CNC Machining Materials

Brass

At a glance

Processes

CNC Mill
CNC Lathe

Lead Time

As fast as 5 days

Finishing Options

Media blasting

Tolerance

With drawing: as low as +/- 0.005 mm
No drawing: ISO 2768 medium

Price

$$

Applications

Gears, lock components, pipe fittings, and ornamental applications

About the Material

360 Brass is also known as free machining brass, due to it having the highest amount of lead content of any brass alloy. This excellent machinability comes with minimal tool wear. It is commonly used for a variety of parts such as gears, lock components, pipe fittings, and ornamental applications.

260 Brass (also known as cartridge brass), while not as machinable as 360 brass, offers great weldability and is readily formable. It is most commonly used for appliance parts and fasteners.

Material Properties

360 Brass

Yield Strength (tensile)

15,000 psi

Elongation at Break

53%

Hardness

Rockwell B35

Density

0.307 lbs / cu. in.

Maximum Temp

1650° F

260 Brass

Yield Strength (tensile)

52,000 PSI

Elongation at Break

27%

Hardness

Rockwell B50

Density

8.53 g/cm^3
0.31lb / in^3

Maximum Temp

1680°F

Material Finish

360 Brass has a shiny yellow finish that varies depending on surface roughness. It can be hand-polished to increase its sheen (think trumpet or saxophone), or media blasted for more of a matte texture.

Design Recommendations

Min Wall Thickness

0.5 mm

Min End Mill Size

0.8 mm (0.03 in)

Min Drill Size

0.5 mm (0.02 in)

Max Part Size

1200 x 500 x 152 mm [x,y,z] (mill)
152 x 394 mm [d,h] (lathe)

Undercuts

Square profile, full radius, dovetail profiles

Radii : Depth

Depth must not exceed 12x drill bit diameter.
For end mills, depth must not exceed 10x tool diameter.

Cost Saving Tip

To reduce costs, limit the number of part setups, the number of inspection dimensions or tight tolerances, and deep pockets with small radii.

CNC Machining Brass FAQs

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