1. Yellow Brass Wear Plates (C26000)

• Core Composition: Copper (68%-70%), zinc (30%-32%), trace lead (≤0.07%) for improved machinability. Grade: C26000 (UNS designation).
• Key Features: Brinell hardness (HB) 60-80; density 8.47 g/cm³; operating temperature range -200℃ to 200℃; excellent resistance to atmospheric corrosion and fresh water.
• Performance Traits: Good ductility for forming and shaping; low friction coefficient (0.18-0.25) in dry conditions; easy to weld and braze.
• Typical Applications: Automotive bushings, marine hardware, valve seats, light-load gears, and general machinery wear surfaces.
• Pros & Cons: Pros – Cost-effective, versatile, easy to process; Cons – Limited wear resistance under heavy loads or high speeds; susceptible to dezincification in saltwater.

2. Naval Brass Wear Plates (C46400/C46500)

• Core Composition: Copper (59%-62%), zinc (35%-37%), tin (1.0%-1.5%), trace lead (≤0.2%). Common grades: C46400 (Naval Brass), C46500 (Leaded Naval Brass).
• Key Features: Brinell hardness (HB) 70-90; density 8.40 g/cm³; operating temperature range -150℃ to 250℃; superior resistance to saltwater corrosion and dezincification.
• Performance Traits: Higher strength than yellow brass; good impact toughness; maintains wear resistance in moist and marine environments.
• Typical Applications: Marine engine components, ship hull fittings, saltwater valves, offshore equipment wear plates, and coastal machinery parts.
• Pros & Cons: Pros – Excellent marine corrosion resistance, higher strength than yellow brass; Cons – Higher cost than yellow brass; leaded grades may have compliance restrictions in food/medical industries.

3. Leaded Brass Wear Plates (C36000/C37700)

• Core Composition: Copper (57%-63%), zinc (30%-36%), lead (2%-3.5%). Common grades: C36000 (Free-Cutting Brass), C37700 (High-Lead Brass).
• Key Features: Brinell hardness (HB) 65-85; density 8.45 g/cm³; operating temperature range -200℃ to 180℃; self-lubricating properties from lead particles.
• Performance Traits: Exceptional machinability (cuts easily with minimal tool wear); low friction in sliding contact; good resistance to mild acids and alkalis.
• Typical Applications: Precision machinery bushings, gears, nuts, bolts, valve stems, and automotive parts requiring high machinability and low wear.
• Pros & Cons: Pros – Superior machinability, self-lubricating, cost-effective; Cons – Lead content restricts use in food/pharmaceutical industries; lower ductility than yellow brass.

4. Aluminum Brass Wear Plates (C68700/C68800)

• Core Composition: Copper (76%-79%), zinc (14%-16%), aluminum (2%-4%), and trace iron (≤0.5%). Common grades: C68700 (Aluminum Brass), C68800 (High-Strength Aluminum Brass).
• Key Features: Brinell hardness (HB) 90-110; density 8.20 g/cm³; operating temperature -100℃ to 300℃; forms a protective aluminum oxide film for better corrosion resistance.
• Performance Traits: Tensile strength (≥400MPa) higher than standard brass; good wear resistance under heavy loads; resists oxidation at elevated temperatures.
• Typical Applications: Heavy machinery wear plates, high-temperature valves, steam system components, and industrial pumps under load.
• Pros & Cons: Pros – High strength, elevated-temperature resistance, reliable corrosion protection; Cons – Less machinable than leaded brass; higher production cost.

5. Silicon Brass Wear Plates (C65500/C65800)

• Core Composition: Copper (82%-86%), zinc (9%-12%), silicon (1.5%-3.0%), and trace manganese (≤0.5%). Common grades: C65500 (Silicon Brass), C65800 (Leaded Silicon Brass).
• Key Features: Brinell hardness (HB) 80-100; density 8.30 g/cm³; operating temperature -150℃ to 280℃; excellent resistance to stress corrosion cracking and chemical media.
• Performance Traits: Balances strength and ductility; weldable and brazable; maintains integrity in corrosive industrial environments (e.g., mild acids, alkalis).
• Typical Applications: Chemical processing equipment wear parts, industrial valve components, high-pressure fittings, and bushings for corrosive environments.
• Pros & Cons: Pros – High strength, stress corrosion resistance, versatile; Cons – More expensive than standard brass; needs specialized machining for precision parts.

Key Selection Criteria for Brass Wear Plates

• Wear & Load: Light load/low speed → Yellow brass; Heavy load → Aluminum brass; High machinability/low friction → Leaded brass.
• Environmental Exposure: Saltwater/marine → Naval brass; Chemicals → Silicon brass; Freshwater/atmospheric → Yellow brass.
• Operating Temperature: Elevated (200℃+) → Aluminum/silicon brass; Low temperature → Yellow/leaded brass.
• Processing Needs: High-precision machining → Leaded brass; Welding/brazing → Silicon/yellow brass; Forming/shaping → Yellow brass.
• Budget & Compliance: Cost-sensitive → Yellow brass; Marine use → Naval brass; Lead-free requirements → Non-leaded aluminum/silicon brass.

Why Quality Brass Wear Plates Matter