ASTM B121 Specification

Scope

This specification establishes the requirements for copper-zinc-lead alloys (leaded brass) plate, sheet, strip, and rolled bar. The values stated in either inch-pound units or SI units are to be regarded separately as standard. Within the text, the SI units are shown in brackets. The values stated in each system are not exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems may result in nonconformance with the specification.

Chemical Composition

Copper Alloy UNS No.Composition
CopperLeadIronZinc
C3350062.0–65.00.25–0.70.10 maxremainder
C3400062.0–65.00.8–1.50.10 maxremainder
C3420062.0–65.01.5–2.50.10 maxremainder
C3500060.0–63.00.8–2.00.10 maxremainder
C3530060.0–63.01.5–2.50.10 maxremainder
C3560060.0–63.02.0–3.00.10 maxremainder

Mechanical Properties of Rod and Bar

Temper Designation ATensile StrengthApproximate Rockwell Hardness B
StandardFormerksiC [MPa]DB ScaleSuperficial 30-T
MinMax
Copper Alloy UNS Nos. C33500, C34000, C34200, C35000, C35300, C35340, and C35600
H01quarter-hard49 [340]59 [405]40–6543–60
H02half-hard55 [380]65 [450]57–7454–66
H04hard68 [470]78 [540]76–8468–73
H06extra-hard79 [545]89 [615]83–8973–76
H08springE86 [595]95 [655]87–9275–78
H10extra-spring E909 [620]99 [685]88–9376–79

Note :

A Standard designations defined in Classification B 601.
B Rockwell Hardness values apply as follows:
The B scale hardness values apply to metal 0.020 in. (0.508 mm) and over in thickness, and
The 30-T scale hardness values apply to metal 0.012 in. (0.305 mm) and over in thickness.
C ksi = 1000 psi.
D See Appendix.
E Spring and extra spring temper are generally furnished only in alloy No. 353.