Which brass grade is most machinable?

C36000 (Free-Cutting Brass) has a machinability rating of 100%, the benchmark for all other metals. Its lead content improves chip breakage and reduces tool wear, enabling high cutting speeds.

What is the typical tolerance for brass CNC machining?

Standard work holds ±0.01-0.02mm. Precision work reaches ±0.005mm. Brass's excellent machinability allows for tighter tolerances than many other materials.

Is brass corrosion-resistant?

Yes, brass has good corrosion resistance, particularly in freshwater and atmospheric conditions. For marine or more demanding environments, alternatives like bronze may be considered.

Brass can be brazed and soldered but welding is challenging due to zinc vaporization. For structural joining, mechanical connections or brazing are recommended.

What is the difference between brass and bronze?

Brass is primarily copper-zinc alloy; bronze is primarily copper-tin alloy. Bronze is generally harder and more wear-resistant, while brass is more machinable and cost-effective for most applications.

What industries use CNC brass machining?

Plumbing, electrical, industrial instrumentation, automotive, marine, and decorative hardware. Brass is used where cost-effectiveness, machinability, and corrosion resistance are required.

CNC Brass

CNC brass machining is the precision processing of brass alloys using computer-controlled cutting tools. Brass is a copper-zinc alloy that offers excellent machinability, good corrosion resistance, electrical conductivity, and attractive appearance. The most commonly machined brass grade is C36000 (Free-Cutting Brass), which has a machinability rating of 100%—the benchmark against which all other metals are measured.

Brass's high machinability comes from its composition: lead addition creates chip-breaking characteristics that reduce tool wear and enable high cutting speeds. This makes brass one of the most cost-effective materials for complex parts produced in medium to high volumes. Brass provides a modulus of elasticity of 105 GPa, tensile strength of 340-450 MPa, and electrical conductivity of 28% IACS. Typical applications include fittings and connectors, valves, fasteners, electrical terminals and contacts, gear components, watch and instrument components, and decorative hardware. Tolerances are held to ±0.01-0.02mm standard.

Our CNC Machining Services

From prototype to production — reliable quality, on-time delivery

We provide precision CNC machining services for a wide range of materials including aluminum, steel, stainless steel, copper, brass, titanium, PEEK, PTFE, acetal, nylon, and other engineering plastics. Our manufacturing capabilities cover 3-axis, 4-axis, and 5-axis CNC milling, as well as CNC turning, suitable for both prototype development and high-volume production runs.

With ISO 9001:2015 certification and a commitment to quality, we serve customers across aerospace, automotive, medical, electronics, industrial equipment, and consumer goods industries. Our in-house capabilities include surface finishing, anodizing, powder coating, heat treatment, and inspection with CMM and optical measurement equipment.

We offer competitive pricing, flexible lead times, and full material traceability. From simple brackets to complex precision components, we deliver parts that meet your specifications with reliable quality and on-time delivery.

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Materials

Brass C38500

Brass C38500 | 2.0401 | CuZn39Pb3

Brass C38500 (CNC) is a highly machinable alloy with good tensile strength and natural corrosion resistance. Ideal for parts that require low friction.

Understand Brass C38500

Brass C360

Brass C360 | 2.0375 | CuZn36Pb3

Brass C360 (CNC) is highly machinable alloy with good tensile strength and natural corrosion resistance. Ideal for parts that require low friction.

Understand Brass C360

Applications

Plumbing & Fittings

Pipe fittings and adaptors
Valve bodies and trim
Faucet components
Hose connectors and couplings
Threaded inserts and nipples

Electrical

Terminals and contacts
Connector housings and pins
Bus bars and lugs
Switch and relay components
Grounding hardware

Industrial

Instrumentation fittings
Pneumatic connectors
Gear components and bushings
Pump components and wear rings
Bearing cages

Automotive

Fluid connectors and fittings
Thermostat housings
Sensor housings
Fasteners and threaded parts

Decorative & Hardware

Door hardware and handles
Hinge components
Decorative inlays and trim
Marine hardware
Architectural hardware

Capabilities

We machine all common brass grades including C36000 (Free-Cutting Brass), C37700, and C38000. Our CNC turning centers with live tooling are ideal for high-volume brass parts—fittings, connectors, and fasteners. Milling centers handle complex brass components including valve bodies and decorative parts. Tolerances held to ±0.01-0.02mm standard. High-speed machining with uncoated carbide tooling and appropriate coolants. ISO 9001:2015 certified.

Finishes

As-Machined

Standard finish for most brass parts
Bright surface with visible tool marks
Ra 0.8 – 1.6μm typical

Polishing

High-gloss decorative finish
Used for visible hardware
Ra 0.4μm achievable

Brushing

Directional grain pattern
Decorative architectural finish
Brushed nickel appearance

Bead Blasting

Uniform matte texture
Used for industrial parts
Neutral appearance

Plating

Nickel Plating: Corrosion protection, bright finish
Chrome Plating: Decorative, wear-resistant
Gold Plating: Electrical contacts, decorative
Tin Plating: Solderability, corrosion protection

Antiquing

Chemical darkening for decorative hardware
Patina finishes for architectural hardware
Aged brass appearance

Technical Specs

Property	C36000 (Free-Cutting Brass)
Machinability Rating	100% (Benchmark)
Tensile Strength (MPa)	340-450
Yield Strength (MPa)	150-200
Elongation at Break (%)	15-25
Hardness (Brinell)	80-90
Density (g/cm³)	8.50
Modulus of Elasticity (GPa)	105
Electrical Conductivity (% IACS)	28
Melting Point (°C)	900-950
Corrosion Resistance	Excellent

Parameter	Capability
Max Part Size (Milling)	2,000mm x 800mm x 600mm
Max Part Size (Turning)	600mm diameter x 1,500mm length
Standard Tolerance	±0.01 – 0.02mm
Precision Tolerance	±0.005mm
Surface Finish (As-Machined)	Ra 0.8 – 1.6μm
Surface Finish (Precision)	Ra 0.4μm
Surface Finish (Polished)	Ra 0.2μm

FAQs

Which brass grade is most machinable?

C36000 (Free-Cutting Brass) has a machinability rating of 100%, the benchmark for all other metals. Its lead content improves chip breakage and reduces tool wear, enabling high cutting speeds.
What is the typical tolerance for brass CNC machining?

Standard work holds ±0.01-0.02mm. Precision work reaches ±0.005mm. Brass's excellent machinability allows for tighter tolerances than many other materials.
Is brass corrosion-resistant?

Yes, brass has good corrosion resistance, particularly in freshwater and atmospheric conditions. For marine or more demanding environments, alternatives like bronze may be considered.
Can brass be welded?

Brass can be brazed and soldered but welding is challenging due to zinc vaporization. For structural joining, mechanical connections or brazing are recommended.
What is the difference between brass and bronze?

Brass is primarily copper-zinc alloy; bronze is primarily copper-tin alloy. Bronze is generally harder and more wear-resistant, while brass is more machinable and cost-effective for most applications.
What industries use CNC brass machining?

Plumbing, electrical, industrial instrumentation, automotive, marine, and decorative hardware. Brass is used where cost-effectiveness, machinability, and corrosion resistance are required.

Services

Industries

Cases