spore: profile
id: leaded-brass
spore_version: 0.2
family: copper-alloys
name: Leaded free-machining brass CW614N (CuZn39Pb3, UNS C38500)
abbreviation: CW614N
role: leaded free-machining brass for screw-machine and high-volume machined parts
category: metals
type: copper-alloys
summary: |
  Leaded free-machining brass CW614N (EN CuZn39Pb3, UNS C38500, old BS CZ121Pb3) is a copper-zinc alloy with 57 to 59 % copper, 2.5 to 3.5 % lead and zinc as the balance. It is the reference against which other free-machining brasses are rated, with a machinability index of 100 in the Aalco and Brassland tables. Its density is 8.46 g/cm3 and its thermal conductivity is 123 W/(m·K) at 20 °C. Its tensile strength depends on temper: EN 12164 minimums are 360 MPa for R360, 430 MPa for R430 and 500 MPa for R500, and elongation falls from 20 % to 5 % across those conditions. The alloy is not resistant to ammonia or acids, is prone to stress corrosion cracking when not stress relieved, and is not suitable for potable-water wetted parts in the US under NSF/ANSI 372. Its 2.5 to 3.5 % lead also rules it out of potable-water wetted parts under NSF/ANSI 372. Compared with C36000 (see the [free-cutting brass C36000 profile](/profiles/brass-c360/)), CW614N has zinc as the balance, roughly 38 to 41 %, against 57 to 59 % copper (C36000 is 60 to 63 % copper), and it is less ductile.
best_for: Machined parts in volume (screw-machine products, fittings, fasteners) where machinability and a standard reference grade matter most
weakest_at: Ammonia and acid exposure, stress corrosion cracking after cold work, and potable-water use, all made worse by its 2.5 to 3.5 % lead and about 39 % zinc
identity:
  formula: 'CuZn39Pb3, EN CW614N, UNS C38500: copper 57.0 to 59.0 wt%, lead 2.5 to 3.5 wt%, iron 0.30 wt% maximum, nickel 0.30 wt% maximum, zinc remainder'
  source: hme-cw614n
  where: Title block CW614N - CuZn39Pb3 and the Composition chimique table (Cu 57.0-59.0, Pb 2.5-3.5, Zn remainder); the Fe and Ni limits are on the Brassland CW614N page
  designations:
    - system: UNS
      code: C38500
      source: wieland-brass-alloys
      where: Brass alloys table, row Z32/Z33 (EN designation CuZn39Pb3, EN No. CW614N), ASTM UNS-No. column
    - system: EN name
      code: CW614N
      source: hme-cw614n
      where: Title block CW614N - CuZn39Pb3; Designations/Normes block lists EN 12164 and EN 12165
    - system: EN name
      code: CuZn39Pb3
      source: hme-cw614n
      where: Title block CW614N - CuZn39Pb3
    - system: BS
      code: CZ121Pb3
      source: aalco-copper-brass-bronze
      where: Wrought copper-zinc-lead alloys table, row CuZn39Pb3 CW614N, Old BS Equivalent column
    - system: BS
      code: CZ121
      note: old British name, as printed by Brassland
      source: brassland-cw614n
      where: 'Designations: BS CZ121 (old British name of CW614N)'
    - system: ASTM
      code: B455
      note: extruded rod and shapes
      source: brassland-c38500
      where: 'Designations table: UNS / ASTM C38500, ASTM B455 (extruded rod and shapes)'
    - system: DIN
      code: Ms58
      note: legacy DIN name, printed next to CuZn39Pb3
      source: brassland-cw614n
      where: 'Designations: DIN CuZn39Pb3 / Ms58'
tags:
  environments: []
  stresses: []
  applications:
    - mechanisms
    - habitats-and-suits
properties:
  - benchmark: density
    label: Density, CW614N (HME Brass France)
    value: 8.46
    unit: g/cm3
    scope: material
    conditions:
      grade: CW614N
      temper: not stated
      temperature: 20 °C
    method: Value printed in the physical properties box of a supplier datasheet, density (20 °C) row
    status: ground
    source: hme-cw614n
    where: Propriétés physiques box, Densité (20°C) row, printed as 8.46 g/cm³
  - benchmark: melting_point
    label: Melting range (solidus to liquidus), CW614N (HME Brass France)
    value: 875
    value_high: 890
    bound: range
    unit: °C
    scope: material
    conditions:
      grade: CW614N
      note: solidus and liquidus are not separated on the sheet
    method: Range printed in the physical properties box of a supplier datasheet
    status: ground
    source: hme-cw614n
    where: Propriétés physiques box, Température de fusion row, printed as 875-890 °C
  - benchmark: thermal_conductivity
    label: Thermal conductivity, CW614N (HME Brass France)
    value: 123
    unit: W/(m·K)
    scope: material
    conditions:
      grade: CW614N
      temperature: not stated on the sheet (Brassland gives 20 °C for the same value)
    method: Printed as W/mK on the sheet; written here as W/(m·K), the same unit
    status: ground
    source: hme-cw614n
    where: Propriétés physiques box, Conductivité thermique row, printed as 123 W/mK
  - benchmark: specific_heat
    label: Specific heat capacity, CW614N (HME Brass France)
    value: 380
    unit: J/(kg·K)
    scope: material
    conditions:
      grade: CW614N
      temperature: not stated
    method: Printed as J/kgK on the sheet; written here as J/(kg·K), the same unit
    status: ground
    source: hme-cw614n
    where: Propriétés physiques box, Capacité thermique row, printed as 380 J/kgK
  - benchmark: cte
    label: Coefficient of thermal expansion, CW614N (HME Brass France)
    value: 21.4
    unit: ppm/K
    scope: material
    conditions:
      grade: CW614N
      temperature: not stated on the sheet
      unit_in_source: 21.4 × 10-6 K-1
    method: Printed as 10-6K-1 on the sheet, which is the same unit as ppm/K, so the number is copied without conversion
    status: ground
    source: hme-cw614n
    where: Propriétés physiques box, Coefficient de dilatation thermique row
  - benchmark: electrical_conductivity
    label: Electrical conductivity, CW614N (HME Brass France)
    value: 25
    unit: '%IACS'
    scope: material
    conditions:
