CZ121 / CW614N - Free Machining Brass

CW614N / CZ121 is the standard European grade of free-machining brass consisting of a duplex structure and a 3% lead addition. The particles of lead are finely dispersed throughout the microstructure and acts as both a lubricant and a chip breaker to give the alloy its free machining characteristics.

The machinability rating of 100% for CW614N / CZ121 is the standard against which all other copper alloys are rated. It is the most widely used of all the brasses due to its suitability for high speed machining operations and also the manufacture of intricate parts. Its combination of machinability, thread rolling and knurling characteristics, combined with its good strength, an ease of soldering / brazing and a high resistance to corrosion makes it the ideal choice for many brass components throughout industry.

Related Specifications

CZ121

CW614N

C36000 or C38500

CuZn39Pb3

Nominal Composition

Copper                  

56.5-58.5%

Lead              

2.5-3.5%

Iron

0.3% max

Zinc

Rem

Total Imps

0.7% Max

Key Features

  • The Highest Machinability of any Copper Alloy
  • Excellent Hot formability
  • Good Corrosion Resistance

Typical Physical Properties

Melting Point

890°C 

Density

8.4 g/cm³

Specific Heat

380 J/Kg°K

Thermal conductivity (RT)                      

121 W/m°K

Thermal expansion coefficient (20-200°C)

20.9 x 10-6

Electrical conductivity

28% IACS 

Electrical Resistivity

0.062 ohm mm2/m

 Fabrication Properties

Hot Working Temperature Range

625-725°C

Hot Formability                                     

Excellent

Cold Formability

Poor

Machinability rating

(free cutting brass = 100)            

100%

Annealing Temp. Range

450-600°C

Stress Relieving Temp. Range

250-350°C

 Joining Methods

Soldering

Excellent

Brazing        

Good

Oxy-acetylene welding

Not Recommended

Gas-shielded arc welding

Not Recommended

Resistance welding:   Spot and Seam

Not Recomended

                             Butt

Less Suitable 

 Typical Uses:

Traditional uses for CZ121 / CW614N include a wide variety of machined components made on high speed lathes including screws, bolts, nuts, bushing, pins, washers, butts, hinges and also locks and components for watches.

This technical information is given by John Hood & Co.without charge and the user shall employ such information at their own discretion and risk. For more detailed technical advice on temper selection, fabrication, joining, machining, physical and mechanical data please contact us as space does not permit the listing of every feature of the material.