Materials

Brass 360 (C36000 Free-Cutting Brass)

• Material: A copper-zinc alloy with a small addition of lead, designed for excellent machinability. Often referred to as free-machining brass or screw machine stock brass.

• Mechanical Properties:

  • Moderate strength: yield strength ~18–20 ksi (annealed) to ~45 ksi (cold worked).

  • Very good ductility and formability.

  • Not suitable for high-stress, high-load, or elevated temperature service compared to steels or nickel alloys.

• Corrosion Resistance:

  • Good resistance to atmospheric and freshwater corrosion.

  • Moderate resistance to seawater, but subject to dezincification and stress corrosion cracking in marine or acidic conditions.

  • Performs well in many neutral or mildly alkaline environments.

• Manufacturing Considerations:

  • One of the most machinable metals (100% machinability rating, the standard against which other alloys are compared).

  • Excellent for high-speed turning, threading, and drilling — ideal for precision fastener production.

  • Readily soldered or brazed; welding is less common.

  • Can be cold-formed for small fasteners.

• Applications in Fasteners & Components:

  • Precision screws, bolts, nuts, and fittings where ease of machining and appearance are important.

  • Electrical components (terminals, connectors) due to good electrical conductivity.

  • Decorative fasteners and hardware thanks to its bright gold-like finish.

  • Low-pressure fluid and gas fittings in plumbing, instrumentation, and mechanical assemblies.