      grade: CW614N
      temperature: not stated on the sheet
      unit_in_source: 14.6 MS/m and 25 % IACS
    method: Value in %IACS printed on the sheet next to the MS/m figure; the %IACS figure is used
    status: ground
    source: hme-cw614n
    where: Propriétés physiques box, Conductivité électrique row, %IACS figure
  - benchmark: elastic_modulus
    label: Elastic (Young's) modulus, CW614N annealed (HME Brass France)
    value: 97
    unit: GPa
    scope: material
    conditions:
      grade: CW614N
      temper: annealed (recuit)
      temperature: 20 °C
    method: Value printed in the physical properties box, module d'élasticité (20 °C, recuit) row
    status: ground
    source: hme-cw614n
    where: Propriétés physiques box, Module d'élasticité row, printed as 97 GPa
  - benchmark: ultimate_tensile_strength
    label: Tensile strength, R360 rod, 6 to 80 mm (EN 12164 minimum)
    value: 360
    bound: lower
    unit: MPa
    scope: material
    conditions:
      grade: CW614N
      temper: R360
      product_form: rod, diameter 6 to 80 mm
      measure: minimum
    method: Minimum value in the EN 12164 condition table printed on a supplier page
    status: ground
    source: brassland-cw614n
    where: EN 12164 minimum values table, row R360 (Ø6-80 mm), tensile column ≥360 MPa
  - benchmark: elongation
    label: Elongation, R360 rod, 6 to 80 mm (EN 12164 minimum)
    value: 20
    bound: lower
    unit: '%'
    scope: material
    conditions:
      grade: CW614N
      temper: R360
      product_form: rod, diameter 6 to 80 mm
      measure: minimum
    method: Minimum value in the EN 12164 condition table printed on a supplier page
    status: ground
    source: brassland-cw614n
    where: EN 12164 minimum values table, row R360 (Ø6-80 mm), elongation column ≥20 %
  - benchmark: ultimate_tensile_strength
    label: Tensile strength, R430 rod, 2 to 40 mm (EN 12164 minimum)
    value: 430
    bound: lower
    unit: MPa
    scope: material
    conditions:
      grade: CW614N
      temper: R430
      product_form: rod, diameter 2 to 40 mm
      measure: minimum
    method: Minimum value in the EN 12164 condition table printed on a supplier page
    status: ground
    source: brassland-cw614n
    where: EN 12164 minimum values table, row R430 (Ø2-40 mm), tensile column ≥430 MPa
  - benchmark: yield_strength
    label: Yield strength, R430 rod, 2 to 40 mm (0.2 % proof, minimum)
    value: 220
    bound: lower
    unit: MPa
    scope: material
    conditions:
      grade: CW614N
      temper: R430
      product_form: rod, diameter 2 to 40 mm
      measure: minimum 0.2 % proof stress
    method: Minimum value in the EN 12164 condition table printed on a supplier page
    status: ground
    source: brassland-cw614n
    where: EN 12164 minimum values table, row R430 (Ø2-40 mm), 0.2 % proof column ≥220 MPa
  - benchmark: elongation
    label: Elongation, R430 rod, 2 to 40 mm (EN 12164 minimum)
    value: 10
    bound: lower
    unit: '%'
    scope: material
    conditions:
      grade: CW614N
      temper: R430
      product_form: rod, diameter 2 to 40 mm
      measure: minimum
    method: Minimum value in the EN 12164 condition table printed on a supplier page
    status: ground
    source: brassland-cw614n
    where: EN 12164 minimum values table, row R430 (Ø2-40 mm), elongation column ≥10 %
  - benchmark: ultimate_tensile_strength
    label: Tensile strength, R500 rod, 2 to 14 mm (EN 12164 minimum)
    value: 500
    bound: lower
    unit: MPa
    scope: material
    conditions:
      grade: CW614N
      temper: R500
      product_form: rod, diameter 2 to 14 mm
      measure: minimum
    method: Minimum value in the EN 12164 condition table printed on a supplier page
    status: ground
    source: brassland-cw614n
    where: EN 12164 minimum values table, row R500 (Ø2-14 mm), tensile column ≥500 MPa
  - benchmark: yield_strength
    label: Yield strength, R500 rod, 2 to 14 mm (0.2 % proof, minimum)
    value: 350
    bound: lower
    unit: MPa
    scope: material
    conditions:
      grade: CW614N
      temper: R500
      product_form: rod, diameter 2 to 14 mm
      measure: minimum 0.2 % proof stress
    method: Minimum value in the EN 12164 condition table printed on a supplier page
    status: ground
    source: brassland-cw614n
    where: EN 12164 minimum values table, row R500 (Ø2-14 mm), 0.2 % proof column ≥350 MPa
  - benchmark: elongation
    label: Elongation, R500 rod, 2 to 14 mm (EN 12164 minimum)
    value: 5
    bound: lower
    unit: '%'
    scope: material
    conditions:
      grade: CW614N
      temper: R500
      product_form: rod, diameter 2 to 14 mm
      measure: minimum
    method: Minimum value in the EN 12164 condition table printed on a supplier page
    status: ground
    source: brassland-cw614n
    where: EN 12164 minimum values table, row R500 (Ø2-14 mm), elongation column ≥5 %
  - benchmark: ultimate_tensile_strength
    label: Tensile strength, typical range across tempers (CW614N)
    value: 360
    value_high: 580
    bound: range
    unit: MPa
    scope: material
    conditions:
      grade: CW614N
      temper: range across tempers, not one temper
      basis: typical range printed in a stockist's table
    method: Range printed in the Wrought copper-zinc-lead alloys table of a stockist guide, row CuZn39Pb3 CW614N
    status: ground
    source: aalco-copper-brass-bronze
    where: Wrought copper-zinc-lead alloys table, row CuZn39Pb3 CW614N, Tensile Strength (N/mm2) column 360-580
  - benchmark: yield_strength
    label: 0.2 % proof strength, typical range across tempers (CW614N)
    value: 150
    value_high: 420
    bound: range
    unit: MPa
    scope: material
    conditions:
      grade: CW614N
      temper: range across tempers, not one temper
      basis: typical range printed in a stockist's table
