83600 Bronze Casting – CDA 836 Bronze Sand Castings for Valves, Pumps, and General Engineering

C83600 bronze casting (CDA 836, also known as Ounce Metal or Red Brass) is a leaded copper-tin-zinc-lead alloy casting with the nominal composition of 85% copper, 5% tin, 5% zinc, and 5% lead, widely recognized under ASTM B584 C83600, SAE J462 (4A), BS 1400 LG2, EN 1982 CC491K, and DIN 1705 G-CuSn5ZnPb. CDA 836 is one of the most universally specified bronze casting alloys in North American engineering practice, used extensively by valve OEMs, pump manufacturers, plumbing fixture producers, and general engineering foundries. Brass & Copper Parts manufactures C83600 / CDA 836 bronze castings to ASTM B584 standards for domestic and international markets, with full material certification, machining capability, and pressure testing services.

Product Overview

C83600 (CDA 836) is classified under the leaded red brass / leaded gunmetal family of copper alloys. The designation “CDA 836” refers to the Copper Development Association (CDA/ASTM) UNS numbering system where C83600 is the standard alloy identifier. The alloy’s popularity in North American and export markets stems from its balanced mechanical properties, excellent castability, pressure tightness, and cost efficiency relative to higher-alloy bronzes. C83600 castings exhibit tensile strength of 241–280 MPa, yield strength of 103–138 MPa, and elongation of 20–30%, with Brinell hardness of 60–85 HB. The combination of moderate strength, good ductility, and proven reliability in fluid service has established CDA 836 as the reference standard for general-purpose bronze castings in the Americas, Australia, India, and Southeast Asia.

Key Features

• ASTM B584 C83600 compliant – Meets CDA 836 standard for sand castings
• Pressure-tight construction – Lead content fills micro-porosity, ensuring leak-free castings for fluid service
• Good machinability – Lead phase produces short chips and reduces tool wear in high-speed CNC machining
• Corrosion resistant – Suitable for freshwater, seawater, steam, and mild chemical service
• Good weldability – Repairable by TIG/MIG with compatible filler material
• Versatile casting process compatibility – Producible by sand, centrifugal, investment, and die casting methods
• Globally recognized standard – Equivalent to BS LG2, EN CC491K, DIN G-CuSn5ZnPb, IS Grade LG2

Technical Specifications

International Grade Equivalents

Product Types and Variants

C83600 Sand Cast Valve Bodies and Fittings

CDA 836 bronze (C83600) is the default alloy specification for sand cast valve bodies in the ASME, ASTM, and AWWA markets, covering gate valves (AWWA C500), ball valves (ASME B16.34), globe valves, check valves, and fire protection valves. These castings are produced from green sand or no-bake (chemically bonded) molds, in nominal bore sizes from ½” (15 mm) to 12″ (300 mm) and casting weights from 0.1 kg to 100 kg. Dimensional inspection conforms to MSS SP-80, ASME B16.24, and customer drawings. Post-casting CNC machining, thread production, surface lapping of seating faces, and hydrostatic pressure testing per API 598 or ASME B16.34 are performed as standard for finished valve body castings.

CDA 836 Bronze Pump Body Castings

C83600 is the most commonly specified material for centrifugal pump casings, volutes, and impellers handling freshwater, seawater, industrial process fluids, and fire water in industrial and municipal systems. Pump castings in CDA 836 comply with ASTM B584 and ASME B73.1/B73.2 (chemical pumps) and HI 1.1-1.6 (centrifugal pump) material requirements. Casting weights range from 0.5 kg (small impellers) to 200 kg (large volute casings). Brass & Copper Parts supplies C83600 pump body castings as rough castings, semi-machined blanks, or fully machined components per customer engineering drawings and CAD models, with dimensional inspection reports and material certification.

C83600 Centrifugal Cast Rings and Bushings

Centrifugal casting of C83600 bronze produces bearing rings, shaft sleeves, piston rings, and pump wear rings with improved density and mechanical properties compared to static sand castings. The centrifugal process eliminates central porosity in hollow sections, producing a homogeneous, fine-grained microstructure throughout the wall section. CDA 836 centrifugal cast rings are supplied per ASTM B505 (continuous cast bar and tube) in outside diameters from 50 mm to 600 mm, wall thicknesses from 10 mm to 100 mm, and lengths up to 1000 mm. These are machined to finished dimensional specifications for bearing and seal applications in pumps, valves, and industrial rotating machinery.

