presents
Materials North America
Copper and Brass Sales
Brass alloy C385, also known as Architectural Bronze, is a leaded brass with a composition of approximately 58% copper, 40% zinc, and 2% lead, with trace amounts of other elements. This unique formulation provides C385 with excellent machinability, making it well-suited for intricate machining, engraving, and stamping operations. The addition of lead enhances the alloy's free-cutting properties, making it a preferred choice for applications where ease of machining is essential. Brass C385 exhibits good corrosion resistance in various environments, making it suitable for architectural applications, hardware, and decorative pieces. Its appealing golden hue and luster contribute to its popularity in artistic works, such as jewelry and ornamental items. With its combination of machinability, corrosion resistance, and aesthetic appeal, brass alloy C385 remains a versatile material, highly valued in industries seeking both functional and visually appealing solutions for a wide range of components and decorative items.
Characteristics
Common Fabrication Processes
Hot forging and pressing, hot forming and bending, and machining.
Joining
Joining by soldering is excellent and brazing is good. In general, welding is not recommended, however, butt welding is fair.
Hot and Cold Working
Capacity for Being Cold Worked: Poor
Capacity for Being Hot Formed: Excellent
Relative Machinability: 90 (free cutting brass = 100)
Typical Uses
Architecture: handrails, thresholds, terrazzo strip, shower doors, privacy sun grills, trim, store fronts, architectural forgings, extrusions, architectural moldings, window mullions, bathroom partition brackets, door frames, elevator trim.
Builders Hardware: lock bodies, drawer pulls, slide bolts, drawer handles, lock cams, hinges.
Consumer: straight edges, picture frames, fireplace screens, lamps, handles.
Industrial: valve seats, valves, gauges, forgings, valve stems, valve trim, wheeled racks
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