H62/H59 Brass

H62 and H59 are two of the most widely used standard brass grades in sheet metal fabrication. Many buyers confuse them with one another, which can lead to processing issues or unnecessary cost. This article starts with the fundamentals and gives you a clear, structured understanding of both materials, helping you make a better-informed material choice for your project.

H62/H59 Brass:The Basics

Both H62 and H59 belong to the category of standard brass grades for general fabrication. In metalworking, brass is a copper-zinc alloy, and it is the most widely used type within the copper-zinc alloy family.

The naming rule for standard brass is straightforward: the letter “H” stands for brass, and the number that follows indicates the copper content. For example, H62 means the copper content is about 62%, while H59 means the copper content is about 59%.

Both of these brass grades have an alpha-plus-beta dual-phase structure. Within a certain zinc-content range, copper-zinc alloys form two different phases. The alpha phase is a solid solution of zinc in copper, which gives the material good ductility. The beta phase is a solid solution based on the CuZn electron compound. It has good plasticity at elevated temperatures, while at room temperature it tends to show higher hardness.

304 stainless steel material display

What Are the Differences Between H62 and H59 Brass?

The biggest difference between H62 and H59 comes from the change in the copper-to-zinc ratio, which directly affects how the material performs.

Difference in Copper Content

The copper content is the most fundamental distinction between the two. H62 contains about 60.5% to 63.5% copper, while H59 typically contains about 57% to 60%. A lower copper content means a higher zinc content. Since zinc costs less than copper, H59 usually has a lower raw material cost. A higher zinc content also increases the proportion of the beta phase in the microstructure, which directly influences the material’s mechanical properties and processing behavior.

Strength

In terms of strength, H59 is generally higher than H62. Because it contains a greater proportion of the beta phase, H59 can reach a tensile strength of about 400 to 450 MPa, with a Brinell hardness of around 160 to 180 HB. It is considered one of the highest-strength grades among standard brasses. H62 typically has a tensile strength of at least 400 MPa, and in some conditions it can exceed 500 MPa, with a Brinell hardness of around 100 to 120 HB. Although its absolute strength is lower than H59, it is still fully adequate for many medium-load applications.

Ductility

H62 has better ductility than H59. In the annealed condition, H62 can achieve elongation above 38%, and even in the hard temper it can still deliver around 10% elongation. This makes it more suitable for cold forming. H59 has noticeably lower elongation, usually around 10% to 15%, so its ductility is weaker compared with H62.

Corrosion Resistance

H62 also has an advantage in corrosion resistance. It performs reliably in freshwater and atmospheric environments. H59 contains more zinc, so it is generally more vulnerable to corrosion in high-humidity conditions.

Cost

From a cost perspective, H59 is usually more competitive. For every 1% increase in zinc content, material cost may drop by roughly 0.5% to 0.8%. In large-volume production, this can be a very effective cost-saving option, provided that product quality is not compromised.

Material Selection Comparison

Comparison Factor H62 Tends Toward H59 Tends Toward More Suitable Project Types
Composition Higher copper content Higher zinc content Start with forming requirements, then weigh strength and cost
Strength and hardness Medium to high, with clear improvement depending on temper Higher, with a stronger tendency toward increased hardness Fasteners, hardware, and load-bearing parts are more likely to consider H59
Ductility and formability Wider cold-forming window Better suited to hot working Deep drawing, flanging, and complex bending are more likely to favor H62
Machining behavior Machinable, with balanced overall performance Slightly more direct cutting response H59 is often worth considering when tapping, slot milling, or machining makes up a large share of the process
Cost profile Higher copper content, so material cost is usually higher Usually more cost-efficient Cost-sensitive projects are more likely to include H59 in the shortlist

Chemical Composition and Key Specifications of H62/H59 Brass

Composition is the foundation of material performance. How well the composition is controlled and understood will directly affect part quality during fabrication.

