경영진 요약

The selection between C26000 (Cartridge Brass) and H62 (Chinese Standard Brass) represents a critical decision point in brass alloy specification for industrial applications. This comprehensive analysis examines the fundamental differences, performance characteristics, and application suitability of these two widely-used brass alloys across global markets.

C26000, governed by ASTM standards, represents the Western approach to brass metallurgy with emphasis on corrosion resistance and formability. H62, following Chinese GB standards, prioritizes mechanical strength and machinability at optimized cost points. Understanding these distinctions is essential for engineers, procurement specialists, and manufacturing professionals operating in today’s globalized supply chains.

1. Introduction and Background

1.1 Historical Context

Brass alloys have served as fundamental engineering materials for millennia, with their development closely tied to industrial advancement. C26000 emerged from Western metallurgical traditions, originally developed for cartridge case manufacturing during the industrial revolution. Its 70/30 copper-zinc composition became the gold standard for applications requiring superior formability and corrosion resistance.

H62, developed within the Chinese industrial framework, represents a pragmatic approach to brass metallurgy. With approximately 62% copper content, it achieves optimal balance between performance and cost-effectiveness, making it particularly suitable for high-volume manufacturing applications.

1.2 Global Market Position

지역Primary StandardMost Common Brass GradeMarket Characteristics
North America천식C26000, C36000High-performance applications
X40CrMoV5-1 열간 가공 공구강은 다양한 응용 분야와 전 세계적으로 사용됩니다.EN, DINCW508L, CW617NQuality-focused manufacturing
East AsiaJIS, GBH62, H68, C2600Volume production emphasis
Southeast AsiaMixed (ASTM/GB)C26000, H62Cost-sensitive markets
Middle EastASTM/ENC26000, CW508LInfrastructure projects
Latin America천식C26000Resource extraction industries

2. Chemical Composition Analysis

2.1 Detailed Composition Comparison

요소C26000 (ASTM B36)H62 (GB/T 5231)Impact on Properties
구리68.5 – 71.5%60.5 – 63.5%Corrosion resistance, conductivity, ductility
아연(Zn)Balance (28.5 – 31.5%)Balance (36.0 – 39.0%)Strength, hardness, cost reduction
납(Pb)≤ 0.07%≤ 0.08%Machinability enhancement
철(Fe)≤ 0.05%≤ 0.15%Strength increase, workability reduction
알루미늄(Al)≤ 0.01%Deoxidation, strength enhancement
주석(Sn)≤ 0.20%Corrosion resistance improvement
Arsenic (As)≤ 0.02%불법 저항
인(P)≤ 0.02%≤ 0.01%Deoxidation agent

2.2 Compositional Impact Analysis

The 8-10% difference in copper content between these alloys creates cascading effects throughout their property profiles:

Higher Copper Content (C26000):

  • Enhanced corrosion resistance in marine and atmospheric environments
  • Superior electrical and thermal conductivity
  • Improved ductility for complex forming operations
  • Better brazing and welding characteristics
  • Higher material cost due to copper premium

Higher Zinc Content (H62):

  • Increased yield and tensile strength
  • Enhanced machinability due to improved chip formation
  • Better hot working characteristics
  • Reduced material cost
  • Slightly compromised corrosion resistance

3. Mechanical Properties Comparison

3.1 Tensile Properties at Room Temperature

재산C26000 (Annealed)C26000 (H04)H62 (Annealed)H62 (Hard)단위
인장 강도300-380410-540315-390440-540MPa
Yield Strength (0.2%)75-140275-380105-165285-395MPa
연장60-6815-2550-658-20%
경도(HV)60-85115-14570-95125-155HV
탄성계수110110105105평점
Fatigue Strength (10^7 cycles)140180145190MPa

3.2 Temperature-Dependent Properties

온도재산C26000H62단위
-40°C인장 강도420435MPa
20°C인장 강도340355MPa
100°C인장 강도315325MPa
200°C인장 강도280285MPa
300°C인장 강도245240MPa

