CuZn39Pb3 (CW614N)
Alpha-beta free-machining brass
Typical values for the temper in the title
CuZn39Pb3 (CW614N, old name MS58) is the most common free-machining brass in Europe and Israel. The lead (2.5–3.5%) breaks the chip into small pieces, so it machines at very high speed on automatic lathes.
The alpha+beta structure also allows good hot forging. It is used for parts machined in volume: plumbing fittings, connectors, locks, bolts and nuts. It is similar to the American C360, with slightly less copper.
Mechanical and physical properties
| Property | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile strength Rm | 380–500 MPa | |
| Yield strength Rp0.2 | 160–390 MPa | |
| Modulus of elasticity E | 96 GPa | |
| Density ρ | 8.47 g/cm³ | |
| Machinability | 100% | relative rating in the site database |
Chemical composition (wt %)
| Element | Range | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Cu copper | 57.0–59.0 | |
| Pb lead | 2.5–3.5 | chip breaking |
| Fe iron | max 0.3 | |
| Ni nickel | max 0.3 | |
| Sn tin | max 0.3 | |
| Al aluminum | max 0.05 | |
| Zn zinc | balance |
Ranges per EN 12164.
Tempers and heat treatment
In EN 12164 the brass is ordered by strength grade (R), for example R380 or R430, by the level of cold work.
| Condition | Properties | When to choose it |
|---|---|---|
| R380 | softer | machining and forming |
| R430 | stronger | loaded parts |
| For forging (EN 12165) | hot forging stock | forged parts |
Applications
- Plumbing fittings
- Connectors and electrical parts
- Locks
- Bolts and nuts
- Parts machined on automatic lathes
Fabrication
Machining
Excellent, among the highest of metals. Short chips and very high cutting speeds.
Lead
Because of the lead, drinking-water use has regulatory limits. Low-lead grades exist.
Welding
Poor because of the lead. Join mechanically or by soldering.
Compared with similar materials
| Material | Rm / Rp0.2 | Welding | When it is the better choice |
|---|---|---|---|
| C360 | 340–420 / 125–310 MPa | Poor — Pb | C360: the American counterpart, with slightly more copper · material page |
| C260 | 300–550 / 75–420 MPa | Medium | C260: 70/30 brass for cold forming, lead-free · material page |
| C464 | 370–580 / 170–440 MPa | Medium | C464: corrosion-resistant naval brass · material page |
Common mistakes
Using it for drinking water without checking regulations
There are lead limits. Use a suitable grade.
Welding it
The lead causes cracking.
Cold bending to a small radius
An alpha+beta structure is less ductile cold than alpha brass.
Equivalents, standards and supply
| DIN | 2.0401 |
|---|---|
| BS | CZ121 |
| ASTM | C38500 (close) |
| Standards | EN 12164 / EN 12165 |
| Forms | rod · profile · wire |
| Producers | Wieland · Aurubis · KME |
Learn more
Values are typical and for comparison only. For design, rely on the standard and the mill certificate. Sources: Copper Development Association (copper.org), ASTM B111 and B124, producer data sheets, and the METAL HUB materials database.
Updated: October 31, 2026