C83600 Investment Cast Precision Components

Investment casting of C83600 bronze enables production of near-net-shape complex components including small valve internals, manifold blocks, miniature pump bodies, and instrument housing castings with fine surface finish (Ra 1.6–6.3 μm) and dimensional accuracy to CT5–CT7 (ISO 8062-3). Investment cast CDA 836 is used in oil field choke valve seats, water meter bodies, fire sprinkler heads, hydraulic system components, and industrial instrument fittings. Brass & Copper Parts produces investment cast C83600 components from 5 grams to 2 kg per piece, with annual production volumes from 50 to 50,000 pieces per part number, with wax tooling and ceramic shell facilities in-house.

C83600 Bronze Castings for Fire Protection Systems

Fire protection valves, sprinkler system components, fire hydrant trim, and FM/UL-listed bronze castings are produced from C83600 per AWWA C800 and NFPA 13 material requirements. These pressure-retaining castings are tested per UL Standard 1052 or FM Approval standards for structural integrity and pressure containment. C83600 fire protection castings include OS&Y gate valves, check valves, angle valves, and globe valves in 1″ to 6″ bore sizes, supplied with UL listing or FM approval documentation as required. Brass & Copper Parts manufactures C83600 fire protection castings for supply to global fire engineering and suppression system contractors.

C83600 Sand Castings for Water Meter and Flow Measurement Equipment

Water meter bodies, flow meter bodies, turbine meter housings, and electromagnetic flow meter spools in CDA 836 bronze combine pressure tightness, corrosion resistance, and dimensional stability required for accurate flow measurement instruments. C83600 water meter castings conform to AWWA C700 (displacement-type water meters) and ISO 4064 (Class B, C water meters). These castings are machined to close bore tolerances (±0.05 mm) for accurate meter chamber dimensions, with threaded or flanged end connections per ASME B1.20.1 or ANSI B16.5. Brass & Copper Parts has experience in precision water meter body castings for OEM meter manufacturers in the Americas, Europe, and Asia-Pacific markets.

Applications by Industry

Manufacturing Process

C83600 (CDA 836) castings at Brass & Copper Parts are melted in coreless induction furnaces with accurate charge weighing to maintain compositional compliance with ASTM B584. Melt temperature is controlled at 1080–1150°C using calibrated pyrometers. Pouring temperature adjustments for section thickness optimize soundness and minimize misrun defects. No-bake sand molds are used for consistent dimensional accuracy on valve bodies and pump casings requiring close tolerance machined surfaces. First-piece-off inspection includes full dimensional check against drawing and spectrometric analysis. All pressure-retaining castings undergo hydrostatic testing at 1.5× rated working pressure before dispatch. Material test certificates are issued per EN 10204 Type 3.1 with heat number, chemical analysis, mechanical test results, and visual/dimensional inspection sign-off.

Quality Standards and Certifications

• ASTM B584 – C83600 standard specification for copper alloy sand castings
• ASTM B505 – C83600 continuous cast rod, bar, and tubes
• BS 1400 LG2 – British standard for leaded gunmetal
• EN 1982 CC491K – European copper alloy casting standard
• SAE J462 – C83600 for automotive and industrial application
• AWWA C500 / C800 – For water utility valve and fittings applications
• ISO 9001:2015 – Quality management system
• UL / FM Listed components available on request

Why Choose Brass & Copper Parts

Brass & Copper Parts combines foundry expertise with machining and testing capabilities to deliver complete C83600 bronze casting solutions. We maintain over 500 active patterns for valve and pump casting geometries, enabling rapid quote-to-delivery cycles for repeat orders. Our spectrometric laboratory performs real-time melt analysis to ensure compositional compliance before every pour. Hydrostatic pressure testing is performed using calibrated test benches with automated test pressure application and electronic pass/fail recording. CNC machining centers produce finished valve and pump components to customer drawings with inspection documentation. We supply C83600 castings to valve OEMs, pump manufacturers, fire protection contractors, and engineering distributors across 25 countries.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between C83600 and C84400?

