ASTM B121/B121M-23

Standard Specification for Leaded Brass Plate, Sheet, Strip, and Rolled Bar

ABSTRACT
This specification establishes the requirements leaded brass plates, sheets, strips, and rolled bars made from UNS C33500, C34000, C34200, C34000, C35000, C35300, or C35600 copper-zinc-lead alloys. Each product should be manufactured by hot or cold working, and annealed if required, to produce a uniform wrought structure that meets the specified temper properties. This specification also contains information on the standard tempers of rolled and annealed materials as well as the required tensile strength, Rockwell hardness, and grain sizes. The Rockwell hardness test can be used to test for general conformity to the specification requirements for temper, tensile strength and grain size.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification establishes the requirements for leaded brass plate, sheet, strip, and rolled bar for general application produced from Copper Alloy UNS Nos. C33500, C34000, C34200, C35000, C35300, and C35600.  
1.2 Units—The values stated in either inch-pound units or SI units are to be regarded separately as standard. Within the text, SI units are shown in brackets. The values stated in each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems may result in non-conformance with the standard.  
1.3 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 31-Mar-2023
• ICS: 77.150.30 - Copper products
• Technical Committee: B05 - Copper and Copper Alloys
• Drafting Committee: B05.01 - Plate, Sheet, and Strip

Relations

• Refers: ASTM E8/E8M-24 - Standard Test Methods for Tension Testing of Metallic Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2024
• Refers: ASTM B846-19a - Standard Terminology for Copper and Copper Alloys
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2019
• Refers: ASTM B846-19 - Standard Terminology for Copper and Copper Alloys
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2019
• Refers: ASTM B601-18a - Standard Classification for Temper Designations for Copper and Copper Alloys—Wrought and Cast
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2018
• Refers: ASTM B601-18 - Standard Classification for Temper Designations for Copper and Copper Alloys—Wrought and Cast
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2018
• Refers: ASTM B601-16 - Standard Classification for Temper Designations for Copper and Copper Alloys—Wrought and Cast
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2016
• Refers: ASTM E8/E8M-16 - Standard Test Methods for Tension Testing of Metallic Materials
• Effective Date: 15-Jul-2016
• Refers: ASTM E8/E8M-15 - Standard Test Methods for Tension Testing of Metallic Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2015
• Refers: ASTM E8/E8M-13 - Standard Test Methods for Tension Testing of Metallic Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2013
• Refers: ASTM E112-12 - Standard Test Methods for Determining Average Grain Size
• Effective Date: 15-Nov-2012
• Refers: ASTM B601-12 - Standard Classification for Temper Designations for Copper and Copper Alloys—Wrought and Cast
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2012
• Refers: ASTM B248M-12 - Standard Specification for General Requirements for Wrought Copper and Copper-Alloy Plate, Sheet, Strip, and Rolled Bar (Metric)
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2012
• Refers: ASTM B248-12 - Standard Specification for General Requirements for Wrought Copper and Copper-Alloy Plate, Sheet, Strip, and Rolled Bar
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2012
• Refers: ASTM E8/E8M-11 - Standard Test Methods for Tension Testing of Metallic Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2011
• Refers: ASTM B846-11a - Standard Terminology for Copper and Copper Alloys
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2011

Overview

ASTM B121/B121M-23 is the internationally recognized standard specification for leaded brass plate, sheet, strip, and rolled bar. Developed by ASTM, this standard outlines requirements for products made from copper-zinc-lead alloys, specifically UNS C33500, C34000, C34200, C35000, C35300, and C35600. Intended for general application, the specification ensures quality and consistency by defining chemical composition, mechanical properties, temper classifications, and dimensional tolerances for leaded brass products. Manufacturers and purchasers rely on this standard to facilitate trade, ensure material performance, and support regulatory compliance in a range of industrial and commercial sectors.

Key Topics

• Material Coverage: Includes requirements for leaded brass in plate, sheet, strip, and rolled bar forms, covering six specific UNS copper alloy numbers.
• Manufacturing Processes: Products are produced by hot or cold working and, when necessary, annealed to achieve uniform wrought structure and specified temper.
• Chemical Composition: Detailed limits for copper, zinc, lead, and iron content are provided to ensure alloy consistency.
• Mechanical Properties: Specifies tensile strength, Rockwell hardness, and acceptable grain sizes for different tempers and product types.
• Standard Tempers: Defines tempers for rolled (H01 to H10) and annealed (OS025 to OS070) materials.
• Testing Methods: Outlines accepted methods for determining composition and mechanical properties, including Rockwell hardness and tensile tests.
• Workmanship and Appearance: Addresses finish quality, acceptable blemishes, and defect criteria.
• Packaging and Marking: Includes requirements for package marking, traceability, and certification, especially for government or regulated contracts.