3.3 Forming Characteristics

Forming OperationC26000 RatingH62 RatingComments
딥 드로잉Excellent (5/5)Good (4/5)C26000 superior for complex shapes
굽힘Excellent (5/5)Very Good (4/5)Both suitable for tight radii
제사Excellent (5/5)Good (4/5)C26000 preferred for thin-wall parts
콜드 헤딩Very Good (4/5)Excellent (5/5)H62 superior for fasteners
Thread RollingGood (3/5)Excellent (5/5)H62 much better surface finish
스탬핑Excellent (5/5)Very Good (4/5)Both excellent for fine details

4. Physical and Thermal Properties

4.1 Physical Properties Comparison

재산C26000H62단위중요성
밀도8.538.40g/cm³Weight considerations
녹는 점915-940905-925°CProcessing temperature
Liquidus Temperature940925°CCasting parameters
Solidus Temperature915905°C열처리
전기 전도도28% IACS26% IACS%Electrical applications
열 전도성120109W/m·KHeat dissipation
열팽창 계수20.520.810⁻⁶/KDimensional stability
자기 투과성1.01.0μ/μ₀Non-magnetic applications

4.2 Thermal Processing Parameters

프로세스매개변수C26000H62단위
가열 냉각온도425-650450-650°C
가열 냉각시간0.5-30.5-2시간
뜨거운 작업온도 범위600-800650-850°C
Cold Work ReductionBefore Annealing85%80%%
Grain Size (Annealed)천식5-74-6숫자

5. Corrosion Resistance Analysis

5.1 Environmental Performance Comparison

환경C26000 PerformanceH62 PerformanceCorrosion Rate (μm/year)
Atmospheric (Urban)훌륭한좋은C26000: 2-5, H62: 5-8
Atmospheric (Marine)훌륭한Fair-GoodC26000: 5-10, H62: 10-15
민물훌륭한좋은C26000: 1-3, H62: 3-6
바닷물좋은공정한C26000: 15-25, H62: 25-40
Soil (Average)좋은공정한C26000: 5-15, H62: 10-25
Ammonia Solutions가난한가난한Both susceptible to stress cracking
Sulfur Compounds공정한공정한Both require protective measures

5.2 Dezincification Resistance

Test ConditionC26000 ResultH62 Result기준
ASTM B858 Method ALayer <200μmLayer >200μmASTM B858
ISO 6509-1 (24h)Type 1 (Excellent)Type 2 (Good)ISO 6509
Accelerated Test (80°C)Minimal attackModerate attackInternal
Field Exposure (5 years)Surface onlySubsurface penetrationComparative

6. Manufacturing and Processing Characteristics

6.1 Machinability Assessment

Machining OperationC26000 RatingH62 RatingCutting Speed (m/min)Tool Life Comparison
선회Good (3.5/5)Excellent (5/5)C26000: 150-250, H62: 200-350H62: 2x longer
교련Good (3.5/5)Excellent (5/5)C26000: 80-120, H62: 120-180H62: 1.8x longer
갈기Good (3/5)Very Good (4.5/5)C26000: 100-180, H62: 150-250H62: 1.5x longer
ThreadingFair (2.5/5)Excellent (5/5)C26000: 60-100, H62: 100-150H62: 3x longer
표면 마감라 1.6-3.2라 0.8-1.6μmH62 superior

6.2 Welding and Joining Characteristics

Joining MethodC26000 SuitabilityH62 SuitabilityRecommended Parameters
TIG 용접훌륭한좋은Low current, pure argon
미그 용접좋은공정한Deoxidized bronze filler
브레이징훌륭한매우 좋은750-850°C, flux required
납땜훌륭한매우 좋은185-250°C, rosin flux
저항 용접매우 좋은좋은High pressure, short time
Friction Welding좋은매우 좋은Moderate pressure

6.3 Heat Treatment Response

치료C26000 ResponseH62 Response일반적인 매개변수
스트레스 풀기Good responseGood response250-300°C, 1-2 hours
Full Anneal훌륭한훌륭한450-650°C, controlled cooling
Partial Anneal매우 좋은매우 좋은350-450°C, air cooling
노화경화해당 없음해당 없음Single-phase alloys
Grain RefinementPossiblePossibleControlled deformation + anneal

