Leaded brass rods C 38500 for automatic machining operations: A technical report

C 38500 is a widely used copper alloy with a great variety of applications from decoration and architecture to mechanical/electrical engineering. The chemical composition of this alloy offers superior machinability and subsequently increased productivity in high-speed machining and manufacturing processes. In European countries, this alloy is used primarily as free cutting brass (CW 614N according to EN 12164: 1998), similar to C 36000 alloy, which is used also for thread rolling. The lower percentage of Cu compared to C 36000 (nominal 58% instead of 61%) decreases the cost of the raw materials. This paper reports the principal aspects of microstructure, mechanical properties, and machinability of this alloy in relation to the industrial manufacturing process used.