Brass 360 vs 260: What's the difference?

Brass is used in many projects for versatile applications. It has different grades, among which brass 360 and brass 260 are widely opted for. These two grades have various differences, and the guide below tells everything about them.

So, if you want to have a look at the comparison of brass 360 vs 260, you can go through it.

What is Brass 360?

Brass 360 is also called free machining brass; it is highly machinable and has excellent resistance against corrosion. It is widely used for outdoor applications and has a little pinkish touch. It is less formable and more expensive, that’s why it is not suitable for complex applications.

Pros and Cons of Brass 360

Prós

• It is highly machinable.
• Brass 360 offers excellent electrical conductivity.
• This alloy grade of brass has exceptional aesthetic appeal.
• Its high corrosion resistance makes it suitable for outdoor and marine applications.
• It offers excellent strength and high ductility.

Cons

• The lead content present makes it toxic to the environment.
• If subjected to extreme corrosive environments, it can get weak.
• Extremely high temperatures make it lose its strength.

What is Brass 260?

Brass 260 is called cartridge brass. It is yellowish-golden in color and highly suitable for cold-working applications. It is formable and, hence, suitable for complex components. However, it has less resistance against corrosion, so it is unsuitable for outdoor applications.

Pros of Brass 260

• Brass 260 offers high malleability and strength and can be formed into different shapes.
• It doesn't contain lead, which makes it suitable for the environment.
• The lightweight properties of brass 260 offer it a high strength-to-weight ratio.
• Brass 260 offers excellent heat and electrical conductivity.

Comparing 360 and 260 Brass

This section highlights the comparison between 360 and 260 brass, so let's take a look.

Composição química

360 Brass: Brass 360 has 40% zinc and 60% cobre in its composition.

260 Brass: Brass 260 has 30% zinc and 70% copper in its composition.

Dureza

360 Brass: Brass 360 is composed of a hardness of around 55 to 80 (Rockwell B).

260 Brass: Brass 260 is a little softer compared to brass 360, having a hardness of around 40 to 70.

Força

360 Brass: 360 brass has a high content of zinco, which adds to its strength.

260 Brass: 260 brass has less zinc and hence is less strong compared to 360 brass.

Resistência à corrosão

360 Brass: It has a higher content of zinc, which makes it highly corrosion-resistant.

260 Brass: It has a lower content of zinc, which makes it less resistant to corrosion.

Maquinabilidade

360 Brass: Brass 360 has a lower content of copper, which makes it suitable for machining.

260 Brass: Brass has a lower machinability compared to Brass 360 due to its high copper content.

Cost Composition

360 Brass: This grade of brass is highly expensive because it contains more zinc.

260 Brass: It is a low-cost grade of brass as it contains less zinc.

Quick Chart of 360 vs 260 Brass

Applications of 360 vs 260 Brass

The applications of Brass 360 vs 260 are discussed below.

360 Brass

• It is used in plumbing applications for manufacturing valves and fittings.
• Precise automobile components like sensors and connectors are manufactured using brass 360.
• Due to easy machining and high conductivity, electrical connectors are made using it.
• Screws and fasteners with high durability are made using brass 360.

260 Brass

• Fittings and pipes requiring high corrosion resistance are made using brass 260.
• Marine applications use brass 260 due to its corrosion resistance.
• Used in heat exchangers as it is thermally conductive.
• Brass 260 is used in electrical terminals as it offers high electrical conductivity.

Conclusão

Brass 360 and brass 260 are found in various applications, but choosing them directly plays a vital role. We at DEK offer manufacturing components using various grades of brass with high precision and accuracy.

We can assist you in making the right decision regarding which grade to choose. So, get in touch with us today, and let us help you.

FAQs

What type of brass is the best to choose?

The best type of brass is brass 360 because it offers high machinability and is easy to process.

Which is the strongest brass grade?

Beta brasses have the strongest brass grades, and they have a high amount of zinc.

How do brass 260 and brass 272 differ?

Brass 260 is ductile and has a high corrosion resistance, however, brass 272 is stronger compared to brass 260.