Naval Brass Plates Manufacturer & Supplier - USA Piping Solution

At USA Piping Solution, we're recognized as a leading source for premium Naval Brass Plates. This specific alloy, particularly the widely specified C46400 grade, has earned its reputation as a cornerstone material in industries where performance under pressure is non-negotiable. Its standout quality is exceptional corrosion resistance, especially when facing harsh marine environments. That's why you'll find Naval Brass Plates playing vital roles in everything from shipbuilding and offshore platforms to sophisticated aerospace parts and even durable architectural features. The material brings together an effective blend of strength, workability, and long-term durability. Here at USA Piping Solution, we combine a robust inventory with precision processing and deep material know-how to deliver the Naval Brass solutions your projects demand, ensuring they meet strict standards and perform reliably. Let's explore what makes C46400 such a smart choice.

What are Naval Brass Plates?

So, what exactly are Naval Brass Plates? Essentially, they are flat-rolled metal products forged from a copper-zinc alloy, but with a critical twist: the addition of tin. The go-to grade, UNS C46400, is what most people mean when they refer to Naval Brass. Its name gives away its history – it became indispensable for marine applications thanks to its remarkable defense against corrosion from seawater, brine, and other challenging aquatic conditions.

The secret ingredient setting Naval Brass apart from more common brasses (like C26000 Cartridge Brass) is that carefully controlled addition of tin, typically between 0.5% and 1.0%. While seemingly small, this tin content profoundly enhances the alloy's resistance to dezincification. This is a type of corrosion that selectively removes zinc from brass, leaving behind a weak, porous copper structure. By inhibiting this corrosive attack, tin makes Marine Grade Brass Plates like C46400 incredibly dependable for components constantly submerged or exposed to saltwater.

But corrosion resistance isn't the whole story. Naval Brass Alloy Sheet and plate also strike a useful balance in their mechanical properties. You get good strength and moderate hardness, coupled with excellent ductility (especially when annealed), which allows for effective shaping and forming. It also behaves well under heat, making it suitable for hot forging and pressing. This versatile combination means the material is well-suited for both functional, structural roles and applications where appearance matters, particularly in environments that would quickly compromise lesser metals. USA Piping Solution ensures our Naval Brass Sheet and plate meet these exacting performance benchmarks.

Naval Brass Plates Specifications

For engineers, designers, and procurement teams, understanding the detailed specifications of C46400 Naval Brass is vital. At USA Piping Solution, we guarantee our Naval Brass Plates comply with rigorous industry benchmarks, most notably ASTM B171, the standard governing copper-alloy plate and sheet intended for pressure vessels, condensers, and heat exchangers.

Technical Specifications

Let's delve into the key technical details typically associated with C46400 Naval Brass Plates:

• UNS Designation: C46400
• Common Name: Often called Naval Brass 60-39-1, hinting at the approximate Copper-Zinc-Tin ratio.
• Governing Specification: Primarily Naval Brass ASTM B171 / ASME SB171. Depending on the end-use, other specs like ASTM B21 (for bar) or specific military standards (e.g., MIL-C-24679) might also come into play.
• Density: Around 0.304 lbs per cubic inch (8.41 g/cm³).
• Temper: You'll typically find it in H02 (Half Hard), O60 (Soft Annealed), or sometimes an As-Rolled condition. Remember, temper significantly affects strength and how easily the material can be formed.
• Form: We supply it as Plate (generally thicker gauges, often over 0.1875 inches) and Sheet (thinner gauges).
• Electrical Conductivity: Roughly 26% IACS. It's a moderate conductor, not like pure copper, but sufficient for certain electrical roles.
• Thermal Conductivity: Measures about 67 BTU / sq ft / ft / hr / °F (116 W/m K) at room temperature. This good heat transfer capability makes it valuable for heat exchanger parts.
• Machinability Rating: Rated around 30 (with Free-Cutting Brass C36000 as the benchmark at 100). This means it has fair machinability – definitely workable with the right tools and approach, though less easily than leaded brasses.
• Corrosion Resistance: Excellent performance against seawater, marine air, freshwater, and steam. It holds up much better against dezincification and stress corrosion cracking than standard brasses. Also shows good resistance to marine growth (biofouling).
• Hot Workability: Excellent. It responds well to hot forging, pressing, or rolling, typically done between 1150 - 1350°F (621 - 732°C).
• Cold Workability: Good, especially in the softer annealed (O60) state. Suitable for processes like blanking, drawing, and bending. It does work-harden, becoming stronger but less ductile as it's formed.

