385 bronze—also referred to as architectural bronze, C385, and c385 brass—is a copper-alloy that contains 55–59% copper, 2.5–3.5% lead, 0.35% iron, and trace amounts of zinc. This material is similar to C360 (also known as free-cutting brass), but with slightly inferior machinability due to its lower lead content.

Despite its name, C385 is actually a form of brass, not bronze. The interchanging of the two terms is due largely to both materials belonging to the same metal type—i.e., copper. However, between brass and bronze, there are distinct differences in the chemical compositions and properties exhibited.

Properties of 385 Architectural Bronze

385 architectural bronze demonstrates a variety of characteristics that make it suitable for use in industrial applications. For example, the material is affordable and exhibits long-term durability in non-marine environments due to its excellent corrosion resistance.

Additionally, C385 lends itself to a wide range of fabrication processes, including hot forming, pressing, bending, brazing, soldering, butt welding, and machining (rating of 90). It also demonstrates suitability for additional finishing processes, such as annealing and polishing, but not for cold forming or non-butt welding processes (e.g., such as spot, seam, arc, or oxyacetylene welding).

When hot working this material, it is recommended that fabricators perform forming operations at temperatures ranging from 1150–1350° F. Annealing operations—which increase ductility, malleability, and formability and reduce material hardness—should occur at 800–1100° F

Industries and Applications Served by 385 Architectural Bronze

385 architectural bronze demonstrates excellent corrosion resistance, formability, machinability, and weldability. Due to these advantageous characteristics, the material finds application in a wide range of industries, including:

Bronze

In the architectural industry, 385 architectural bronze is used in the making of many architectural components. For interior applications, C385 is used for shower doors, bathroom partition brackets, terrazzo strips, and elevator trim. On the exterior of buildings, the material is used in architectural forgings, extrusions thresholds, privacy sun grills, handrails, and storefronts.

In the consumer sector, many products are manufactured using C385. Typical products range from hot combs to straight edges, picture frames to funeral urns, and fireplace screens to lamps.

In the construction hardware industry, slide bolts, lock bodies and lock cams, drawer pulls, drawer handles, and hinges are often made from C385.

In the industrial sector, C385 finds use in the production of valves, valve seats, gauges, press brake ram clamps, valve stems, valve trim, and wheeled racks.

In the weapons industry, the non-sparking properties of this alloy lend it to use in the manufacture of gun sights.

Contact Sequoia Brass & Copper Today for 385 Bronze

At Sequoia Brass & Copper, we offer 385 architectural bronze in a comprehensive selection of shapes and sizes. Our product offerings include round and square rods, rectangular bars, square tubes, square rectangles, equal and unequal leg angles, channels, and handrail molding.

For over three decades, Sequoia Brass & Copper has served as an industry-leading supplier of non-ferrous metals, including 385 architectural bronze. Our quality management system ensures unparalleled success in meeting and exceeding our clients’ material needs. Our knowledgeable professionals can guide you in getting the right materials for your manufacturing needs.

For more information on our bronze and brass product offerings, visit our website to view our bronze offerings or shop our bronze catalog. To learn more about our material offerings, contact us, or request a free quote today.

 

  • Chemical Composition
    Min/Max: 55.0 - 59.0 Cu, 0.35 Fe, 2.5 - 3.5 Pb, Rem. Zn
    Nominal: 57 Cu, 3 Pb, 40 Zn
  • Fabrication Properties
    Product Forms: Rod, Shapes
    Soldering: Excellent
    Brazing: Good
    Oxyacetylene Welding: Not Recommended
    Gas Shielded Arc Welding: Not Recommended
    Coated Metal Arc Welding: Not Recommended
    Spot Weld: Not Recommended
    Seam Weld: Not Recommended
    Butt Weld: Fair
    Capacity for Being Cold Worked: Poor
    Capacity for Being Hot Formed: Excellent
    Machinability Rating: 90

Shapes Available

Round Rod Sizes

Rod (D)iameter Inches Lbs per Foot Approx Lbs per 16 Foot
1/4 0.2 2.9
3/8 0.4 6.5
1/2 0.7 11.6
5/8 1.1 18.1
3/4 1.6 26.1
1 2.9 46.2
1 1/4 4.5 72.3
1 1/2 6.5 104.2
2 11.6 185.1

Square Rod Sizes

Square Rod (S)ize Inches Lbs per Foot Approx Lbs per 16 Foot
1/4 0.2 3.7
3/8 0.5 8.3
1/2 0.9 14.7
5/8 1.4 23.0
3/4 2.1 33.1
1 3.7 58.9
1 1/4 5.8 92.2
1 1/2 8.3 132.6
2 14.7 235.8

