ASTM B140/B140M-22

Standard Specification for Copper-Zinc-Lead (Red Brass or Hardware Bronze) Rod, Bar, and Shapes

ABSTRACT
This specification establishes the requirements for copper-zinc-lead (leaded red brass or hardware bronze) rods, bars, and shapes of UNS Alloy Nos. C31400, C31600, and C32000 used for screw machine applications. Tempers available to this specification are O60 (soft anneal), H02 (half-hard), and H04 (hard). Materials for manufacture shall be cast billets, logs, or rods of such purity and soundness as to be suitable for processing by hot working, cold-working, straightening, and annealing to produce a uniform wrought structure in the finished product. Tempers available under this specification are O60 (soft anneal), H02 (half-hard), and H04 (hard). Products shall be tested and conform to dimensional (mass, diameter, length, straightness, and shape), mechanical (tensile and yield strength, and elongation), and chemical composition requirements.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification establishes the requirements for copper-zinc-lead (leaded red brass or hardware bronze) rod, bar, and shapes of UNS Copper Alloy Nos. C31400, C31600, and C32000 available for general and screw machine applications.  
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 are not necessarily exact equivalents; therefore, to ensure conformance with the standard, each system shall be used independently of the other, and values from the two systems shall not be combined.  
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: 30-Sep-2022
• ICS: 77.150.30 - Copper products
• Technical Committee: B05 - Copper and Copper Alloys
• Drafting Committee: B05.02 - Rod, Bar, Wire, Shapes and Forgings

Relations

• Refers: ASTM E8/E8M-24 - Standard Test Methods for Tension Testing of Metallic Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2024
• Refers: ASTM B249/B249M-23 - Standard Specification for General Requirements for Wrought Copper and Copper-Alloy Rod, Bar, Shapes and Forgings
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2023
• Refers: ASTM B249/B249M-19a - Standard Specification for General Requirements for Wrought Copper and Copper-Alloy Rod, Bar, Shapes and Forgings
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2019
• Refers: ASTM B846-19a - Standard Terminology for Copper and Copper Alloys
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2019
• Refers: ASTM B249/B249M-19 - Standard Specification for General Requirements for Wrought Copper and Copper-Alloy Rod, Bar, Shapes and Forgings
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2019
• Refers: ASTM B846-19 - Standard Terminology for Copper and Copper Alloys
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2019
• Refers: ASTM B249/B249M-18a - Standard Specification for General Requirements for Wrought Copper and Copper-Alloy Rod, Bar, Shapes and Forgings
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2018
• 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 B249/B249M-18 - Standard Specification for General Requirements for Wrought Copper and Copper-Alloy Rod, Bar, Shapes and Forgings
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2018
• Refers: ASTM B249/B249M-17 - Standard Specification for General Requirements for Wrought Copper and Copper-Alloy Rod, Bar, Shapes and Forgings
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2017
• Refers: ASTM B249/B249M-16 - Standard Specification for General Requirements for Wrought Copper and Copper-Alloy Rod, Bar, Shapes and Forgings
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2016
• 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 B249/B249M-15a - Standard Specification for General Requirements for Wrought Copper and Copper-Alloy Rod, Bar, Shapes and Forgings
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2015

Overview

ASTM B140/B140M-22 is the internationally recognized standard specification issued by ASTM International for copper-zinc-lead alloys, specifically leaded red brass and hardware bronze rod, bar, and shapes. This specification covers products made from UNS Alloy Nos. C31400, C31600, and C32000, which are widely used in general manufacturing and automatic screw machine applications. The document establishes material, chemical, mechanical, and dimensional requirements to ensure consistent quality and performance in various industrial uses.

Key Topics

• Copper-Zinc-Lead Alloys: Defines the chemical composition for alloys C31400, C31600, and C32000, also known as leaded red brass or hardware bronze.
• Product Forms: Specifies requirements for rod, bar, and shaped products intended primarily for machining processes.
• Tempers: Covers three tempers - O60 (soft anneal), H02 (half-hard), and H04 (hard) - to meet different mechanical property needs.
• Physical & Mechanical Properties: Establishes minimum criteria for tensile and yield strength, elongation, and other mechanical properties.
• Dimensional and Tolerance Controls: Sets standard tolerances for mass, diameter, length, straightness, and shape.
• Testing & Certification: Outlines guidelines for chemical and mechanical testing methods, product marking, and certification.
• International Compliance: Conforms to global standardization principles as outlined by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

Applications

ASTM B140/B140M-22 is essential for industries and manufacturers using leaded brass alloys where machinability, consistency, and regulatory compliance are required. This standard ensures:

• Screw Machine Products: The alloys covered are ideal for high-speed, automatic screw machining where component precision is crucial.
• General Hardware Manufacturing: Frequently used to produce plumbing, electrical hardware, connectors, and fasteners due to the alloys’ excellent machinability and mechanical strength.
• Custom Machined Components: Suitable for a wide array of custom bars, rods, or shapes needed in appliance, automotive, and industrial machinery sectors.
• Government & Defense Procurement: The specification is approved for use by U.S. Department of Defense agencies, aligning with public sector procurement standards.