Chemical Composition and Mechanical Properties

The precise mix of elements and the resulting physical strengths are what truly define the capabilities of C46400 Naval Brass Plate.

Chemical Composition (Typical)

According to the ASTM B171 standard, the nominal chemical makeup for UNS C46400 Naval Brass generally falls within these ranges:

• Copper (Cu): 59.0% - 62.0%
• Tin (Sn): 0.50% - 1.0% (The key element for marine corrosion resistance)
• Lead (Pb): 0.20% Maximum (Keeping this low improves ductility and weldability)
• Iron (Fe): 0.10% Maximum
• Zinc (Zn): The remainder (usually about 37-40%)

(Note: Standards require the sum of these named elements to meet minimum purity levels.)

That controlled tin content is absolutely crucial for the alloy's success in marine settings, preventing dezincification. The minimal lead content is also important, differentiating it from highly machinable (but less formable) leaded brasses.

Mechanical Properties

Mechanical properties aren't fixed; they shift significantly based on the plate's temper (how much it's been work-hardened or annealed) and its thickness. The values below represent typical ranges often seen for ASTM B171 C46400 plate, usually in the common H02 (Half Hard) or As-Rolled state, unless noted otherwise:

• Tensile Strength:
• Typical Span: 50,000 - 65,000 psi (345 - 448 MPa)
• ASTM B171 Minimum (H02, common thicknesses): Often specifies around 50,000 psi (345 MPa).
• Yield Strength (measured at 0.5% extension):
• Typical Span: 20,000 - 35,000 psi (138 - 241 MPa)
• ASTM B171 Minimum (H02, common thicknesses): Frequently requires about 20,000 psi (138 MPa).
• Elongation (ductility measure, in 2 inches):
• Typical Span: 30% - 50%
• ASTM B171 Minimum (H02, common thicknesses): Usually demands 30-35% or more.
• Important Note: The annealed (O60) temper will show lower strength figures but considerably higher elongation, meaning it's much more formable.
• Hardness (Rockwell B scale):
• Typical (H02 Temper): RB 55 - 75
• Typical (Annealed O60 Temper): RB 40 - 60
• Shear Strength: Generally falls between 35,000 - 40,000 psi (241 - 276 MPa).

These numbers paint a picture of a material that's strong enough for many structural jobs, yet retains enough ductility for forming processes and the toughness needed to resist impacts and fractures. When you order from USA Piping Solution, we can provide Mill Test Reports (MTRs) that certify the specific chemical analysis and mechanical test results for your batch of Naval Brass Plates.

Types and Variations of Naval Brass Plates

While C46400 is the main player, the key differences you'll encounter are primarily in the material's temper and its form (sheet vs. plate).

1. Understanding Temper:
• H02 (Half Hard): This is a very common state, offering a practical mix of decent strength and reasonable formability. It gets this temper through controlled cold rolling after an initial annealing step. Good for many structural parts and items that need some machining.
• O60 (Soft Annealed): This is the softest state, achieved by full annealing. It maximizes ductility (formability) at the expense of strength. Choose this if your design involves significant bending, deep drawing, or complex shaping.
• As-Rolled (M20): This describes the material straight off the hot rolling mill, with no extra annealing or cold work. Its properties might be a bit less uniform than specific tempers, but it can be suitable for certain uses or as a starting point for further processing.
  
  
2. Sheet vs. Plate – It's About Thickness:
• Naval Brass Sheet: Typically refers to the thinner material, usually under 3/16" (0.1875 inches) thick. It's often supplied in coils or cut-to-length sheets.
• Naval Brass Plate: This term is used for the thicker stuff, generally 3/16" and up. It comes as flat plates in various standard or custom-cut sizes.
  
  
3. A Note on Leaded Naval Brass (like C48500): Standard C46400 keeps lead content very low. However, related alloys exist, like C48500, where lead (around 1.3-2.2%) is deliberately added to make machining much easier. The trade-off is reduced cold formability and potential environmental/regulatory considerations. USA Piping Solution generally focuses on the standard, low-lead C46400 because of its superior all-around performance, particularly its corrosion resistance and formability.

