers the best overall performance.
2,Regulated or Reduced-Lead Machining Parts → CuZn39Pb1
When machining performance is required but lead content must be reduced for regulatory or environmental reasons, CuZn39Pb1 (CW612N / C35300) is a suitable alternative.
Compared with CuZn39Pb3, it contains lower lead levels, providing:
Acceptable machinability
Improved compliance with certain regulations
Balanced mechanical properties
It is often used in:
Plumbing components
Industrial fittings
General machined parts requiring moderate lead control
3,Deep Drawing and Stamping → CuZn37
For cold forming operations such as deep drawing, bending, stamping, and cold extrusion, CuZn37 (CW508L / C27200) is the optimal selection.
Its higher zinc content within the alpha-brass range provides:
Excellent elongation
Superior cold formability
Reduced cracking during deformation
Typical applications include:
Deep-drawn shells
Decorative formed components
Electrical connectors
Thin-walled stamped parts
When forming performance is more important than machinability, CuZn37 is generally preferred.
4,Cartridge Cases and Balanced Structural Parts → CuZn30
CuZn30 (CW505L / C26000), commonly known as cartridge brass, offers a well-balanced combination of strength and ductility.
It is particularly suitable for:
Cartridge cases
Structural cold-formed components
General-purpose brass sheets and strips
Compared to CuZn37, CuZn30 provides slightly higher strength while maintaining good cold workability. It is often selected when a balance between mechanical strength and forming capability is required.
5,Precision Wear Parts and Higher Strength Components → CuZn28
For applications requiring higher hardness and improved wear resistance, CuZn28 (CW504L / C27000) is a strong candidate.
With slightly lower zinc content, it generally provides:
Higher mechanical strength
Better surface durability
Improved wear resistance
Common uses include:
Precision mechanical components
Bushings and sleeves
High-strength fasteners
Wear-resistant industrial parts
CuZn28 is often chosen when structural strength and durability are more critical than deep formability.
In practical engineering selection, CuZn39Pb3 and CuZn39Pb1 are machining-oriented brasses, while CuZn37, CuZn30, and CuZn28 are primarily forming and structural brasses. The final material choice depends on whether machining efficiency, cold formability, or mechanical strength is the dominant requirement.