CuZn15
CW501LLow-zinc brass (Tombak/Gilding Metal) — 85/15 Cu-Zn. Rich golden color, excellent cold formability, and good corrosion resistance. Lower Zn than CuZn20 — closer to pure copper in color and properties. Used for ammunition cartridge cases, decorative hardware, coins/medals, jewelry components, and architectural trim where a rich gold appearance is desired.
International equivalents
| Flag | Standard | Country | Grade | Number | Match |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🇺🇸 | UNS | USA | UNS C23000 (Red Brass) | C23000 | REF |
| 🇪🇺 | EN | Europe | CuZn15 / CW501L | CW501L | 100% |
Sources: ASTM B36, EN 12163
Chemical composition comparison (wt%)
Side-by-side: CuZn15 (EN 12163) vs CuZn15 / CW501L (EN) (EN 12163)
| Element | CuZn15 (EN 12163) | CuZn15 / CW501L (EN) | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cu | — | 84–86% | — |
| Zn | — | — | — |
Mechanical properties
Compatibility verdict
CuZn15 and CuZn15 / CW501L: 100% composition match
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