What is H62 brass?
H62 brass, with a slightly higher copper content, offers a better balance of mechanical performance, corrosion resistance, and aesthetic consistency, making it a premium choice for specific applications.
chemical composition
| Spec Item | H62 (Approx.) |
| Cu (wt.%) | 60.5–63.5 |
| Zn (wt.%) | 36–39.5 |
| Pb (wt.%) | trace / per order |
| Phase | alpha-dominant |
The composition of H62 keeps it closer to the alpha single-phase region:
Copper (Cu) Content: approximately 60.5–63.5%
Microstructure: Primarily an alpha single-phase structure with only a small amount of the beta phase, if any. The alpha phase is softer and more ductile.
Designation note: H59/H62 are Chinese GB/T 5231 wrought brasses. There is no one-to-one international equivalent. If you require an international grade, specify by Cu/Zn/Pb ranges and any special additions (e.g., As for DZR) rather than by name alone.
Mechanical and Physical Properties
The dominant alpha phase makes H62 more ductile and balanced:
Performance: Generally more balanced in strength and hardness than H59.
Ductility: Significantly better ductility and elongation.
Forming: Suitable for cold forming processes like bending and riveting.
Corrosion Resistance and Durability
H62's higher copper and single-phase structure improve its long-term stability:
Long-Term Stability: More reliable for components intended for outdoor or long-life exposure.
Finishing: Easier to achieve consistent, high-quality surface finishes for electroplating.
Typical Applications
H62 is specified where long-term reliability and appearance are key:
Valve Bodies and Fittings in non-critical water or fluid systems.
Water Contact and Outdoor Parts, such as fixtures.
Decorative/Aesthetic Components requiring uniform polishing and consistent plating.
Precision Mating Parts where ductility aids in tolerance holding.
What Is H59 Brass?
H59 brass, often chosen for its cost efficiency, is a highly favored material for high-volume machined components. Its specific properties are highly beneficial for automated machining processes.
Chemical Composition
| Spec Item | H59 (Approx.) |
| Cu (wt.%) | 57–60 |
| Zn (wt.%) | Balance |
| Pb (wt.%) | trace / per order |
| Phase | alpha + beta |
The composition of H59 places it close to the boundary of the alpha and beta phase fields:
Copper (Cu) Content: approximately 57–60%
Microstructure: Primarily an alpha + beta two-phase structure, with the beta phase typically present in higher proportions than in H62. The beta phase is harder and more brittle.
Designation note: H59/H62 are Chinese GB/T 5231 wrought brasses. There is no one-to-one international equivalent. If you require an international grade, specify by Cu/Zn/Pb ranges and any special additions (e.g., As for DZR) rather than by name alone.
Mechanical and Physical Properties
The beta phase dictates H59's mechanical behavior, which suits high-speed material removal:
Strength and Hardness: Marginally higher tensile strength and hardness compared to H62.
Ductility: Lower ductility and elongation.
Forming: Less suitable for complex cold forming processes.
Corrosion Resistance and Durability
H59 exhibits general resistance but has significant limitations in specific environments:
Overall: Adequate for dry, indoor, or non-critical applications.
Dezincification (DZR) Sensitivity: Highly susceptible to dezincification in water-contact, high-chloride, or ammonia-rich environments, compromising long-term durability.
Typical Applications
Due to its machinability and cost-efficiency, H59 is ideal for:
Cost-Sensitive, High-Volume Parts, where cycle time is the primary driver.
Automatic Lathe Parts due to excellent chip breakability.
Standard Components such as nuts, bolts, and simple bushings.
Non-Critical Pressure Parts in controlled environments.
Inquire about H62 Brass Pricing & Samples
H59 vs H62: Side-by-Side Comparison
Composition and Microstructure (alpha vs beta)
The key difference lies in the microstructure:
H59: The higher proportion of the brittle beta phase (alpha + beta) results in a harder material that naturally forms short, brittle chips during machining.
H62: The predominantly soft and ductile alpha phase ensures better elongation and formability but tends to produce tougher, longer, and stringier chips.
