MetalsWhat is brass and which one should you choose? C26000 and C36000 brasses explained
Brass is a copper-zinc alloy prized for its ease of machining, its corrosion resistance and its characteristic golden color. Because of those qualities it is a common material in plumbing, fittings and turned parts. In this guide we explain what brass is, what it is used for and which two brasses we carry at NAT MAC, so you can choose the most suitable one for your application.
What is brass and what is it used for?
Brass is a copper-zinc alloy, which is where its characteristic golden color comes from. It offers good corrosion resistance, is easy to work and has an attractive finish, so it is widely used in plumbing, fittings, valves, turned parts and decorative items.
The two brasses we carry meet different needs. One is aimed at forming, that is, bending and deep drawing from sheet without cracking. The other is aimed at machining, that is, high-speed turning in volume. The choice depends on the process used to make the part.
All three start from copper and are differentiated by the element added to them. Nearly pure copper is the best conductor of electricity and heat. Brass is copper with zinc: it stands out for its machinability, formability and golden color, ideal for plumbing, fittings and decorative parts. Bronze is copper with tin: it is the anti-friction material par excellence, used in bushings and bearings.
The brasses we carry at NAT MAC
We work with two brasses: one geared to forming and the other to machining. This table summarizes them:
| Brass | What is it? | What does it stand out for? |
|---|---|---|
| C26000 (cartridge brass 70/30) | Brass for cold forming, in sheet | Deep drawing and stamping |
| C36000 (free machining) | Brass for machining, in bars | Maximum machinability (100% rating) |
Below we explain each one: what it is and what it is used for.
C26000 brass (70/30 cartridge brass): for forming and deep drawing
C26000 brass, known as 70/30 cartridge brass (70% copper and 30% zinc), offers the best cold formability. It bends, draws and stamps without cracking, so it is sold in sheet and is the benchmark material for formed and deep-drawn parts.
Typical applications: cartridge cases and bushings, deep-drawn parts, electrical terminals and connectors, radiator components, rivets and formed fasteners, stamped parts and decorative hardware.
C36000 brass (free machining): maximum machinability
C36000 brass, or free-machining brass, is the worldwide benchmark in machinability, with a 100% rating: it is the material against which all others are compared when evaluating ease of machining. That is why it is the preferred one for high-production turned parts on automatic lathes. It is supplied in bars of various shapes.
Typical applications: threaded fittings and connections, valves and valve components, connectors and nipples, fasteners and turned parts, plumbing components, machined inserts and bushings, electrical terminals and small gears.
Forms and sizes we carry
Since each brass is intended for a different process, they are offered in different forms: C26000 in sheet and C36000 in bars of various shapes. Each column is one form, and the size appears under the brass that offers it:
| Brass | Sheet | Round bar | Square bar | Hex bar | Flat bar |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C26000 | 26 to 20 gauge | — | — | — | — |
| C36000 | — | 1/8" a 3" | 1/4" a 1-1/2" | 5/16" a 1-1/2" | 1/8"×1/2" a 1/4"×2" |
How to choose the right brass?
The choice is defined by the manufacturing process: forming the part from sheet or machining it from bar.
- For bending, deep drawing or stamping from sheet, the right brass is C26000 (cartridge 70/30).
- For turning parts in volume, such as fittings, valves or connectors, the ideal choice is C36000 (free machining), available in round, hex or square bar, or flat bar depending on the profile required.
In summary
- Brass is a copper-zinc alloy: machinable, corrosion-resistant and with an attractive finish
- C26000 (70/30 cartridge brass) is used for forming and deep drawing, and is supplied in sheet
- C36000 offers maximum machinability (100% rating) and is supplied in bars
- It is the usual material for plumbing, fittings and turned parts
Why buy your brass at NAT MAC?
We have supplied metals to industry for more than 54 years and operate with ISO 9001 certified quality. We advise you on selecting the right brass for your process, forming or machining, and we deliver it cut to size.
- C26000 brass (for forming) and C36000 (for machining)
- Sheet, round bar, hex bar, square bar and flat bar
- Advice on selecting the right brass for your process
- Cut to size
- Backed by ISO 9001 certified quality
Tell us what part you are going to make and in which brass you need it, and we will give you pricing and availability right away. Request your free quote.
Sources: NAT MAC Metals data sheets and catalog; Copper Development Association, UNS Standard Designations for Copper and Copper Alloys; Copper Development Association, alloy database (alloys.copper.org).
