Leaded Brass — Machining + Cold Forming

CW625N

CuZn38Pb2 — EN 12164 / EN 12165

Mid-zinc leaded brass with better cold-working than CW617N. Pb 1.5–2.5% gives ~72% machinability while retaining enough ductility for light swaging, flaring and crimping — the middle path for plumbing fittings and pneumatic connectors.

⚙️ ~72% Machinability
🔧 Better Cold Forming
📋 EN 12164
⚠️ RoHS Ex 6(c)
🌍 BS CZ128 (legacy)
~72%
Machinability vs benchmark
59–62%
Copper content by weight
1.5–2.5%
Lead content
Ex 6(c)
RoHS — valid to Jun 2027
Chemical Composition

CW625N — EN 12164 Limits

Weight %. Slightly lower Zn than CW617N shifts the balance toward ductility while Pb keeps machining economical.

ElementSymbolMin %Max %Typical %
CopperCu59.062.060.5
ZincZnBalance~37.5
LeadPb1.52.52.0
IronFe0.300.08
NickelNi0.300.05
Copper (Cu)
~60.5%
Zinc (Zn)
~37.5%
Lead (Pb)
~2.0%
Mechanical Properties

Per EN 12164 (round rod)

PropertyConditionValueUnit
Tensile Strength (Rm)R360360–470MPa
Proof Stress (Rp0.2)R360≥140MPa
Elongation (A)R360≥20%
HardnessR360 typical90–115HB
Machinabilityvs C36000 = 100~72%
Density8.50g/cm³
Thermal Conductivity~125W/(m·K)
Melting Rangesolidus–liquidus900–930°C
Typical Applications
  • Plumbing fitting bodies that are flared or swaged in assembly
  • Pneumatic and compression fitting components
  • Turned parts with secondary crimping or staking operations
  • General fittings balancing machining cost and formability
Why choose CW625N?

The middle path: machine fast, form after

  • ~72% machinability — close to free-cutting performance for most turned features
  • Better elongation (≥20%) — survives light swaging, flaring and crimping that would crack CW614N
  • EN 12164 standardised — readily available drawn rod across Europe and India
  • RoHS via Exemption 6(c) — same compliance route as the other leaded grades
  • Not DZR — for wetted potable parts specify a DZR or lead-free grade
RoHS & Compliance

Compliance Status

RoHS
Exemption 6(c) Required
Pb 1.5–2.5% — 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

CW625N Cross-Reference

StandardDesignation
EN (Europe)CW625N / CuZn38Pb2
BS (UK legacy)CZ128
DIN (Germany)CuZn38Pb2
ISOCuZn38Pb2
ASTM (USA)C37700-family (close)
CW625N has no exact UNS twin — US drawings usually specify C37700 or C35300-family leaded brasses for similar duty. Confirm composition limits when substituting.
← Max machining
CW614N
CuZn39Pb3 — benchmark, but brittle when formed
More ductility →
CW612N
CuZn38Pb1.5 — lower Pb, better cold work
↑ All alloys
Materials Library
Frequently Asked Questions

CW625N — common questions

What is CW625N brass used for?

CW625N (CuZn38Pb2) is a mid-zinc leaded brass per EN 12164 rated around 72% machinability. It sits between CW614N and the low-lead grades, and is widely used for plumbing fitting bodies, pneumatic components and general turned parts.

Is CW625N RoHS compliant?

Yes, under RoHS Annex III Exemption 6(c) (lead up to 4% in copper alloys), currently valid to 30 June 2027. For mandatory lead-free applications specify CW724R or C6802 silicon brass.

How does CW625N differ from CW617N and CW614N?

All three are leaded machining brasses. CW614N (CuZn39Pb3) has the most lead and the best chip-breaking for pure bar turning; CW617N (CuZn40Pb2) is the hot-forging grade; CW625N (CuZn38Pb2) offers a middle path — good machinability with slightly better cold formability, suited to fittings that see light swaging or flaring.

What are the international equivalents of CW625N?

The nearest equivalents are C37700-family leaded brasses (US, ASTM) and former UK designation CZ128. Composition is specified in EN 12164; Brassland supplies EN 10204 Type 3.1 mill certificates with every lot.

CW625N machined in Jamnagar

Machining economy plus forming headroom, to your drawing. ISO 9001:2015. Quote within 24 hours.

Request a Quote
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 alloy database — composition & properties
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.