C36000 – Free-Cutting Brass (Leaded)
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C36000 – Free-Cutting Brass (Leaded) Brochure
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Descriptions
C36000 Free-Cutting Brass, also known as CDA 360, is the industry benchmark alloy for precision machining. Containing approximately 60–63% copper, balanced zinc, and 2.5–3.7% lead, it delivers the highest machinability rating of 100% among all copper-based alloys.
The presence of finely dispersed lead particles enables exceptional chip formation, smooth cutting action, reduced tool wear, and excellent surface finish, making it ideal for high-speed turning, milling, and drilling operations. C36000 maintains consistent dimensional accuracy and productivity in automated or CNC production environments.
With its bright golden color, moderate strength, and reliable corrosion resistance, this alloy offers both performance and visual appeal. It is widely used for precision-machined components in plumbing, electrical, automotive, instrumentation, and general engineering industries worldwide.
Chemical Composition
C36000 Free-Cutting Brass is a high-lead copper–zinc alloy designed for maximum machinability. The controlled addition of lead provides excellent chip breaking, smooth surface finish, and high production efficiency, while maintaining good strength and corrosion resistance.
| Element | Composition (wt%) |
|---|---|
| Copper (Cu) | 60.0 – 63.0 |
| Lead (Pb) | 2.5 – 3.7 |
| Iron (Fe) | ≤ 0.35 |
| Zinc (Zn) | Balance |
| Total (Cu + Named Elements) | ≥ 99.5 |
Note: The fine dispersion of lead enhances machinability, chip control, and tool life, making C36000 the preferred choice for high-speed precision machining applications.
Mechanical, Physical & Fabrication Properties
C36000 Free-Cutting Brass delivers exceptional machinability and consistent mechanical performance across a range of tempers. It is the industry benchmark (100%) for machinability, offering superior chip control, minimal tool wear, and high-speed production capability.
| Property | Typical Value | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Machinability | 100% | Benchmark among all copper alloys |
| Tensile Strength (Annealed) | ≈ 345 MPa | Elongation ~25% |
| Tensile Strength (Half-Hard) | ≈ 415 – 450 MPa | Elongation ~10–15% |
| Density | ≈ 8.49 g/cm³ | Typical for Cu-Zn alloys |
| Thermal Conductivity | ≈ 120 W/m·K | Good heat dissipation |
| Electrical Conductivity | ≈ 26% IACS | Moderate conductivity |
| Fabrication & Forming | Excellent Machinability, Fair Cold Workability | Poor weldability due to lead; good for brazing and soldering |
Note: The inclusion of lead enhances chip formation and reduces cutting friction, making C36000 ideal for high-speed automatic screw machines and CNC turning operations.
Applications
C36000 Free-Cutting Brass is the preferred choice for high-volume production of precision-machined parts where accuracy, surface finish, and tool life are critical. Its excellent machinability and bright finish make it suitable for a wide range of industrial and decorative uses.
- Precision Machined Parts: Valves, fasteners, connectors, and fittings requiring tight tolerances and clean finishes.
- Automotive Components: Gears, shafts, and mechanical hardware used in vehicles and machinery.
- Plumbing Hardware: Faucet bodies, couplings, pipe fittings, and other sanitary or water-handling components.
- Electrical & Industrial Equipment: Terminals, contacts, switchgear, and components demanding consistent machining performance.
Due to its 100% machinability rating and reliable corrosion resistance, C36000 Brass remains a benchmark alloy across the plumbing, electrical, automotive, and precision engineering sectors.
Standards & International Equivalents:
C36000 Free-Cutting Brass conforms to several international standards and specifications for rods, bars, and forged shapes used in machining applications. These standards ensure consistent composition, machinability, and performance across global industries.
| Standard Organization | Designation / Specification | Description |
|---|---|---|
| UNS | C36000 | Unified Numbering System designation |
| CDA | Alloy 360 | Copper Development Association designation |
| ASTM |
ASTM B16 – Free-Cutting Brass Rod, Bar, and Shapes ASTM B124/B124M – Forging Rod, Bar, and Shapes |
Primary standards for brass machining stock and forgings |
| EN / DIN | CW603N (CuZn36Pb3) | European equivalent grade for free-machining brass |
| BS | CZ121 | British Standard equivalent for free-cutting brass |
| JIS | C3604 | Japanese Industrial Standard designation |
| Indian Standard (IS) | IS 319 (Grade 1 & 2) | Free-Cutting Brass Rods for Machining Purposes |
Note: C36000 (CuZn36Pb3) is globally accepted as the standard free-machining brass alloy, offering excellent machinability and consistency across all manufacturing standards.
Common Names & International Identifiers
C36000 Free-Cutting Brass is widely recognized across global markets by several trade and technical names. It is the most popular brass alloy used for precision machining applications due to its superior chip control and 100% machinability rating.
- Trade / Common Names: Free-Cutting Brass, Machining Brass
- CDA / UNS Designation: CDA 360 / C36000
- Chemical / ISO Name: CuZn36Pb3
Known for its consistent cutting behavior, bright finish, and reliable performance, C36000 remains the benchmark material for automatic lathe and CNC components used in plumbing, electrical, and industrial hardware manufacturing.
Common Product Forms & Dimensions
C36000 Free-Cutting Brass is supplied in a variety of product forms such as rods, bars, wires, tubes, and strips to suit different machining and fabrication requirements. The alloy’s excellent machinability makes it ideal for automatic screw machines, precision fittings, and custom-engineered components.
| Form | Thickness (mm) | Width (mm) | Length (mm) | Diameter (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sheet / Strip | 0.3 – 6.0 | 50 – 600 | Custom | - |
| Rod / Bar | - | - | Custom | 3 – 100 |
| Wire | - | - | Custom | 0.5 – 12 |
| Tube | 1.0 – 15.0 (wall) | - | Custom | 10 – 250 (OD) |
Note: Custom dimensions, tempers, and tolerances are available upon request. C36000 Brass can be supplied in straight lengths, coils, or cut-to-size pieces for automotive, plumbing, electrical, and precision machining applications.
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