C83600 Machined Bronze Castings – Precision CNC Machined Leaded Red Brass
Conex Casting is a leading manufacturer and exporter of C83600 Machined Bronze Castings (also known as C836 Bronze, CDA 836, or Leaded Red Brass 85-5-5-5) from India. We supply precision CNC machined bronze components cast from genuine C83600 alloy to global customers in the USA, UK, Europe, Australia, the Middle East, and beyond. Our state-of-the-art foundry and CNC machining facility ensures dimensional accuracy, superior surface finish, and compliance with ASTM, BS, DIN, and IS standards.
C83600 is one of the most widely used copper alloys in the world, prized for its excellent machinability, corrosion resistance, pressure tightness, and versatile mechanical properties. It is the go-to alloy for valves, fittings, bushings, pump components, and a vast range of industrial castings wherever a cost-effective, reliable bronze is required.
What is C83600 Bronze Alloy?
C83600 (UNS C83600) is a Leaded Red Brass (also called 85-5-5-5 Bronze) composed primarily of copper (84–86%), with balanced additions of tin (4–6%), lead (4–6%), and zinc (4–6%). This four-component composition delivers an outstanding combination of castability, corrosion resistance in water and steam, pressure tightness, and machinability. It is one of the oldest and most proven copper casting alloys and remains the benchmark choice for plumbing, valve, and pump applications globally.
C83600 Chemical Composition
| Element | Min (%) | Max (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Copper (Cu) | 84.00 | 86.00 |
| Tin (Sn) | 4.00 | 6.00 |
| Lead (Pb) | 4.00 | 6.00 |
| Zinc (Zn) | 4.00 | 6.00 |
| Nickel (Ni) | – | 1.00 |
| Iron (Fe) | – | 0.30 |
| Antimony (Sb) | – | 0.25 |
| Sulfur (S) | – | 0.08 |
| Phosphorus (P) | – | 0.05 |
C83600 Mechanical & Physical Properties
| Property | Typical Value |
|---|---|
| Tensile Strength (min) | 240 MPa (35,000 psi) |
| Yield Strength (0.5% ext., min) | 110 MPa (16,000 psi) |
| Elongation (min) | 20% |
| Brinell Hardness (HB) | 60–65 HB |
| Density | 8.83 g/cm³ |
| Melting Point | 854–1010°C (1570–1850°F) |
| Machinability Rating | 84% (vs C36000 free-cutting brass) |
| Thermal Conductivity | 72 W/m·K |
| Coefficient of Thermal Expansion | 18.4 µm/m·°C |
| Elastic Modulus | 83 GPa (12,000 ksi) |
C83600 International Equivalent Grades & Cross-Reference Table
C83600 is globally recognised with equivalent designations across multiple international standards. Engineers worldwide can specify C83600 machined bronze castings using local designations.
| Standard / Country | Designation / Grade | Common Name |
|---|---|---|
| USA – UNS / ASTM | C83600 / CDA 836 | Leaded Red Brass / 85-5-5-5 Bronze |
| USA – SAE | SAE 40 | Red Brass / Ounce Metal |
| UK – BS | BS 1400 LG2 | Leaded Gunmetal |
| Germany – DIN | DIN 1705 RG5 / CuSn5ZnPb | Rotguss / Red Brass |
| ISO | ISO 1338 CuSn5Pb5Zn5 | Leaded Tin Bronze |
| Europe – EN | EN 1982 CC491K / CuSn5Pb5Zn5-C | Gunmetal |
| France – NF | NF A53-703 UAP5Z5P5 | Bronze Gunmetal |
| Japan – JIS | JIS H5111 CAC406 | Leaded Bronze |
| Australia – AS | AS 1565 C83600 | Red Brass |
| India – IS | IS 318 LTB2 / Grade 2 | Leaded Tin Bronze |
| China – GB | GB/T 1176 ZCuSn5Pb5Zn5 | Leaded Tin Bronze |
| Russia – GOST | GOST 613 BrO5Ts5S5 | Leaded Bronze |
| Sweden – SS | SS 5195 | Leaded Red Brass |
Available Casting Methods for C83600 Bronze
At Conex Casting, we produce C83600 bronze castings using multiple casting processes to suit different shapes, quantities, tolerances, and surface finish requirements:
- Sand Casting – For large, complex shapes and prototype quantities. Economical tooling, suitable for components from 0.1 kg to several hundred kilograms.