Mechanical Properties
| Property | H59 Brass | H62 Brass | Impact on Final Part and Processing |
| Strength/Hardness | Slightly Higher | Balanced / Slightly Lower | H59: Better for structural rigidity; H62: Better for cold forming. |
| Ductility (Elongation) | Lower (Brittle) | Significantly Higher | H59: Minimal cold working allowed; H62: Suitable for riveting, flaring, or light bending. |
Machinability
This is arguably the most critical factor for CNC shops:
H59 (Chip Formation): Naturally forms short, small, and brittle chips that break easily. This is ideal for high-speed automated machining, requiring minimal chip-breaking strategies. It allows for higher speeds and feed rates to maximize Material Removal Rate (MRR).
H62 (Chip Formation): Tends to form longer, curled, and stringier chips (tougher alpha phase). Effective chip control is essential, requiring dedicated chip-breaking geometries or peck drilling cycles. While potentially slower, it is easier to achieve lower Ra values and tighter dimensional consistency.
Surface Finish and Electroplating
Surface quality is linked directly to the microstructure:
H62: The uniform alpha phase structure provides a more consistent, stable surface, leading to better adhesion and a more uniform appearance for subsequent electroplating (Nickel, Chrome).
H59: Acceptable finish is achievable, but the two-phase (alpha + beta) microstructure can lead to inconsistent etching during pre-plating chemical treatments, requiring stricter surface preparation.
Dezincification & Water Contact
H62 generally shows lower tendency to dezincification than H59 due to higher Cu and alpha-phase dominance; however, neither H59 nor H62 is a dedicated DZR grade. For sustained water contact (especially hot/soft/chlorinated water), specify a DZR brass (e.g., EN family CW602N / CuZn36Pb2As) or an equivalent per your standard. Confirm requirements (DZR, lead limits) in the PO/spec.
Cost and Material Supply
Cost Logic: The lower copper content of H59 generally results in a lower raw material cost. This is a major factor in high-volume production.
Availability: If you buy bar/rod/tube in standard stock sizes, both grades are commonly available; for tight custom dimensions, confirm mill lead time-H59 often trims raw-material cost, H62 reduces finishing risk.
H59 vs H62 Comparison Table
| Property | H59 (Cu ≈ 59%) | H62 (Cu ≈ 62%) |
| Composition (Cu/Zn) | Lower Cu | Higher Cu |
| Microstructure | alpha + beta (more beta) | Primarily alpha (less beta) |
| Machinability (Chips) | Excellent (Short, Brittle) | Good (Longer, Curled) |
| Ductility (Elongation) | Lower | Higher |
| DZR Susceptibility | High Susceptibility | Moderate Susceptibility |
| Surface/Plating Consistency | Acceptable | Better |
| Material Cost | Lower | Slightly Higher |
| Typical Use | High-volume Lathe Parts | Water/Outdoor Contact, Aesthetic Parts |
Our factory
Our factory serves as the core base for the precision manufacturing of copper products, integrating advanced equipment, strict quality control, and efficient production capacity. We possess a complete production line covering the entire process from raw material smelting and continuous rolling to precision drawing/cutting, with key equipment including large-tonnage hydraulic stretching machines, high-precision CNC machine tools, and automated surface treatment systems. This enables the large-scale and customized production of a wide range of products such as copper rods, tubes, plates, strips, and wires. The factory strictly adheres to the ISO quality management system and is equipped with testing instruments such as spectrometers and mechanical property testing machines to monitor process parameters and product performance throughout the entire process. Digital production management is achieved through an ERP system and visual dashboards, ensuring timely order delivery. Furthermore, we implement a green manufacturing philosophy, equipped with exhaust gas treatment and scrap recycling systems, committed to providing customers with high-quality and sustainable copper material solutions.
Copper product packaging
We employ professional and reliable packaging solutions to comprehensively protect the integrity of all types of copper products during long-distance transportation and handling. For copper rods and tubes, we use moisture- and rust-proof materials for wrapping, secured with sturdy wooden crates or steel strapping to prevent bending and deformation. Copper plates and strips are sealed with waterproof paper or plastic film, protected with edge guards, and then fixed on customized wooden pallets or metal racks to avoid surface scratches and moisture. Copper wires are neatly wound on specialized reels, wrapped with moisture- and rust-proof film, and reinforced at the edges. All packaging is designed according to export standards, with clear labeling to ensure the safe delivery of goods to our global customers.
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