Brass
Brass C36000 (Free-cutting)
Highest machinability of any metal. The CNC turning default.
C36000 is the standard free-cutting brass. Machinability index 100 (the benchmark all other metals are rated against). Default for high-volume CNC turned components: plumbing fittings, valve bodies, hose connectors, electrical terminals.
Equivalent Designations
| Standard | Designation |
|---|---|
| UNS | C36000 |
| IS | 319 |
| JIS | C3604 |
| BS | CZ124 |
Standards
ASTM B16ASTM B453
Chemical Composition (% by mass)
| Cu | 60.0–63.0 |
| Pb | 2.5–3.7 |
| Zn | Balance |
| Fe | 0.35 max |
Mechanical Properties
| Tensile Strength | 385 MPa |
| Yield Strength | 310 MPa |
| Elongation | 20 % |
| Hardness (Rockwell B) | 78 HRB |
| Machinability Index | 100 (reference) |
Physical Properties
| Density | 8.49 g/cm³ |
| Melting Point | 885 °C |
Available Forms & Sizes
| Form | Size Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Round Bar | Ø6 mm to Ø200 mm | — |
| Hex Bar | 8 mm to 80 mm A/F | — |
Use Cases
High-volume CNC turning
The default for production turned parts. Plumbing, valves, fittings, hose connectors.
Decorative hardware
Lock cylinders, key blanks, gas fittings.
Electrical terminals
Where conductivity is non-critical and machinability matters.
Design Notes
- RoHS / EU lead-restriction: for EU export, switch to C69300 / C87850 (silicon brass, "EcoBrass") — comparable machinability, lead-free.
- Lead content (2.5–3.7%) provides chip-breaking. Don't use C36000 for food-contact wetted parts in EU/US-regulated markets.