Brass C36000 for CNC Machining: The Free-Cutting Alloy for High-Volume Production

Why Brass C36000 is the Machinist Best Friend

When you need high-volume CNC production with excellent surface finish, brass C36000 (also known as free-cutting brass) is unbeatable.

This alloy machines so easily that it is used as the benchmark for machinability ratings – set at 100%!

What is C36000 Brass?

C36000 is a leaded brass containing:

• Approximately 61.5% Copper
• Approximately 35.5% Zinc
• Approximately 3% Lead (for machinability)

The lead forms microscopic inclusions that act as chip breakers, making this alloy incredibly easy to machine.

Key Characteristics

• Excellent machinability (100% rating – best in class)
• Good corrosion resistance in most environments
• Attractive golden appearance
• Good electrical conductivity (28% IACS)
• Natural antimicrobial properties
• Easy to plate and finish
• Low friction coefficient

Mechanical Properties

CNC Machining Performance: Best in Class

C36000 brass is the easiest metal to machine. Here is why:

Advantages:

• Short, broken chips (easy evacuation)
• Low cutting forces (reduced tool wear)
• Excellent surface finish (Ra 0.4-0.8 micron possible)
• High cutting speeds possible (up to 300 m/min)
• Extended tool life (5-10x vs steel)
• Tight tolerances achievable (+/-0.005mm)

Recommended Cutting Parameters:

Tool Selection:

• High-speed steel (HSS) works great for low volume
• Carbide for high-volume production
• Sharp cutting edges for best surface finish
• Can run dry or with minimal coolant

Common Applications

C36000 brass is ideal for:

• Valves and Fittings: plumbing components, gas valves, pipe fittings
• Electrical: connectors, terminals, switch parts, sockets
• Musical Instruments: instrument components, fittings
• Hardware: screws, nuts, bolts, fasteners, hinges
• Clocks and Watches: gears, decorative parts
• Plumbing: faucets, fittings, adapters, valves
• Automotive: electrical connectors, fuel system parts

Surface Finishing Options

Brass accepts various finishes beautifully:

• Polishing: Mirror finish (stunning golden appearance)
• Brushing: Satin finish (hides fingerprints)
• Plating:
  • Nickel plating (corrosion resistance, silver appearance)
  • Chrome plating (decorative, durable)
  • Gold plating (luxury appearance, electrical contacts)
• Antiquing: Aged/antique look (decorative)
• Lacquering: Preserves natural golden color
• Powder Coating: Wide color options

Corrosion Resistance

Brass C36000 offers good corrosion resistance:

• Freshwater (excellent)
• Atmospheric exposure (excellent)
• Many chemicals (good)
• Avoid ammonia and amines (causes stress corrosion cracking)
• Limited seawater resistance (use naval brass C46400 instead)

Antimicrobial Properties

Brass has natural antimicrobial properties!

• Kills bacteria within 1-2 hours
• Effective against E. coli, MRSA, and other pathogens
• Great for high-touch surfaces (door handles, railings)
• Used in hospitals and healthcare facilities
• EPA registered as antimicrobial material

Environmental and Health Considerations

Lead Content Warning:

• C36000 contains approximately 3% lead
• Not suitable for potable water in some regions (check local regulations)
• For drinking water applications, use lead-free alternatives:
• C87850 (silicon brass, lead-free)
• C69300 (EnviroBrass, lead-free)
• C89833 (bismuth brass, lead-free)

Cost Comparison

Brass C36000 pricing:

• Approximately 2-3x the cost of aluminum
• Similar to stainless steel
• Approximately 1/3 the cost of titanium

But the lower machining cost often makes it more economical for high-volume production due to:

• Faster cycle times
• Extended tool life
• Better surface finish (less post-processing)

When to Choose C36000 Brass

Perfect for:

• High-volume production runs (1000+ parts)
• Complex geometries requiring many operations
• Decorative applications (golden appearance)
• Electrical components (good conductivity)
• Plumbing fittings (non-potable water)
• Low-friction applications (gears, bearings)

Consider alternatives when:

• Potable water contact required (use lead-free brass)
• High strength needed (consider bronze or steel)
• Marine environment (use naval brass C46400)

JR CNC – Brass Machining Specialists

We excel at high-volume brass production:

• ✓ Optimized for C36000 machinability
• ✓ Swiss-style lathes for small, complex parts
• ✓ Multi-axis CNC for complex geometries
• ✓ Complete finishing services (plating, polishing)
• ✓ Competitive pricing for volume production
• ✓ Fast turnaround (5-7 days for prototypes)

Need brass parts? Request a quote for your project!

Source: ASTM B16, UNS C36000, ASM Handbook Volume 2