Copper alloys: verifying versatile properties
Copper is a versatile metal used for a wide variety of applications. The alloying elements that are combined in Cu provide properties, such as strength, electrical conductivity/resistivity, ductility, luster, and even anti-microbial qualities, that are very desirable for the end user. Verification of the composition of the final alloys is critical to ensuring the material will be fit for use.
Our long-awaited CRM IARM-Cu844-18 can be used for instrument calibration and/or compositional verification of copper alloy CDA 844 (UNS C84400). CDA 844 is one of the most widely used alloys in the leaded semi-red brass family. It is found in several consumer products, including musical instruments, HVAC equipment, electrical equipment, ornamental fixtures and even valves and building hardware. The versatility of this alloy is boosted by its reasonable cost as well as excellent machining and casting properties, which are achieved by the proper combination of alloying elements Zn, Pb, and Sn. Our semi-leaded red brass, IARM-Cu844-18, falls within grade spec for these critical elements, and its certificate of analysis (CoA) reports certified values for 14 additional elements: Ag, Al, As, Bi, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Ni, P, S, Sb, and Se. Reference values are also given for four more elements.
CDA 836 (UNS C83600), also known as 85 metal (85% Cu, 5% each Pb, Sn and Zn), is a leaded red brass copper alloy that is the most commonly used alloy in this brass family. CDA 836 has good resistance to corrosion, wear and fatigue and also shows good electrical/thermal conductivity and moderate strength. Additionally, it has good machinability and high cast yield. This alloy is typically used for plumbing or marine applications, such as: valves, flanges, pipe/marine fittings, plumbing goods, pump castings, water pump impellers/housings, ornamental fixtures, and small gears. Our CRM IARM-Cu836-18 replaces our popular CRM IARM-86D. The CoA for Cu836-18 contains certified values for the four alloying elements of CDA 836 plus 12 additional trace elements, including Ag, As, Bi, Cd, Co, Fe, Nb, Ni, P, S, Sb, and Se. It is appropriate to use for instrument calibration and/or compositional verification.
Beryllium copper CDA 172 (UNS C17200) alloys have strength and hardness properties similar to steel, while still providing excellent corrosion resistance and electrical conductivity. CDA 172 is harder than most other copper alloys and is commonly used in electrical connectors, current-carrying springs, fasteners, welding equipment, bearings, tools, and corrosion-resistant components. Our new IARM-Cu172-19 CRM replaces our popular CRM IARM-Cu172-18, and the CoA reports certified values for 14 elements, including Ag, Al, Be, Co, Cr, Fe, Mg, Mn, Ni, P, S, Sb, Si, and Sn. Reference values are also provided for seven additional elements.