    method: Range printed in the Wrought copper-zinc-lead alloys table of a stockist guide; the stockist column is headed 0.2% Proof Strength (N/mm2)
    status: ground
    source: aalco-copper-brass-bronze
    where: Wrought copper-zinc-lead alloys table, row CuZn39Pb3 CW614N, 0.2% Proof Strength column 150-420
  - benchmark: elongation
    label: Elongation, typical range across tempers (CW614N)
    value: 5
    value_high: 25
    bound: range
    unit: '%'
    scope: material
    conditions:
      grade: CW614N
      temper: range across tempers, not one temper
      basis: typical range printed in a stockist's table
    method: Range printed in the Wrought copper-zinc-lead alloys table of a stockist guide, printed as 25-5
    status: ground
    source: aalco-copper-brass-bronze
    where: Wrought copper-zinc-lead alloys table, row CuZn39Pb3 CW614N, Elongation (%) column 25-5
  - benchmark: hardness_vickers
    label: Hardness, typical range across tempers (CW614N)
    value: 100
    value_high: 160
    bound: range
    unit: HV
    scope: material
    conditions:
      grade: CW614N
      temper: range across tempers, not one temper
    method: Range printed in the Wrought copper-zinc-lead alloys table of a stockist guide, Hardness (HV) column
    status: ground
    source: aalco-copper-brass-bronze
    where: Wrought copper-zinc-lead alloys table, row CuZn39Pb3 CW614N, Hardness (HV) column 100-160
  - benchmark: machinability_rating
    label: Machinability index, CW614N (standard reference grade = 100)
    value: 100
    unit: '%'
    scope: material
    conditions:
      grade: CW614N
      basis: relative index with CuZn39Pb3 defined as 100
    method: Index printed in a stockist's table; a relative rating, not a measured property
    status: ground
    source: aalco-copper-brass-bronze
    where: Wrought copper-zinc-lead alloys table, row CuZn39Pb3 CW614N, Machinability Index column 100; the Machining section names CZ121 / CW614N as the reference at 100
  - benchmark: density
    label: Density, UNS C38500 (CDA typical, via Brassland)
    value: 8.47
    unit: g/cm3
    scope: material
    conditions:
      grade: C38500
      temperature: 20 °C
    method: Typical value printed on a reseller page reproducing CDA data
    status: ground
    source: brassland-c38500
    where: Physical properties table, Density at 20 °C row, printed as 8.47 g/cm³
  - benchmark: melting_point
    label: Melting range, UNS C38500 (CDA typical, via Brassland)
    value: 877
    value_high: 888
    bound: range
    unit: °C
    scope: material
    conditions:
      grade: C38500
    method: Range printed on a reseller page reproducing CDA data
    status: ground
    source: brassland-c38500
    where: Physical properties table, Melting Range solidus-liquidus row, printed as 877-888 °C
  - benchmark: electrical_conductivity
    label: Electrical conductivity, UNS C38500 (CDA typical, via Brassland)
    value: 28
    unit: '%IACS'
    scope: material
    conditions:
      grade: C38500
      temperature: 20 °C
    method: Typical value printed on a reseller page reproducing CDA data
    status: ground
    source: brassland-c38500
    where: Physical properties table, Electrical Conductivity at 20 °C row
  - benchmark: machinability_rating
    label: Machinability index, UNS C38500 (CDA scale, C36000 = 100)
    value: 90
    unit: '%'
    scope: material
    conditions:
      grade: C38500
      basis: relative index with C36000 defined as 100
    method: Index printed on a reseller page reproducing the CDA scale; a relative rating, not a measured property
    status: ground
    source: brassland-c38500
    where: Machinability row, printed as 90 (C36000 = 100)
  - benchmark: density
    label: Density, CW617N (Alumeco datasheet)
    value: 8.44
    unit: g/cm3
    scope: material
    conditions:
      grade: CW617N
      temperature: 20 °C
    method: Value printed in the physical properties table of a stockist datasheet; the sheet prints the comma decimal as 8,44
    status: ground
    source: alumeco-cw617n
    where: Physical properties table, Density (20 °C) column, printed as 8,44 g/cm³
  - benchmark: electrical_conductivity
    label: Electrical conductivity, CW617N (Alumeco datasheet)
    value: 28
    unit: '%IACS'
    scope: material
    conditions:
      grade: CW617N
      temperature: not stated on the sheet
    method: Value printed in the physical properties table of a stockist datasheet
    status: ground
    source: alumeco-cw617n
    where: Physical properties table, Electrical conductivity column, printed as 28 %IACS
  - benchmark: elastic_modulus
    label: Elastic (Young's) modulus, CW617N (Almag datasheet)
    value: 105
    unit: kN/mm2
    scope: material
    conditions:
      grade: CW617N
    method: Value printed in the technological properties table of a supplier datasheet; kN/mm2 is the unit as printed
    status: ground
    source: almag-cw617n
    where: Technological properties table, Elasticity module row, printed as 105 kN/mm2
  - benchmark: machinability_rating
    label: Machinability index, CW617N (stockist table, CW614N = 100)
    value: 90
    unit: '%'
    scope: material
    conditions:
      grade: CW617N
      basis: relative index with CuZn39Pb3 defined as 100
    method: Index printed in a stockist's table; a second stockist gives 95 (see gaps)
    status: ground
    source: aalco-copper-brass-bronze
    where: Wrought copper-zinc-lead alloys table, row CuZn40Pb2 CW617N, Machinability Index column 90
corrosion:
  - environment: Water with chlorides, high temperature or soft water (dezincification)
    headline: Brass above 15 % zinc needs a dezincification-resistant grade for water service; CW614N has zinc as the balance, about 39 % at the printed copper and lead limits, and is not listed as dezincification resistant.
