In toepassings waar visuele verfyning saam met vervaardigingspresisie moet bestaan—soos gegraveerde naamborde, argitektoniese versierings, dekoratiewe hardeware, and precision instrument components—material selection is critical.
The material must deliver superior engraving definition, stable machinability, dependable corrosion resistance, and long-term aesthetic integrity.
CZ120 / CW608N engraved brons is specifically engineered to meet these exacting requirements.
As a leaded duplex brass with a carefully balanced copper–zinc matrix and finely dispersed lead phase, it offers an exceptional combination of engraving performance, processing efficiency, and service durability.
With machinability approaching that of free-cutting brass and proven resistance to environmental degradation, CZ120 / CW608N has become a benchmark material for high-end engraved and decorative components.
1. Core Performance Advantages: Where Precision Meets Durability
The success of CZ120/CW608N lies in its ability to reconcile two often competing demands: intricate surface detailing and long-term structural reliability.
Its performance advantages directly address the practical challenges faced in decorative and precision manufacturing.
Superior Engraving & Machining Performance for Intricate Detail Replication
The 1.5–2.5 wt.% lead in CZ120/CW608N exists as fine, uniformly distributed particles within the copper-zinc matrix, which plays two critical roles in engraving and machining:
Eerste, it acts as an internal lubricant, significantly reducing friction between the cutting tool and the workpiece, thus minimizing tool wear and extending tool life by 30% compared to lead-free brass grades;
Second, it promotes chip brittleness, enabling chips to break easily without sticking to the tool edge.
With a machinability rating of approximately 85% (referenced against free-cutting brass C36000 at 100%), CZ120/CW608N engraved brass supports high-speed engraving, fine-line machining, and micron-level detail reproduction.
This makes it particularly suitable for engraved nameplates, logos, serial markings, and decorative reliefs where clarity and sharpness are essential.
Aesthetic Quality and Finish
Behalwe sy meganiese werkverrigting, the aesthetic qualities of CZ120/CW608N are highly valued. Its rich, inherent golden luster provides a classic, luxurious appearance.
Verder, the material’s ability to accept a high-polish finish is unparalleled.
Die gladde, tear-free surface achieved through free-cutting allows for a mirror polish that enhances the visual contrast between the polished surface and the engraved, often darkened, uitsparings.
This contrast is vital for legibility and the dramatic visual impact of the final piece.
Reliable Corrosion Resistance and Surface Stability
The copper content of roughly 58–60 wt.% provides a stable metallurgical foundation that promotes corrosion resistance and maintains the characteristic warm appearance of brass.
In atmospheric environments, CZ120/CW608N engraved brass forms a dense and adherent surface film that protects against oxidation and mild chemical exposure.
Under standardized neutral salt spray testing (ASTM B117), the alloy demonstrates excellent resistance to surface degradation, with no significant pitting or discoloration after extended exposure and a very low corrosion rate.
This performance ensures that engraved details remain legible and surfaces retain their visual quality over long service periods, even in humid or semi-outdoor conditions.
As gevolg hiervan, CZ120 / CW608N minimizes maintenance requirements and replacement costs for decorative and identification components exposed to real-world environments.
Excellent Hot Formability for Complex Geometries
Beyond engraving performance, CZ120 / CW608N offers very good hot workability.
Within a recommended hot forming range of approximately 650–775°C, the alloy exhibits high plasticity and low deformation resistance.
This enables efficient hot forging, seëling, and shaping of complex geometries, including curved profiles, relief structures, and three-dimensional decorative elements.
Deurslaggewend, hot-formed components can be seamlessly combined with subsequent engraving operations.
This allows designers and manufacturers to integrate complex shapes with fine surface details—expanding creative and functional design possibilities well beyond flat or simple geometries.
2. Comprehensive Performance Parameters of CZ120/CW608N
The balanced performance of CZ120/CW608N engraved brass is the result of controlled chemistry and well-characterized physical properties, defined under recognized European standards.
Chemiese samestelling: Synergistic Elements Empowering Core Advantages
Each element content is strictly controlled in accordance with European standards, and the scientific matching of lead and copper-zinc matrix lays the foundation for easy machining and high aesthetics.
The detailed composition range is shown in the table below:
| Element | Content Range (wt.%) | Core Function |
| Koper (CU) | 58.0–60.0 | Main matrix element; ensures structural stability, korrosieweerstand, and metallic luster |
| Sink (Zn) | Balans | Improves matrix strength and formability; adjusts the material’s mechanical properties |
| Lood (Pb) | 1.5–2.5 | Enhances machinability and engraving performance; reduces tool wear and promotes chip breaking |
| Other Impurities | ≤0.3 | Strictly limited to avoid impairing corrosion resistance and processing performance |
The Free-Cutting Advantage: The Role of Lead (Pb)
The defining characteristic of CZ120/CW608N is its superior free-cutting property, which is directly attributable to the finely dispersed 2% lead addition.
Lead is virtually insoluble in the brass matrix and exists as microscopic, discrete particles distributed throughout the microstructure.
Mechanism of Action: During machining or engraving, the cutting tool encounters these soft lead particles.
The lead acts as an internal lubricant and, more importantly, as a chip-breaker. Instead of forming long, deurlopend, and difficult-to-manage swarf (skyfies), the material fractures cleanly at the lead inclusions.
This free-cutting capability is the technical prerequisite for the “exquisite craftsmanship” the alloy enables, as it allows for the creation of ultra-fine lines and sharp, clean edges essential for high-resolution decorative work.
