Alloy 260， Wire，UNS N03260,E FORU

British Specs:，American Specs: AMS 5890 Bar and Forgings，German Specs:

**Technical Datasheet: Alloy 260 (Cartridge Brass) Wire** **UNS Designation:** UNS C26000 | **EN Designation:** CW508L --- ### **1. Product Overview** Alloy 260 wire, manufactured from 70/30 brass, combines excellent ductility with good strength and electrical conductivity. Available in diameters from 0.10 mm to 12.0 mm, the wire is supplied in various tempers to meet specific application requirements, from dead soft annealed to spring hard conditions. Its superior cold-working characteristics make it ideal for drawing, forming, and machining operations. --- ### **2. Key Characteristics** - **Excellent Cold Workability:** Can be deeply drawn, formed, and bent without fracture - **Good Electrical Conductivity:** 28% IACS for electrical applications - **High Machinability:** 100% machinability rating for screw machining - **Corrosion Resistance:** Suitable for atmospheric and indoor environments - **Various Tempers Available:** From annealed to spring temper - **Multiple Finishes:** Natural, polished, or coated surfaces available --- ### **3. Chemical Composition (Weight %)** | Element | Content | Specification Reference | |---------|---------|------------------------| | Copper (Cu) | 68.5–71.5% | ASTM B134, EN 12166 | | Zinc (Zn) | Remainder | - | | Iron (Fe) | ≤0.05% | - | | Lead (Pb) | ≤0.07% | - | | Other Elements | ≤0.15% total | - | --- ### **4. Physical Properties** - **Density:** 8.53 g/cm³ - **Electrical Conductivity:** 28% IACS - **Thermal Conductivity:** 120 W/m·K - **Coefficient of Thermal Expansion:** 20.2 × 10⁻⁶/°C (20–300°C) - **Melting Range:** 915–955°C - **Modulus of Elasticity:** 110 GPa --- ### **5. Mechanical Properties by Temper** | Temper | Tensile Strength (MPa) | Yield Strength (MPa) | Elongation (%) | Rockwell Hardness | |--------|-----------------------|---------------------|----------------|-------------------| | O60 (Annealed) | 325–380 | 75–125 | 45–60 | B40–B60 | | H01 (1/4 Hard) | 380–450 | 125–240 | 35–50 | B65–B75 | | H02 (1/2 Hard) | 415–485 | 205–330 | 20–40 | B75–B85 | | H04 (Hard) | 485–565 | 395–485 | 5–15 | B85–B92 | | H08 (Spring) | 520–600 | 450–520 | 3–10 | B91–B96 | --- ### **6. International Standards** #### **6.1. Primary Specifications** - **ASTM B134:** Brass Wire - **ASTM B16:** Free-Cutting Brass Rod, Bar and Shapes - **EN 12166:** Copper and copper alloys - Wire for general purposes - **DIN 17660:** CuZn30 (CZ106) - **JIS H3260:** Copper and copper alloy wires #### **6.2. Specialized Standards** - **ASTM B453:** Copper-Zinc-Lead Alloy (Leaded Brass) Wire - **ISO 426-2:** Wrought copper-zinc alloys - Drawn wire - **EN 12163:** Copper and copper alloys - Rod for general purposes --- ### **7. Product Applications** #### **7.1. Electrical & Electronic** - **Electrical Terminals:** Connector pins and sockets - **Lead Frames:** Semiconductor packaging components - **Wire Harnesses:** Automotive and appliance wiring - **Contacts:** Low-current electrical contacts #### **7.2. Fasteners & Hardware** - **Screws and Bolts:** Machined from wire stock - **Rivets:** Cold-headed fasteners - **Pins and Clips:** Retaining and securing components - **Chains:** Decorative and light-duty applications #### **7.3. Industrial & Mechanical** - **Springs:** Light to medium duty spring applications - **Screens and Filters:** Woven wire mesh - **Brazing Rods:** Lower temperature brazing applications - **Musical Instruments:** Reed components and mechanical parts #### **7.4. Consumer Products** - **Jewelry:** Findings and decorative elements - **Crafts:** Model making and artistic applications - **Zippers:** Sliders and components --- ### **8. Fabrication Characteristics** #### **8.1. Forming & Machining** - **Cold Heading:** Excellent for fastener manufacturing - **Spring Forming:** Suitable for cold coiling operations - **Machining:** Free-machining characteristics minimize tool wear - **Annealing Temperature:** 425–600°C for stress relief #### **8.2. Joining & Finishing** - **Soldering:** Excellent with all common solder alloys - **Brazing:** Compatible with silver brazing materials - **Plating:** Good substrate for nickel, tin, and precious metal plating - **Polishing:** Takes high luster for decorative applications --- ### **9. Quality Assurance** - **Dimensional Tolerance:** ±0.01 mm for precision diameters - **Surface Quality:** Smooth, free from cracks and inclusions - **Spooling:** Evenly wound on spools from 1–250 kg - **Certification:** Mill test certificates available --- ### **10. Packaging Options** - **Spool Sizes:** 100 mm to 600 mm diameter - **Weight Range:** 1 kg to 250 kg per spool - **Protection:** Anti-corrosion paper or vacuum packaging - **Identification:** Color-coded tags for temper identification --- ### **11. Comparative Advantages** | Material | Advantage of Alloy 260 Wire | |----------|-----------------------------| | Copper C11000 | Better spring properties, higher strength | | Aluminum 1350 | Superior formability, better solderability | | Stainless Steel 304 | Higher conductivity, easier forming | | Phosphor Bronze 510 | Lower cost, better electrical conductivity | --- ### **12. Disclaimer** This technical information is provided for reference purposes only. Actual properties may vary based on manufacturing processes, diameter, and temper. Users should conduct application-specific testing to verify suitability. The manufacturer's recommendations for fabrication and handling should always be followed. Compliance with relevant safety standards and regulations is the responsibility of the end user.

Packing of Standard Packing: Typical bulk packaging includes palletized plastic 5 gallon/25 kg. pails, fiber and steel drums to 1 ton super sacks in full container (FCL) or truck load (T/L) quantities. Research and sample quantities and hygroscopic, oxidizing or other air sensitive materials may be packaged under argon or vacuum. Solutions are packaged in polypropylene, plastic or glass jars up to palletized 2819 gallon liquid totes Special package is available on request.