    effect: Aviva Metals says Cu-Zn alloys with more than 15 % zinc are susceptible to dezincification, which leaves a porous, weak copper and copper-oxide layer. Wikipedia gives the same 15 % threshold for dezincification-resistant brass. The Aalco guide marks only the CW602N row as dezincification resistant, not CW614N. No dezincification depth, rate or test result for CW614N was read in the pages fetched in this run.
    rating: severe
    conditions:
      basis: qualitative; no depth, rate or test time for CW614N is printed in the sources read
      zinc_content: balance of the printed limits, about 38 to 41 % (our arithmetic from Cu 57.0-59.0 and Pb 2.5-3.5)
    source: aviva-c36000
    where: Dezincification footnote on the C36000 page (general Cu-Zn statement); Brass article, dezincification section; Aalco wrought leaded brass table, CW602N row marked dezincification resistant
  - environment: Ammonia, amines and acids; cold-worked parts in service (stress corrosion cracking)
    headline: CW614N is not resistant to acids and ammonia, and without stress relief it can crack under the stress left by cold work.
    effect: HME Brass France says CW614N is not resistant to acids and ammonia, particularly in the state without stress-relief tempering (stress corrosion cracking). Alumeco's ratings for CW617N, the sister grade, give acids, ammonia and seawater a score of 1 on a 3-point scale (poor). The Hendrix Group says the usual cracking environments are ammonia or amines where cold work leaves stress, and that stress relief at 250 to 300 °C for half an hour to one hour is the usual remedy, with the exact time and temperature depending on the alloy.
    rating: severe
    conditions:
      basis: qualitative supplier and archive statements; no threshold stress or time to crack for CW614N is printed in the sources read
      alumeco_scale: 1 = poor, 2 = good, 3 = excellent (for CW617N)
    source: hme-cw614n
    where: Résistance à la corrosion text block on page 1 of the HME CW614N sheet; Alumeco CW617N corrosion resistance ratings table; Hendrix Group cold working and stress relief sections
  - environment: Waters, alkaline solutions and atmosphere (sister grade CW617N, stockist ratings)
    headline: For the sister grade CW617N, the stockist scores atmosphere 2 (good) and waters and alkaline solutions 1 to 2 on a 3-point scale.
    effect: Alumeco rates CW617N, which has a lower lead content than CW614N, at 2 for atmosphere and 1 to 2 for waters and alkaline solutions, with acids, ammonia and seawater at 1. These are stockist ratings on a 3-point scale, not measured corrosion rates, and no CW614N-specific rating was printed.
    rating: moderate
    conditions:
      grade: CW617N
      basis: stockist 3-point scale ratings, not measured rates
    source: alumeco-cw617n
    where: Corrosion resistance ratings block, Atmosphere, Waters and alkaline, Acids/Ammonia/Seawater rows
risks:
  hazards:
    - text: 'Lead: CW614N contains 2.5 to 3.5 wt% lead (HME and Aalco limits). The ATSDR ToxFAQ for lead says lead can affect almost every organ and system, that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services considers lead and lead compounds reasonably anticipated to be human carcinogens, and that the EPA classes lead as a probable human carcinogen. No GHS code for the alloy was read.'
      ghs: []
      source: atsdr-lead
      where: ToxFAQs sections on health effects and carcinogen classification
    - text: 'Lead in brass dust and chips: the ATSDR advises avoiding sources of lead. Machining chips and dust from this alloy are lead sources; this is our inference from that advice, not a statement in the source.'
      ghs: []
      source: atsdr-lead
      where: Avoiding lead exposure section
  failure_risks:
    - mode: Dezincification in water
      trigger: Water with chlorides, high temperature or soft quality, in a brass with zinc as the balance (about 39 %)
      consequence: Zinc is removed and a weak, porous copper layer remains; CW614N is not listed as dezincification resistant in the sources read.
      severity: moderate
      source: wiki-brass
      where: Dezincification section and zinc threshold
    - mode: Stress corrosion cracking in ammonia, amines or acids
      trigger: Residual stress from cold work (pressing, spinning, drawing, bending) without stress relief, in an ammonia or amine atmosphere
      consequence: Cracking. HME says CW614N is not resistant to acids and ammonia, especially without stress-relief tempering.
      severity: high
      source: hme-cw614n
      where: Résistance à la corrosion text block
    - mode: Poor cold formability
      trigger: Bending, riveting or staking after machining
      consequence: Brassland says CW614N is less ductile than CW617N and not suited to cold forming, bending or staking. Its elongation is 5 % minimum in the R500 condition.
      severity: moderate
      source: brassland-cw614n
      where: Fabrication and ductility notes; EN 12164 minimum values table, row R500
  side_effects:
    - text: NSF/ANSI 372 limits weighted lead on potable-water wetted surfaces to 0.25 %, and Brassland lists CW614N and C38500 as not suitable for wetted parts in US drinking-water systems. The HME sheet lists sanitary fittings as an application, so the two sources differ on potable use.
      affects: Drinking-water fittings and wetted parts
      source: brassland-c38500
      where: Drinking Water (US) row of the designations and properties table
  handling:
    - text: 'Specify the temper on the drawing or order: R360, R430 and R500 give different minimum tensile strengths and elongations (see properties).'
      source: brassland-cw614n
      where: EN 12164 minimum values table
    - text: Stress-relieve parts after cold work. Almag gives the sister grade CW617N a stress relief of 200 to 250 °C for 2 hours with cooling in the furnace; the Hendrix Group gives 250 to 300 °C for half an hour to one hour for brasses in general, depending on the alloy.
      source: almag-cw617n
      where: Heat treatments box, Stress relieving row (for CW617N)
    - text: Annealing for the sister grade CW617N is 450 to 550 °C (Almag) and 450 to 600 °C (Alumeco). The annealing temperature is alloy-specific and should be taken from the mill certificate for CW614N.
      source: alumeco-cw617n
      where: Annealing temperature row, Physical properties box
    - text: Keep parts out of ammonia, amine and acid atmospheres in service.