304 stainless steel material display

Chemical Composition

Element H62 Brass H59 Brass
Copper (Cu) 60.5%–63.5% 57.0%–60.0%
Zinc (Zn) Balance Balance
Lead (Pb) ≤ 0.08% ≤ 0.5%
Iron (Fe) ≤ 0.15% ≤ 0.3%
Bismuth (Bi) ≤ 0.002% ≤ 0.003%
Phosphorus (P) ≤ 0.01% ≤ 0.01%
Total impurities ≤ 0.5% ≤ 1.0%

Note: H59 has a higher upper limit for lead content, at around 0.5%. Lead can improve machinability, but it may also create environmental compliance concerns. If you require an environmentally compliant lead-free brass, this should be clearly specified in advance.

Common Approximate International Equivalents

Country/Region H62 Equivalent H59 Equivalent
China (GB) H62 H59
United States (ASTM) C27400 C28000
Germany (DIN) CuZn37 CuZn40
Japan (JIS) C2800 C2801
International (ISO) CuZn37 CuZn40
European Union (EN) CW508L CW507L

Performance Properties

Property H62 Brass H59 Brass
Density 8.43–8.47 g/cm³ Approx. 8.45 g/cm³
Melting point 905–930°C Approx. 900–920°C
Thermal conductivity 110–120 W/(m·K) Approx. 105 W/(m·K)
Electrical conductivity 25%–30% IACS Approx. 28% IACS
Tensile strength, annealed 300–350 MPa 300–350 MPa
Tensile strength, hard temper ≥400 MPa, can exceed 500 MPa 400–450 MPa
Yield strength, annealed Approx. 100 MPa Approx. 120 MPa
Yield strength, hard temper 200–230 MPa 280–310 MPa
Elongation, annealed ≥38% ≥25%
Elongation, hard temper ≥10% 10%–15%
Brinell hardness, annealed Approx. 55 HB Approx. 65 HB
Brinell hardness, hard temper 100–120 HB 160–180 HB
Coefficient of thermal expansion 20.6 × 10⁻⁶/°C Approx. 20.5 × 10⁻⁶/°C
Elastic modulus Approx. 100 GPa Approx. 100 GPa

Note: The performance range for H62 may appear relatively broad because brass properties can be adjusted through different temper conditions. For example, soft temper (M) is better suited to deep drawing and other processes that require high ductility. Half-hard temper (Y2) offers a balance between strength and ductility. Hard temper (Y) is more suitable for end products that require higher strength. The right temper should be selected based on your fabrication method and final performance requirements.

What Sheet Metal Fabrication Processes Are H62/H59 Brass Suitable For?

Brass is one of the copper alloys that sheet metal fabricators most like to work with. It offers good workability, an attractive appearance, and, just as importantly, a cost profile that fits high-volume production well. That said, H62 and H59 do differ in performance, so their suitability can vary depending on the process.

Process Compatibility

Process Type H62 Performance H59 Performance Key Processing Considerations
Laser cutting Suitable for precision cutting, more common in thin-gauge parts Also suitable for precision cutting, but pierce start and heat input control are more critical Reflectivity, thermal conductivity, heat tint on edges, and burr control
CNC punching / stamping Better suited to cold stamping, flanging, and embossing More often used for blanking and hot-forming applications Die clearance, lubrication, and the cracking window at cut edges
Bending Allows more flexibility in inside radius control A more conservative bend radius is recommended Grain direction, temper, springback, and bend sequence
Drilling / tapping / milling Machinable, with balanced overall performance Machining response is usually more direct Tool sharpness, chip evacuation, and burr control
Soft soldering / brazing High compatibility High compatibility Joint cleanliness and heat-affected-zone discoloration
Arc welding processes Feasible Feasible Heat input, spatter, and post-weld surface finishing

Note: Whether you choose H62 or H59, stress-relief annealing is generally recommended after cold working to reduce residual stress. A typical practice is to hold the material at 300 to 400°C for 1 to 2 hours.