Applications

Leaded brass produced according to ASTM B121/B121M-23 is used extensively in applications requiring reliable machinability, corrosion resistance, and ease of fabrication. Typical fields and uses include:

• Electrical and Electronics: Switch components, terminal boards, connectors, and contact strips benefit from the alloy's electrical conductivity and formability.
• Plumbing and Fittings: Valves, taps, and various plumbing fixtures use leaded brass plates and bars for their machinability and resistance to dezincification.
• Automotive Components: Bushings, bearings, and transmission parts leverage the mechanical strength and wear resistance of compliant leaded brass products.
• Industrial Machinery: Gears, cams, and hardware components require material consistency and quality ensured by adherence to this standard.
• General Manufacturing: The specification supports any manufacture requiring flat brass products that must meet tightly defined mechanical and dimensional standards.

Related Standards

Several related ASTM standards and references help ensure comprehensive coverage for copper and copper alloys:

• ASTM B248/B248M - General requirements for wrought copper and copper alloy plate, sheet, strip, and rolled bar
• ASTM B601 - Classification for temper designations for wrought and cast copper alloys
• ASTM B846 - Terminology for copper and copper alloys
• ASTM E8/E8M - Test methods for tension testing of metallic materials
• ASTM E112 - Test methods for determining average grain size
• ASTM E478 - Chemical analysis of copper alloys
• ASTM E527 - Practice for numbering metals and alloys in the Unified Numbering System (UNS)

These standards, when referenced alongside ASTM B121/B121M-23, provide a robust framework for the production, testing, and application of leaded brass materials across industries.

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Keywords: ASTM B121 B121M-23, leaded brass, brass plate, copper-zinc-lead alloys, UNS C33500, C34000, C34200, C35000, C35300, C35600, brass sheet, brass strip, rolled bar, brass specification, mechanical properties, grain size, Rockwell hardness, test methods, temper, dimensional tolerances.

