Material

Brass

Free-machining copper-zinc alloys for fittings and decorative parts.

Material decision support

How this alloy behaves in your project.

Below is what we tell buyers about this alloy: where it pays for itself, where it costs you in cycle time or tooling, and which records to specify for shipment. Compare against your operating environment and tolerance stack before you finalize the print.

Brass for CNC-machined threaded fittings, connectors and instrument components. Free-machining and lead-free brass grades differ in cutting behavior and compliance requirements. Specify the alloy rather than only naming brass.

Reference grades

Grades to consider for Brass

CodeNotes
C210Gilding brass — 95% Cu, decorative
C220Commercial bronze — 90% Cu
C230Red brass — plumbing fittings
C260Cartridge brass — 70% Cu, deep drawing
C272Yellow brass — general purpose
C274Yellow brass — plumbing & hardware
C314Leaded commercial bronze
C330Low-leaded brass — plumbing
C335Low-leaded brass — hardware
C353High-leaded brass — clocks & watches
C360Free-machining — most common
C365Leaded Muntz metal — architectural
C385Architectural bronze — extrusions
C443Admiralty — heat exchangers
C464Naval brass — marine service

Typical uses

Typical uses for Brass

Plumbing fittings & valves

For fittings and valves, specify the brass alloy, lead-free requirement, thread standard and plating. Do not quote 'brass' without a grade.

Decorative hardware

For decorative hardware, specify appearance finish, lacquer or plating and which faces are cosmetic. Sample approval should precede a production color run.

Electrical & grounding components

For electrical hardware, specify conductivity needs, plating and contact surfaces that must remain uncoated.

How we work

Materials, tolerances, equipment

Brass for CNC-machined threaded fittings, connectors and instrument components. Free-machining and lead-free brass grades differ in cutting behavior and compliance requirements. Specify the alloy rather than only naming brass.

How should I select the grade?

Free-machining and lead-free brass grades differ in cutting behavior and compliance requirements. Specify the alloy rather than only naming brass. Material availability, stock size and certificate requirements are confirmed during quotation; a listed grade is not a stock guarantee.

What affects machining and inspection?

Review lead restrictions, conductivity, plating compatibility and dezincification exposure. Functional tolerances depend on part geometry, material condition, fixturing and measurement method, not only the material family.

What should I specify for finishing?

State the finish standard, thickness, color or texture, masking and functional surfaces. Consider coating build in fits and threads. Approve any material or finishing substitution in writing.

Material quotation checklist

Send the exact grade and condition, 2D drawing, STEP model, quantity, critical features, service environment and traceability requirements. Tecpreva can review machining suitability and proposed alternatives before production.

Bring a drawing

Discuss your Brass part with us.

Send the CAD file, required grade, quantity and operating conditions. We will review material availability and machining feasibility before confirming a production route and quote.

Request a quote