C23000 Red Brass
UNS C23000 85/15 Copper-Zinc
C23000, commonly known as Red Brass or 85/15 Brass, is a high-copper brass alloy that delivers improved corrosion resistance over the yellow brasses while retaining good cold working characteristics. The higher copper content provides resistance to dezincification and a warm, reddish color suited to architectural and decorative use.
C23000 is widely used for plumbing fittings, condenser and heat exchanger components, and architectural products where the combination of corrosion resistance, formability, and color is important. It also offers good solderability and brazing characteristics.
The alloy is generally supplied in coil, strip, and sheet for stamping and forming operations, with tube and pipe available for plumbing and fluid handling applications.
Common Names & Cross-References
Designation | Value |
|---|---|
Common Names | Red Brass, 85/15 Brass, Rich Low Brass |
UNS | C23000 |
CDA | 230 |
British Standard | CZ102 |
EN (Europe) | CuZn15 / CW502L |
JIS (Japan) | C2300 |
C23000 Chemical Composition
Element | Composition (%) |
|---|---|
Copper (Cu) | 84.0 – 86.0 |
Zinc (Zn) | Balance |
Lead (Pb) | 0.05 max |
Iron (Fe) | 0.05 max |
Typical Mechanical Properties
Property | Annealed (O60) | Hard (H02) |
|---|---|---|
Tensile Strength | 39 ksi (269 MPa) | 70 ksi (483 MPa) |
Yield Strength (0.2%) | 10 ksi (69 MPa) | 57 ksi (393 MPa) |
Elongation (in 2 in.) | 55% | 5% |
Hardness | Rockwell F 60 | Rockwell B 70 |
Key Features & Advantages
- Improved corrosion resistance over yellow brasses, including dezincification resistance
- Good cold-forming and stamping characteristics
- Warm, reddish color suited to architectural use
- Excellent solderability and brazing performance
- Good strength after cold work
- Consistent formability across a range of tempers
Common Applications of C23000
- Plumbing fittings and water supply components
- Condenser and heat exchanger tubing
- Stamped and formed industrial components
- Architectural trim, hardware, and decorative components
- Pump and valve components
- Electrical conduit and fittings
Primary Markets Served
- Plumbing & Fluid Handling
- Architectural & Decorative
- Industrial Manufacturing
- HVAC & Refrigeration
When to Specify C23000
- C23000 vs. C26000 (70/30) — C23000 has better corrosion resistance and a redder color; C26000 has higher strength and better deep-draw performance.
- C23000 vs. C22000 (90/10) — C22000 has slightly better corrosion resistance and a richer bronze color; C23000 is more economical and slightly stronger.
- C23000 vs. pure copper — Red brass offers better strength, lower cost, and easier machining than pure copper, with similar corrosion resistance.
Why Source 21?
- ISO 9001-certified quality system with full chemistry and mechanical traceability on every shipment
- Multi-million dollar national inventory across stainless, nickel alloys, copper, and brass
- Strong domestic and international mill relationships, including premium specialty mill partnerships
- In-house slitting, edging, leveling, and cut-to-length capabilities
- Contract programs, blanket orders, and vendor-managed inventory (VMI) for production accounts
- Responsive technical support for tight-tolerance and certification-driven work
Request a Quote
Contact Source 21 today for C23000 Red Brass pricing, availability, and processing options. Our team responds quickly, asks the right questions, and gets you accurate quotes on real material — not vague placeholders.
Call 631-821-1101 or request a quote online to get started.
Founded in 1990 Source 21 is a leading distributor and processor of stainless steel, copper and brass products.
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