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: B121/B121M − 23
Standard Specification for
Leaded Brass Plate, Sheet, Strip, and Rolled Bar
This standard is issued under the fixed designation B121/B121M; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year
of original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.
A superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.
1. Scope* B601 Classification for Temper Designations for Copper and
Copper Alloys—Wrought and Cast
1.1 This specification establishes the requirements for
B846 Terminology for Copper and Copper Alloys
leaded brass plate, sheet, strip, and rolled bar for general
E8/E8M Test Methods for Tension Testing of Metallic Ma-
application produced from Copper Alloy UNS Nos. C33500,
terials
C34000, C34200, C35000, C35300, and C35600.
E112 Test Methods for Determining Average Grain Size
1.2 Units—The values stated in either inch-pound units or
E255 Practice for Sampling Copper and Copper Alloys for
SI units are to be regarded separately as standard. Within the
the Determination of Chemical Composition (Withdrawn
text, SI units are shown in brackets. The values stated in each 3
2023)
system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system
E478 Test Methods for Chemical Analysis of Copper Alloys
shall be used independently of the other. Combining values
from the two systems may result in non-conformance with the
3. General Requirements
standard.
3.1 The following sections of Specifications B248 or
1.3 This international standard was developed in accor-
B248M constitute a part of this specification:
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
3.1.1 Terminology
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
3.1.2 Materials and Manufacture
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
3.1.3 Workmanship, Finish, and Appearance
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
3.1.4 Sampling—except for chemical analysis
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
3.1.5 Number of Tests and Retests
2. Referenced Documents 3.1.6 Specimen Preparation
3.1.7 Test Methods—except for chemical analysis
2.1 ASTM Standards:
3.1.8 Significance of Numerical Limits
B248 Specification for General Requirements for Wrought
3.1.9 Inspection
Copper and Copper-Alloy Plate, Sheet, Strip, and Rolled
3.1.10 Rejection and Rehearing
Bar
3.1.11 Certification
B248M Specification for General Requirements for Wrought
3.1.12 Test Reports
Copper and Copper-Alloy Plate, Sheet, Strip, and Rolled
3.1.13 Packaging and Package Marking
Bar (Metric)
3.1.14 Supplementary Requirements
3.2 In addition, when a section with a title identical to that
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee B05 on Copper
and Copper Alloys and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee B05.01 on Plate,
referenced in 3.1 appears in this specification, it contains
Sheet, and Strip.
additional requirements which supplement those appearing in
Current edition approved April 1, 2023. Published May 2023. Originally
Specifications B248 or B248M.
approved in 1939. Last previous edition approved in 2016 as B121/B121M – 16.
DOI: 10.1520/B0121_B0121M-23.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on
the ASTM website. www.astm.org.
*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
B121/B121M − 23
4. Terminology 7. Chemical Composition
7.1 The material shall conform to the composition require-
4.1 For definitions of terms related to copper and copper
ments in Table 1 for the Copper Alloy UNS No. designation
alloys, refer to Terminology B846.
specified in the ordering information.
5. Ordering Information
7.2 These composition limits do not preclude the presence
of other elements. By agreement between the manufacturer and
5.1 Include the following specified choices when placing
purchaser, limits may be established and analysis required for
orders for product under this specification, as applicable:
unnamed elements.
5.1.1 ASTM designation and year of issue,
7.3 For alloys in which zinc is listed as “remainder,” either
5.1.2 Copper [Alloy] UNS No. designation,
copper or zinc may be taken as the difference between the sum
5.1.3 Temper (Section 8),
of results of all other elements determined and 100 %. When
5.1.4 Dimensions: thickness and width (11.2 and 11.3),
all elements in Table 1 are determined, the sum of the results
5.1.5 How furnished: straight lengths or coils,
shall be as shown in the following table:
5.1.6 Quantity—total weight or total length or number of
Copper Plus Named
Copper Alloy UNS No.
pieces of each size,
Elements, % min.
C33500 99.6
5.1.7 Type of edge, if required (slit, sheared, sawed, square
C34000 99.6
corners, round corners, rounded edges, or full-rounded edges)
C34200 99.6
C35000 99.6
(11.6),
C35300 99.5
5.1.8 Length (11.4), and
C35600 99.5
5.1.9 Intended application.
8. Temper
5.2 The following options are available but may not be
8.1 The standard tempers for products described in this
included unless specified at the time of placing the order when
specification are given in Tables 2 and 3.
required:
8.1.1 Cold rolled tempers H01 to H10.
5.2.1 Heat identification or traceability details.
8.1.2 Annealed tempers OS025 to OS070.
5.2.2 Certification,
5.2.3 Test Report,
9. Grain Size for Annealed Tempers
5.2.4 If product is purchased for agencies of the U. S.
9.1 Grain size shall be the standard requirement for all
government (see the Supplementary Requirements section of
product in the annealed tempers.
Specifications B248 or B248M for additional requirements, if
9.2 Acceptance or rejection based upon grain size shall
specified).
depend only on the average grain size of a test specimen taken
from each of two sample portions, and each specimen shall be
6. Materials and Manufacture
within the limits prescribed in Table 3 when determined in
6.1 Materials:
accordance with Test Methods E112.
6.1.1 The material of manufacture shall be a form (cast bar,
9.3 Grain size shall be determined on a plane parallel to the
cake, slab, et cetera) of Copper Alloy UNS Nos. C33500,
flat surfaces of the product.
C34000, C34200, C35000, C35300, or C35600 of such purity
and soundness as to be suitable for processing into the products
10. Mechanical Property Requirements
prescribed herein.
10.1 Tensile Strength Requirements:
6.1.2 When specified in the contract or purchase order that
10.1.1 Product furnished under this specification shall con-
heat identification or traceability is required, the purchaser
form to the tensile requirements prescribed in Table 2 when
shall specify the details desired.
tested in accordance with Test Method E8/E8M.
10.1.2 Acceptance or rejection based on mechanical prop-
NOTE 1—Due to the discontinuous nature of the processing of castings
into wrought products, it is not always practical to identify a specific erties shall depend only on tensile strength.
casting analysis with a specific quantity of finished material.
10.2 Rockwell Hardness:
6.2 Manufacture:
6.2.1 The product shall be manufactured by such hot
working, cold working, and annealing processes as to produce
TABLE 1 Chemical Requirements
a uniform wrought structure in the finished product.
Composition
Copper Alloy
6.2.2 The product shall be hot or cold worked to the finished UNS No.
Copper Lead Iron Zinc
size and subsequently annealed when required, to meet the
C33500 62.0–65.0 0.25–0.7 0.10 max remainder
C34000 62.0–65.0 0.8–1.5 0.10 max remainder
temper properties specified.
C34200 62.0–65.0 1.5–2.5 0.10 max remainder
C35000 60.0–63.0 0.8–2.0 0.10 max remainder
6.3 Edges:
C35300 60.0–63.0 1.5–2.5 0.10 max remainder
6.3.1 Slit edges shall be furnished unless other
...