Fisiese eienskappe: Adapting to Multi-Scenario Application Requirements
From thermal conductivity to dimensional stability, all physical indicators reflect strong practicality, meeting the dual requirements of engraving craftsmanship and service scenarios:
| Physical Indicator | Tipiese waarde | Toets Standaard | Application Significance |
| Smeltpunt | 895° C | ASTM E983 | Determines hot working temperature window; avoids overheating during processing |
| Digtheid | 8.4 g/cm³ | ASTM B328 | Ensures stable weight and structural compactness of precision components |
| Spesifieke hitte | 380 J/kg · k | ASTM E1269 | Facilitates temperature control during heating and cooling processes |
| Termiese geleidingsvermoë (Kamertemperatuur) | 117 W/m · k | ASTM E1461 | Promotes heat dissipation during engraving and cutting; prevents local overheating |
Koëffisiënt van termiese uitbreiding (20–200°C) |
20×10⁻⁶ /°C | ASTM E228 | Ensures dimensional stability under temperature changes; avoids pattern deformation |
| Elektriese geleidingsvermoë | 27% IACS | ASTM B193 | Meets basic conductive requirements for instrument housings and hardware accessories |
| Elektriese weerstand | 0.064 Ω·mm²/m | ASTM B193 | Matches conductivity performance; suitable for non-high-precision electrical applications |
Vervaardiging & Joining Characteristics: Focus on Process Compatibility
Process adaptability is a key factor for CZ120/CW608N to be widely used in precision manufacturing, with clear technical specifications for heat treatment and joining processes:
Vorming & Hittebehandeling
- Annealing temperature range: 450–600°C; stress relief temperature range: 250–350°C.
Annealing treatment can effectively eliminate internal stress generated during engraving, sny, or forming processes, avoiding deformation, krake, or pattern offset of workpieces after processing,
and ensuring long-term dimensional stability (dimensional tolerance control within ±0.02 mm for precision components). - Cold formability: Beperk (rating C); not suitable for heavy cold deformation processes such as deep drawing.
Nietemin, its excellent hot formability fully covers the demand for complex shape processing, making up for the deficiency of cold forming.
Joining Methods
- Brazing performance: Excellent for soft brazing, good for hard brazing.
This joining method is the first choice for CZ120/CW608N components, as it can realize firm connection of decorative part splicing (Bv., engraved trim assembly) and instrument component assembly (Bv., nameplate and housing connection) without damaging engraved details or surface luster. - Welding restrictions: Oxy-acetylene welding, gas metal arc welding, and resistance spot/seam welding are not recommended.
Butt welding performance is only fair; welding processes are prone to causing grain coarsening, surface oxidation, or engraving pattern damage, which seriously affect product aesthetics and performance.
3. Tipiese toepassings: Spanning Decoration, Precision Instruments & Hardeware
With the comprehensive advantages of easy engraving, korrosieweerstand, en uitstekende vormbaarheid, CZ120/CW608N has been widely applied in decorative, instrument, and hardware fields, becoming a preferred material balancing aesthetics and functionality.
Decoration & Identification Field
CZ120/CW608N is the top choice for mechanically engraved nameplates, corporate logos, and architectural decorations (Bv., door/window carved patterns, wall metal panels).
Its superior engraving performance ensures clear, sharp lines and three-dimensional patterns, while reliable corrosion resistance prevents fading and blackening even in outdoor or high-humidity environments.
For high-end commercial spaces and corporate image displays, it enhances the high-end texture of the space and products, conveying a sense of exquisite craftsmanship.
Precision Instrument Field
It is widely used in watch cases, small instrument housings, ratte, en nokke.
The precision cutting performance of CZ120/CW608N meets the strict dimensional accuracy requirements of instruments (tolerance ≤0.01 mm for key components), while its inherent metallic luster and corrosion resistance balance appearance and durability.
For precision instruments requiring both reliable operation and aesthetic presentation (Bv., laboratory analytical instruments, precision measuring tools), it ensures long-term stable operation while maintaining a high-end, textured appearance.
Hardeware & Valve Field
It is applied to door/window hardware accessories (Bv., carved handles, skarniere) en klepkomponente.
Its excellent hot formability supports the design of complex structural hardware, breaking the limitations of simple shapes; reliable corrosion resistance resists humid environments and daily wear, ensuring service life over 10 jare.
For hardware products pursuing both practicality and aesthetics, CZ120/CW608N elevates product grade while guaranteeing usability.
4. Standards Alignment & Global Equivalence: Authoritative Compliance for Reliable Application
CZ120/CW608N complies with strict European material standards, ensuring consistent quality and interchangeability in global applications, which is the basis for its authoritative recognition in the industry:
- Core standards: Complies with EN 12164 (Copper and copper alloys – Rods, bars and wires for general purposes)
en 12163 (Copper and copper alloys – Sheets, strips and plates for general purposes), with clear requirements for composition, Meganiese eienskappe, and processing performance. - Global equivalent grades: CZ120 is the European numerical designation, en CW608N is the corresponding material symbol;
its equivalent grades in other regions include C37700 (ASTM, VSA) en C3771 (Hy, Japan), facilitating cross-border application and material procurement for international projects.
5. Konklusie
CZ120/CW608N engraved brass represents a refined balance between artistic craftsmanship and engineering performance.
Its superior machinability and engraving fidelity, dependable corrosion resistance, and excellent hot formability are firmly rooted in a scientifically optimized composition and well-established processing behavior.
From finely detailed nameplates and architectural decorations to precision instrument housings and high-end hardware, CZ120/CW608N engraved brass consistently delivers reliable manufacturing outcomes and long-term visual appeal.
Selecting this alloy is not merely a material choice—it is a strategic decision to enhance product quality, ontwerp buigsaamheid, and market competitiveness.
As demand continues to grow for premium decorative and precision components,
CZ120/CW608N engraved brass will remain a cornerstone material in the field of engraved brass, enabling the seamless integration of exquisite craftsmanship and modern manufacturing excellence.
