Naval Brass (UNS C46400) is a copper–zinc–tin alloy developed specifically for marine and seawater environments. The addition of tin (Sn) significantly improves resistance to dezincification, seawater corrosion, and stress corrosion cracking.
It is widely regarded as a marine-grade brass, positioned between standard yellow brasses and high-performance bronzes, offering an optimal balance of strength, corrosion resistance, and cost.
Metallurgical & Strengthening Behavior
✔ Dual-phase α + β brass structure
✔ Zinc provides solid-solution strengthening
✔ Cold working (rolling, drawing) increases strength
✔ Annealing restores ductility
✔ No precipitation or age hardening
Corrosion Performance:
✔ Excellent resistance to dezincification
✔ Outstanding performance in chloride-rich environments
✔ Reliable long-term seawater durability
Key Characteristics
✔ Outstanding seawater corrosion resistance
✔ High resistance to dezincification
✔ Stronger than standard yellow brasses
✔ Good formability and machinability
✔ Excellent durability in harsh marine conditions
✔ Long service life in saltwater exposure
Applications of Naval Brass (C46400)
Marine & Offshore
Ship propeller shafts (non-load-bearing)
Condenser plates
Seawater piping systems
Heat exchanger tubes
Marine fasteners
Industrial & Engineering
Valve bodies
Pump components
Hydraulic fittings
Flanges
Defense & Infrastructure
Naval hardware
Coastal infrastructure components
Advantages of Naval Brass
✔ Designed specifically for seawater exposure
✔ Better corrosion resistance than standard brasses
✔ Lower cost than aluminum or nickel bronzes
✔ Good mechanical strength
✔ Easy fabrication and forming
✔ Proven marine-grade reliability
Why Choose Naval Brass – Grade C46400?
Choose C46400 when you need long-term seawater corrosion resistance, protection against dezincification, reliable performance in marine and offshore environments, a cost-effective alternative to bronze, and good strength with reasonable machinability.
Industry Insight:
C46400 is often selected when yellow brass fails in seawater,
but bronze is unnecessary or too costly.
Quick Comparison
| Alloy | Corrosion Resistance | Cost | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| C27000 (Yellow Brass) | Moderate | Low | General use |
| C46400 (Naval Brass) | Excellent | Medium | Marine use |
| Aluminum Bronze | Excellent | High | Heavy marine loads |
| Nickel Bronze | Outstanding | Very High | Critical marine parts |