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Copper Alloy

C360 Free-Cutting Brass

C360 free-cutting brass is the machinist's benchmark, the material against which machinability is measured, earning the maximum 5/5 rating. Lead additions break chips into tiny fragments for blistering cutting speeds and superb finishes. It adds good corrosion resistance (4/5) and high ductility (53% elongation), making it the default for high-volume turned fittings.

How C360 Free-Cutting Brass machines

A perfect 5/5, the reference standard at 100% machinability. Lead inclusions fracture chips into small pieces, so cutting forces are low, tool wear minimal, and finishes excellent without coolant fuss. It runs at the highest speeds and feeds of any material here and is ideal for unattended screw-machine and CNC-lathe production.

Manufacturing & processing

CNC machining and screw-machine turning are its home. The lead content limits hot working and welding, so C360 is for machined parts, not weldments. It soldering and brazing readily and accepts plating well. Note ongoing regulatory pressure to reduce lead, low-lead brasses (C272xx) machine slightly less freely but meet drinking-water and RoHS rules.

Typical applications

Plumbing fittings, valve bodies, and hose connectors; threaded inserts, nuts, and fasteners; gears, pinions, and instrument parts; gas and fluid fittings. The universal choice for high-volume precision-turned components where fast cycle times and good corrosion resistance both matter.

When to choose it

Choose C360 when you're turning brass parts in volume and cycle time and finish drive cost. If the part contacts drinking water or must meet lead-free regulations, specify a low-lead brass instead. If you need to form or deep-draw rather than machine, use C260 cartridge brass.

Suitable surface finishes

Common finishes for C360 Free-Cutting Brass: nickel plating, chrome plating, electropolishing, brushed. Use the finish selector →

FAQ

Why is C360 the standard for machinability ratings?
It's defined as 100% machinability, the benchmark every other metal is rated against. Added lead forms tiny inclusions that shatter chips into small pieces, slashing cutting forces and tool wear while giving excellent finishes. That's why it earns 5/5 and is the default for high-speed screw-machine production.
Is C360 safe for drinking-water and lead-free applications?
Often not. Its lead content (around 3%) aids machining but fails many drinking-water and RoHS lead-limit regulations. For potable-water fittings, specify a certified low-lead brass such as the C272xx family, which machines slightly less freely but meets current lead-leaching standards.
Can C360 be welded?
Not practically. The lead that makes it so machinable causes hot cracking and poor weld quality, and limits hot working. C360 is meant for machined and mechanically assembled parts. It does solder and braze well, so joints are usually made that way rather than by fusion welding.

Property values are typical/nominal for early guidance and vary by temper, grade, supplier and heat treatment. Confirm critical specs against a certified datasheet or with an mfgiq engineer.