Key Points for Surface Finishing and Appearance Control of H62/H59 Brass

In practice, there are four main things to watch when it comes to brass surface finishing and appearance control.

  1. First, surface cleanliness matters. Any residue left from fabrication can affect both the finishing result and the final appearance of the part.
  2. Second, oxidation and discoloration need attention. The time from raw material release to completed fabrication can be relatively long, and the longer brass is exposed to air, the more noticeable the discoloration can become. It is best to keep production moving efficiently or use appropriate protective measures.
  3. Third, scratches and dents must be controlled carefully. Brass is relatively soft, so any handling or transport issue can leave visible surface damage. Proper protection is essential.
  4. Fourth, batch consistency should be considered. Different material batches may show slight color variation, so for large-volume production, it is usually better to use material from the same batch whenever possible.

Surface Treatment Options

Treatment Method Typical Application Effect Environmental Profile Cost
Natural oxidation Internal parts, low-requirement applications Basic protection Excellent Very low
Mechanical polishing All brass parts Improves gloss Good Medium
Chemical polishing High-volume processing of complex shapes Rapid brightening Fair Medium
Electropolishing Precision parts with high appearance requirements Mirror-like finish Fair Higher
Chromium-free passivation General protection Tarnish resistance for 24 to 72 hours Excellent Low
BTA treatment Electronic components Strong anti-tarnish protection Excellent Low
Nickel / chrome plating Bathroom hardware, decorative parts Long-term protection Fair High
Electroless nickel plating Precision components High corrosion resistance Fair Higher
Tin plating Electronic soldering parts Good solderability Fair Medium
Clear lacquer coating Outdoor decorative parts Long-term protection Fair Medium
VCI packaging Storage and transportation Temporary rust prevention Excellent Low

Common Application Scenarios for H62/H59 Brass

Typical Applications

Application Area Typical Parts Recommended Material Why It Is Chosen
Mechanical fasteners Bolts, screws, nuts H62 preferred Good machinability and sufficient strength
Structural load-bearing parts Bushings, sleeves, flanges H59 preferred Higher strength and lower cost
Architectural hardware and decorative parts Door locks, hinges, handles H62 preferred Better appearance and good workability
Plumbing fittings Valves, pipe fittings, elbows H62 preferred Good resistance to freshwater corrosion and weldable
Electronic connectors Terminals, switches, conductive strips H62 preferred Better conductivity and better formability
Radiator components Heat dissipation fins, tubing H62 preferred Better thermal conductivity
Automotive parts Fasteners, tubing parts Both can be used Selection depends on strength requirements
Musical instrument parts Reeds, tuning pegs, mouthpieces H62 preferred Better acoustic performance
Decorative and artistic parts Medals, lighting fixtures, sculptures Both can be used Attractive appearance
Hot-forged parts Complex structural parts H59 preferred Excellent hot-working performance

How Should You Choose Between H62 and H59 Brass?

Quick Selection Guide

Requirement Type Recommended Material Why
Complex cold forming or deep drawing H62 Better ductility and less risk of cracking
Cost-sensitive projects with limited budget H59 Higher zinc content and lower material cost
High-strength structural parts H59 Higher strength and better wear resistance
High surface finish requirements H62 More even color and easier to polish
Electronics or welding applications H62 Slightly better conductivity and better weldability
Freshwater or atmospheric environments Both can be used Selection should be based on the full application requirements
Coastal or highly corrosive environments H62 is generally the better choice Relatively better corrosion resistance
Hot forging or hot extrusion H59 Excellent hot-working performance
Strict EU or environmental compliance requirements H62 Lower lead content
Standard specifications commonly used in North America Both can be used Clear corresponding standard grades are available

What Information Should You Provide in an RFQ for H62/H59 Brass Parts?