- Centrifugal Casting – Ideal for cylindrical forms such as bushings, rings, and sleeves. Produces a dense, defect-free microstructure with superior mechanical properties and excellent soundness.
- Permanent Mold (Gravity Die) Casting – For medium-volume production of smaller, dimensionally consistent parts. Excellent surface finish with good dimensional repeatability.
- Shell Mold Casting – For higher dimensional accuracy and improved surface finish in moderate to high volumes.
- Investment Casting – For intricate, near-net-shape components with tight tolerances, fine detail, and minimal machining stock.
All castings undergo precision CNC machining on our modern multi-axis machining centres to achieve final dimensions, tight tolerances (ISO IT7 and better), and surface finishes down to Ra 0.8 µm or finer.
Typical C83600 Machined Bronze Products
Our CNC machined C83600 bronze castings are supplied in a wide range of product forms including:
- Gate valves, globe valves, ball valves, check valves, and valve bodies
- Valve flanges, bonnets, caps, and stems
- Pump casings, impeller housings, and pump bodies
- Pipe fittings: elbows, tees, couplings, reducers, unions, and nipples
- Plumbing fittings and water meter bodies
- Bushings, plain bearings, and sleeve bearings
- Flanges, flange adapters, and flange spools
- Manifolds, hydraulic blocks, and distribution headers
- Marine hardware: sea cocks, through-hull fittings, and deck hardware
- Steam, gas, and condensate fittings
- Electrical connectors, grounding lugs, and earthing components
- Fire hydrant components, sprinkler heads, and hose couplings
- Custom machined bronze components to customer drawings or samples
Sizes and Dimensional Range
We supply C83600 machined bronze castings across a broad dimensional range to suit diverse engineering requirements:
- Weight range: 0.05 kg to 500 kg per piece
- Diameter range: 10 mm to 1,500 mm OD
- Length / Height: Up to 2,000 mm
- Wall thickness: From 3 mm upwards
- Machining tolerance: ISO IT6–IT8 standard; finer tolerances on request
- Surface finish: Ra 0.8–6.3 µm as-machined; ground, honed, and polished finishes available
- Thread forms: BSP, BSPT, NPT, NPTF, Metric ISO, UNC, UNF
- Pressure ratings: Up to 300 psi (20 bar) as-cast; higher with machined tested pressure bodies
We work from customer-supplied 2D drawings, 3D CAD files (STEP, IGES, DXF), or physical samples. Reverse engineering and drawing creation services are also available.
Key Properties and Advantages of C83600 Bronze Alloy
- Excellent machinability (84% rating) – Lead content acts as a chip-breaker lubricant, enabling fast machining speeds, excellent tool life, and fine surface finishes
- Superior corrosion resistance – Outstanding resistance to fresh water, seawater, steam, brine, mild acids, and most industrial fluids
- Pressure tightness – Dense, porosity-free castings with good pressure integrity for valve bodies and fluid-handling components
- Good wear resistance – Suitable for moderate-load bearing, sliding, and anti-galling applications
- Dezincification resistance – Low zinc content (max 6%) significantly reduces risk of dezincification in potable water and marine service
- Excellent castability – Flows well into all casting processes, producing sound, defect-free castings with good pattern definition
- Weldable and solderable – Suitable for repair welding (GMAW, GTAW) and soft soldering
- Low-lead compliance options – Lead-free and low-lead variants available (C83803, C89833) for NSF/ANSI 61 potable water and California Prop 65 compliance
Industries Served with C83600 Bronze Castings
- Oil & Gas – Valve bodies, wellhead components, pipeline fittings, and pump components for upstream, midstream, and downstream operations
- Marine & Shipbuilding – Sea valves, through-hull fittings, propeller shaft components, deck hardware, and offshore equipment
- Water & Wastewater Treatment – Water meter bodies, gate valves, fire hydrant parts, and water distribution fittings
