Brass Alloys for
Premium C3604 and C36000 free-cutting brass with exceptional machinability. , for precision turning applications.
Compare Copper Alloys
Choose the right copper alloy for your application. Compare material properties, machinability, and cost considerations.
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Electrical vs. Mechanical Properties
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Strength vs. Workability Analysis
C3604 & C36000 Brass Industry Standard for CNC Machining
C3604 (JIS) and C36000 (ASTM) free-cutting brass alloys set the benchmark for machinability with 100% machinability index. Optimized lead content ensures superior chip formation, reduced tool wear, and exceptional surface finish for precision turning applications.
Machinability Index Comparison Relative to C36000 (100% Standard)
| Material | Standard | Machinability Index | Turning Performance | Surface Finish |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| C36000 (Free-Cutting Brass) | ASTM | 100% | Excellent | Ra 0.4 μm |
| C3604 (Free-Cutting Brass) | JIS | 100% | Excellent | Ra 0.4 μm |
| C260 (Cartridge Brass) | ASTM | 75% | Good | Ra 0.8 μm |
| C110 (Pure Copper) | ASTM | 20% | Poor | Ra 1.6 μm |
| C932 (Bearing Bronze) | ASTM | 45% | Fair | Ra 1.2 μm |
Machinability Index Notes
Index based on cutting speed, tool life, surface finish, and chip formation characteristics. Higher values indicate better machinability for CNC operations.
Precision Turning Applications
High-Speed CNC Turning
Optimal cutting speeds up to 300 m/min with carbide tooling. Superior chip evacuation prevents work hardening.
Tight Tolerance Components
Achieves ±0.005mm dimensional accuracy with excellent repeatability across production runs.
Superior Surface Finish
Mirror-like finish achievable with proper tooling. Minimal post-machining operations required.
Available Brass Grades
Complete range of brass alloys for CNC machining applications. All materials supplied with Mill Test Certificates and full traceability documentation meeting ASTM, EN, and JIS standards.
Free-Cutting Brass (JIS)
Industry standard for CNC turning with 100% machinability index. Optimized lead content for superior chip formation.
Free-Cutting Brass (ASTM)
ASTM equivalent to C3604. Benchmark material for machinability comparison with identical performance characteristics.
Cartridge Brass (70/30)
Lead-free option with good machinability and excellent corrosion resistance. RoHS compliant for regulated applications.
Available Forms & Stock Sizes
Comprehensive inventory of brass forms ready for immediate shipment or custom machining. All materials cut to your specifications with precision sawing capabilities.
Stock Forms Available
Brass Bars and Rods
Round, hexagonal, and square profiles in C3604/C36000
Ø5mm - Ø200mm available ex-stock
Brass Plates and Sheets
Hot rolled and cold rolled options for machining
1mm - 50mm thickness range
Brass Tubes and Pipes
Seamless and welded construction available
Custom wall thickness and diameter
Not Sure Which Material to Choose?
Get our free material selection guide with technical specifications, application recommendations, and comparison charts.
Request Free Selection GuideStandard Size Ranges
Custom Machining Available
Precision cutting, turning, milling, and drilling services available. Submit your drawings for detailed quotation with machining specifications.
Express Delivery Service
Stock materials ship within 1-3 business days. Emergency orders can be prioritized for same-day processing with expedited shipping options.
Complete Machining Services
From raw material to finished components. Our dedicated CNC machining capabilities are optimized for brass alloys with specialized tooling and cutting parameters for maximum efficiency.
Precision CNC Machining
Specialized tooling and cutting parameters optimized for brass alloys. High-speed machining with superior surface finish quality.
Turning & Facing
High-speed turning with carbide tooling for exceptional surface finish and dimensional accuracy.
Drilling & Threading
Precision hole operations with thread cutting capabilities for complete component finishing.
Surface Finishing Options
Complete finishing services to meet aesthetic and functional requirements.
Quality Assurance & Certification
Incoming Material Verification
Spectrometer analysis confirms chemical composition. Dimensional inspection ensures material quality before processing.
In-Process Monitoring
Real-time dimensional checks during machining operations. CMM verification for critical tolerances and geometries.
Final Quality Inspection
Complete dimensional verification, surface finish measurement, and visual inspection before packaging.
Certification & Documentation
Mill Test Certificate, dimensional reports, and material traceability provided with every shipment. ASTM/JIS compliance verified.
Export Packaging & Delivery
Anti-Oxidation Protection
Specialized VCI (Volatile Corrosion Inhibitor) wrapping prevents tarnishing and oxidation during storage and transport.
Export-Grade Wooden Crates
Heat-treated wooden packaging compliant with ISPM-15 international standards for global shipping requirements.
Global Logistics Network
Established partnerships with international freight forwarders ensure reliable delivery worldwide with full tracking and insurance coverage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about brass alloys for CNC machining and our capabilities.
Why is C3604/C36000 considered the best for CNC machining?
C3604 and C36000 contain optimized lead content (2.5-3.7%) that acts as a chip breaker, creating short, easily evacuated chips instead of long stringy ones. This dramatically improves tool life, allows higher cutting speeds (up to 300 m/min), and produces superior surface finishes with minimal work hardening.
What tolerances can be achieved with brass machining?
With proper tooling and machining parameters, we routinely achieve ±0.005mm (±0.0002") tolerances on turned features. For critical dimensions, we can hold ±0.002mm with specialized fixtures and temperature-controlled environments. Surface finish of Ra 0.2-0.4 μm is achievable as-machined.
Do you provide lead-free brass options?
Yes, we supply C260 (cartridge brass) and other lead-free alloys that are RoHS compliant. While these have lower machinability (75% index vs. 100% for C36000), they're suitable for applications requiring environmental compliance. We adjust cutting parameters and tooling to optimize performance with lead-free grades.
What's included with material certification?
Every shipment includes Mill Test Certificate (MTC) with complete chemical composition analysis, mechanical properties, heat treatment details, and dimensional verification. We provide full material traceability back to the original melt, meeting ISO 9001 and export documentation requirements.
Ready to Start Your
Get expert recommendations on brass alloy selection, machining parameters, and cost optimization. Our technical team provides detailed quotations with material specifications and delivery timelines.
Contact Information
Phone: +86 0769 81886021 / +86 81886025
Mobile: +86 15625895257 / +86 18128535118
Email: sales@ycsmachining.com
Business Hours
Monday - Friday: 8:00 - 18:00
Saturday: 9:00 - 17:00
Technical support within 24 hours