Brass is easy to underestimate because it cuts well. In real production, the grade choice still changes chip control, thread strength, plating behavior and dezincification risk in water-facing parts.
Best fit
connectors, fittings, terminals, valve nuts and visible hardware
Common grades
C360, C260 and C464 brass
Watch point
lead content, dezincification exposure and burrs around cross holes
Typical route
turning, threading, milling, engraving and plating
C360 is the fastest grade to machine, but C260 and C464 are often better fits when forming, corrosion behavior or marine exposure matter.
| Grade | Yield Strength | Tensile Strength | Hardness |
|---|---|---|---|
| C360 Free-Machining Brass | ~ 310 MPa | ~ 400 MPa | ~ 78 HRB |
| C260 Cartridge Brass | ~ 110 MPa | ~ 300 MPa | ~ 65 HRB |
| C464 Naval Brass | ~ 170 MPa | ~ 380 MPa | 55-65 HRB |
For an English technical page, ASTM grades are the cleanest starting point. If a GB equivalent is needed, we keep it in the comparison table rather than the application recommendation.
| ASTM / AISI / UNS | DIN / EN | GB | Engineer Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| C36000 | CuZn39Pb3 / CW614N | HPb59-1 | The practical default for high-volume turning, fine threads and small fittings because chips break cleanly. |
| C26000 | CuZn30 / CW505L | H70 | Better for forming and decorative parts; not as free-cutting as C360, so cycle time and burr control change. |
| C46400 | CuZn38Sn1As / CW706R | HSn62-1 | Naval brass with better resistance in marine-adjacent service. Use it when water chemistry is part of the problem. |
Brass is chosen when machinability, electrical performance, thread quality, and decorative finish matter more than maximum strength.
| Application | Recommended Material | Why This Material Works | Typical CNC Process | Finish / Risk Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical Connectors & Terminals | C360 Brass | Excellent conductivity with clean machining for pins, sockets, and contact features. | CNC turning, micro drilling, milling | Deburr contact edges carefully; plating may be needed for corrosion or solderability. |
| Compression Fittings & Valve Nuts | C360, C260, or C464 Brass | Strong threads, good sealing behavior, and stable turning for fluid hardware. | Turning, threading, hex milling | Check dezincification risk in aggressive water or marine environments. |
| Bushings & Spacers | C360 Brass | Low friction and good repeatability for light-duty bearing surfaces. | Turning, boring, reaming | Specify bore finish and running clearance. |
| Decorative Hardware | C260 or C360 Brass | Warm color, polishability, and crisp engraving suit visible parts. | Milling, engraving, turning | Protect polished parts with clear coat, passivation, or plating. |
| Sensor & Instrument Housings | C360 Brass | Machines fine threads and offers useful EMI shielding. | Turning, milling, knurling | Avoid overly thin threads; brass burrs can remain around cross holes. |
Match the grade to the part's real job first: strength, heat, wear, corrosion, insulation, transparency, or cosmetic finish.
Material choice changes tolerance risk, burr control, wall thickness, thread strategy, and finishing route.
Share the operating environment, mating parts, finish expectations, and inspection requirements with the drawing.
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The best brass jobs are usually boring in the right way: stable bar stock, clean chip breaking, controlled burrs and a finish plan that matches the buyer expectation.
C360 machines beautifully, but it is not automatically right for potable water, aggressive water or lead-sensitive applications. The end use decides.
Brass threads can look excellent and still fail a fit check if burrs remain at starts, cross holes or relief grooves. We gauge functional threads, not just inspect them visually.
Polished brass marks easily. If the part is visible, we plan masking, gloves, packaging and coating before the first production batch.
Raw brass can be the finish, but only if tarnish and handling marks are acceptable. Otherwise finishing is part of the design, not an afterthought.
Good for warm visible hardware. Use consistent grain direction and packaging if the surface will be judged cosmetically.
Common when the part needs a harder silver surface, better tarnish control or more stable contact behavior.
Used to hold the brass color. It protects appearance, but the coating thickness and masking areas should be defined.
Send the grade, quantity, thread standards, plating requirements and the service environment, especially if water, sweat, salt or electrical contact is involved.
Name the exact grade, stock condition and certificate requirement. The same alloy can machine and perform differently after heat treatment, aging or cold work.
Flag threads, bearing bores, sealing faces and mating materials. These features determine the machining sequence, surface requirement and inspection plan.
Include coating, masking, cosmetic zones and report needs in the controlled RFQ so finished dimensions and acceptance criteria are aligned before production.