- Plumbing & HVAC – Plumbing fittings, manifolds, balancing valves, and heating/cooling system components
- Power Generation – Steam and condensate valves, heat exchanger end covers, turbine components, and nuclear-grade hardware
- Pumps & Fluid Handling – Pump casings, impellers, volutes, and wear rings for centrifugal and positive displacement pumps
- Automotive & Transport – Hydraulic fittings, bushings, bearing housings, and braking system components
- Mining & Mineral Processing – Wear-resistant components for slurry pumps, cyclone underflow, and processing equipment
- Fire Protection – Sprinkler heads, fire hydrant components, and hose couplings
- Chemical Processing – Valves, fittings, and flow control components for non-corrosive chemical service
- Defence & Aerospace – Precision components for hydraulic fluid systems and military hardware
- General Engineering & OEM – Custom machined components for OEM, MRO, and plant maintenance applications
Applicable Specifications & Standards for C83600 Bronze
- ASTM B62 – Composition Bronze or Ounce Metal Castings
- ASTM B584 – Copper Alloy Sand Castings for General Applications
- ASTM B271 – Copper-Base Alloy Centrifugal Castings
- SAE J461 / SAE J462 – Cast Copper Alloys
- BS 1400 LG2 – Leaded Gunmetal Castings
- EN 1982 CC491K – Copper-Tin-Zinc-Lead Alloy Castings
- DIN 1705 RG5 – Rotguss Castings
- IS 318 Grade 2 – Leaded Tin Bronze Castings (India)
- ISO 1338 CuSn5Pb5Zn5 – International Standard for Leaded Bronze
- JIS H5111 CAC406 – Japanese Industrial Standard for Copper Alloy Castings
Frequently Asked Questions – C83600 Machined Bronze Castings
Q1: What is C83600 bronze and why is it called 85-5-5-5?
C83600 is a Leaded Red Brass alloy composed of approximately 85% copper, 5% tin, 5% lead, and 5% zinc. The “85-5-5-5” nickname directly reflects this composition. It is one of the most widely specified bronze casting alloys globally due to its excellent machinability, corrosion resistance, and pressure tightness in valves, fittings, and fluid handling components.
Q2: What is the international equivalent of C83600 bronze?
C83600 has many international equivalents: BS 1400 LG2 (UK), EN 1982 CC491K / CuSn5Pb5Zn5-C (Europe), DIN 1705 RG5 (Germany), JIS H5111 CAC406 (Japan), IS 318 Grade 2 LTB2 (India), GB/T 1176 ZCuSn5Pb5Zn5 (China), and GOST 613 BrO5Ts5S5 (Russia). See our full cross-reference table above.
Q3: What casting processes are available for C83600?
C83600 can be cast by sand casting, centrifugal casting, permanent mold (gravity die) casting, shell mold casting, and investment casting. The best process depends on shape, quantity, tolerance, and surface finish requirements. Conex Casting offers all these processes in-house at our foundry in India.
Q4: What is the machinability rating of C83600 bronze?
C83600 has a machinability rating of 84% relative to free-cutting brass (C36000 = 100%). The lead content acts as a machining lubricant, producing short chips, excellent surface finishes, and good tool life. It machines significantly more easily than lead-free bronze alternatives.
Q5: Is C83600 bronze suitable for drinking water / potable water applications?
Traditional C83600 contains up to 6% lead and may not comply with NSF/ANSI 61 or California Proposition 65 limits (≤0.25% weighted average lead) for potable water contact. For drinking water applications, we recommend low-lead alloys such as C83803 (SeBiLOY II) or lead-free C89833. Please consult us about regulations in your region.
Q6: What is the difference between C83600 and C83800?
C83800 contains slightly different proportions: Cu 82–84%, Sn 3.3–4.2%, Pb 5–7%, Zn 5–8%. C83600 has a tighter copper range and higher tin content, giving marginally better strength and corrosion resistance. Both are used for similar valve and plumbing applications, but C83600 is generally preferred for higher-pressure service.
Q7: Can you supply C83600 castings to ASTM B62 or ASTM B584?
