Programs that need a brass alloy machinable enough to hit aggressive cycle times without sacrificing part quality run into a narrow set of viable materials. 360 free machining brass machined parts solve that problem. 360 brass, also known as C36000, is a softer copper-zinc alloy with a 100% machinability rating, making it the benchmark material for high-volume screw machine work.
E.J. Basler runs 360 brass machining services for production volumes of 100,000 pieces and beyond, keeping tolerances consistent across the full run.
Properties and Benefits of 360 Free Machining Brass
360 brass owes its machinability to a higher lead content than most brass alloys, which results in broken chips rather than long, continuous chips during cutting. That chip control, combined with a tensile strength of 58,000 PSI and a yield strength of 45,000 PSI, allows it to run at higher spindle speeds with less tool wear than most competing alloys.
Key benefits of 360 free machining brass:
- 100% machinability rating for the fastest cycle times in the brass family
- Clean chip formation reduces tool wear and downtime
- Tensile strength of 58,000 PSI and yield strength of 45,000 PSI
- Can be thread-rolled, soldered, brazed, and plated
- Reduces tooling costs across long production runs
- Cost-effective for production volumes of 100,000 pieces and beyond
Applications of 360 Free Machining Brass Machined Parts
360 brass screw machining is the standard choice across industrial, plumbing, and electrical manufacturing wherever machinability and cost per part matter most. Common applications include:
- Bushings and bearings
- Circuit board relays and electrical connectors
- Gears and pinions
- Plumbing fittings and adapters
- Valves and valve stems
- Sensor bodies and thermostat components
- Fasteners: screws, bolts, and nuts
- Fluid connectors and gauges
- Nozzles and fittings
- Faucet components
360 Brass Machining Services from E.J. Basler
E.J. Basler machines 360 brass parts through Hydromat machining, Swiss machining, Davenport machining, and screw machining, sized to your production needs. Every part ships with the quality, tolerances, and surface finish your application demands.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes 360 brass easier to machine than other alloys?
A higher lead content gives 360 brass a 100% machinability rating and causes it to form short, broken chips instead of long coils during cutting, which reduces tool wear and allows for faster spindle speeds.
Can 360 brass be plated or finished?
Yes. 360 brass accepts plating, polishing, and other finishing operations well, which is why it's a common choice for visible hardware and electrical components.
What tolerances can E.J. Basler hold on 360 brass machined parts?
On Hydromat, Swiss, and multi-spindle platforms, we routinely hold tolerances within plus or minus 0.0005 inches. Tighter tolerances are available with secondary grinding operations.
Is 360 brass a good fit for electrical components?
Yes. Its machinability, conductivity, and ability to hold tight tolerances make 360 brass a common choice for circuit board relays, connectors, and other electrical hardware produced in volume.
Can E.J. Basler handle production runs under 100,000 pieces?
Yes. While our high-volume contract manufacturing center is built for runs of 100,000+ pieces, we also accept smaller production volumes when the part fits our process strengths.
Industries
The numerous advantages and benefits of 360 free machining brass make it a preferred material for precision CNC, Swiss, and other machining techniques. E.J. Basler can product brass C36000 screw machined parts, components, and products using brass for virtually any application or industry, including but not limited to the following:
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