      source: hme-cw614n
      where: Résistance à la corrosion text block
    - text: 'Avoid exposure to lead: the ATSDR advises avoiding sources of lead, including dust and chips from machining.'
      source: atsdr-lead
      where: Avoiding lead exposure section
  mitigations:
    - text: For potable-water wetted parts, Brassland lists lead-free alternatives CW724R and C69300 (silicon brass). Use a lead-free grade for those parts, as the page advises.
      source: brassland-c38500
      where: Drinking Water (US) row, lead-free alternatives
uses:
  - application: mechanisms
    device: Automatic screw-machine parts, fasteners and gears
    example: Alumeco lists machined parts, screws, gears, nuts and bolts for the sister grade CW617N. HME lists machined parts for CW614N, and Brassland names high-volume CNC and Swiss-turned parts as its main use.
    source: hme-cw614n
    where: Exemples d'application box (Pièces usinées); Brassland CW614N summary
  - application: habitats-and-suits
    device: Sanitary fittings and fluid connectors (terrestrial use)
    example: HME lists fittings and sanitary-industry parts as CW614N applications. Brassland says these wetted parts are not suitable for US potable-water systems under NSF/ANSI 372, so this use depends on the local rules. No source names a space or habitat system; this application tag is our mapping.
    source: hme-cw614n
    where: Exemples d'application box (Raccords, industrie sanitaire)
supply:
  - subject: Copper (mine production, copper content, 2025e), the main metal in leaded brass
    producers:
      - country: Chile
        share_percent: 23
        year: 2025
      - country: Congo (Kinshasa)
        share_percent: 13.9
        year: 2025
      - country: Peru
        share_percent: 11.7
        year: 2025
      - country: China
        share_percent: 7.8
        year: 2025
      - country: Russia
        share_percent: 5.7
        year: 2025
    critical_lists:
      - list: U.S. Final 2025 List of Critical Minerals (copper added, per the USGS copper summary)
        listed: true
    recycling: 'USGS: brass and wire-rod mills accounted for about 80 % of the copper recovered from scrap, and copper recovered from scrap contributed about 30 % of U.S. copper supply.'
    substitutes: []
    source: usgs-mcs2026-copper
    where: World Mine and Refinery Production and Reserves table, mine production 2025e (world total 23,000 thousand t; shares calculated by Space Mushroom from the printed values 5,300, 3,200, 2,700, 1,800 and 1,300 thousand t); Critical minerals paragraph; Recycling paragraph
  - subject: Zinc (mine production, zinc content, 2025e), the balance of CW614N at about 39 %
    producers:
      - country: China
        share_percent: 31.5
        year: 2025
      - country: Peru
        share_percent: 11.5
        year: 2025
      - country: Australia
        share_percent: 8.5
        year: 2025
      - country: India
        share_percent: 6.7
        year: 2025
      - country: Mexico
        share_percent: 6
        year: 2025
    critical_lists: []
    recycling: 'USGS: refined zinc produced in the United States was recovered from secondary materials, including galvanizing residues and crude zinc oxide from electric arc furnace dust.'
    substitutes:
      - 'USGS: many elements substitute for zinc in chemical, electronic and pigment uses. The summary names no substitute for zinc in brass.'
    source: usgs-mcs2026-zinc
    where: World Mine Production and Reserves table, 2025e (world total rounded 13,000 thousand t; shares calculated by Space Mushroom from the printed values 4,100, 1,500, 1,100, 870 and 780 thousand t); Substitutes paragraph
  - subject: Lead (mine production, 2025e), 2.5 to 3.5 % of CW614N
    producers:
      - country: China
        share_percent: 42.2
        year: 2025
      - country: Australia
        share_percent: 10.7
        year: 2025
      - country: Peru
        share_percent: 6.4
        year: 2025
      - country: United States
        share_percent: 6.2
        year: 2025
      - country: Russia
        share_percent: 5.8
        year: 2025
    critical_lists:
      - list: U.S. Final 2025 List of Critical Minerals (lead added, per the USGS copper summary, which names the 2025 additions)
        listed: true
    recycling: 'USGS: nearly all secondary lead was recovered from old scrap, mostly lead-acid batteries.'
    substitutes: []
    source: usgs-mcs2026-lead
    where: World Mine Production and Reserves table, 2025e column (world total rounded 4,500 thousand t; shares calculated by Space Mushroom from the printed values 1,900, 480, 290, 280 and 260 thousand t); Recycling paragraph
documents:
  - title: 'HME Brass France: CW614N - CuZn39Pb3 datasheet (version 07.2021), physical properties, composition, UNS C38500, corrosion note'
    type: datasheet
    url: https://www.hmemetal.com/fileadmin/user_upload/DOWNLOADCENTER/werkstoffe/fr/Fiche_technique_CW614N_CuZn39Pb3__F_.pdf
    year: 2021
  - title: 'Wieland: brass alloys table (EN designation, EN No., ASTM UNS-No., JIS-No.)'
