ASTM B981/B981M-19

Standard Specification for Low-Leaded Brass Rod, Bar, Wire, and Shapes

ABSTRACT
This specification establishes the requirements for low leaded brass rod, bar, wire, and shapes of any specified cross section produced from Copper Alloys UNS No. C36300, C36500, C37000, C37100 and C37700 suitable for high-speed screw machining applications. It covers tensile and chemical requirements, as well as temper, dimensions, mass, and permissible variations. The material shall be tested by chemical analysis, and chemical composition shall, in case of disagreement, be determined subject to agreement between the manufacturer and the purchaser.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification establishes the requirements for low leaded brass rod, bar, wire, and shapes of any specified cross section produced from Copper Alloys UNS No. C36300, C36500, C37000, C37100 and C37700 suitable for high-speed screw machining applications.
Note 1: Refer to Specification B124/B124M when purchasing bar or rod for forging production.  
1.2 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. 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 standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.4 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-2019
• ICS: 77.150.30 - Copper products
• Technical Committee: B05 - Copper and Copper Alloys
• Drafting Committee: B05.02 - Rod, Bar, Wire, Shapes and Forgings

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM B981/B981M-12 - Standard Specification for Low Leaded Brass Rod, Bar and Shapes
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2019
• 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 B124/B124M-20 - Standard Specification for Copper and Copper Alloy Forging Rod, Bar, and Shapes
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2020
• 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 B124/B124M-19a - Standard Specification for Copper and Copper Alloy Forging Rod, Bar, and Shapes
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-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 B124/B124M-19 - Standard Specification for Copper and Copper Alloy Forging Rod, Bar, and Shapes
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-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 B124/B124M-18a - Standard Specification for Copper and Copper Alloy Forging Rod, Bar, and Shapes
• 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 B124/B124M-18 - Standard Specification for Copper and Copper Alloy Forging Rod, Bar, and Shapes
• Effective Date: 15-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 B601-18 - Standard Classification for Temper Designations for Copper and Copper Alloys—Wrought and Cast
• 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

Overview

ASTM B981/B981M-19: Standard Specification for Low-Leaded Brass Rod, Bar, Wire, and Shapes establishes requirements for products manufactured from low-leaded copper alloys. This international standard outlines specifications for rods, bars, wires, and custom shapes produced from alloys such as UNS C36300, C36500, C37000, C37100, and C37700, specifically intended for high-speed screw machining applications. The document covers various elements including chemical composition, mechanical properties, dimensions, and permissible variations, ensuring consistency and quality in the manufacturing and supply of low-leaded brass products.

Key Topics

• Material Composition: Products must conform to defined chemical requirements for copper, lead, and other constituents as specified for the designated UNS alloy numbers.
• Mechanical Properties: The standard specifies tensile strength, elongation, and hardness values for the half-hard (H02) temper condition, depending on product size and form.
• Dimensions and Tolerances: Detailed guidelines address dimensional requirements and permissible variations for rods, bars, wires, and shapes.
• Manufacturing Requirements: The brass materials are produced from cast billets and are suitable for hot extrusion. Products may be supplied in straight lengths or as coils upon request.
• Testing and Certification: The specification includes provisions for chemical analysis, tensile testing (where applicable), mill test reports, certifications, and quality assurance procedures.
• Ordering Information: Buyers are advised to provide details such as alloy designation, product form, temper, dimensions, and any additional requirements for test reports or certifications.

Applications

ASTM B981/B981M-19 is widely used in industries requiring precision-machined brass components, where low-leaded content is essential for environmental and health regulations. Typical applications include:

• High-Speed Screw Machining: The specified brass alloys are optimized for efficient and reliable machining, supporting the production of detailed and high-precision parts.
• Electrical Components: Conductivity and machinability make these alloys suitable for connectors, terminals, and other electrical applications.
• Automotive and Plumbing: Low-leaded brass ensures compliance with regulatory limits for lead content in parts exposed to drinking water or requiring robust mechanical performance.
• Industrial Fasteners and Fittings: The machinability and physical properties of these alloys facilitate the manufacture of custom fasteners, valves, and fittings used across multiple sectors.

