Additional Cast Bronze Grades
C83600 — Leaded Red Brass / Composition Bronze (85-5-5-5)
The standard 85-5-5-5 cast alloy for general-purpose bronze pipe fittings, valves and plumbing components.
Grade overview
C83600, known as ounce metal or 85-5-5-5 (copper-tin-lead-zinc), is the most common cast alloy for bronze pipe fittings and valves. It casts soundly, machines easily and gives good pressure tightness and corrosion resistance in water and low-pressure steam service.
Technically it is a leaded red brass, but it is universally sold as “bronze” in the fittings and valve trade, and this site follows the trade naming. It contains lead and is therefore not suitable where lead content in wetted parts is restricted.
Alloy family and identification
Cast copper-tin-lead-zinc alloy, UNS C83600, commonly 85-5-5-5, “ounce metal” or “composition bronze”. Listed under Additional Cast Bronze Grades on this site.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| UNS designation | C83600 |
| Common name | Leaded Red Brass / Composition Bronze (85-5-5-5) |
| Alloy family | Additional Cast Bronze Grades |
| Type | Cast copper-tin-lead-zinc alloy |
Typical composition
| Element | Nominal limit, wt % |
|---|---|
| Copper (Cu) | 84.0 – 86.0 |
| Tin (Sn) | 4.0 – 6.0 |
| Lead (Pb) | 4.0 – 6.0 |
| Zinc (Zn) | 4.0 – 6.0 |
| Nickel (Ni, incl. Co) | 1.0 max |
| Iron (Fe) | 0.30 max |
| Antimony (Sb) | 0.25 max |
| Phosphorus (P) | 0.05 max |
| Sulfur (S) | 0.08 max |
Reference data only – typical or nominal values from published specifications, not a guarantee of supplied material. Confirm against the current edition of the applicable specification, the product form and condition, and the material test certificate. Technical review by the company is required before publication or reliance.
Typical mechanical properties
Mechanical property values are intentionally not published here. They vary with specification, product form, size and temper or condition and will be added only once the governing specification and condition are confirmed. Request the applicable specification or test certificate with your inquiry.
Physical properties
Physical properties (density, thermal and electrical data) are not listed until verified against an authoritative datasheet. Contact us for current reference data.
Corrosion and wear considerations
Good general resistance in fresh water, many industrial fluids and some salt-water conditions at moderate velocities. Lead content restricts potable-water use. Not for ammonia-bearing or oxidising acid media.
Machinability and fabrication
Excellent machinability and casting characteristics – a key reason it is the default fitting alloy. Soldering and brazing are routine for fitting connections.
Common industrial applications
- Threaded and solder-joint pipe fittings
- Valve bodies and bonnets
- Pump and meter castings
- Plumbing and heating hardware (where lead is permitted)
- General industrial fluid handling
Examples only. Suitability must be confirmed for the actual operating environment.
Available product forms
Sizes, tolerances and stock are not published and must be confirmed with the company.
Relevant products
Standards and specifications
- ASTM B62 – composition bronze or ounce metal castings
- ASTM B584 – sand castings
Verify against the current edition and the exact product form before specifying.
Certification and inspection options
Material test certificates, chemical analysis, dimensional reports and third-party inspection can be requested with your inquiry. What can be supplied for C83600 is confirmed with the company for each order; no certificate is implied by this page.
Related grades
Frequently asked questions
Why is C83600 called bronze if it has a lot of zinc?
Trade naming: it is formally a leaded red brass, but it is universally sold as 85-5-5-5 “bronze” in fittings and valves.
Is C83600 suitable for drinking water?
It contains lead. For lead-restricted applications, a lead-free grade such as C89833 should be reviewed against the applicable regulation.
Need C83600 in a specific form?
Share your grade, dimensions, quantity and technical requirements with our team.