Brass Blanks, Flats, Bars, Plates And Sheet Stock

Choose C360 (free-machining, leaded) if the part will primarily be turned or machined on a lathe or CNC — its lead content improves chip formation and tool life significantly. Choose C260 (cartridge brass, no lead) if the part requires bending, deep drawing, or significant cold forming, since it offers better ductility, though it machines less cleanly than C360.

ASTM B16 covers dimensional tolerances for brass rod, bar and shapes intended for screw machine products, while ASTM B36 covers brass plate, sheet, strip and rolled bar. Check your mill certification against the applicable standard to confirm the tolerance class supplied matches your part's requirements.

Half-hard or hard temper is generally preferred for CNC and lathe machining because it holds dimensional stability and produces cleaner cuts. Soft or annealed temper is preferred when the stock will be bent, formed, or deep-drawn after cutting, since it resists cracking under cold-forming stress.

Brass has inherent corrosion resistance from its copper content, developing a protective patina in most atmospheric and mild chemical environments, and generally performs well in freshwater and many indoor/outdoor applications without plating. Highly corrosive or marine saltwater environments may still benefit from additional coating depending on the specific alloy and exposure.

Brass can be brazed or soldered readily, and can be welded with appropriate processes (such as TIG with the correct filler), but welding brass requires more process control than steel due to zinc's lower vaporization point, which can cause porosity and zinc fume if not managed correctly. For most fabrication work, forming, machining, brazing or soldering brass sheet stock is more common than arc welding it.