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: B121/B121M − 16 B121/B121M − 23
Standard Specification for
Leaded Brass Plate, Sheet, Strip, and Rolled Bar
This standard is issued under the fixed designation B121/B121M; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year
of original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.
A superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.
1. Scope*
1.1 This specification establishes the requirements for leaded brass plate, sheet, strip, and rolled bar. The following alloys are
covered:bar for general application produced from
Nominal Composition, %
Copper Alloy Previously Used
UNS No. Designation Copper Zinc Lead Iron
C33500 2 63.5 36.0 0.5 .
C34000 3 63.5 35.5 1.0 .
C34200 5 63.5 34.5 2.0 .
C35000 . 61.5 37.4 1.1 .
C35300 4 61.5 36.7 1.8 .
C35600 6 61.5 36.0 2.5 .
Copper Alloy UNS Nos. C33500, C34000, C34200, C35000, C35300, and C35600.
1.2 Units—Values The values stated in either inch-pound units or SI units are to be regarded separately as standard. Within the
text, SI units are shown in brackets. The values stated in each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall
be used independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems may result in non-conformance with the standard.
1.3 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization
established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued
by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
B248 Specification for General Requirements for Wrought Copper and Copper-Alloy Plate, Sheet, Strip, and Rolled Bar
B248M Specification for General Requirements for Wrought Copper and Copper-Alloy Plate, Sheet, Strip, and Rolled Bar
(Metric)
B601 Classification for Temper Designations for Copper and Copper Alloys—Wrought and Cast
B846 Terminology for Copper and Copper Alloys
E8/E8M Test Methods for Tension Testing of Metallic Materials
E112 Test Methods for Determining Average Grain Size
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee B05 on Copper and Copper Alloys and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee B05.01 on Plate,
Sheet, and Strip.
Current edition approved April 1, 2016April 1, 2023. Published April 2016May 2023. Originally approved in 1939. Last previous edition approved in 20112016 as
B121/B121M – 11.B121/B121M – 16. DOI: 10.1520/B0121_B0121M-16.10.1520/B0121_B0121M-23.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
B121/B121M − 23
E255 Practice for Sampling Copper and Copper Alloys for the Determination of Chemical Composition (Withdrawn 2023)
E478 Test Methods for Chemical Analysis of Copper Alloys
E527 Practice for Numbering Metals and Alloys in the Unified Numbering System (UNS)
3. General Requirements
3.1 The following sections of Specifications B248 or B248M constitute a part of this specification:
3.1.1 Terminology
3.1.2 Materials and Manufacture
3.1.3 Workmanship, Finish, and Appearance
3.1.4 Sampling—except for chemical analysis
3.1.5 Number of Tests and Retests
3.1.6 Specimen Preparation
3.1.7 Test Methods—except for chemical analysis
3.1.8 Significance of Numerical Limits
3.1.9 Inspection
3.1.10 Rejection and Rehearing
3.1.11 Certification
3.1.12 Test Reports
3.1.13 Packaging and Package Marking
3.1.14 Supplementary Requirements
3.2 In addition, when a section with a title identical to that referenced in 3.1, above, appears in this specification, it contains
additional requirements which supplement those appearing in Specifications B248 or B248M.
The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on www.astm.org.
B121/B121M − 23
4. Terminology
4.1 For definitions of terms related to copper and copper alloys, refer to Terminology B846.
5. Ordering Information
5.1 Include the following specified choices when placing orders for product under this specification, as applicable:
5.1.1 ASTM designation and year of issue,
5.1.2 Copper [Alloy] UNS No. designation,
5.1.3 Temper (Section 8),
5.1.4 Dimensions: thickness and width (11.1.111.2 and 11.1.211.3),
5.1.5 How furnished: straight lengths or coils,
