Bronze Fittings
C83600 Bronze Pipe Fittings
The standard 85-5-5-5 cast alloy for general-purpose bronze pipe fittings, valves and plumbing components.
Product overview
C83600 is the default material for bronze pipe fittings (elbows, tees, couplings, unions and similar). Sizes, thread forms and ratings are confirmed with the company and should be defined by your drawing or specification.
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.
Material identification
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| UNS designation | C83600 |
| Material | Leaded Red Brass / Composition Bronze (85-5-5-5) |
| Alloy family | Additional Cast Bronze Grades |
| Alloy type | Cast copper-tin-lead-zinc alloy |
| Product form | Fittings |
| Availability | Listed – sizes, tolerances and stock confirmed per inquiry |
Where it is used
- 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
Machining and fabrication
Excellent machinability and casting characteristics – a key reason it is the default fitting alloy. Soldering and brazing are routine for fitting connections.
Forms and sizes
- Elbows (45° and 90°)
- Tees and crosses
- Couplings and reducers
- Unions, plugs and caps
- Custom fittings to drawing
Only fitting types technically appropriate to the material, application and manufacturing method are offered. Sizes, thread forms and ratings are confirmed with the company. Do not rely on this page for dimensions, tolerances or stock.
What to include in your inquiry
- UNS grade and governing specification
- Dimensions (or drawing) and tolerance class
- Quantity and delivery timing
- Application and operating environment
- Certificate / inspection requirements
Composition reference
| 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.
Commonly referenced specifications
- ASTM B62 – composition bronze or ounce metal castings
- ASTM B584 – sand castings
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.
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