Related Standards

ASTM B140/B140M-22 references and complements a range of other industry standards, including:

• ASTM B249/B249M: Covers general requirements for wrought copper and copper alloy products.
• ASTM B601: Provides the classification for temper designations within copper alloys.
• ASTM B846: Establishes standard terminology for copper and copper alloys.
• ASTM E8/E8M: Specifies test methods for tension testing of metallic materials to assess mechanical properties.
• ASTM E478: Outlines procedures for the chemical analysis of copper alloys.

By adhering to ASTM B140/B140M-22, organizations ensure compliance with industry best practices for copper-zinc-lead (leaded red brass and hardware bronze) products. This not only promotes safety and reliability but also assures product compatibility and quality in global markets. For optimal implementation, review related ASTM documents and ensure full alignment with procurement and manufacturing requirements.

Keywords: copper-zinc-lead alloy, leaded red brass rod, hardware bronze bar, ASTM B140/B140M, C31400, C31600, C32000, screw machine applications, engineering standards, machining alloys, material specification.

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: B140/B140M −22
Standard Specification for
Copper-Zinc-Lead (Red Brass or Hardware Bronze) Rod,
Bar, and Shapes
This standard is issued under the fixed designation B140/B140M; 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* E62 Test Methods for Chemical Analysis of Copper and
CopperAlloys (Photometric Methods) (Withdrawn 2010)
1.1 This specification establishes the requirements for
E478 Test Methods for ChemicalAnalysis of CopperAlloys
copper-zinc-lead (leaded red brass or hardware bronze) rod,
bar, and shapes of UNS Copper Alloy Nos. C31400, C31600,
3. General Requirements
and C32000 available for general and screw machine applica-
3.1 The following sections of Specification B249/B249M
tions.
constitute a part of this specification:
1.2 Units—The values stated in either inch-pound units or
3.1.1 Terminology (B846),
SI units are to be regarded separately as standard. Within the
3.1.2 Materials and Manufacture,
text, SI units are shown in brackets. The values stated in each
3.1.3 Workmanship, Finish, and Appearance,
system are not necessarily exact equivalents; therefore, to
3.1.4 Sampling,
ensure conformance with the standard, each system shall be
3.1.5 Number of Tests and Retests,
used independently of the other, and values from the two
3.1.6 Specimen Preparation,
systems shall not be combined.
3.1.7 Test Methods,
1.3 This international standard was developed in accor-
3.1.8 Significance of Numerical Limits,
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
3.1.9 Inspection,
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
3.1.10 Rejection and Rehearing,
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
3.1.11 Certification,
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
3.1.12 Test Report,
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
3.1.13 Product Marking,
3.1.14 Packaging and Package Marking, and
2. Referenced Documents
3.1.15 Supplementary Requirements.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
3.2 In addition, when a section with a title identical to one
B249/B249M Specification for General Requirements for
of those referenced in 3.1 appears in this specification, it
Wrought Copper and Copper-Alloy Rod, Bar, Shapes and
contains additional requirements that supplement those appear-
Forgings
ing in Specification B249/B249M.
B601 Classification forTemper Designations for Copper and
Copper Alloys—Wrought and Cast
4. Ordering Information
B846 Terminology for Copper and Copper Alloys
4.1 Include the following specified choices when placing
E8/E8M Test Methods for Tension Testing of Metallic Ma-
orders for products under this specification, as applicable:
terials
4.1.1 ASTM designation and year of issue;
4.1.2 Copper Alloy UNS No. designation (Scope);
4.1.3 Temper designation (Temper Section);
ThisspecificationisunderthejurisdictionofASTMCommitteeB05onCopper
4.1.4 Dimensions—diameter, distance between parallel sur-
and CopperAlloys and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee B05.02 on Rod,
faces;
Bar, Wire, Shapes and Forgings.
4.1.5 How furnished; length, specific or stock, with or
Current edition approved Oct. 1, 2022. Published October 2022. Originally
approved in 1941. Last previous edition approved in 2022 as B140/B140M –12
without ends;
(2022). DOI: 10.1520/B0140_B0140M-22.
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
B140/B140M − 22
4.1.6 Quantity; total weight or length, or number of pieces 7. Temper
of each temper, form, and alloy; and
7.1 The standard tempers, as defined in Classification B601,
4.1.7 Intended application, general use or automatic screw
for products described in this specification are O60 (soft
machine use (Straightness Tolerance).
anneal), H02 (half-hard), and H04 (hard).
4.2 The following options are available and, when required,
8. Mechanical Property Requirements
shall be specified at the time of placing the order:
8.1 Tensile Strength Requirements:
4.2.1 Certification (Specification B249/B249M),
8.1.1 Product furnished under this specification shall con-
4.2.2 Mill Test Reports (Specification B249/B249M), and
form to the tensile requirements prescribed in Table 2 (inch-
4.2.3 If product is purchased for agencies of the U.S.
pound units) or Table 3 (SI units) when tested in accordance
government (Specification B249/B249M).
with Test Methods E8/E8M.
5. Material and Manufacture
9. Dimensions, Mass and Permissible Variations
5.1 Material:
9.1 The dimensions and tolerances for product described by
5.1.1 The material of manufacture shall be a form (cast
this specification shall be as specified in Specification B249/
billets, logs, or rods) of Copper Alloy UNS Nos. C31400,
B249M with particular reference to the following tables and
C31600, or C32000 of such purity and soundness as to be
related paragraphs:
suitable for processing into the products prescribed herein.
9.2 Diameter or Distance Between Parallel Surfaces:
5.2 Manufacture:
9.2.1 Rod—Refer to Table 1 f
...

