CuBe2 vs CuZn39Pb3: 33% composition overlap. Significantly different materials serving different application areas.
CuBe2 vs CuZn39Pb3
Side-by-side chemical composition and mechanical property comparison.
Overview
CuBe2
CW101C
THE highest-strength copper alloy — UTS up to 1400 MPa (200 ksi), approaching steel strength with copper's conductivity (22% IACS aged). Age-hardenable: solution treat 780-800°C, age 315-340°C → HRC 38-45. Non-sparking, non-magnetic. Trade names: Alloy 25 (Materion), BeCu25 (NGK). CAUTION: Be dust is carcinogenic — machining requires extraction. Used for non-sparking tools, mold inserts, springs, connectors, and resistance welding electrodes.
CuZn39Pb3
2.0401
The most widely used free-cutting brass (machinability index 100%). Excellent for high-speed automatic lathe work. Used for turned parts, faucets, valves, fittings, screws, nuts, electrical connectors, and watch components. Also known as MS58.
| CuBe2 | CuZn39Pb3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Material Number | CW101C | 2.0401 |
| Category | Copper & Brass | Copper & Brass |
| Standard | EN 12163 | EN 12164 |
Chemical composition (wt%)
| Element | CuBe2 | CuZn39Pb3 | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ni | 0–0.3% | 0–0.3% | OK |
| Cu | — | 57–59% | — |
| Al | — | 0–0.05% | — |
| Be | 1.8–2.1% | — | — |
Mechanical properties
| Property | CuBe2 | CuZn39Pb3 | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| tensile_strength | 440–540 | ≥ 360 | MPa |
| elongation | 25–45 | ≥ 15 | % |
| hardness_hrc | 38–45 | — | HRC |
Compatibility Assessment
CuBe2 and CuZn39Pb3 have significantly different compositions (33% overlap). These materials are not interchangeable and serve different application areas.
Automated assessment based on composition analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
Is CuBe2 the same as CuZn39Pb3?
CuBe2 and CuZn39Pb3 have a 33% composition overlap. They are generally not directly interchangeable.
Can I replace CuBe2 with CuZn39Pb3?
Generally not recommended. The compositions differ significantly (33% overlap). These materials have different alloying concepts and are intended for different applications.
What is the difference between CuBe2 and CuZn39Pb3?
The main differences are in the following elements: overall alloying content. CuBe2 is a Copper & Brass grade, while CuZn39Pb3 is a Copper & Brass grade.
Related Comparisons
View full data for each material:
Data provided for reference only. Always verify against the applicable specification for critical applications.
All data is for reference only. Equivalents indicate similarity, not identity. Always verify against the applicable specification for safety-critical applications. materialref.com accepts no liability for decisions based on this data.