Yes. We supply C83600 castings to ASTM B62 (Ounce Metal Castings), ASTM B584 (Copper Alloy Sand Castings), and ASTM B271 (Centrifugal Castings), as well as BS, EN, IS, and other standards. We provide material test reports (MTR), chemical composition certificates, and dimensional inspection reports with every order.
Q8: What surface finishes are available on machined C83600 bronze castings?
Standard CNC machined finishes range from Ra 1.6 to Ra 6.3 µm. We also offer precision ground surfaces (Ra 0.4–0.8 µm), honed bores, polished exterior surfaces, and special coatings including tin plating, nickel plating, and chrome plating on request.
Q9: What is the minimum order quantity (MOQ)?
We are flexible on order quantities. For repeat orders on existing tooling, we can supply from one piece. For new tooling (patterns or dies), a minimum order value may apply. Please send your drawing and required quantity for a competitive quotation within 24 hours.
Q10: What are typical lead times for C83600 machined bronze castings?
Lead times depend on complexity, quantity, and whether new tooling is needed. Repeat orders typically ship in 2–4 weeks. New patterns and first articles require 4–8 weeks. Expedited production is available for urgent orders – contact us to discuss your timeline.
Q11: Do you provide material test reports and quality certifications?
Yes. We provide full material test reports (MTR) including chemical composition and mechanical property results. We supply EN 10204 3.1 or 3.2 certificates, dimensional inspection reports, and third-party inspection (TPI) by Bureau Veritas, SGS, TUV, DNV, or other agencies on request. Our quality system is ISO 9001 certified.
Q12: Can you machine C83600 castings to very tight tolerances?
Yes. Our CNC machining centres hold tolerances to ISO IT6 (e.g., ±0.005 mm on precision bores) and finer on request. We use CMM (coordinate measuring machine) inspection to verify critical dimensions. Complex geometries including deep holes, precision internal threads, tapers, and ultra-fine surface finishes are within our capabilities.
Q13: What is the corrosion resistance of C83600 in seawater?
C83600 has excellent resistance to seawater corrosion and is a standard choice for marine valves, sea cocks, and through-hull fittings. Its low zinc content (≤6%) means it is far less susceptible to dezincification than high-zinc brasses. It performs well in continuous immersion in seawater and brackish water.
Q14: Do you export C83600 bronze castings internationally?
Yes. Conex Casting exports C83600 machined bronze castings to the USA, UK, Germany, France, Italy, Australia, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Canada, South Africa, and many other countries. We handle export documentation, packing for sea/air freight, and supply on DDP, FOB, CIF, or other agreed Incoterms.
Quality Assurance for C83600 Bronze Castings
Every C83600 bronze casting leaving our facility has passed through a rigorous multi-stage quality process:
- Incoming raw material verification by Optical Emission Spectrometry (OES/XRF)
- In-process casting quality checks: visual, dimensional, and NDT (radiography, ultrasonic, dye penetrant as required)
- Final CNC machined component dimensional inspection using CMM and precision gauging
- Pressure testing for valve bodies and pressure-retaining castings
- Brinell hardness testing per ASTM E10
- Surface finish measurement using contact profilometers
- Full material traceability from heat/melt number to finished component
Why Choose Conex Casting for C83600 Bronze Castings?
- 30+ years of bronze casting and machining expertise
- Full in-house capability: pattern making, foundry, and CNC machining under one roof
- ISO 9001 certified quality management system
- Competitive pricing from India with fast global delivery
- Flexible quantities from 1 piece to high-volume production
- Technical engineering support for alloy selection and design optimisation
- All major international standards: ASTM, BS, EN, DIN, IS, JIS
- 24-hour quotation turnaround on drawings
Get a Quote for C83600 Machined Bronze Castings
Are you looking for a reliable manufacturer of C83600 Machined Bronze Castings from India? Conex Casting offers competitive pricing, fast lead times, stringent quality control, and complete flexibility on quantities – from prototype pieces to large production runs. Our engineering team will review your drawings, advise on alloy selection, and provide a detailed quotation within 24 hours.
Contact us today for a free technical consultation and competitive quote on C83600 bronze castings.