Related Standards

Several related ASTM standards provide additional guidance and requirements for copper and copper-alloy products:

• ASTM B124/B124M: Specification for Copper and Copper Alloy Forging Rod, Bar, and Shapes - referenced for bar or rod intended for forging.
• ASTM B249/B249M: General requirements for wrought copper and copper-alloy rod, bar, shapes, and forgings.
• ASTM B250/B250M: Requirements for wrought copper alloy wire, ensuring compatibility of dimensions and quality.
• ASTM B601: Classification for temper designations in copper and copper alloys.
• ASTM E8/E8M: Test methods for tension testing of metallic materials.

Practical Value

Implementing ASTM B981/B981M-19 helps manufacturers, suppliers, and purchasers ensure that low-leaded brass products meet industry standards for safety, performance, and regulatory compliance. The standard supports consistent material quality, machinability, and compatibility, reducing the risk of defects and ensuring high production efficiency in demanding machining operations.

Keywords: ASTM B981/B981M-19, low-leaded brass, brass rod, bar, wire, shapes, copper alloys, C36300, C36500, C37000, C37100, C37700, high-speed screw machining, machinability, ASTM standards, mechanical properties, manufacturing specifications.

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:B981/B981M −19
Standard Specification for
Low-Leaded Brass Rod, Bar, Wire, and Shapes
This standard is issued under the fixed designation B981/B981M; 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.
1. Scope B250/B250M Specification for General Requirements for
Wrought Copper Alloy Wire
1.1 This specification establishes the requirements for low
B601 Classification forTemper Designations for Copper and
leaded brass rod, bar, wire, and shapes of any specified cross
Copper Alloys—Wrought and Cast
section produced from Copper Alloys UNS No. C36300,
E8/E8M Test Methods for Tension Testing of Metallic Ma-
C36500, C37000, C37100 and C37700 suitable for high-speed
terials
screw machining applications.
3. General Requirements
NOTE 1—Refer to Specification B124/B124M when purchasing bar or
rod for forging production.
3.1 The following sections of Specifications B249/B249M
1.2 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units
(rod, bar, and shapes) and B250/B250M (wrought copper alloy
are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in
wire) constitute a part of this specification.
each system are not necessarily exact equivalents; therefore, to
3.1.1 Terminology;
ensure conformance with the standard, each system shall be
3.1.2 Materials and Manufacture;
used independently of the other, and values from the two
3.1.3 Workmanship, Finish, and Appearance;
systems shall not be combined.
3.1.4 Sampling;
3.1.5 Number of Tests and Retest;
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
3.1.6 Specimen Preparation;
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
3.1.7 Test Methods;
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
3.1.8 Significance of Numerical Limits;
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
3.1.9 Inspection;
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
3.1.10 Rejection and Rehearing;
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
3.1.11 Certification;
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
3.1.12 Mill Test Report;
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
3.1.13 Packaging and Package Marking; and
