Metal
Brass C36000
The fastest metal to machine, and it conducts.
Published values for unfilled grades at 23 °C unless stated. Confirm against the supplier datasheet for the grade you specify.
What it is
C36000 is the benchmark against which all other machinability ratings are set. Lead in the alloy breaks the chip, which lets it be turned at very high speed with excellent surface finish and long tool life.
It is the standard material for turned fittings, valve bodies, and electrical terminals, where the combination of machining speed, corrosion resistance, and conductivity is hard to beat.
Where it is used
- Turned fittings, valves, and plumbing components
- Electrical terminals and connector pins
- Threaded inserts for plastics
- Instrument and hardware components
- Decorative machined parts
Processing notes
Turns and drills faster than any other common metal. Screw machine work is where it is most economical.
Do not use leaded brass for potable water in markets with lead restrictions; specify a lead-free grade such as C69300 or C46500.
Dezincification is a real failure mode in aggressive water. Specify a DZR grade where relevant.
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Design notes
Use it for turned parts. On a milled prismatic part the machinability advantage largely disappears and the material cost hurts.
Threaded brass inserts are the standard way to put durable threads into a molded plastic part.
It will tarnish. Specify lacquer or plating if appearance matters over time.
Grades and variants
- C36000, free machining, the default
- C46400 naval brass, better seawater resistance
- C69300, lead-free machining grade
- DZR grades, dezincification resistant for water fittings
- C26000 cartridge brass, for forming rather than machining
Alternatives
If Brass C36000 is not the right answer
Specifying this material?
Send your CAD and target volumes. We come back with a price, a lead time, and any material or design notes that would reduce either.