7. Application-Specific Performance

7.1 Industry Applications Matrix

산업 분야애플리케이션C26000 PreferenceH62 PreferenceSelection Criteria
건축학Door hardware★★★★★★★★Appearance, corrosion resistance
건축학Window fittings★★★★★★★★Weather resistance, formability
자동차Radiator cores★★★★★★★★★Cost, thermal conductivity
자동차Fuel system★★★★★★★★내식성
전자제품커넥터★★★★★★★★Conductivity, reliability
전자제품방열판★★★★★★★★★Cost-performance ratio
선박Propeller hardware★★★★★★★Seawater resistance
선박Deck fittings★★★★★★★★내식성
연관밸브 몸체★★★★★★★★★Machinability, cost
연관Pipe fittings★★★★★★★★불법 저항

7.2 Performance in Specific Applications

애플리케이션Critical PropertiesC26000 AdvantagesH62 Advantages
Cartridge CasesFormability, strengthProven military heritage, deep drawing capabilityCost-effective for sporting ammunition
Lamp ComponentsConductivity, corrosion resistanceSuperior atmospheric resistanceLower cost for indoor applications
Clock MovementsPrecision, stabilityDimensional stability, fine machiningCost-effective for movement gears
악기Acoustic properties, workabilityTraditional choice, excellent formingCost advantage for student instruments
Decorative HardwareAppearance, durabilitySuperior outdoor performanceIndoor applications, high-volume production

8. Economic and Supply Chain Considerations

8.1 Cost Analysis Factors

Cost ComponentC26000 ImpactH62 ImpactTypical Difference
Raw MaterialHigher copper contentLower copper contentH62: 15-25% lower
처리Standard ratesImproved machinabilityH62: 10-20% lower
Secondary Operations기준Reduced finishingH62: 5-15% lower
품질 관리기준기준Comparable
Transportation기준기준Comparable
Total Manufactured CostBaselineReducedH62: 12-20% lower

8.2 Global Supply Chain Characteristics

지역C26000 AvailabilityH62 AvailabilityLead TimesQuality Consistency
North America훌륭한제한된2-4 weeks매우 높음
X40CrMoV5-1 열간 가공 공구강은 다양한 응용 분야와 전 세계적으로 사용됩니다.훌륭한보통의3-6 weeks매우 높음
중국좋은훌륭한1-2 weeks높은
Southeast Asia좋은훌륭한2-3 weeksGood-High
인도보통의좋은4-6 weeksModerate-Good
Brazil좋은제한된6-8 weeks좋은

8.3 Market Pricing Trends (5-Year Historical)

년도Copper Price IndexC26000 Relative PriceH62 Relative PricePrice Differential
20191001008218%
202095967917%
202112512610417%
202213513711318%
20231151169617%

9. Standards and Specifications

9.1 International Standards Comparison

Standard BodyC26000 DesignationH62 Equivalent범위Regional Usage
ASTM (USA)C26000Material specificationNorth/South America
EN (Europe)CW508LEuropean standard유럽 ​​연합
JIS (Japan)C2600C2680Japanese industrialJapan, Southeast Asia
GB (China)H62Chinese nationalChina, developing markets
IS (India)Similar to H62Indian standardIndia, surrounding regions
ABNT (Brazil)NBR equivalentBrazilian standardBrazil

9.2 Quality Specifications Comparison

Test ParameterC26000 RequirementH62 Requirement테스트 방식
화학적 구성 요소ASTM B36GB/T 5231ICP-OES, XRF
Tensile PropertiesASTM B36GB/T 228Universal testing
Grain SizeASTM E112GB/T 6394Metallographic
표면 품질ASTM B36GB/T 8888Visual, dimensional
Dimensional ToleranceASTM B36GB/T 4423Precision measurement
내식성ASTM B858GB/T 10119Accelerated testing