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
3.1.14 Supplementary Requirements.
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
3.2 In addition, when a section with a title identical to those
referenced in 3.1 appears in this specification, it contains
2. Referenced Documents
additional requirements that supplement those appearing in
Specifications B249/B249M and B250/B250M.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
B124/B124M Specification for Copper and Copper Alloy
4. Ordering Information
Forging Rod, Bar, and Shapes
B249/B249M Specification for General Requirements for 4.1 Include the following information when placing orders
Wrought Copper and Copper-Alloy Rod, Bar, Shapes and for product under this specification, as applicable:
Forgings 4.1.1 ASTM specification designation and year of issue
(Bxxx/BxxxM – XX).
4.1.2 Copper Alloy UNS No. designations (C36300,
ThisspecificationisunderthejurisdictionofASTMCommitteeB05onCopper
C36500, C37000, C37100, and C37700, see Section 6 and
and CopperAlloys and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee B05.02 on Rod,
Table 1.
Bar, Wire, Shapes and Forgings.
4.1.3 Temper (see Section 7 and Table 2 and Table 3).
Current edition approved April 1, 2019. Published April 2019. Originally
4.1.4 Product cross section form (for example, round,
approved in 2012. Last previous edition approved in 2012 as B981/B981M–12.
DOI: 10.1520/B0981_B0981M–19.
hexagonal, square, etc.).
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
4.1.5 Dimensions (see Section 9).
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
4.1.6 How furnished: straight lengths or coils (see 5.2).
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. 4.1.7 Edge contours (see Section 9).
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
B981/B981M−19
TABLE 1 Chemical Requirements
Composition (%)
Copper Plus
Copper
Elements with
Alloy Copper Lead Phosphorus Iron Max. Tin Max. Zinc
Specific Limits
UNS No.
Present, min
C36300 61.0–63.0 0.25–0.7 0.04–0.15 0.15 . remainder 99.5
C36500 58.0–61.0 0.25–0.7 . 0.15 . remainder 99.6
C37000 59.0–62.0 0.8–1.5 . 0.15 . remainder 99.6
C37100 58.0–62.0 0.6–1.2 . 0.15 . remainder 99.6
C37700 58.0–61.0 1.5–2.5 . 0.30 . remainder 99.5
TABLE 2 Tensile Requirements, inch-pound
NOTE 1—See Table 3 for SI values.
Temper Designation
Diameter or Yield Strength
Distance at 0.5 %
A
Code Name Between Tensile Strength, min, ksi Extension Elongation, min, %
Parallel under Load,
Surfaces, in. min, ksi
Rod, Bar, Shapes
B
H02 Half-hard ⁄2 and under 63 28 10
over 1/2 to 1, incl. 55 26 12
over 1 to 2, incl. 48 24 20
over 2 45 20 25
A
In any case, a minimum gauge length of 1 in. shall be used.
B
For product furnished in coils the elongation shall be4%minimum.
TABLE 3 Tensile Requirements, SI
NOTE 1—See Table 2 for inch-pound values.
Temper Designation
Diameter or Yield Strength
Distance at 0.5 %
Tensile Strength, min,
A
Code Name Between Extension Elongation, min, %
MPa
Parallel under Load,
Surfaces, mm min, MPa
Rod, Bar, Shapes
B
H02 Half-hard 12 and under 430 190 10
over 12 to 25, incl. 380 180 12
over 25 to 50, incl. 330 165 20
over 50 310 135 25
A
In any case, a minimum gauge length of 25 mm shall be used. SI elongation values are based on a gauge length of 5.65 times the square root of the area for dimensions
greater than 2.5 mm.
B
For product furnished in coils the elongation shall be4%minimum.
4.1.8 Quantity; total weight, footage, or number of pieces 5. M
...

