385 Architectural Bronze (C38500 Brass)

Architectural bronze is also referred to as 385 brass, 385 bronze, and C38500 brass. Despite its name, architectural bronze is actually a form of brass instead of bronze; although, both have high copper content. They have different properties and elemental makeup. Architectural bronze is composed of:

• 55–59% copper
• 2.5–3.5% lead
• 0.35% iron
• Zinc is the remainder

Sequoia Brass and Copper is a domestic supplier of nonferrous metals including architectural bronze, copper, brass, and bronze alloys for the metal fabrication industry. Many shapes are available including sheet, bar, plate, rod, and tube stock.

Learn more about the properties and uses of architectural bronze.

Properties of 385 Architectural Bronze (C38500 Brass)

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Architectural bronze is a versatile material with these general properties:

• Tensile Strength: 60 KSI
• Yield Strength: 20 KSI
• Coefficient of Thermal Expansion: 11.6
• Modulus of Elasticity in Tension 14,000 KSI
• Hot Working Temperature Range: 1150 to 1350° F
• Annealing Temperature Range: 800 to 1100° F
• Excellent corrosion resistance (except for marine environments and ammonia and ammonia compounds which may induce stress corrosion cracking)
• Few brittle spots throughout material due to continuous casting process, for less wear on tools
• Can be polished and used for electroplating finishing processes

Architectural bronze has similar high machinability to free-cutting brass (C36000), but it has a slightly lower lead content.

While not suited to cold working or welding applications, this material has excellent hot workability for operations such as:

• Hot forging
• Hot Bending
• Brazing
• Butt Welding
• Hot Forming
• Machining (rating of 90)
• Hot Pressing
• Soldering

385 Architectural Bronze (C38500 Brass) Applications & Industries

Architectural bronze can be readily extruded, forged, bent, pressed, or machined; therefore, it is widely used in many industries and applications. Some examples include:

• Architecture: Railings and trim, terrazzo strips, partition brackets, shower door trim, architectural forgings, privacy screens/grills, thresholds and other extrusions
• Consumer Products: Fireplace screens, hot combs for hair, straight edges, squeegee retainers, picture frames, funeral urns, and lamps
• Construction Hardware: Hinges, drawer handles and pulls, lock cams and bodies, and slide bolts
• Industrial Sector: Wheeled racks, valve and gauge hardware and components, trim pieces, and press brake ram clamps
• Ordnance: Gun sights and hardware

Architectural Bronze vs. Other Bronze Types

There are multiple bronze alloys and brass alloys available. Two common types are 932 high-leaded tin bronze and 954 bronze. While they share some characteristics of 385 brass, there are differences between their properties and typical applications.

• 932 High-Leaded Tin Bronze. This material is also known as CDA 932 bearing bronze, SAE 660, and C93200. It contains large amounts of lead, tin, and zinc and traces amounts of iron, nickel, and antimony. Its tensile strength is 35 KSI and yield strength is 20 KSI. Similarly to 385 brass, it is very machinable and can be used in applications calling for soldering or brazing. And like C385, it is also not suited for most types of welding. It is often used for light-duty applications such as bearings and bushings, gears, sprockets, impellers, washers, and pumps.
• 954 Bronze. This material contains a minimum of 83% copper, 3%-5% iron, 1.5% nickel, 10%-11.5% aluminum, and 0.5% manganese. Its tensile strength is 85 KSI and yield strength is 32 KSI, both higher than 385. It also has anti-friction properties and forms a protective oxide layer in the presence of air and moisture, making it incredibly corrosion-resistant in harsh environments. This bronze alloy is ideal for high-load and high-impact applications, such as spur gears, worm gears, wear plates, and outdoor structures. It is also frequently used in bushings, bearings, valve components, high-strength clamps, and aircraft components.