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: B140/B140M − 12 (Reapproved 2022) B140/B140M − 22
Standard Specification for
Copper-Zinc-Lead (Red Brass or Hardware Bronze) Rod,
Bar, and Shapes
This standard is issued under the fixed designation B140/B140M; 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 copper-zinc-lead (leaded red brass or hardware bronze) rod, bar, and shapes
of UNS Copper Alloy Nos. C31400, C31600, and C32000 available for general and screw machine applications.
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 are not necessarily exact equivalents; therefore, to ensure
conformance with the standard, each system shall be used independently of the other, and values from the two systems shall not
be combined.
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:
B249/B249M Specification for General Requirements for Wrought Copper and Copper-Alloy Rod, Bar, Shapes and Forgings
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
E62 Test Methods for Chemical Analysis of Copper and Copper Alloys (Photometric Methods) (Withdrawn 2010)
E478 Test Methods for Chemical Analysis of Copper Alloys
3. General Requirements
3.1 The following sections of Specification B249/B249M constitute a part of this specification:
3.1.1 Terminology (B846),
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee B05 on Copper and Copper Alloys and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee B05.02 on Rod, Bar,
Wire, Shapes and Forgings.
Current edition approved May 1, 2022Oct. 1, 2022. Published May 2022October 2022. Originally approved in 1941. Last previous edition approved in 20172022 as
B140/B140M –12 (2017).(2022). DOI: 10.1520/B0140_B0140M-12R22.10.1520/B0140_B0140M-22.
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.
The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on 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
B140/B140M − 22
3.1.2 Materials and Manufacture,
3.1.3 Workmanship, Finish, and Appearance,
3.1.4 Sampling,
3.1.5 Number of Tests and Retests,
3.1.6 Specimen Preparation,
3.1.7 Test Methods,
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 Report,
3.1.13 Product Marking,
3.1.14 Packaging and Package Marking, and
3.1.15 Supplementary Requirements.
3.2 In addition, when a section with a title identical to one of those referenced in 3.1 appears in this specification, it contains
additional requirements that supplement those appearing in Specification B249/B249M.
4. Ordering Information
4.1 Include the following specified choices when placing orders for products under this specification, as applicable:
4.1.1 ASTM designation and year of issue;
4.1.2 Copper Alloy UNS No. designation (Scope);
4.1.3 Temper designation (Temper Section);
4.1.4 Dimensions—diameter, distance between parallel surfaces;
4.1.5 How furnished; length, specific or stock, with or without ends;
4.1.6 Quantity; total weight or length, or number of pieces of each temper, form, and alloy; and
4.1.7 Intended application, general use or automatic screw machine use (Straightness Tolerance).
4.2 The following options are available but may not be included unless and, when required, shall be specified at the time of placing
of the order when required:the order:
4.2.1 Certification (Specification B249/B249M),
4.2.2 Mill Test Reports (Specification B249/B249M), and
4.2.3 If product is purchased for agencies of the U.S. government (Specification B249/B249M).
B140/B140M − 22
5. Material and Manufacture
5.1 Material:
5.1.1 The material of manufacture shall be a form (cast billets, logs, or rods) of Copper Alloy UNS Nos. C31400, C31600, or
C32000 of such purity and soundness as to be suitable for processing into the products prescribed herein.
5.2 Manufacture:
5.2.1 The product shall be manufactured by such hot working, cold working, straightening, and annealing processes as to produce
a uniform wrought structure in the finished product.
6. Chemical Composition
6.1 The material shall conform to the chemical composition requirements in Table 1 for the Copper Alloy UNS No. designation
specified in the ordering information.
6.1.1 These composition limits do not preclude the presence of other elements. By agreement between the manufacturer and the
purchaser, limits may be established and analysis required for unnamed elements.
6.2 For alloys in which zinc is listed as the
...