Rectangle Bar Sizes

Bar Size (T) x (W) Inches Lbs per Foot Approx Lbs per 16 Foot Bar Size (T) x (W)Inches Lbs per Foot Approx Lbs per 16 Foot Bar Size (T) x (W) Inches Lbs per Foot Approx Lbs per 16 Foot
1/8 x 1/2 0.23 3.7 1/4 x 1/2 0.46 7.4 1/2 x 3/4 1.38 22.1
1/8 x 5/8 0.29 4.6 1/4 x 5/8 0.58 9.2 1/2 x 1 1.84 29.4
1/8 x 3/4 0.35 5.5 1/4 x 3/4 0.69 11.1 1/2 x 1 1/4 2.30 36.8
1/8 x 1 0.46 7.4 1/4 x 1 0.92 14.7 1/2 x 1 1/2 2.76 44.2
1/8 x 1 1/4 0.58 9.2 1/4 x 1 1/4 1.15 18.4 1/2 x 2 3.68 58.9
1/8 x 1 1/2 0.69 11.1 1/4 x 1 1/2 1.38 22.1 1/2 x 2 1/2 4.60 73.6
1/8 x 2 0.92 14.7 1/4 x 2 1.84 29.4 1/2 x 3 5.48 87.7
1/8 x 2 1/2 1.15 18.4 1/4 x 2 1/2 2.31 37.0 1/2 x 4 7.37 117.9
1/8 x 3 1.38 22.1 1/4 x 3 2.76 44.2 1/2 x 6 11.06 177.0
1/8 x 4 1.84 29.4 1/4 x 4 3.65 58.4
1/4 x 6 5.52 88.3 3/4 x 1 2.76 44.2
3/16 x 1/2 0.35 5.5 3/4 x 1 1/4 3.46 55.4
3/16 x 5/8 0.43 6.9 3/8 x 1/2 0.69 11.1 3/4 x 1 1/2 4.14 66.2
3/16 x 3/4 0.52 8.3 3/8 x 5/8 0.86 13.8 3/4 x 2 5.53 88.5
3/16 x 1 0.69 11.1 3/8 x 3/4 1.04 16.6 3/4 x 2 1/2 6.90 110.4
3/16 x 1 1/4 0.86 13.8 3/8 x 1 1.38 22.1 3/4 x 3 8.29 132.6
3/16 x 1 1/2 1.04 16.6 3/8 x 1 1/4 1.73 27.7 3/4 x 4 11.1 176.8
3/16 x 2 1.38 22.1 3/8 x 1 1/2 2.07 33.1 3/4 x 6 16.6 264.8
3/16 x 2 1/2 1.73 27.7 3/8 x 2 2.76 44.2
3/16 x 3 2.07 33.1 3/8 x 2 1/2 3.45 55.2 1 x 1 1/4 4.6100 73.8
3/16 x 4 2.76 44.2 3/8 x 3 5.48 87.7 1 x 1 1/2 5.5500 88.8
3/8 x 4 5.53 88.5 1 x 2 7.3700 117.9
3/8 x 6 8.30 132.8 1 x 2 1/2 9.2000 147.2
1 x 3 11.0500 176.8
1 x 4 14.7600 236.2
1 x 6 22.1100 353.8

Square Tube Sizes

Square Tube (A) x (B) Wall Thickness (T) Lbs per Foot Approx Lbs per 16 Foot
1/2 x 1/2 0.093 0.586 9.38
5/8 x 5/8 0.093 0.756 12.10
3/4 x 3/4 0.093 0.929 14.86
1 x 1 0.100 1.360 21.76
1 x 1 0.125 1.660 26.56
1 1/4 x 1 1/4 0.100 1.730 27.68
1 1/2 x 1 1/2 0.100 2.090 33.44
1 1/2 x 1 1/2 0.125 2.580 41.28
1 3/4 x 1 3/4 0.100 2.460 39.36
2 x 2 0.100 2.840 45.44
2 x 2 0.125 3.510 56.16
2 1/2 x 2 1/2 0.100 3.480 55.68
2 1/2 x 2 1/2 0.125 4.430 70.88
3 x 3 0.125 5.350 85.60

