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Copper Alloy

Brass (C360 / Naval Brass)

The fastest-machining metal — valve bodies, fittings, and connectors at maximum speed.

Tensile Strength

345–415 MPa

Density

8.50 g/cm³

Max Temp

150°C continuous

Machinability

C360 free-machining brass (also known as 360 brass or 'free-cutting brass') has the highest machinability rating of any commonly machined metal — higher even than aluminium. Its unique combination of lead content (which acts as a chip-breaker), zinc, and copper produces extremely fine chips, minimal tool wear, exceptional surface finish, and cycle times that make it the lowest-cost-per-part material for complex turned components. Naval brass adds tin for improved corrosion resistance in seawater environments. Brass is the standard material for valve bodies, pipe fittings, electrical connectors, marine hardware, and any application requiring corrosion resistance and cosmetic appearance in a single, easily machined package.

Technical Data

Material Properties

Tensile Strength (C360)

345–415 MPa

Yield Strength

124–310 MPa

Elongation

15–25%

Hardness

78 HRB

Density

8.50 g/cm³

Machinability

Exceptional (5/5)

Electrical Conductivity

28% IACS

Thermal Conductivity

115 W/m·K

Corrosion Resistance

Good (non-seawater); Naval: seawater OK

Max Service Temp

~150°C continuous

Capabilities

Why CNC Machine Brass?

Fastest Cycle Times

C360 machines at the highest speeds and feeds of any metal — translating directly to lowest cost per part on turned components.

Excellent Surface Finish

Naturally fine chip formation and low cutting forces produce Ra 0.4 µm finishes as standard — no special tooling or slow passes required.

No Tool Wear

Lead content lubricates the cutting action — carbide tooling lasts dramatically longer on brass than on steel or stainless.

Corrosion Resistant

Standard C360 resists most common environments. Naval brass (C464) adds tin for genuine seawater corrosion resistance on marine fittings.

Electroplating-Ready

Brass takes nickel, chrome, and gold plating readily — the substrate of choice for decorative and electroplated connectors and hardware.

Use Cases

What We Machine in Brass

Plumbing & HVAC

Valve bodies, ball valve cores, compression fittings, adapters, manifolds

Electronics

Electrical connectors, terminal pins, insert nuts, RF connectors, EMI shielding

Marine

Deck fittings, seacocks, propeller shaft fittings (naval brass), through-hulls

Industrial

Hydraulic fittings, instrument connections, pneumatic couplings, wear bushings

Engineering Tips

Design for Machining — Brass

Specify C360 for purely machined parts — it's the fastest and cheapest. Specify C464 (naval brass) only when seawater exposure is involved

Brass is soft and marks easily — part handling and packaging matters for cosmetic components. Specify 'cosmetic finish' if appearance is critical

C360 contains lead — do not use for potable water contact in some jurisdictions (check local regulations). Lead-free brass (C69300) is available as an alternative

Brass threads are excellent — fine-pitch threads machine cleanly and hold well. Self-tapping brass inserts are commonly used in plastic assemblies

Surface Options