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: B981/B981M − 12 B981/B981M − 19
Standard Specification for
Low Leaded Low-Leaded Brass Rod, Bar Bar, Wire, and
Shapes
This standard is issued under the fixed designation B981/B981M; 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.
1. Scope
1.1 This specification establishes the requirements for low leaded brass rod, bar, wire, and shapes of any specified cross section
produced from Copper Alloys UNS No. C36300, C36500, C37000, C37100 and C37700 suitable for high-speed screw machining
applications.
NOTE 1—Refer to Specification B124/B124M when purchasing bar or rod for forging production.
1.2 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each
system mayare not benecessarily exact equivalents; therefore, to ensure conformance with the standard, each system shall be used
independently of the other. Combiningother, and values from the two systems may result in non-conformance with the
standard.shall not be combined.
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility
of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety safety, health, and healthenvironmental practices and determine the
applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.4 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:
B124/B124M Specification for Copper and Copper Alloy Forging Rod, Bar, and Shapes
B249/B249M Specification for General Requirements for Wrought Copper and Copper-Alloy Rod, Bar, Shapes and Forgings
B250/B250M Specification for General Requirements for Wrought Copper Alloy Wire
B601 Classification for Temper Designations for Copper and Copper Alloys—Wrought and Cast
E8/E8M Test Methods for Tension Testing of Metallic Materials
3. General Requirements
3.1 The following sections of Specifications B249/B249M (rod, bar, and shapes) and B250/B250M (wrought copper alloy wire)
constitute a part of this specification.
3.1.1 Terminology, Terminology;
3.1.2 Materials and Manufacture, Manufacture;
3.1.3 Workmanship, Finish, and Appearance, Appearance;
3.1.4 Sampling, Sampling;
3.1.5 Number of Tests and Retest,Retest;
3.1.6 Specimen Preparation,Preparation;
3.1.7 Test Methods,Methods;
3.1.8 Significance of Numerical Limits,Limits;
3.1.9 Inspection,Inspection;
This test method 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 April 1, 2012April 1, 2019. Published May 2012April 2019. Originally approved in 2012. Last previous edition approved in 2012 as
B981/B981M–12. DOI: 10.1520/B0981_B0981M-12.10.1520/B0981_B0981M–19.
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’sstandard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
B981/B981M − 19
3.1.10 Rejection and Rehearing,Rehearing;
3.1.11 Certification,Certification;
3.1.12 Mill Test Report,Report;
3.1.13 Packaging and Package Marking,Marking; and
3.1.14 Supplementary Requirements.
3.2 In addition, when a section with a title identical to those referenced in 3.1 appears in this specification, it contains additional
requirements that supplement those appearing in Specifications B249/B249M and B250/B250M.
4. Ordering Information
4.1 Include the following information when placing orders for product under this specification, as applicable:
4.1.1 ASTM specification designation and year of issue (Bxxx/BxxxM – XX).
4.1.2 Copper Alloy UNS No. designations (C36300, C36500, C37000, C37100, and C37700, see Section 6 and Table 1.
4.1.3 Temper (see Section 7 and Table 2 and Table 3).
4.1.4 Product cross section form (for example, round, hexagonal, square, etc.).
4.1.5 Dimensions (see Section 9).
4.1.6 How furnished: straight lengths or coils (see 5.2).
4.1.7 Edge contours (see Section 9).
4.1.8 Quantity; total weight, footage, or number of pieces for each size.
4.2 The following options are available and shall be specified at the time of placing the order when required:
4.2.1 Tensile test requirement for product ⁄2 in. [12 mm] and over (see 8.2).
4.2.2 Certification (refer to Specifications B249/B249M or B250/B250M).
4.2.3 Mill Test Report (refer to Specifications B249/B249M or B250/B250M).
4.2.4 When product is purchased for agencies of the U.S. Government see Section 11.
5. Materials and Manufacture
5.1 Material—The material of manufacture shall be a cast billet of Copper Alloys UNS No. C36300, C36500, C37000, C37100
and C37700 and of such purity and soundness as to be suitable for hot extrusion into rod, bar, wire, and shaped products.
5.1.1 In the event that heat identification or traceability is required, the purchaser shall specify the details desired.
NOTE 2—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.
5.2 Manufacture—Product produced under this specification shall be in straight lengths; however, it shall be furnished in coils
when so specified in the contract or purchase order (see 4.1.6).
6. Chemical Composition
6.1 The product shall conform to the chemical compositional requirements specified in Table 1 for Copper Alloys UNS No.
C36300, C36500, C37000, C37100 and C37700.
6.2 The UNS designated composition limits do not preclude the possible presence of other unnamed elements; however,
analysis shall be made regularly only for the minor elements listed in Table 1, plu
...