Square Rectangle Sizes

Square Tube (A) x (B) Wall Thickness (T) Lbs per Foot Approx Lbs per 16 Foot
1/2 x 1 0.100 0.99 15.82
1/2 x 1 1/2 0.100 1.36 21.76
1/2 x 2 0.100 1.72 27.52
3/4 x 1 1/2 0.100 1.54 24.64
1 x 1 1/2 0.100 1.73 27.68
1 x 2 0.100 2.09 33.44
1 x 2 0.100 2.58 41.28
1 x 3 0.125 3.51 56.16
1 1/2 x 3 0.125 3.97 63.52
1 3/4 x 3 0.125 4.20 67.20
1 3/4 x 4 0.125 5.13 82.08
2 x 3 0.125 4.43 70.88
2 x 4 0.125 5.35 85.60

Angle Equal Leg Sizes

Equal Legs Angle (A) x (B) Wall Thickness (T) Lbs per Foot Approx Lbs per 16 Foot
1/4 x 1/4 0.062 0.12 1.86
3/8 x 3/8 0.062 0.17 2.64
3/8 x 3/8 0.093 0.22 3.52
3/8 x 3/8 0.125 0.30 4.80
1 x 1 1/2 0.062 0.23 3.70
1/2 x 1/2 0.093 0.31 4.96
1/2 x 1/2 0.125 0.42 6.72
5/8 x 5/8 0.062 0.29 4.58
5/8 x 5/8 0.093 0.36 5.76
5/8 x 5/8 0.125 0.52 8.32
3/4 x 3/4 0.062 0.35 5.63
3/4 x 3/4 0.093 0.48 7.68
3/4 x 3/4 0.125 0.64 10.24
1 x 1 0.062 0.484 7.74
1 x 1 0.093 0.69 11.04
1 x 1 0.125 0.89 14.24
1 x 1 0.187 1.36 21.76
1 x 1 0.25 1.60 25.60
1 1/4 x 1 1/4 0.062 0.55 8.80
1 1/4 x 1 1/4 0.093 0.82 13.12
1 1/4 x 1 1/4 0.125 1.09 17.44
1 1/4 x 1 1/4 0.187 1.6 25.60
1 1/4 x 1 1/4 0.25 2.05 32.80
1 1/4 x 1 1/2 0.125 1.35 21.60
1 1/4 x 1 1/2 0.187 1.92 30.72
1 1/4 x 1 1/2 0.25 2.52 40.32
2 x 2 0.25 1.79 28.64
2 x 2 0.187 2.61 41.76
2 x 2 0.25 3.37 53.92
2 1/2 x 2 1/2 0.125 2.17 34.72
2 1/2 x 2 1/2 0.25 4.35 69.60
3 x 3 0.125 2.63 42.08
3 x 3 0.25 5.25 84.00

Angle Unequal Leg Sizes

Square Tube (A) x (B) Wall Thickness (T) Lbs per Foot Approx Lbs per 16 Foot
3/8 x 3/4 0.125 0.45 7.20
1/2 x 3/4 0.125 0.52 8.32
1/2 x 1 0.062 0.33 5.22
1/2 x 1 0.125 0.65 10.40
1/2 x 1 1/2 0.125 0.84 13.44
1/2 x 2 0.125 1.09 17.44
3/4 x 1 0.125 0.75 12.00
3/4 x 1 1/4 0.125 0.88 14.08
3/4 x 1 1/2 0.125 0.97 15.52
1 x 1 1/2 0.125 1.10 17.60
1 x 2 0.125 1.33 21.28
2 x 3 0.125 2.20 35.20

Channel Sizes

Equal Legs Channel (A) x (B) x © Wall Thickness (T) Lbs per Foot Approx Lbs per 16 Foot
1/4 x 1/4 x 1/4 0.040 0.12 1.92
3/8 x 3/8 x 3/8 0.062 0.26 4.16
1/2 x 1/2 x 1/2 0.062 0.30 4.80
1/2 x 1/2 x 1/2 0.093 0.45 7.20
5/8 x 5/8 x 5/8 0.093 0.60 9.60
3/4 x 3/4 x 3/4 0.093 0.68 10.88
3/4 x 3/4 x 3/4 0.125 0.90 14.40
1 x 1 x 1 0.093 0.093 14.88
1 x 1 x 1 0.125 1.60 20.00
1 1/4 x 1 1/4 x 1/1/4 0.125 1.60 25.60
1 1/2 x 1 1/2 x 1 1/2 0.125 1.94 31.04
2 x 2 x 2 0.125 2.60 41.60

Handrail Moulding Sizes

Handrail Moulding (A) (B) © Approx Lbs per Foot
1 5/8 1 1/16 5/8 1.84
1 15/16 1 5/16 1 1/16 2.56
2 1/4 1 9/16 1 5/16 3.12