5.1.6 Quantity—total weight or total length or number of pieces of each size,
5.1.7 Type of edge, if required (slit, sheared, sawed, square corners, round corners, rounded edges, or full-rounded edges)
(11.1.511.6),
5.1.8 Length (11.1.311.4), and
5.1.9 Intended application.
5.2 The following options are available but may not be included unless specified at the time of placing the order when required:
5.2.1 Heat identification or traceability details.
5.2.2 Certification,
5.2.3 Mill Test Report,
5.2.4 If product is purchased for agencies of the U. S. government (see the Supplementary Requirements section of Specifications
B248 or B248M for additional requirements, if specified).
6. Materials and Manufacture
6.1 Materials:
6.1.1 The material of manufacture shall be a form (cast bar, cake, slab, et cetera) of Copper Alloy UNS No.Nos. C33500, C34000,
C34200, C35000, C35300, or C35600 of such purity and soundness as to be suitable for processing into the products prescribed
herein.
6.1.2 When specified in the contract or purchase order that heat identification or traceability is required, the purchaser shall specify
the details desired.
NOTE 1—Due to the discontinuous nature of the processing of castings into wrought products, it is not always practical to identify a specific casting
analysis with a specific quantity of finished material.
6.2 Manufacture:
6.2.1 The product shall be manufactured by such hot working, cold working, and annealing processes as to produce a uniform
wrought structure in the finished product.
B121/B121M − 23
6.2.2 The product shall be hot or cold worked to the finished size and subsequently annealed when required, to meet the temper
properties specified.
6.3 Edges:
6.3.1 Slit edges shall be furnished unless otherwise specified in the contract or purchase order.
7. Chemical Composition
7.1 The material shall conform to the composition requirements in Table 1 for the copper [alloy]Copper Alloy UNS No.
designation specified in the ordering information.information.
7.2 These composition limits do not preclude the presence of other elements. By agreement between the manufacturer and
purchaser, limits may be established and analysis required for unnamed elements.
7.3 For alloys in which zinc is listed as “remainder,” either copper or zinc may be taken as the difference between the sum of
results of all other elements determined and 100 %. When all elements in Table 1 are determined, the sum of the results shall be
as shown in the following table:
Copper Plus Named
Copper Alloy UNS No.
Elements, % min.
C33500 99.6
C34000 99.6
C34200 99.6
C35000 99.6
C35300 99.5
C35600 99.5
8. Temper
8.1 The standard tempers for products described in this specification are given in Tables 2 and 3.
8.1.1 Cold rolled tempers H01 andto H10.
8.1.2 Annealed tempers OS025 to OS070.
9. Grain Size for Annealed Tempers
9.1 Grain size shall be the standard requirement for all product in the annealed tempers.
9.2 Acceptance or rejection based upon grain size shall depend only on the average grain size of a test specimen taken from each
of two sample portions, and each specimen shall be within the limits prescribed in Table 3 when determined in accordance with
Test Methods E112.
9.3 Grain size shall be determined on a plane parallel to the flat surfaces of the product.
TABLE 1 Chemical Requirements
Composition
Copper Alloy
UNS No.
Copper Lead Iron Zinc
C33500 62.0–65.0 0.25–0.7 0.10 max remainder
C34000 62.0–65.0 0.8–1.5 0.10 max remainder
C34200 62.0–65.0 1.5–2.5 0.10 max remainder
C35000 60.0–63.0 0.8–2.0 0.10 max remainder
C35300 60.0–63.0 1.5–2.5 0.10 max remainder
C35600 60.0–63.0 2.0–3.0 0.10 max remainder
B121/B121M − 23
TABLE 2 Tensile Strength Requirements and Approximate Rockwell Hardness Values for Rolled Temper Product
NOTE 1—Plate is generally available in only the O60 (soft), H01 (quarter-hard), and H02 (half-hard) tempers. Required properties for other tempers
shall be agreed upon between the manufacturer and the purchaser at the time of placing the order.
A B
Temper Designation Tensile Strength Approximate Rockwell Hardness
C D
Code Name ksi [MPa] B Scale Superficial 3
...