C360 Free-Cutting Brass vs 304 Stainless
C360 free-cutting brass and 304 stainless steel serve different priorities. C360 is the machinability benchmark — rated 5/5 — with excellent electrical and thermal conductivity and non-magnetic behavior, ideal for high-volume turned fittings. 304 stainless is far stronger, more corrosion-resistant, and tolerates high temperature, at the cost of much slower machining. The trade is speed and conductivity versus strength and durability.
The verdict
Choose C360 brass for high-speed machined fittings, electrical components, and non-magnetic parts where productivity and conductivity matter. Choose 304 stainless when you need higher strength, broader corrosion resistance, and high-temperature service. Brass for fast machining and conductivity; stainless for strength, corrosion, and heat.
Side-by-side data
| Property | C360 Free-Cutting Brass | 304 Stainless |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Copper Alloy | Stainless Steel |
| Density (g/cm³) | 8.5 | 8.0 |
| Tensile strength (MPa) | 340 | 515 |
| Yield strength (MPa) | 125 | 215 |
| Elongation (%) | 53 | 40 |
| Hardness | 78 HB | 201 HB |
| Max service temp (°C) | 200 | 870 |
| Machinability | ●●●●● | ●●●●● |
| Corrosion resistance | ●●●●● | ●●●●● |
| Relative cost | ●●●●● | ●●●●● |
| Thermal cond. (W/m·K) | 115 | 16 |
| Typically used for | High-speed machined fittings & valves | General corrosion-resistant parts |
Which should you choose?
Choose C360 Free-Cutting Brass when…
- Maximum machining productivity is the goal — C360 rates 5/5, the benchmark for free machining
- Electrical or thermal conductivity is needed (~115 W/mK vs 304's ~16)
- Non-magnetic behavior is required for the application
- High-volume turned fittings, valves, and connectors are the target
- Good corrosion resistance (4.0/5) in plumbing and general environments suffices
- Lower part cost from fast cycle times and easy machining matters
Choose 304 Stainless when…
- Higher strength is needed — tensile ~515 MPa vs brass's ~340 MPa
- Broader, stronger corrosion resistance is required (304 rates 4.5/5)
- High-temperature service is involved — 304 handles ~870 C vs brass's ~200 C
- The part faces harsh chemical, food, or medical environments
- Long-term durability and structural integrity outweigh machining speed
- You can accept much slower machining (2.5/5) for the performance gain
Key differences that matter
- C360 brass is the machinability benchmark at 5/5; 304 is slow to machine at 2.5/5
- Brass conducts heat and electricity far better (~115 vs ~16 W/mK) and is non-magnetic
- 304 is much stronger (~515 vs ~340 MPa tensile) and more durable structurally
- 304 tolerates far more heat (~870 C vs brass's ~200 C)
- 304 has stronger corrosion resistance (4.5/5 vs brass's 4.0/5), especially in harsh media
- Brass cuts cycle time dramatically, lowering cost on high-volume turned parts
- Brass for conductivity/non-magnetic/fast machining; 304 for strength/corrosion/heat
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Open the Material SelectorGet a Quote →Frequently asked questions
Why is C360 brass so easy to machine?
C360 contains lead that acts as a chip breaker and lubricant, giving it a perfect 5/5 machinability rating — the benchmark other materials are measured against. It cuts fast, leaves clean finishes, and extends tool life, which is why it dominates high-volume screw-machine fittings and valves. 304 stainless, at 2.5/5, machines far more slowly.
Which is stronger, brass or 304 stainless?
304 stainless, clearly — ~515 MPa tensile versus C360 brass's ~340 MPa, plus much greater toughness and durability. 304 also retains strength at high temperature where brass softens. For structural or load-bearing parts, 304 is the stronger choice; brass is selected for machinability and conductivity rather than raw strength.
Is brass or stainless better for electrical parts?
C360 brass, decisively. Its thermal conductivity (~115 W/mK) is roughly seven times that of 304 stainless (~16 W/mK), and its electrical conductivity is far higher too. Brass is also non-magnetic. For connectors, terminals, and conductive fittings, brass is the natural choice; stainless is a poor conductor better reserved for structural and corrosion roles.
Which resists corrosion better?
304 stainless, especially in harsh environments — it rates 4.5/5 versus brass's 4.0/5 and handles chemical, food, and many marine conditions better. Brass resists general and plumbing-grade corrosion well but can dezincify or tarnish in aggressive media. For demanding corrosion service, 304 is more dependable; for ordinary environments, brass is adequate.
Which handles high temperature?
304 stainless, by a wide margin — ~870 C versus brass's ~200 C. Brass softens and loses strength at modest temperatures, limiting it to near-ambient service. For hot fluids, exhaust-adjacent parts, or any elevated-temperature structural role, 304 is required. Reserve C360 brass for cool-running fittings where its machining and conductivity advantages pay off.
Property values are typical/nominal figures for early-stage guidance only and vary by temper, grade, supplier and heat treatment. Confirm critical specifications against a certified datasheet or with an mfgiq engineer before production.