10. Selection Guidelines and Decision Matrix

10.1 Application-Based Selection Criteria

Priority Factor무게C26000 ScoreH62 ScoreWeighted Impact
High Corrosion Environment
Atmospheric resistance25%97C26000: +0.5
Marine exposure20%86C26000: +0.4
Chemical compatibility15%87C26000: +0.15
Cost-Sensitive Applications
Material cost30%69H62: +0.9
Processing cost20%79H62: +0.4
Precision Manufacturing
가공성25%79H62: +0.5
Surface finish20%79H62: +0.4
Dimensional accuracy15%88Tie

10.2 Regional Selection Preferences

지역Primary ChoiceSecondary ChoiceDriving Factors
North AmericaC26000C36000Performance standards, marine applications
X40CrMoV5-1 열간 가공 공구강은 다양한 응용 분야와 전 세계적으로 사용됩니다.CW508L (C26000 equiv.)CW617NEnvironmental regulations, quality focus
중국H62H68Cost optimization, manufacturing volume
Southeast AsiaMixed preferenceContext-dependentMarket maturity, application mix
Middle EastC26000H62Harsh environment, infrastructure projects
Latin AmericaC26000Local alternativesResource industries, marine exposure

11. Future Trends and Developments

11.1 Market Evolution Drivers

The brass alloy market continues evolving under several key influences:

Environmental Regulations: Increasing focus on lead content reduction drives specification changes. Both C26000 and H62 maintain low lead levels, positioning them favorably compared to free-machining alternatives.

Supply Chain Localization: Regional manufacturing preferences increasingly favor local standards. This trend benefits H62 in Asian markets while strengthening C26000 dominance in Western markets.

Digitalization Impact: Advanced manufacturing techniques, including additive manufacturing and precision machining, may alter traditional alloy selection criteria, potentially favoring the machinability advantages of H62.

11.2 Emerging Applications

Application SectorGrowth PotentialC26000 AdvantagesH62 Advantages
Electric Vehicles높은Conductivity, reliabilityCost, machinability
Renewable Energy높은내식성Manufacturing efficiency
Smart Buildings보통의Aesthetic appeal비용 효율성
Medical Devices보통의BiocompatibilityPrecision manufacturing
5G Infrastructure높은Electrical propertiesProduction volume

12. Conclusion and Recommendations

12.1 Strategic Selection Framework

The choice between C26000 and H62 should be based on a systematic evaluation of application requirements, operating environment, and economic constraints:

Choose C26000 when:

  • Corrosion resistance is paramount
  • Aesthetic appearance is critical
  • Deep drawing or complex forming is required
  • Electrical conductivity is important
  • Marine or harsh atmospheric exposure is expected
  • Long-term reliability justifies premium cost

Choose H62 when:

  • Cost optimization is primary concern
  • High-volume machining operations are involved
  • Mechanical strength requirements are moderate
  • Indoor or controlled environment application
  • Supply chain flexibility is needed
  • Processing efficiency impacts total cost

12.2 Implementation Guidelines

Design Considerations:

  1. Conduct environment-specific corrosion testing for critical applications
  2. Evaluate total cost of ownership, not just material cost
  3. Consider supply chain reliability and regional availability
  4. Plan for potential material substitution in global supply chains
  5. Establish quality specifications appropriate to regional standards

Quality Assurance:

  1. Implement incoming material verification procedures
  2. Establish processing parameter controls for optimal performance
  3. Develop application-specific testing protocols
  4. Monitor long-term performance in service conditions
  5. Maintain traceability throughout the supply chain

12.3 Final Assessment

Both C26000 and H62 represent mature, well-understood brass alloys with distinct advantages. C26000 excels in demanding applications where performance justifies premium cost, while H62 provides optimal value for cost-sensitive, high-volume applications. The global trend toward application-specific material optimization suggests both alloys will maintain significant market positions, with regional preferences continuing to influence selection patterns.

Success in alloy selection requires understanding not just the technical properties, but also the complete application context, including manufacturing processes, service environment, economic constraints, and supply chain considerations. This comprehensive analysis provides the foundation for informed decision-making in brass alloy specification.


This technical comparison is based on industry standards, published research, and practical application experience. Specific applications should always be validated through appropriate testing and qualification procedures.