Steel parts are the most commonly used in industries when it comes to CNC machining. But there are also different alloys for CNC parts, each with its purpose and need for manufacturing.
Brass, for example, is used for its properties of being a good conductor of heat and electricity, which makes it a versatile metal. CNC machining parts made from brass are also made because brass is a soft metal, making it one of the easiest to machine.
Brass is also corrosion-resistant, which is why it is commonly used in plumbing and electrical applications. In this post, we will specifically talk about brass CNC parts and different types. Furthermore, we will guide you on how to obtain custom brass CNC parts for mass production.
Why Is Brass Suitable For CNC Machining?
Copper and zinc make up the majority of brass. There are also metals in it like silicon, iron, lead, or magnesium that give it extra properties.
The thing about brass is that you can adjust the copper and zinc content to fit whatever you want. Different proportions of brass make up the different grades of brass used in custom brass parts.
What are the different Types of Brass Grades For CNC Machining
Each type of brass has different grades based on the amount of copper and zinc it contains. Let’s find out what type of brass CNC parts are commonly used and which type yields the best results!
- Brass C360
Often called free machining brass, machine shops use this alloy, which is the most commonly used. Due to its high machinability and tensile strength, it is highly regarded.
Approximately 3% of its constituents are lead, contributing to its high machinability. It is used in the manufacturing of brass custom parts, including electrical equipment, joints, and screws.
- Brass C220
Next, we have Brass C220, notorious for its rich copper content, which makes it an outstanding conductor. It’s strong, malleable, and machinable. It is widely used in harsh external conditions due to its high corrosion resistance.
- Brass C230
A good anti-rust property and moderate strength make it a good choice. Due to its corrosion resistance, manufacturers use it to make pipe service lines.
Considerations When Selecting Brass For CNC Machining
Regarding CNC machining projects, brass can be a difficult choice. Metals come in several grades, so it is important to determine which brass CNC machining parts are right for your project based on the characteristics of each grade. Below are some factors you can consider:
Prototyping
It is important to avoid designing parts that are too complex for machining despite brass grades being quite easy to machine.
Keeping the setups to a minimum is also good. By doing this, you’ll be able to reduce machining costs.
Applicability of the Finished Part
Each brass grade has varying strengths and weaknesses due to its composition. This means that the brass suitable for the machining project will depend on where the part will be used.
So, by carefully going through this article, you can decide what type of brass CNC parts will be best in your case.
Conclusion
Apart from the high possible tolerance and precision of the metal, the aesthetic appeal of the finished part is one of the most important factors in precision CNC machining. Brass’ golden color lends it an attractive appearance and other characteristics.
Natural brass finishes make brass machined parts suitable for use without external finishing. We hope you find answers in this post that will assist you in choosing the right brass CNC parts for your needs.
