Additional Cast Bronze Grades
C84400 — Leaded Semi-Red Brass / Valve Metal (81-3-7-9)
An economical, highly machinable cast alloy (about 81-3-7-9) for general-purpose fittings, valves and plumbing hardware.
Grade overview
C84400 is a leaded semi-red brass with higher lead and zinc and lower tin than C83600. It is easy to cast and machine and is widely used for low-pressure valves, fittings and general plumbing components where economy and machining speed matter.
It is sold under the “bronze” banner in the fittings trade. Its higher lead content means it is not for potable-water use under lead restrictions, and its strength and pressure performance are generally a step below the higher-tin alloys such as C83600 and C92200.
Alloy family and identification
Cast copper-tin-lead-zinc alloy, UNS C84400, commonly 81-3-7-9 or “valve metal”.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| UNS designation | C84400 |
| Common name | Leaded Semi-Red Brass / Valve Metal (81-3-7-9) |
| Alloy family | Additional Cast Bronze Grades |
| Type | Cast copper-tin-lead-zinc alloy |
Typical composition
| Element | Nominal limit, wt % |
|---|---|
| Copper (Cu) | 78.0 – 82.0 |
| Tin (Sn) | 2.3 – 3.5 |
| Lead (Pb) | 6.0 – 8.0 |
| Zinc (Zn) | 7.0 – 10.0 |
| Nickel (Ni, incl. Co) | 1.0 max |
| Iron (Fe) | 0.40 max |
| Antimony (Sb) | 0.25 max |
| Phosphorus (P) | 0.02 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
Adequate in water and non-aggressive fluids at low pressures. Lower tin and higher zinc mean less corrosion and strength margin than C83600 or C92200; not recommended for demanding steam or corrosive service.
Machinability and fabrication
Very good machinability and casting behaviour, which keeps component cost low. Soldering and brazing are routine.
Common industrial applications
- Low-pressure valves and fittings
- Plumbing and heating components
- General hardware castings
- Fixtures and instrumentation parts
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 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 C84400 is confirmed with the company for each order; no certificate is implied by this page.
Related grades
Frequently asked questions
How is C84400 different from C83600?
C84400 has more lead and zinc and less tin, trading some strength and pressure tightness for economy and machining speed.
Is C84400 suitable for steam?
Not as a first choice. C92200 is the usual bronze for steam and higher-duty valve service.
Need C84400 in a specific form?
Share your grade, dimensions, quantity and technical requirements with our team.