    type: datasheet
    url: https://www.wieland.com/products/brass-alloys
  - title: 'Brassland: C38500 Architectural Bronze datasheet (CDA-derived physical, mechanical and machinability values; designations)'
    type: datasheet
    url: https://brassland.com/resources/materials/c38500/
  - title: 'Brassland: CW614N brass datasheet (EN 12164 minimum values by condition, designations, potable-water note)'
    type: datasheet
    url: https://brassland.com/resources/materials/cw614n/
  - title: 'Alumeco: EN CuZn40Pb2 / CW617N brass with lead datasheet (06-05-2025), composition, physical and corrosion ratings'
    type: datasheet
    url: https://www.alumeco.com/media/3jrlqm1i/cw617n_rods.pdf
    year: 2025
  - title: 'Almag: EURO CW617N free machining data sheet (Rev. 11-2025), composition, technological properties, heat treatments'
    type: datasheet
    url: https://www.almag.it/it/pdf/EURO-CW617N-TN-EN.pdf
    year: 2025
  - title: 'Aalco Product Guide: copper, brass and bronze, wrought copper-zinc-lead alloys table and comparative properties'
    type: datasheet
    url: https://www.aalco.co.uk/literature/files/aalco-copper-brass-bronze.pdf
  - title: 'Wikipedia: Brass (dezincification threshold, lead addition)'
    type: database
    url: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brass
    year: 2026
  - title: 'The Hendrix Group archive: stress corrosion cracking (season cracking) of brasses'
    type: report
    url: https://hghouston.com/archive/material-property-data/copper-and-copper-alloys/brasses/sc-cracking
  - title: 'ATSDR ToxFAQs: Lead'
    type: report
    url: https://wwwn.cdc.gov/TSP/ToxFAQs/ToxFAQsDetails.aspx?faqid=93&toxid=22
  - title: 'USGS Mineral Commodity Summaries 2026: Copper'
    type: report
    url: https://pubs.usgs.gov/periodicals/mcs2026/mcs2026-copper.pdf
    year: 2026
  - title: 'USGS Mineral Commodity Summaries 2026: Zinc'
    type: report
    url: https://pubs.usgs.gov/periodicals/mcs2026/mcs2026-zinc.pdf
    year: 2026
  - title: 'USGS Mineral Commodity Summaries 2026: Lead'
    type: report
    url: https://pubs.usgs.gov/periodicals/mcs2026/mcs2026-lead.pdf
    year: 2026
  - title: 'Aviva Metals: C36000 free-machining brass product page (dezincification footnote, Model 3 comparison)'
    type: datasheet
    url: https://avivametals.com/products/c36000-free-machining-brass-free-cutting-brass
gaps:
  - No CAS number. The alloy is identified by its EN and UNS designations (CW614N, CuZn39Pb3, C38500), and no CAS source was read.
  - No GHS classification or exposure limit for lead was read. PubChem and the ATSDR lead profile were not fetched in this run, so the lead hazard rests on the ATSDR ToxFAQ and the supplier lead limits.
  - Lead range conflict. HME (2021) and Aalco print 2.5 to 3.5 wt% for CW614N. Brassland says EN 12164:2024 gives 2.2 to 3.5 wt%. The EN 12164 text was not opened, so the 2.5 lower limit is used here with the conflict recorded.
  - Iron and nickel limits (Fe 0.30 max, Ni 0.30 max) come from the Brassland CW614N summary only. HME prints only Cu, Pb and Zn.
  - The HME CW614N mechanical properties table is an image and was not extracted, so no HME mechanical value is used.
  - The EN 12164 minimum values table is taken from Brassland. Its R430 row gives a size range of Ø2 to 40 mm; the Alumeco CW617N table gives 2 to 60 mm for the same condition, a conflict between editions or suppliers.
  - No dezincification depth, rate, test time or DZR classification was found for CW614N in the pages read. The Wikipedia threshold of 15 % zinc applies, but no CW614N test value was read.
  - No threshold stress or time to crack in ammonia for CW614N was printed in the sources read.
  - Machinability for CW617N is 90 in Aalco and 95 in Alumeco (both on the CW614N = 100 scale). Both are recorded; the Aalco value is used in the properties.
  - The Almag CW617N density is printed as 8.4 kg/cm2, a unit error, so it is not used. Almag gives 27 %IACS, 120 W/(m·K) and 105 kN/mm2 for CW617N, which differ from Alumeco's 28 %IACS, 123 W/mK and 97000 N/mm2. Both are recorded.
  - 'The UNS code for CW617N conflicts: Alumeco and Wieland give C38000, Almag gives ASTM C37700. CW617N is a related grade, not an alias, so none of its codes are listed under this profile''s designations.'
  - 'Potable use conflicts: HME lists sanitary fittings, Brassland says NSF/ANSI 372 makes the alloy unsuitable for wetted parts, and Almag says its CW617N is on the German 4MS positive list for drinking water. Only the Brassland statement is recorded as a limit.'
  - The Aalco comparative table prints a CZ121 melting point of 954 °C and a tensile strength of 400 N/mm2 without a temper. The melting point conflicts with the HME range of 875 to 890 °C, so the Aalco comparative row is not used.
  - Hardness by EN condition (H090 90 to 125 HB, H110 110 to 160 HB, H135 min 135 HB, from the EN 12164 table on Brassland) is not added as properties; the stockist HV range is used instead.
  - The benchmark names hardness_vickers and machinability_rating are not in the property canon, and electrical_conductivity is not in it either.
  - 'Space environment: no outgassing, atomic-oxygen, cold-welding or radiation result for CW614N was read. The tags.environments list is empty for this reason. The habitats-and-suits tag reflects sanitary fittings and fluid connectors only, which is our mapping.'
  - 'Elastic modulus conflict is recorded: HME and Brassland (CDA) give 97 GPa, Almag gives 105 kN/mm2 for CW617N, and Alumeco gives 97000 N/mm2 for CW617N.'
  - No media (images) were added to this profile; no image was fetched or checked in this run.
  - Specific heat was taken from HME only. Poisson's ratio and cast-form densities were not searched.
  - The Brassland C38500 and CW614N pages are reseller summaries that reproduce CDA and EN data. Their numbers were checked against the raw HTML in this run but not against the CDA or EN originals.
sources:
  hme-cw614n:
    title: 'HME Brass France, CW614N - CuZn39Pb3 datasheet (version 07.2021): physical properties, composition, UNS C38500, corrosion note'
    url: https://www.hmemetal.com/fileadmin/user_upload/DOWNLOADCENTER/werkstoffe/fr/Fiche_technique_CW614N_CuZn39Pb3__F_.pdf
    kind: datasheet
    license: Supplier datasheet (cited, not reproduced)
  wieland-brass-alloys:
    title: 'Wieland: brass alloys table (EN designation, EN No., ASTM UNS-No., JIS-No.)'
