Cartridge Brass (UNS C26000) is a high-copper α-brass alloy containing approximately 70% copper and 30% zinc. It is one of the most widely used brass grades worldwide, valued for its exceptional ductility, excellent cold-working behavior, and good corrosion resistance.
Originally developed for ammunition cartridge cases, C26000 has become the industry benchmark for deep drawing, stamping, and repeated forming applications.
Strengthening & Metallurgical Behavior
✔ Single-phase α-brass (Cu-rich)
✔ Solid-solution strengthening from zinc
✔ Strength increases through cold working (rolling, drawing, stamping)
✔ Annealing restores ductility between forming stages
✔ No precipitation or age hardening
Formability: Excellent, even after multiple forming cycles.
Key Characteristics
✔ Exceptional cold-formability
✔ Outstanding deep drawing and stamping performance
✔ Good corrosion resistance
✔ Smooth surface finish
✔ Non-sparking and non-magnetic
✔ Easy brazing and soldering
Refining & Processing Properties
| Process | Performance |
|---|---|
| Cold Rolling | Excellent |
| Deep Drawing | Excellent |
| Stamping / Punching | Excellent |
| Bending | Excellent |
| Machining | Fair |
| Welding | Fair |
| Brazing / Soldering | Excellent |
| Plating / Polishing | Excellent |
C26000 is optimized for forming operations, not for free-machining applications.
Available Forms
Sheets and plates
Coils and strips
Rods and bars
Wires
Tubes and pipes
Precision-rolled foils
Typical thickness range: 0.05 mm to 6 mm
Applications of Cartridge Brass (C26000)
Ammunition cartridge cases and deep-drawn shells
Radiator and heat-exchanger components
Electrical terminals, connectors, and contact strips
Decorative panels, nameplates, and hardware fittings
Musical instruments, lamp components, gaskets, and shims
Advantages
✔ Outstanding ductility
✔ Crack-free deep drawing
✔ Reliable mechanical consistency
✔ Corrosion resistant in normal environments
✔ Excellent surface finish
✔ Highly recyclable
Why Choose Cartridge Brass C26000?
Choose C26000 (70/30 Brass) when your application demands severe forming or deep drawing, high ductility with adequate strength, consistent performance in mass production, attractive appearance, and good electrical and thermal conductivity.
Industry Rule:
If a part must be formed, stamped,
or drawn multiple times without failure,
C26000 is the safest brass choice.
Quick Comparison
| Alloy | Formability | Strength | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| C26000 (Cartridge Brass) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Medium | Deep drawing |
| C27000 (Yellow Brass) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Medium–High | General forming |
| C36000 (Leaded Brass) | ⭐⭐ | High | Machining |