The purpose of the checklist below is to help you provide all the key details up front, so suppliers can quote faster and evaluate both samples and mass production more smoothly.

RFQ Information Checklist

Information Category Required / Recommended Example
Material grade Required H62, C28000, CuZn37
Material temper Required Soft (M), hard (Y), half-hard (Y2)
Product form Required Sheet, strip, bar, tube, custom profile
Dimensions Required Thickness × width × length, diameter, wall thickness
Quantity Required 500 pcs, 2 tons, 5 tons per month
Chemical composition requirements Recommended Lead-free, low lead, special impurity limits
Mechanical property requirements Recommended Tensile strength ≥ 400 MPa, hardness ≤ 110 HB
Surface condition Recommended Polished, pickled, brushed, bright finish
Dimensional tolerances Recommended ±0.05 mm, ±3% thickness
Lead time requirement Recommended Within 3 weeks, before the end of the month, urgent order
Quality requirements Recommended Material certificate, third-party inspection report
Certification requirements Recommended RoHS, REACH, IATF 16949
Application description Recommended Radiator component, automotive connector

FAQs​

For H62/H59 brass parts exported to the EU, a RoHS compliance declaration is typically required to show that the material meets heavy metal restriction limits. If the product is used in electrical or electronic equipment, the lead content must also comply with the RoHS directive. For REACH compliance, brass itself is not listed as an SVHC substance, but it is still advisable to ask the supplier to provide a REACH declaration. Some end products may also require CE marking, depending on the product category. It is best to specify the destination country and intended application during the inquiry stage so the supplier can prepare the required compliance documents accordingly.

When the shipment arrives, inspect the outer packaging and product appearance carefully. If you find any damage or shortages, take photos immediately and contact the supplier at once. For hidden quality issues, such as out-of-tolerance dimensions or incorrect material, it is best to report them within 7 working days after receipt, together with photos and inspection data. After verifying the cause, the supplier will usually propose rework, replacement, replenishment, or return options. Before placing an order, it is a good idea to confirm the supplier’s quality assurance terms and understand the claim process and response time.

Samples made from stock material are often provided free of charge, with the customer only covering the courier cost. Custom-machined or custom-fabricated samples usually involve material cost, processing cost, and possibly a share of tooling cost. Sample lead time is typically 3 to 7 working days. It is best to confirm sample quality before placing a production order. Drawings, communication records, and inspection data from the sample stage should be kept as part of the acceptance basis for later production.

Common payment methods include T/T bank transfer, often with 30% deposit and 70% balance before shipment, letters of credit for high-value orders or first-time cooperation, and PayPal or Western Union for small sample orders. For long-term customers, monthly settlement or credit terms may also be negotiable. For export orders, exchange rate fluctuations and bank fees should also be taken into account. The payment method is best confirmed clearly during the quotation stage.

Sheet material is usually packed on wooden pallets with moisture-proof paper and edge protection. Precision stamped parts or machined parts are often packed individually with anti-rust bags, VCI paper, or bubble wrap before being boxed. For parts with high appearance requirements, nonwoven separators or blister trays may be added to prevent impact marks. Export shipments are typically packed in seaworthy wooden cases or cartons with moisture and corrosion protection. If you need special packaging, such as retail packaging or specific labels, it should be stated during the RFQ stage.

For a first order, you will usually need to provide your company name, address, contact person, tax identification number if invoicing is required, and delivery address. For export orders, you should also provide the destination port, trade terms such as FOB or CIF, and any customs clearance document requirements. For projects with specific quality requirements, it is recommended to provide a technical specification or drawing. Based on this information, the supplier can prepare the quotation, contract, and payment instructions. Before formal cooperation begins, you may also ask to review the supplier’s qualifications and past project experience.

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304 stainless steel material display
304 stainless steel material display
304 stainless steel material display
304 stainless steel material display
304 stainless steel material display
304 stainless steel material display
304 stainless steel material display
304 stainless steel material display