    url: https://www.wieland.com/products/brass-alloys
    kind: datasheet
    license: Manufacturer web page (cited, not reproduced)
  brassland-c38500:
    title: 'Brassland: C38500 Architectural Bronze datasheet (CDA values, mechanical properties, machinability, designations, potable-water note)'
    url: https://brassland.com/resources/materials/c38500/
    kind: datasheet
    license: Reseller web page (cited, not reproduced)
  brassland-cw614n:
    title: 'Brassland: CW614N brass datasheet (EN 12164 minimum values by condition, designations, C36000 cross-reference)'
    url: https://brassland.com/resources/materials/cw614n/
    kind: datasheet
    license: Reseller web page (cited, not reproduced)
  alumeco-cw617n:
    title: 'Alumeco: EN CuZn40Pb2 / CW617N brass with lead datasheet (06-05-2025): composition, physical properties, corrosion ratings'
    url: https://www.alumeco.com/media/3jrlqm1i/cw617n_rods.pdf
    kind: datasheet
    license: Stockist datasheet (cited, not reproduced)
  almag-cw617n:
    title: 'Almag: EURO CW617N free machining data sheet (Rev. 11-2025): composition, technological properties, heat treatments'
    url: https://www.almag.it/it/pdf/EURO-CW617N-TN-EN.pdf
    kind: datasheet
    license: Manufacturer datasheet (cited, not reproduced)
  aalco-copper-brass-bronze:
    title: 'Aalco Product Guide: copper, brass and bronze (wrought copper-zinc-lead alloys table, comparative properties)'
    url: https://www.aalco.co.uk/literature/files/aalco-copper-brass-bronze.pdf
    kind: datasheet
    license: Stockist product guide (cited, not reproduced)
  aviva-c36000:
    title: 'Aviva Metals: C36000 free-machining brass product page (dezincification footnote, Model 3 comparison)'
    url: https://avivametals.com/products/c36000-free-machining-brass-free-cutting-brass
    kind: datasheet
    license: Supplier web page (cited, not reproduced)
  wiki-brass:
    title: 'Brass (Wikipedia): dezincification threshold, lead addition'
    url: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brass
    year: 2026
    kind: web
    license: CC BY-SA 4.0 (cited, not reproduced)
  hgh-scc:
    title: 'The Hendrix Group, Material Property Data: brasses, stress corrosion cracking'
    url: https://hghouston.com/archive/material-property-data/copper-and-copper-alloys/brasses/sc-cracking
    kind: web
    license: Technical archive page (cited, not reproduced)
  atsdr-lead:
    title: 'ATSDR ToxFAQs: Lead (Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, U.S. CDC)'
    url: https://wwwn.cdc.gov/TSP/ToxFAQs/ToxFAQsDetails.aspx?faqid=93&toxid=22
    kind: report
    license: U.S. government public domain (cited, not reproduced)
  usgs-mcs2026-copper:
    title: 'Mineral Commodity Summaries 2026: Copper'
    id: USGS MCS 2026, February 2026
    url: https://pubs.usgs.gov/periodicals/mcs2026/mcs2026-copper.pdf
    year: 2026
    kind: report
    license: public domain (USGS)
  usgs-mcs2026-zinc:
    title: 'Mineral Commodity Summaries 2026: Zinc'
    id: USGS MCS 2026, February 2026
    url: https://pubs.usgs.gov/periodicals/mcs2026/mcs2026-zinc.pdf
    year: 2026
    kind: report
    license: public domain (USGS)
  usgs-mcs2026-lead:
    title: 'Mineral Commodity Summaries 2026: Lead'
    id: USGS MCS 2026, February 2026
    url: https://pubs.usgs.gov/periodicals/mcs2026/mcs2026-lead.pdf
    year: 2026
    kind: report
    license: public domain (USGS)
license: CC-BY-4.0
updated: '2026-10-26'
review:
  status: draft
  method: assistant
  checked_values: 28
  unreachable: 4
  caveats: 6
  note: 'Values were read by an AI assistant on 2026-10-26 from the pages and PDFs named in each entry. Unreachable or not read this run: EN 12164 and EN 12165 texts (paid standards), ASTM B455 and ASTM B16 texts, PubChem and OSHA lead pages, and the HME mechanical properties table (image only). Caveats: the lead range differs by source (2.5 to 3.5 and 2.2 to 3.5 wt%); strength minimums come from a reseller summary of EN 12164, not the standard; the CW617N elastic modulus and thermal conductivity differ between suppliers; dezincification and ammonia cracking statements are qualitative; no space-environment data.'
story:
  risk_groups:
    - title: For people
      lead: The lead in CW614N is the main health concern in these sources. They give health effects of lead and carcinogen classifications, but no exposure limit for brass dust.
      level: 2
      verdict: Leaded alloy
      points:
        - label: Lead in the alloy
          line: CW614N has 2.5 to 3.5 % lead (HME and Aalco). The ATSDR says lead can affect almost every organ and system, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services considers lead and lead compounds reasonably anticipated to be human carcinogens.
        - label: Potable water
          line: NSF/ANSI 372 limits weighted lead on potable-water wetted surfaces to 0.25 %. Brassland lists CW614N and C38500 as not suitable for wetted parts in US drinking-water systems.
    - title: If it fails
      lead: The failure routes in these sources are chemical (water, ammonia and acids) and mechanical (cold work).
      points:
        - label: Dezincification
          line: With zinc at about 39 % (the balance of the printed limits), CW614N is above the 15 % zinc level where dezincification-resistant brass is needed for water service.
        - label: Ammonia and acids
          line: HME says CW614N is not resistant to acids and ammonia, and that cracking is most likely without stress relief.
        - label: Ductility
          line: Brassland says CW614N is less ductile than CW617N and not suited to cold forming, bending or staking.
    - title: Handling and storage
      points:
        - label: Pick the temper
          line: R360 gives 360 MPa minimum tensile and 20 % elongation, R430 gives 430 MPa and 10 %, and R500 gives 500 MPa and 5 %, all as EN 12164 minimums.
