C21000 Gilding Metal
UNS C21000 95/5 Copper-Zinc
C21000, commonly known as Gilding Metal, is the highest-copper brass alloy in standard production, with approximately 95% copper and 5% zinc. It offers exceptional ductility and forming characteristics combined with a warm, reddish-gold color similar to pure copper.
Gilding Metal performs exceptionally well in deep drawing, severe forming, and spinning operations, and it produces a smooth, fine-grained surface that takes plating, polishing, and decorative finishes beautifully. Its corrosion resistance is similar to that of pure copper, with strong resistance to dezincification.
C21000 is the alloy of choice for medallions, decorative components, deep-drawn architectural parts, and traditional bullet jacket applications.
Common Names & Cross-References
Designation | Value |
|---|---|
Common Names | Gilding Metal, Gilding Brass, 95/5 Brass, Cap Copper |
UNS | C21000 |
CDA | 210 |
British Standard | CZ125 |
EN (Europe) | CuZn5 / CW500L |
JIS (Japan) | C2100 |
C21000 Chemical Composition
Element | Composition (%) |
|---|---|
Copper (Cu) | 94.0 – 96.0 |
Zinc (Zn) | Balance |
Lead (Pb) | 0.05 max |
Iron (Fe) | 0.05 max |
Typical Mechanical Properties
Property | Annealed (O60) | Hard (H02) |
|---|---|---|
Tensile Strength | 34 ksi (234 MPa) | 55 ksi (379 MPa) |
Yield Strength (0.2%) | 10 ksi (69 MPa) | 45 ksi (310 MPa) |
Elongation (in 2 in.) | 45% | 5% |
Hardness | Rockwell F 46 | Rockwell B 56 |
Key Features & Advantages
- Exceptional ductility and deep-drawing performance
- Smooth, fine-grained surface ideal for plating and polishing
- Warm, reddish-gold color similar to pure copper
- Excellent corrosion resistance with strong dezincification resistance
- Outstanding cold-forming behavior across tempers
- Excellent solderability and brazing performance
Common Applications of C21000
- Deep-drawn parts and severely formed components
- Decorative and architectural components
- Coinage, medallions, and badges
- Bullet jackets and ammunition components
- Costume jewelry and giftware
- Stamped emblems and trim
Primary Markets Served
- Architectural & Decorative
- Defense & Ammunition
- Coinage & Medals
- Industrial Manufacturing
When to Specify C21000
- C21000 vs. C22000 (90/10) — C22000 has slightly higher strength; C21000 has better deep-drawing performance and a redder color.
- C21000 vs. pure copper — Pure copper has higher conductivity but lower strength and is harder to deep-draw to tight tolerances. C21000 is preferred for severely formed decorative components.
- C21000 vs. bronze (true Cu-Sn alloys) — True bronzes have higher strength and better wear resistance but are significantly more expensive and harder to form.
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 C21000 Gilding Metal 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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