Brass: Grades, Properties & Common Uses

Brass: Grades, Properties & Common Uses

Short answer: Brass is a copper-zinc alloy prized for machinability, a golden appearance, and decent corrosion resistance. Common grades such as C26000, C36000, and C27400 serve fittings, connectors, instruments, and decorative trim. HXSCO supplies brass bar, rod, and custom forms with mill certificates.

At a Glance

Common brass grades chart
Figure 1 – Common brass grades, zinc content, trait, and typical use.

What Is Brass?

Brass is copper with zinc (typically 10-40%), sometimes with small lead, tin, or manganese additions. More zinc raises strength and reduces cost; lead (in free-machining grades) makes it turn and thread beautifully. The result is a metal that is easy to work and looks premium.

Common Brass Grades

The chart lists the workhorses. C26000 (cartridge brass) balances strength and formability for弹药 and shells. C36000 (free-cutting) is the machinist’s favorite for screws and fittings. C27400 (yellow) is for general forming, and C28000 (Muntz) for architectural and marine use.

Properties and Workability

Brass machines faster than almost any metal, solders and brazes readily, and takes a bright polish. It resists atmospheric and many water corrosions, though some grades can dezincify in hot, aggressive water – specify inhibited grades for plumbing.

Aplicaciones típicas

Valves, couplings, and fittings; electrical connectors and terminals; musical instruments; decorative hardware and trim; ammunition and instrumentation. See our brass bar supply y copper product range for related alloys.

Preguntas frecuentes

What is brass made of?

Brass is primarily copper and zinc (about 10-40% zinc), often with small lead or tin additions for machinability.

What is the most machinable brass?

C36000 (free-cutting brass) is the standard for high-speed machining of fittings, screws, and connectors.

Is brass corrosion resistant?

Yes in atmosphere and many waters, but some grades can dezincify in hot aggressive water; use inhibited grades for plumbing.

What is brass used for?

Valves, fittings, connectors, musical instruments, decor, ammunition, and instrumentation.

How do I specify brass for a quote?

Give the UNS grade (e.g. C36000), form, temper, dimensions, and quantity; HXSCO quotes with mill certificates.

Ready to source Brass from HXSCO?

Send us the grade, form, dimensions, quantity, and any certification or test requirements. HXSCO replies with a competitive quote, lead time, and mill-test options.

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