        - label: Stress relief
          line: Stress-relieve parts after cold work and keep them out of ammonia, amine and acid atmospheres.
  why: Leaded free-machining brass CW614N is chosen for ease of machining. HME says its lead is insoluble and finely distributed at the grain boundaries, which refines the structure and improves machinability. The stockists rate it 100 on the machinability scale, the reference grade for other brasses. It has a density of 8.46 g/cm3, a thermal conductivity of 123 W/(m·K) at 20 °C and a 25 %IACS electrical conductivity (HME). Its lead content rules it out of NSF/ANSI 372 potable-water use, and it is the main health concern in these sources.
  uses:
    - where: Screw-machine parts, gears and fasteners
      line: HME lists machined parts for CW614N, and Alumeco lists screws, gears, nuts and bolts for the sister grade CW617N. Brassland names high-volume CNC and Swiss-turned parts.
    - where: Sanitary fittings and connectors
      line: HME lists fittings and sanitary-industry parts. These are terrestrial uses; no source names a space system, and Brassland says the alloy is not suitable for potable wetted parts in the US.
  can_do:
    - label: Cut fast
      value: machinability index 100
      line: Aalco and Brassland give CW614N an index of 100, the reference against which other brasses are rated. The scale is a supplier index, not a measured value.
    - label: Carry heat
      value: 123 W/(m·K)
      benchmark: thermal_conductivity
      line: Thermal conductivity is 123 W/(m·K) at 20 °C as printed by HME (the sheet gives no temperature for this value).
    - label: Carry current
      value: 25 %IACS
      benchmark: electrical_conductivity
      line: HME prints 25 %IACS for CW614N. The CDA typical value for C38500 is 28 %IACS (Brassland).
    - label: Strength by temper
      value: 360 to 500 MPa minimum tensile
      line: EN 12164 minimums are 360 MPa for R360, 430 MPa for R430 and 500 MPa for R500 (Brassland). The stockist typical range across tempers is 360 to 580 MPa (Aalco).
    - label: Weight
      value: 8.46 g/cm3
      benchmark: density
      line: Density is 8.46 g/cm3 at 20 °C (HME).
    - label: Melting
      value: 875 to 890 °C
      benchmark: melting_point
      line: The solidus to liquidus range is 875 to 890 °C (HME).
    - label: Expansion
      value: 21.4 ppm/K
      benchmark: cte
      line: The coefficient of thermal expansion is 21.4 ppm/K as printed by HME, with no temperature range on the sheet.
  compare: 'The [free-cutting brass C36000 profile](/profiles/brass-c360/) is the closest comparison. Brassland gives C36000 a higher copper content (60 to 63 %, ASTM B16) than CW614N (57 to 59 %, EN 12164), so CW614N has more zinc and less copper. The machinability scales differ: the stockist index for CW614N is 100 on its own scale, while the CDA rating for C38500 is 90 with C36000 = 100, so the two numbers should not be compared directly. The sister grade CW617N (EN CuZn40Pb2, UNS C38000 per Alumeco and Wieland, ASTM C37700 per Almag) has a lower lead content than CW614N (Alumeco prints its lead range).'
  compare_rows:
    - label: Density
      benchmark: density
    - label: Thermal conductivity
      benchmark: thermal_conductivity
    - label: Thermal expansion
      benchmark: cte
  handling:
    - 'Specify the temper: R360, R430 and R500 give 360, 430 and 500 MPa minimum tensile strength.'
    - Stress-relieve after cold work (pressing, spinning, drawing, bending), and keep parts out of ammonia, amine and acid atmospheres.
    - The alloy contains lead, so machining chips and dust are lead sources; the ATSDR advice to avoid lead exposure applies to them (our inference from the advice, not a statement in the source).
  good_for:
    - Machined parts in volume, where machinability index 100 is the main selection criterion.
    - Machined fittings and fasteners in dry or non-potable service, where the temper is set from the EN 12164 minimums.
    - Hot-worked parts from rod, where HME rates its hot working as very good.
  watch_out:
    - Lead at 2.5 to 3.5 % puts the alloy outside NSF/ANSI 372, which limits weighted lead to 0.25 % for potable wetted parts.
    - Ammonia and acid exposure and cold work without stress relief can crack the alloy (HME).
    - Zinc at about 39 % invites dezincification in water with chlorides, high temperature or soft quality.
    - Ductility is low for cold forming, bending and staking.
  verdict: Leaded brass CW614N (CuZn39Pb3, UNS C38500) is the machinability reference among free-cutting brasses, with an index of 100. It gives 360 to 500 MPa minimum tensile strength across the R360 to R500 conditions and conducts at 25 %IACS. Its lead, zinc content and sensitivity to ammonia and cold-work stress limit it to dry or non-potable service. The sister grade CW617N has less lead, and the stockists list it for drinking-water contact, a point that conflicts with Brassland (see gaps). No corrosion rate, no space-environment result and no CW614N dezincification test were found in the pages read.
  recipe:
    line: CW614N is a copper-zinc alloy with 2.5 to 3.5 % lead, made as rod, bar, wire and forging stock (EN 12164 and EN 12165 per HME). HME says lead is insoluble in the alloy and forms fine particles at the grain boundaries, which refine the structure and improve machinability. The alloy has a two-phase alpha and beta structure.
    parts:
      - name: Copper
        symbol: Cu
        share: 57.0 to 59.0 wt%
        role: Main metal and matrix of the alloy (EN 12164 limits as printed by HME and Aalco).
      - name: Zinc
        symbol: Zn
        share: remainder (about 38 to 41 wt% at the printed copper and lead limits; our arithmetic)
        role: The alloying element that makes the brass. Above 15 % zinc, dezincification risk rises.
      - name: Lead
        symbol: Pb
        share: 2.5 to 3.5 wt% (HME and Aalco); Brassland gives 2.2 to 3.5 wt% under EN 12164:2024
        role: Added for machinability. HME says it is insoluble and finely distributed at the grain boundaries, which refines the structure and improves machinability.
      - name: Iron
        symbol: Fe
        share: 0.30 wt% maximum (Brassland)
        role: Impurity limit printed on the Brassland CW614N summary.
      - name: Nickel
        symbol: Ni
        share: 0.30 wt% maximum (Brassland)
        role: Impurity limit printed on the Brassland CW614N summary.