CNC Machining Brass: An Ultimate Guide for Custom Brass Parts

Brass is an alloy of copper used in different industries. It is chosen mostly due to its excellent properties. It offers low friction and corrosion resistance making it suitable for CNC machining. If you want to know more about brass, its properties, different grades, and applications you can go through this guide below.

What is CNC Machining Brass?

CNC machining brass is a manufacturing process that uses computerized controls in conjunction with carbide tools. These machines make the tool move by removing layers of brass from the workpiece. It is a subtractive manufacturing process and the removal rate for material is based on the speed of the spindle.

The process of CNC machining facilitates in manufacturing components of brass which have tight tolerance and high precision. Brass is created with copper and lead being an alloy which helps in making it highly machinable. It also has other properties which add to its suitability for multiple applications.

Properties of Brass for CNC Machining

Brass comprises a lot of mechanical properties which makes it suitable for CNC machining components. Brass parts are used widely in different applications. Some of these properties are as follows:

Corrosion Resistance

Brass proves to be a great choice for CNC machining due to its corrosion resistance. It can withstand various levels of corrosion based on the content of aluminum and iron it has.

When there is a high quantity of aluminum, it resists corrosion very well and when it has a high quantity of iron, it offers less resistance against corrosion. Hence it is used in various environments that are moisture-oriented.

Thermal and Electrical Conductivity

Brass components offer good heat and electricity conductance. It is because it has copper in its composition and also due to the high electrical and thermal conductivity brass can be passed through EDM which is a CNC machining process.

EDM allows a faster speed of machining which reduces the cost of production and also helps manufacturing electronic brass components like heat sinks.

Malleability

Brass is a highly malleable alloy and it can be chosen to manufacture components having different shapes through CNC machining. It is the high copper content that makes brass malleable. The ones that have more copper are more malleable whereas the ones that have less copper content are less malleable.

Hardness and Strength

The hardness and strength of brass are durable and strong and can only be cut when carbide cutting tools are used. It gains strength from the presence of aluminum in it which creates a very thick layer of aluminum oxide. Although due to its high machinability, it is not recognized as a hard metal whereas, in reality, it is quite hard.

High Machinability

One of the major properties of brass which makes it suitable for different applications is its high machinability. It has lead which makes it ductile and flexible and therefore it gets easier to machine it.

Appealing Looks

The brass alloy has different colors, you can have silvery white tones and reddish gold in the same alloy. However, the color varies based on the composition of the elements it has. The natural finish of the brass alloys manufacturing custom brass parts is usable without any further finishing.

Key Grades of Brass are Used in CNC Machining

Some of the key grades of brass that are used in CNC machining are as follows:

Brass C360

Brass C360 is referred to as free machining brass and it is very commonly used. This grade of brand is known for its high tensile strength and good machinability. It comprises about 3% of lead which makes it machinable. Custom components of brass like joints and screws are manufactured using the grade.

Brass C230

Brass C230 comprises excellent anti-rust properties and has moderate toughness. It is known for its resistance against dezincification and is used in pipelines. Custom parts like j-hose bend and rotor bars are manufactured using it.

Brass C220

Brass C220 is called commercial brass, it has a high content of copper. It offers excellent strength, machinability, and ductility. It is used in manufacturing weather strippings and is commonly used in architectural applications.

Surface Finishing for CNC Machined Brass

CNC brass parts may require a post-processing finishing for which some of the surface finishing options are as follows:

As-Machined

As-machined means that brass components can be used right after the CNC machining process without passing through any surface treatments. Such brass components are used in applications where functionality is a priority and not aesthetics.

Electroplating

Electroplating is a finishing process in which an electrolyte is used. It binds the molecules of another metal on the machined brass component. Some of these metals that can be used are stainless steel or aluminum. The process of electroplating offers a smooth and glossy finish.

Polishing

The process of buffing consists of using an abrasive disc and wheel which helps to polish the custom brass component. The abrasive present on the disc removes the impurities on the surface of the brass component and makes it smooth.

Powder Coating

Powder coating uses dry powder in a freely flowing way which adds a coat on the surface of the brass component. It helps to make the component equipped with wear and corrosion resistance.

Applications of Brass Machined Parts

The brass machined parts are used in multiple industries and some of these industries are as follows:

Automotive

In the automobile industry brass is used in multiple components like electric connectors, radiator cores, and sensors. The durability and machinability of alloy make it suitable for long-lasting performance and precision.

Aerospace

Brass helps manufacture precise and accurate components crucial for the aerospace industry. These components consist of fasteners, connectors, and fittings. CNC machined brass components offer machinability and strength which offers reliability to the aerospace components.

Marine

The marine industry requires components that can resist exposure to humidity, saltwater, and temperature fluctuations. Brass components offer strength and corrosion resistance which makes it suitable for propellers, fasteners, and fitting used in marine applications.

Plumbing

Brass has excellent properties for heat transfer and corrosion resistance hence, it is used in plumbing. Some of the components commonly used are fittings, valves, and fixtures. The machined brass parts have the ability to withstand harsh environments and are highly durable.

What are the Factors to Consider When CNC Machining Brass?

Some of the important factors to consider in CNC machining brass are as follows:

• The selection of brass grade should align with the application requirement so that the final results are optimal.
• CNC machining offers suitability for high as well as low production volume which requires considering the implications of cost based on application requirements.
• The material brass can have tight tolerance through CNC machining if the capability of the machine aligns with the specifications of the part.
• CNC machining helps manufacture intricate components however, you must consider the limitations that may have an impact on the design manufacturability.
• Take into account important factors like tooling, production volume, and availability of material based on the lead time of the project.

Conclusion

Brass components manufactured using CNC machining are widely used in various applications. If you want to have high-quality components of brass customized for your application, you can contact DEK. We provide you with the finest components of brass which offer resistance against wear and tear.

FAQs

What is the best brass for CNC machining?

C360 brass is a CNC machining alloy consisting of high machinability and is one of the most commonly used offering excellent properties.

Is there any disadvantage to brass CNC machining?

Brass CNC machining is costly and compared to other materials the cost of brass is high which leads to an increase in the cost of machining brass.