Choosing the right type and temper really hinges on what you need the material to do, how you plan to fabricate it, and the final properties required. Our experienced team at USA Piping Solution is ready to help you navigate these options.

Applications and Industries Served

Thanks to its unique combination of properties, C46400 Naval Brass Plate is a trusted material across a surprisingly wide array of demanding sectors:

• Marine & Shipbuilding: This is its home turf, where its history lies.
• Typical Uses: Propeller shafts, components for rudders, valve stems, pump shafts, robust marine hardware (like cleats, hinges, turnbuckles), condenser plates, tube sheets and baffles for heat exchangers, sometimes hull plating in specific zones, and structural supports where corrosion is a major concern.
• The Why: Simply put, its unparalleled resistance to seawater corrosion and biofouling, combined with good strength and wear characteristics.
  
  
• Oil & Gas (Especially Offshore & Coastal): Saltwater exposure is a constant challenge here.
• Typical Uses: Components for heat exchangers, valve bodies and internal trim, parts for pumps, durable fasteners, flanges, and instrument housings exposed to marine air or saline process water.
• The Why: Dependable resistance to corrosion from saltwater, brine, and various process waters is critical for infrastructure integrity.
  
  
• Aerospace: Although lighter materials often dominate, Naval Brass fills important niches.
• Typical Uses: Bushings, bearings, specialized fittings, and instrument parts where reliable corrosion resistance and moderate strength are essential.
• The Why: Proven reliability, resistance to environmental degradation, and good bearing surface properties.
  
  
• Industrial Machinery & Equipment: Durability and specific properties matter here.
• Typical Uses: Wear plates subject to friction, bearing plates, heavy-duty electrical connectors, valve parts, liners for pumps, and tube sheets for condensers and heat exchangers used in industrial cooling systems.
• The Why: A good mix of strength, wear resistance, thermal conductivity, and resistance to many industrial fluids.
  
  
• Architectural Applications: Where beauty meets endurance.
• Typical Uses: Eye-catching decorative panels, structural elements in coastal buildings, high-quality fixtures and fittings, durable signage, and protective kick plates.
• The Why: Its appealing golden hue, excellent resistance to atmospheric corrosion (it forms a protective patina over time), and sheer durability.
  
  
• Power Generation: Especially relevant for plants using natural water sources.
• Typical Uses: Tube sheets for condensers, components within cooling water systems, particularly valuable where coastal or brackish water is used.
• The Why: Good thermal transfer combined with the ability to withstand corrosion from various cooling water chemistries.

USA Piping Solution has experience supporting these diverse industries, providing Naval Brass ASTM B171 compliant material that meets their specific, often critical, application needs.

Naval Brass Plates Size Chart

At USA Piping Solution, we maintain a solid inventory of C46400 Naval Brass Plates in common industry sizes. Plus, our processing capabilities mean we can cut material precisely to your unique requirements. Here’s a look at some typical thicknesses and plate dimensions we handle:

Thickness (Gauge / Fraction)	Thickness (Decimal Inches)	Standard Width (inches)	Standard Length (inches)	Approx. Weight (Lbs/Sq Ft)
14 Gauge	0.063	36 / 48	96 / 120	~2.82
3/32"	0.093	24 / 36 / 48	96 / 120	~4.11
1/8"	0.125	36 / 48	96 / 120	~5.50
3/16"	0.188	36 / 48	96 / 120 / 144	~8.21
1/4"	0.250	36 / 48	96 / 120 / 144	~11.02
5/16"	0.313	48	120 / 144	~13.68
3/8"	0.375	48	120 / 144	~16.41
1/2"	0.500	48	120 / 144	~22.00
5/8"	0.625	36 / 48	96 / 120 / 144	~27.10
3/4"	0.750	36 / 48	96 / 120 / 144	~32.82
1"	1.000	48	120 / 144	~43.78
1-1/4"	1.250	48	120	~54.80
1-1/2"	1.500	36 / 48	120	~65.67
2"	2.000	36 / 48	96 / 120	~87.56
2-1/2"	2.500	Custom	Custom	~109.45
3"	3.000	Custom	Custom	~131.34

A Few Points to Note:

• These weights are calculated estimates (density 0.304 lbs/in³) and actual weights can vary slightly.
• Availability for specific width/length combos can depend on the thickness and our current stock levels.
• Don't hesitate to ask about custom sizes! USA Piping Solution offers precision cutting (sawing, waterjet) to deliver exactly what you need.
• Need thicker plates (over 3")? Let us know – we can often source these upon request.

