Free-Cutting Copper (C14500 / C36000)
Precision Machining Copper Solutions by Huaxiao-Alloy
1. What Is Free-Cutting Copper?
Free-Cutting Copper is a specially engineered copper alloy designed to deliver excellent machinability, dimensional stability, and surface finish. By adding controlled alloying elements such as tellurium or lead, this copper grade significantly improves cutting performance while retaining good electrical and thermal conductivity.
At Huaxiao-Alloy, Free-Cutting Copper is positioned as a precision machining solution, ideal for customers who require high productivity, tight tolerances, and consistent quality in mass production environments.
2. Free-Cutting Copper Grades & UNS Numbers
| Grade | UNS No. | Common Name |
|---|---|---|
| C14500 | UNS C14500 | Tellurium Copper |
| C36000 | UNS C36000 | Free-Cutting Brass (Cu-Zn alloy) |
Important Clarification from Huaxiao-Alloy:
C14500 is true free-cutting copper alloy with excellent conductivity.
C36000 is technically a brass, widely used where machinability is the top priority.
Both are often evaluated together in machining applications.
3. Chemical Composition
C14500 – Tellurium Copper
| Element | Content (%) |
|---|---|
| Copper (Cu) | ≥ 99.0 |
| Tellurium (Te) | 0.40–0.70 |
| Other Elements | ≤ 0.1 |
C36000 – Free-Cutting Brass
| Element | Content (%) |
|---|---|
| Copper (Cu) | 60–63 |
| Zinc (Zn) | Balance |
| Lead (Pb) | 2.5–3.7 |
4. Mechanical & Physical Properties
| Property | C14500 | C36000 |
|---|---|---|
| Machinability | Excellent | Outstanding |
| Electrical Conductivity | ~90% IACS | ~28% IACS |
| Thermal Conductivity | High | Moderate |
| Tensile Strength | 220–260 MPa | 330–450 MPa |
Huaxiao-Alloy Insight:
Choose C14500 when conductivity matters; choose C36000 when machining speed and cost efficiency dominate.
5. Key Advantages of Free-Cutting Copper
Extremely high machining efficiency
Excellent surface finish after turning or milling
Reduced tool wear and processing cost
Good dimensional accuracy for precision parts
Suitable for high-volume production
6. Typical Applications
Huaxiao-Alloy supplies Free-Cutting Copper for:
Electrical connectors and terminals
Precision machined components
Switchgear and relay parts
Automotive electrical fittings
Industrial fasteners and bushings
7. Available Forms & Supply Capabilities
Bars & Rods (round, hexagonal, square)
Plates & Blocks
Custom-machined blanks
Supported Standards:
ASTM B301 / ASTM B124
UNS C14500 / C36000
EN CW118C / CW614N
Huaxiao-Alloy Services:
Custom sizes and tolerances
CNC-ready material preparation
Global export packaging
8. Free-Cutting Copper vs ETP Copper
| Property | Free-Cutting Copper | ETP Copper |
|---|---|---|
| Machinability | Excellent | Moderate |
| Conductivity | Lower | Higher |
| Typical Use | Machined parts | Conductors, busbars |
Engineering Recommendation:
For precision machining, Free-Cutting Copper offers superior productivity and cost control.
9. Standards & Quality Assurance
ASTM / UNS / EN compliance
ISO quality management
ROHS & REACH available
Full material traceability
Huaxiao-Alloy ensures consistent machining performance across batches.
Yes. It combines excellent machinability with high electrical conductivity.
Yes. It contains lead for machinability; lead-free alternatives are available upon request.
Yes. We offer cut-to-length and CNC-ready materials.
11. Why Choose Huaxiao-Alloy?
One-stop supplier for copper and copper alloys
Strong expertise in machining-oriented material selection
Stable supply for mass production projects
Competitive pricing with consistent quality
Engineering-driven, solution-focused service
Huaxiao-Alloy helps manufacturers reduce machining cost and improve efficiency.
12. Get a Quote – Precision Copper Solutions
📧 Email: [email protected]
📱 WhatsApp: +1 (579) 300-2733
Let Huaxiao-Alloy support your precision machining projects with reliable free-cutting copper materials.
Copper Products
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