What is C36000 Brass?
C36000 brass is the standard free-cutting brass alloy for high-volume screw machine parts and precision machined components. It is commonly called 360 brass, free-cutting brass, or free-machining brass because its lead content gives it the benchmark machinability rating used to compare many copper alloys.
C36000 is not a bearing bronze, but it is widely used when a drawing calls for brass bar stock, fittings, threaded parts, valve trim, connectors, and other components that need excellent machinability with good corrosion resistance.
Common Names and Cross References
| Name or designation | How it is commonly used |
|---|---|
| C36000 | UNS alloy designation |
| 360 Brass | Common U.S. stock and purchasing name |
| Free-cutting brass | Functional alloy description |
| Free-machining brass | Common machining and distribution name |
Chemical Composition (%)
| Element | Minimum | Maximum | Nominal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Copper (Cu) | 60.0 | 63.0 | - |
| Lead (Pb) | 2.5 | 3.0 | - |
| Iron (Fe) | - | 0.35 | - |
| Zinc (Zn) | Remainder | Remainder | Balance |
Mechanical and Physical Properties
C36000 is a wrought brass alloy, so mechanical properties vary strongly by form, size, and temper. The ranges below reflect common U.S. datasheet values for rod and bar products.
| Property | Typical published value |
|---|---|
| Tensile strength | About 40,000-80,000 psi, depending on temper |
| Yield strength | About 15,000-52,000 psi, depending on temper |
| Elongation | About 4-53%, depending on temper |
| Density | 0.307 lb/in3 |
| Electrical conductivity | 26% IACS |
| Thermal conductivity | 67 Btu-ft/(hr-ft2-F) |
| Modulus of elasticity | 14,000 ksi |
| Machinability rating | 100, benchmark free-cutting brass |
Fabrication and Welding Suitability
| Operation | Suitability |
|---|---|
| Machining | Excellent |
| Soldering | Excellent |
| Brazing | Good |
| Butt welding | Fair |
| Most arc or gas welding methods | Not recommended |
| Cold working | Fair |
| Hot working | Fair |
Typical Applications for C36000
- Screw-machine parts and precision turned components.
- Fluid connectors, fittings, nuts, bolts, and threaded parts.
- Valve stems, valve seats, valve trim, and pneumatic fittings.
- Gears, pinions, fasteners, and small machined hardware.
- Plumbing and industrial brass components where C36000 is specified.
RFQ Details for C36000 Parts
Send the C36000 callout, required ASTM form or temper if specified, bar size, finished dimensions, threads, tolerances, quantity, plating or finish needs, and drawing files. For design calculations, use the exact product form and temper rather than a generic brass property value.
Available Forms
Available Forms and Shapes
Review common product forms for C36000 Free-Cutting Brass, then send drawings, dimensions, quantity, and finished-part requirements for material and production guidance.
Bronze Solid Bar
Bronze solid round bar and rod stock for machining bushings, bearings, pins, spacers, gears, and custom bronze parts.
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Custom CNC Bronze Parts
Custom CNC machined bronze components, bushings, lead screw nuts, wear parts, and replacement parts made from drawings or samples.
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