Muntz Metal (UNS C28000) is a high-zinc brass alloy containing approximately 60% copper and 40% zinc, making it one of the strongest and most economical brasses. It is classified as a β (beta) brass, providing higher strength and hardness than traditional yellow brasses with good corrosion resistance in marine and industrial environments.
Originally developed as a cost-effective substitute for copper sheathing on ship hulls, Muntz metal continues to be widely used where strength, durability, and cost efficiency are more important than extreme ductility or precision machining.
Available Forms
Plates and sheets
Rods and bars
Extrusions
Hot-rolled sections
Marine fittings and fabricated components
Typical thickness and size range: 3 mm to 75 mm
Metallurgical & Strengthening Behavior
✔ Predominantly β-phase brass structure
✔ High zinc solid-solution strengthening
✔ Strength enhanced through hot working (rolling, extrusion)
✔ Annealing improves ductility
✔ Not suitable for age or precipitation hardening
Fabrication Behavior:
Best suited for hot working rather than extensive cold forming.
Key Characteristics
✔ High strength and hardness
✔ Excellent cost-to-strength ratio
✔ Good marine corrosion resistance
✔ Suitable for hot working
✔ Durable in aggressive environments
✔ Lower copper content reduces material cost
Applications of Muntz Metal (C28000)
Marine & Shipbuilding
Hull sheathing
Keels and structural plates
Propeller guards
Marine fasteners
Industrial & Engineering
Valves and fittings
Structural brass components
Heavy-duty brackets
Architectural & Infrastructure
Outdoor metal fittings
Decorative structural panels
Advantages of Muntz Metal
✔ Stronger than yellow brass
✔ More economical than high-copper alloys
✔ Good resistance to seawater corrosion
✔ Long service life
✔ Suitable for heavy-duty applications
✔ Widely available in plate and bar form
Why Choose Muntz Metal – Grade C28000?
Choose C28000 when you require high strength at lower material cost, marine-grade durability, structural performance rather than fine forming, hot-worked brass components, and reliable performance in harsh environments.
Selection Tip:
Muntz metal is ideal when strength and cost matter more than ductility
or precision machining.