Free-Machining Brass · EN 12164

CW612N (CuZn39Pb2) Brass

CuZn39Pb2 — EN 12164

CW612N (CuZn39Pb2, EN 12164) is a general-purpose free-machining brass with 1.6–2.5% lead and ~85% machinability, commercially cross-referenced to US forging brass C37700 for forging duty. General-purpose free-machining brass to EN 12164. Pb 1.6–2.5% gives ~85% machinability with excellent hot-working and forgeability. Commercially cross-referenced to US forging brass C37700 for forging duty (C37700's exact EN twin is CW608N); legacy BS: CZ128.

⚙️ ~85% Machinability
🔧 Hot-Forgeable
📋 EN 12164
⚠️ RoHS Ex 6(c)
🌍 ≈ C37700 (forging duty)
~85%
Machinability vs benchmark
1.6–2.5%
Lead content (Pb)
C37700
US cross-reference (forging duty)
Ex 6(c)
RoHS — valid to Jun 2027
Chemical Composition

CW612N — EN 12164 Limits

Weight %. The reduced Pb window trades some machinability for genuine post-machining formability.

ElementSymbolMin %Max %Typical %
CopperCu59.060.059.5
ZincZnBalance~39
LeadPb1.62.52.0
IronFe0.300.08
NickelNi0.300.05
Copper (Cu)
~59.5%
Zinc (Zn)
~39%
Lead (Pb)
~2%
Mechanical Properties

Per EN 12164 (round rod)

PropertyConditionValueUnit
Tensile Strength (Rm)EN 12164, temper-dep.360–500MPa
Proof Stress (Rp0.2)EN 12164, temper-dep.150–400MPa
Elongation (A)EN 12164, temper-dep.3–20%
Hardnesstemper-dependent90–150HB
Machinabilityvs CuZn39Pb3 = 100~85%
Density8.40g/cm³
Thermal Conductivity~115W/(m·K)
Melting Rangesolidus–liquidus880–900°C
Typical Applications
  • Turned parts that are crimped, flared or staked in assembly
  • Automotive and HVAC components with forming operations
  • Cable gland and gripper components
  • Hose tails and barbs that swage onto tubing
Why choose CW612N?

Reliable EN free-machining brass

  • Pb 1.6–2.5% — enough for clean chips at ~85% of the benchmark
  • Hot-forging — excellent hot-working and forgeability
  • Most-used machining brass — the common EN free-cutting grade alongside CuZn39Pb3
  • EN 12164 standardised — common drawn-rod stock
  • UNS context: C37700 — commercially cross-referenced for hot-forging duty; C37700's exact EN twin is CW608N
RoHS & Compliance

Compliance Status

RoHS
Exemption 6(c) Required
Pb 1.6–2.5% — within the 4% copper-alloy allowance. Valid to 30 June 2027.
Drinking Water (US)
Not Suitable — Wetted Parts
NSF/ANSI 372 limits weighted Pb to 0.25% in potable systems. Use a lead-free grade instead.
Lead-free alternatives
CW724R · C69300 — silicon brass, 78–80% machinability
International Equivalents

CW612N Cross-Reference

StandardDesignation
EN (Europe)CW612N / CuZn39Pb2
UNS / ASTM (USA)C37700 (commercial cross-reference for forging duty — exact US twin of CW608N)
BS (UK legacy)CZ128
DIN (Germany)CuZn39Pb2
ISOCuZn39Pb2
CW612N (CuZn39Pb2) is most often cross-referenced to US forging brass C37700; confirm the exact substitution against your drawing and EN 12164.
UNS cross-ref →
C37700
Forging brass — ASTM B283 / B124
← Faster machining
CW614N
CuZn39Pb3 — 100% machinability
↑ All alloys
Materials Library
Frequently Asked Questions

CW612N — common questions

What is CW612N brass used for?

CW612N (CuZn39Pb2) is a low-lead free-machining brass per EN 12164, rated around 85% machinability. It is one of the most widely used machining and hot-forging brasses, for turned and forged parts across automotive, HVAC and general engineering.

Is CW612N RoHS compliant?

Yes, under RoHS Annex III Exemption 6(c), which permits up to 4% lead in copper alloys and is currently valid to 30 June 2027.

CW612N vs CW614N — which should I specify?

CW614N (CuZn39Pb3, 100% machinability) carries more lead for the fastest pure turning. CW612N (CuZn39Pb2, ~85%) has slightly less lead; both machine and hot-forge well. Choose by lead content and your forging requirements.

What are the international equivalents of CW612N?

CW612N is commercially cross-referenced to US forging brass C37700 for forging duty (C37700's exact EN twin is CW608N); the former UK designation is CZ128. Composition is specified in EN 12164; Brassland supplies EN 10204 Type 3.1 mill certificates with every lot.

CW612N machined in Jamnagar

Turned, then crimped, flared or staked — to your drawing. ISO 9001:2015. Quote within 24 hours.

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Sources & References

Verify this datasheet against the primary source

Composition ranges, mechanical properties, machinability ratings and regulatory data on this page are cross-referenced against the publishers below. Tolerances and minimum values are taken from the relevant published standard at the time of writing — for procurement specification, always reference the current published edition.

Copper Development Association
CDA C37700 — cross-referenced US forging brass datasheet
ASTM International
US specifications for copper-alloy rod, bar and forgings
MatWeb
Independent material property database — C36000 by temper
European Copper Institute
Copper Alliance EU — EN alloy designation system
SteelNumber.com
EN material designation cross-reference (CW603N/CW614N)
CEN / CENELEC
EN 12164, EN 12165, EN 12167 — EN brass rod standards
EU RoHS Directive 2011/65
Annex III Exemption 6(c) — valid to 30 Jun 2027
ECHA REACH SVHC List
Lead is on the candidate list (Article 33)
NSF/ANSI/CAN 61
Drinking water system components (US/CA)
Brassland — Standards Guide
Plain-English explainer for every standard above

Last reviewed: June 2026. EN/ISO/ASTM standards are updated periodically. This datasheet reflects the editions listed; for safety-critical or contract-critical applications, always verify against the current published edition of the standard. For project-specific deviations or supplier-specific composition windows, request a Type 3.1 mill certificate (EN 10204) with your order.

Made by Brassland
Need parts in CW612N?

Brassland machines CW612N into brass turned parts and CNC machined components to your drawing in Jamnagar, India, including precision turned brass components on 28+ Swiss-type lathes, with an EN 10204 3.1 certificate on every shipment.

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