CuZn30 vs CuZn37: Both alpha-brasses — CuZn30 better formability, CuZn37 stronger
CuZn30 vs CuZn37
Side-by-side chemical composition and mechanical property comparison.
Overview
CuZn30
CW505L
70/30 Brass — the "Cartridge Brass." Best cold formability of all brasses. Excellent deep drawing properties. Good corrosion resistance (better than higher-Zn brasses). Used for cartridge cases, radiator cores, lamp fittings, musical instruments, and decorative hardware. ≈ UNS C26000.
CuZn37
2.0321
Lead-free alpha/alpha+beta brass (63% Cu, 37% Zn). Compromise between cold formability (CuZn35) and hot formability (CuZn40). The most widely used unleaded brass. Used for cartridge cases, radiator cores, lamp components, plumbing fixtures, and decorative hardware.
| CuZn30 | CuZn37 | |
|---|---|---|
| Material Number | CW505L | 2.0321 |
| Category | Copper & Brass | Copper & Brass |
| Standard | EN 12163 | EN 12167 |
Chemical composition (wt%)
| Element | CuZn30 | CuZn37 | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ni | 0–0.3% | 0–0.3% | OK |
| Cu | 69–71% | 62–64% | No overlap |
| Al | — | 0–0.05% | — |
| Zn | — | — | — |
Mechanical properties
| Property | CuZn30 | CuZn37 | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| tensile_strength | 300–370 | 310–400 | MPa |
| yield_strength | 80–150 | ≥ 100 | MPa |
| elongation | 55–65 | ≥ 38 | % |
Compatibility Assessment
CuZn30 (70/30) is the best deep-drawing brass — maximum formability. CuZn37 (63/37) is near the alpha/beta boundary, giving higher strength but reduced formability. Choose CuZn30 for deep-drawn parts and musical instruments; CuZn37 for general-purpose sheet/strip where more strength is needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is CuZn30 the same as CuZn37?
CuZn30 and CuZn37 have a 80% composition overlap. Both alpha-brasses — CuZn30 better formability, CuZn37 stronger
Can I replace CuZn30 with CuZn37?
In many cases, yes. The compositions overlap significantly (80%). However, always verify mechanical property requirements and heat treatment compatibility for your specific application.
What is the difference between CuZn30 and CuZn37?
The main differences are in the following elements: Cu. CuZn30 is a Copper & Brass grade, while CuZn37 is a Copper & Brass grade.
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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.