Brass reference / Leaded brass
C385 architectural bronze
A brass despite the name, supplied mainly as extruded shapes and the default where the part is seen.
Also known as Architectural bronze, Alloy 385, Extruded brass. Published typical values for the alloy, never a promise from a shop.
Composition
| Element | Nominal weight % |
|---|---|
| Copper | 55.0 to 59.0 |
| Lead | 2.5 to 3.5 |
| Iron | 0.35 max |
| Zinc | remainder |
Properties
- UNSC38500
- EN equivalentCuZn39Pb3 / CW614N
- Hardness65 to 85 HRB
- Density8.47 g/cm3
- Typical tolerance±0.02 mm typical on profile sections
- Common formsExtruded shapes, angles, channels, some bar
What it is for, and what it is not
Specify it for
- Parts that start life as an extruded profile
- Hinges, handles, trim and lock hardware
- Visible parts that will be polished or plated
- Window and door hardware
Do not specify it for
- Wetted potable water parts
- Hot water and marine service
- Applications needing the highest machinability, where C360 is better
What a buyer should know
Despite the name this is a brass, not a bronze. Copper alloy naming is historical rather than logical, so read the UNS number. More zinc than C360 and slightly less copper, which makes it a little stronger and a little harder to cut, and it takes a bright polish.
Nominal lead is 2.5 to 3.5 percent, which is above the 0.25 percent weighted average limit that NSF/ANSI 372 sets for wetted potable water surfaces. See NSF/ANSI 61 and 372 and RoHS exemption 6(c).
Dezincification resistance is poor, so this alloy is the wrong choice sitting in hot water or seawater regardless of how well it machines. See dezincification and the grades that resist it.
Closest alternatives
| Alloy | Lead % | Mach. | DZR | Why you might switch |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| C360 free-cutting brassC36000 | 2.5 to 3.7 | 100 | Poor | The benchmark every other metal is rated against for machinability, and the default for turned brass parts. |
| C377 forging brassC37700 | 1.5 to 2.5 | 80 | Poor | Hot forged to a near net shape then machined only where a sealing face or thread requires it. |
| C69300 silicon brassC69300 | under 0.09 | 80 | High | The usual lead-free answer for potable water, roughly twice as strong as C360 and highly dezincification resistant. |
Need a shop that runs C385?
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