C83600 has approximately 5% tin, 5% zinc, and 5% lead (85-5-5-5 nominal), while C84400 (also known as Semi-Red Brass) has approximately 3% tin, 8% zinc, and 6% lead. C84400 has lower tin content and more zinc, making it less expensive and slightly softer with lower corrosion resistance. C83600 is preferred for higher-quality valve and pump applications; C84400 is used for lower-cost plumbing fittings and less demanding fluid service.

Is C83600 the same as LG2 bronze?

Yes. C83600 (ASTM/CDA designation) and LG2 (BS 1400 designation) refer to the same alloy composition: nominally 85% copper, 5% tin, 5% zinc, 5% lead. The EN 1982 designation is CC491K. All four designations are used interchangeably in technical specifications depending on the geographic market and applicable engineering standard.

Can C83600 castings be used in natural gas service?

C83600 bronze is approved for natural gas service under applicable piping codes including ASME B31.8 and EN 1594 for gas distribution systems. Valve bodies in C83600 conforming to ASME B16.24 or BS EN 1092-3 are used in gas metering systems, gas distribution networks, and LPG service below the maximum rated pressure-temperature combinations per the relevant valve standard. Confirm gas compatibility with the specific fluid (natural gas, LPG, biogas) and operating pressure with the relevant authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) as national regulations vary.

What pressure can C83600 bronze castings withstand?

C83600 sand castings are rated PN10 (Class 150) to PN25 (Class 300) depending on wall thickness, application design, and applicable standard. For ASME B16.24 flanged valves, Class 150 C83600 flanges are rated at 285 psi (19.6 bar) at 100°F. For AWWA gate valves (C500), C83600 castings are rated 200 psi (13.8 bar) working pressure at 73°F. Higher pressure ratings require detailed design per pressure vessel code rules and are achievable with increased wall section.

What is “Ounce Metal” and is it the same as C83600?

“Ounce Metal” is a historical trade name for the 85-5-5-5 alloy (CDA 836/C83600), derived from the original recipe of “one ounce each of tin, zinc, and lead per pound of copper.” This resulted in approximately the 85-5-5-5 nominal composition still used today. The term “Ounce Metal” is occasionally used in older engineering specifications and by UK/Australian foundries as a synonym for LG2 / C83600 / CC491K.

What is the thermal conductivity of C83600 bronze?

C83600 (CDA 836) has a thermal conductivity of approximately 72 W/m·K at 20°C, which is higher than stainless steel (16 W/m·K) but lower than pure copper (385 W/m·K). This moderate thermal conductivity makes CDA 836 suitable for heat exchanger headers, condenser end covers, and bearing applications where some heat transfer is beneficial for lubrication film stability.

Do you supply C83600 castings with NACE MR0175 compliance for sour service?

C83600 (CDA 836) bronze is generally not recommended for sour gas (H₂S) service per NACE MR0175 / ISO 15156 due to susceptibility to stress corrosion cracking in H₂S environments. For sour service oil and gas applications, aluminum bronze (C95800, nickel aluminum bronze) or low-alloy steel castings are preferred. Brass & Copper Parts can supply aluminum bronze castings specifically qualified for sour service per NACE requirements.

What is the standard pattern equipment lead time for a new C83600 casting?

For new casting geometries requiring new pattern equipment, Brass & Copper Parts typically requires 4–6 weeks for wooden pattern and core box manufacture, followed by 2–3 weeks for first casting trials and dimensional approval. Total new tooling to first approved casting lead time is typically 6–10 weeks depending on component complexity. Rush tooling services are available for urgent project requirements. Pattern and tooling costs are quoted separately from per-piece casting costs and are amortized over agreed production volumes.

Request a Quote

Brass & Copper Parts manufactures C83600 / CDA 836 bronze castings to ASTM B584, BS 1400 LG2, and EN 1982 CC491K standards for valve, pump, fire protection, marine, and general engineering applications. Contact our technical team with drawings and specifications for competitive pricing and delivery schedules.

Contact us: sales@brass-copper-parts.com | +91-22-43449300