Brass Grades Suitable for CNC Machining: 18 Options to Choose From

Brass Grades Suitable for CNC Machining: 18 Options to Choose From

Are you in the market for brass grades suitable for CNC machining? With 18 options to choose from, it can be overwhelming to make the right decision. Different brass grades have different properties, making each one suitable for a variety of applications. In this article, we'll dive into the details of 18 brass grades to help you make an informed decision for your CNC machining needs.

Understanding Brass Alloys

Brass is a metal alloy made of copper and zinc, and sometimes small amounts of other metals such as lead or tin. The properties of brass can vary depending on the ratio of copper to zinc, as well as the addition of other metals. Brass is valued for its workability, corrosion resistance, and attractive appearance, making it a popular choice for CNC machining applications.

When it comes to CNC machining, the properties of brass alloys play a crucial role in determining the suitability for a particular application. Factors such as machinability, strength, corrosion resistance, and electrical conductivity are all important considerations when choosing a brass grade for CNC machining.

18 Brass Grades Suitable for CNC Machining

Let's take a closer look at 18 different brass grades that are suitable for CNC machining. Each grade has its own unique properties, making it important to understand the differences in order to make an informed decision.

1. C26000 Brass

C26000, also known as cartridge brass, is a versatile brass alloy with a high copper content. It is valued for its excellent cold working properties and good corrosion resistance. C26000 is commonly used for electrical components, as well as in architectural and decorative applications.

2. C27000 Brass

C27000, also known as yellow brass, is a copper-zinc alloy with good cold working properties. It is commonly used for hardware, plumbing fittings, and electrical components. C27000 is known for its attractive golden color and is often used for decorative purposes.

3. C28000 Brass

C28000, also known as Muntz metal, is a brass alloy with high strength and excellent corrosion resistance. It is commonly used in marine applications, such as boat hulls and propeller shafts, due to its resistance to saltwater corrosion.

4. C33000 Brass

C33000, also known as low-leaded brass, is a free-cutting brass alloy with excellent machinability. It is commonly used for machined parts, such as gears and fittings, due to its ability to produce clean, smooth cuts during machining.

5. C36000 Brass

C36000, also known as free-cutting brass, is a versatile brass alloy with excellent machinability and good corrosion resistance. It is commonly used for screw machine parts, electrical components, and fittings due to its ease of machining and attractive appearance.

6. C38500 Brass

C38500, also known as architectural bronze, is a high-strength brass alloy with excellent corrosion resistance. It is commonly used in architectural applications, such as door hardware and decorative elements, due to its attractive appearance and durability.

7. C44300 Brass

C44300, also known as admiralty brass, is a copper-nickel alloy with excellent corrosion resistance and high strength. It is commonly used in marine applications, such as shipbuilding and heat exchangers, due to its resistance to saltwater corrosion and high thermal conductivity.

8. C46400 Brass

C46400, also known as naval brass, is a copper-zinc-tin alloy with high strength and excellent corrosion resistance. It is commonly used in marine applications, such as propeller shafts and fittings, due to its resistance to saltwater corrosion and biofouling.

9. C51000 Brass

C51000, also known as phosphor bronze, is a copper-tin alloy with high strength and excellent wear resistance. It is commonly used in applications requiring high strength and good bearing properties, such as bushings and bearings.

10. C52100 Brass

C52100, also known as bearing bronze, is a copper-tin alloy with high strength and excellent wear resistance. It is commonly used for bearings and bushings in heavy load applications, such as automotive and industrial machinery.

11. C62300 Brass

C62300, also known as aluminum bronze, is a copper-aluminum alloy with high strength and good corrosion resistance. It is commonly used for marine and aerospace applications, as well as in industrial machinery requiring high strength and corrosion resistance.

12. C65500 Brass

C65500, also known as high-silicon bronze, is a copper-silicon alloy with high strength and excellent corrosion resistance. It is commonly used for marine hardware, as well as in architectural and decorative applications requiring high strength and corrosion resistance.

13. C67400 Brass

C67400, also known as manganese bronze, is a copper-aluminum-tin-silicon alloy with high strength and good corrosion resistance. It is commonly used for marine and industrial applications requiring high strength and wear resistance.

14. C70600 Brass

C70600, also known as copper-nickel alloy, is a copper-nickel alloy with high strength and excellent corrosion resistance. It is commonly used in marine and offshore applications, such as seawater piping and heat exchangers, due to its resistance to saltwater corrosion.

15. C71500 Brass

C71500, also known as copper-nickel alloy, is a copper-nickel alloy with high strength and excellent corrosion resistance. It is commonly used in marine and offshore applications, such as seawater piping and heat exchangers, due to its resistance to saltwater corrosion.

16. C75200 Brass

C75200, also known as cupronickel alloy, is a copper-nickel alloy with high strength and excellent corrosion resistance. It is commonly used in marine and offshore applications, such as seawater piping and heat exchangers, due to its resistance to saltwater corrosion.

17. C79500 Brass

C79500, also known as aluminum-nickel bronze, is a copper-aluminum-nickel alloy with high strength and good corrosion resistance. It is commonly used in marine and industrial applications requiring high strength and wear resistance.

18. C83600 Brass

C83600, also known as leaded red brass, is a copper-tin-lead alloy with high machinability and good corrosion resistance. It is commonly used for machined parts, such as fittings and valves, due to its excellent machinability and corrosion resistance.

Conclusion

Choosing the right brass grade for CNC machining requires careful consideration of the specific properties and applications. By understanding the differences between the 18 brass grades discussed in this article, you can make an informed decision based on your specific machining needs. Whether you are looking for high strength, excellent machinability, or corrosion resistance, there is a brass grade suitable for your CNC machining application. Take the time to evaluate the properties of each grade and consult with a knowledgeable supplier to ensure you choose the best brass grade for your needs.