Certifications and Compliance Standards

Ensuring quality and complete traceability isn't just a goal at USA Piping Solution; it's standard practice. We make sure our Naval Brass Plates adhere to recognized industry standards and provide the necessary paperwork for your quality assurance programs.

• The Core Standard: ASTM B171 / ASME SB171 is the benchmark specification for C46400 plate and sheet used in pressure vessels, condensers, and heat exchangers. It sets the bar for chemical composition, mechanical properties, dimensions, and tolerances.
• Proof of Conformance - Mill Test Reports (MTRs): We believe in full transparency. Upon request, we provide MTRs (also called Material Test Certificates or EN 10204 3.1 Certs) for your Naval Brass Plate order. These crucial documents detail the specific heat number, exact chemical analysis, verified mechanical test results (tensile strength, yield strength, elongation), and confirm compliance with the specified standards.
• Our Quality Framework: USA Piping Solution operates under a stringent quality management system (Optional: insert "certified to ISO 9001" or similar if applicable). This system ensures consistency, accuracy, and reliability throughout our processes, from sourcing to delivery.
• Meeting Other Requirements: Your project might require adherence to additional standards – perhaps military specifications (like certain MIL-C specs) or international equivalents (such as EN CW719R or specific BS standards). Please let us know about any such requirements when you request a quote, so we can ensure full compliance.

Our dedication to these standards means you receive C46400 Naval Brass Plate you can trust to perform reliably under demanding conditions.

Why Choose USA Piping Solution for Naval Brass Plates?

Picking the right supplier for essential materials like Naval Brass can significantly impact your project's success. Here’s how USA Piping Solution delivers value:

1. Ready Availability: We keep a broad selection of Naval Brass Plates and Naval Brass Sheet in stock, covering many common thicknesses and standard dimensions. This often means faster turnaround times for your orders.
2. Deep Material Knowledge: Our team isn't just selling metal; we understand it. We have in-depth expertise in C46400 Naval Brass and other copper alloys, ready to offer technical insights to help you choose the best material and temper for your job.
3. Precision Processing On-Site: Equipped with modern cutting tools (including plate saws, waterjets, and shears), we can transform stock plates into custom sizes and shapes that meet your precise specifications. This saves you time, reduces material waste, and ensures parts fit perfectly, often holding tight tolerances.
4. Unwavering Quality Commitment: We stand behind the quality of our materials. Count on us for fully traceable Naval Brass ASTM B171 compliant products, backed by Mill Test Reports available for every order.
5. Industry-Specific Experience: We've built strong relationships serving demanding sectors like Marine, Oil & Gas, Aerospace, and Industrial Manufacturing. We understand the unique pressures and requirements of these fields.
6. Service You Can Rely On: At USA Piping Solution, responsive communication, dependable deliveries, and a focus on finding solutions are core to how we operate. We aim to be more than a supplier – we want to be your trusted material partner.
7. Value-Driven Sourcing: By managing a strong inventory and leveraging our industry network, we work hard to offer competitive pricing on top-tier Marine Grade Brass Plates.

Make USA Piping Solution your go-to resource for reliable Naval Brass Plate solutions.

Related Products

In addition to Naval Brass Plates, USA Piping Solution is your source for a variety of related non-ferrous metals and forms:

Final Call to Action

Are you ready to source high-performance Naval Brass Plates that meet the demanding needs of your application? Connect with the experienced team at USA Piping Solution today. Whether you require standard stock sizes of C46400 Naval Brass Plate, need custom cuts compliant with Naval Brass ASTM B171, or seek technical guidance, we are prepared to help.

Let's discuss your Naval Brass Plates requirements and let you experience the USA Piping Solution difference in quality, expertise, and dependable service.

Request Your Naval Brass Plates Quote Today!