Brass Grades Suitable for CNC Machining: 18 Options to Choose From

CNC machining is a manufacturing process that uses computer-controlled cutting tools to shape the material into a desired form. It is often used in the production of metal parts such as brass. Brass is a popular choice for CNC machining because of its strength, durability, and ability to be formed into intricate shapes. However not all brass grades are suitable for CNC machining – some are too soft or brittle, while others may not have enough corrosion resistance. In this article, we will discuss the different brass grades suitable for CNC machining and their unique properties.

What is Brass?

Brass is an alloy made up primarily of copper and zinc. It is a strong and malleable metal that can be easily shaped and machined. It is also resistant to corrosion, making it ideal for use in outdoor applications. The color of brass ranges from golden yellow to reddish brown, depending on the amount of zinc present. Brass is also highly recyclable, making it an environmentally friendly choice for many projects.

Types of Brass for CNC Machining

There are many types of brass available for CNC machining, each with its own unique properties. Here are 18 of the most common brass grades suitable for CNC machining:

1. Free-Cutting Brass (C360)

Free-cutting brass, also known as C360 or CDA360, is an alloy of copper and zinc. It has the highest machinability of any brass grade, making it ideal for complex parts with tight tolerances. It is also relatively soft and strong and is often used for screw machine parts, electrical components, and plumbing fixtures.

2. Naval Brass (C464)

Naval brass, also known as C464 or CDA464, is an alloy of copper, zinc and tin. It is the most corrosion-resistant brass grade, making it ideal for parts that will be exposed to harsh environments. It is often used for marine hardware, pump shafts and valve stems.

3. Muntz Metal (C485)

Muntz metal, also known as C485 or CDA485, is an alloy of copper and zinc. It is a strong and durable brass grade that is often used for architectural components such as door handles and window frames. It is also well-suited for parts requiring good strength and corrosion resistance.

4. Leaded Brass (C495)

Leaded brass, also known as C495 or CDA495, is an alloy of copper, zinc, and lead. It has excellent machinability, making it ideal for parts requiring intricate details. It is also relatively soft, which makes it easy to shape into complex forms. It is often used for decorative accents, electrical components and plumbing fixtures.

5. Red Brass (C836)

Red brass, also known as C836 or CDA836, is an alloy of copper and zinc. It is a strong and corrosion-resistant brass grade that is often used for parts requiring good strength and good machinability. It is also relatively soft, making it easy to shape into intricate forms. It is often used for valves, fittings and electrical components.

6.Manganese Bronze (C863)

Manganese bronze, also known as C863 or CDA863, is an alloy of copper, zinc and manganese. It is a strong and corrosion-resistant brass grade that is often used for parts requiring good strength and good machinability. It is also relatively soft, making it easy to shape into intricate forms. It is often used for valves, fittings and electrical components.

7. Aluminum Bronze (C903)

Aluminum bronze, also known as C903 or CDA903, is an alloy of copper, aluminum and iron. It is a strong and corrosion-resistant brass grade that is often used for parts requiring good strength and good machinability. It is also relatively soft, making it easy to shape into intricate forms. It is often used for valves, fittings and electrical components.

8. Leaded Bearing Bronze (C932)

Leaded-bearing bronze, also known as C932 or CDA932, is an alloy of copper, lead and tin. It is a strong and corrosion-resistant brass grade that is often used for parts requiring good strength and good machinability. It is also relatively soft, making it easy to shape into intricate forms. It is often used for bearings, bushings and thrust washers.

9. High Leaded Tin Bronze (C937)

High-leaded tin bronze, also known as C937 or CDA937, is an alloy of copper, lead and tin. It is a strong and corrosion-resistant brass grade that is often used for parts requiring good strength and good machinability. It is also relatively soft, making it easy to shape into intricate forms. It is often used for gears, valves and thrust washers.

10. Nickel-Aluminum Bronze (C955)

Nickel-aluminum bronze, also known as C955 or CDA955, is an alloy of copper, nickel and aluminum. It is a strong and corrosion-resistant brass grade that is often used for parts requiring good strength and good machinability. It is also relatively soft, making it easy to shape into intricate forms. It is often used for pump components, valves and thrust washers.

11. Aluminum-Bronze (C954)

Aluminum-bronze, also known as C954 or CDA954, is an alloy of copper, aluminum and iron. It is a strong and corrosion-resistant brass grade that is often used for parts requiring good strength and good machinability. It is also relatively soft, making it easy to shape into intricate forms. It is often used for valves, fittings and electrical components.

12.Leaded Gunmetal (C964)

Leaded gunmetal, also known as C964 or CDA964, is an alloy of copper, lead and tin. It is a strong and corrosion-resistant brass grade that is often used for parts requiring good strength and good machinability. It is also relatively soft, making it easy to shape into intricate forms. It is often used for valves, fittings and electrical components.

13.Silicon Bronze (C973)

Silicon bronze, also known as C973 or CDA973, is an alloy of copper, silicon and zinc. It is a strong and corrosion-resistant brass grade that is often used for parts requiring good strength and good machinability. It is also relatively soft, making it easy to shape into intricate forms. It is often used for valves, fittings and electrical components.

14. Leaded Nickel-Aluminum Bronze (C978)

Leaded nickel-aluminum bronze, also known as C978 or CDA978, is an alloy of copper, nickel, aluminum and lead. It is a strong and corrosion-resistant brass grade that is often used for parts requiring good strength and good machinability. It is also relatively soft, making it easy to shape into intricate forms. It is often used for valves, fittings and electrical components.

15. Leaded Tin Bronze (C979)

Leaded tin bronze, also known as C979 or CDA979, is an alloy of copper, lead and tin. It is a strong and corrosion-resistant brass grade that is often used for parts requiring good strength and good machinability. It is also relatively soft, making it easy to shape into intricate forms. It is often used for valves, fittings and electrical components.

16. Leaded Tin-Phosphor Bronze (C985)

Leaded tin-phosphor bronze, also known as C985 or CDA985, is an alloy of copper, lead, tin and phosphorous. It is a strong and corrosion-resistant brass grade that is often used for parts requiring good strength and good machinability. It is also relatively soft, making it easy to shape into intricate forms. It is often used for bearings, bushings and thrust washers.

17. Leaded Nickel-Silver (C995)

Leaded nickel-silver, also known as C995 or CDA995, is an alloy of copper, nickel and lead. It is a strong and corrosion-resistant brass grade that is often used for parts requiring good strength and good machinability. It is also relatively soft, making it easy to shape into intricate forms. It is often used for valves, fittings and electrical components.

18. Leaded Silicon Bronze (C878)

Leaded silicon bronze, also known as C878 or CDA878, is an alloy of copper, silicon, lead and zinc. It is a strong and corrosion-resistant brass grade that is often used for parts requiring good strength and good machinability. It is also relatively soft, making it easy to shape into intricate forms. It is often used for valves, fittings and electrical components.

Conclusion

These are just some of the brass grades suitable for CNC machining. Each grade has its own unique properties that make it well-suited for certain applications. When choosing a brass grade for your project, it is important to consider the strength, corrosion resistance, machinability and cost of the material. By doing so, you can ensure that you select the best brass grade for your project.