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H59 vs H62: Selecting the Correct Brass Grade for CNC Machining

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When discussing brass CNC machining, one must realize that not all brass is equal. Out of the various grades of brass, H59 and H62 are likely the two most prevalent brass alloys utilized in the industry for precision manufacturing.

Although they may seem similar to each other, choosing between H59 vs H62 can have a large effect on the performance of your part, your machining processes, and the affordability of the part.

Here, LJZ CNC will outline the differences between your two choices for brass grades so that you can better understand what will work best for you on your next CNC project.

Overview: What Are H59 and H62 Brass?

Grade	Composition	Features
H59	~59% Copper, 40% Zinc	Good strength, excellent machinability, low cost
H62	~62% Copper, 38% Zinc	Higher corrosion resistance, better ductility, better for bending

Both are free-cutting brass and both belong to the CuZn series of brass alloys, and both are readily available as rounds, plates, and bars for CNC turning and CNC milling.

Interested in learning more? Visit our Brass CNC Machining page for full capabilities.

Machinability Comparison

H59 Brass Machining

✔ Very good machinability

✔ Can be used for higher-speed turning and milling

✔ Chips run short and clean

✔ Is often selected for automatic lathe (Swiss type) production

H62 Brass Machining

✔ Harder than H59 to machine

✔ Will require sharper tools, may have more chip buildup

✔ Will have a better finish assuming the right tooling and lubrication are utilized

Verdict:

For ease of use and on higher-speed mass production, select H59 Brass Machining. For parts that will consist of complex surfaces, or that it will be post-formed, select H62 Brass Machining.

Mechanical Properties

Property	H59	H62
Tensile Strength	~370 MPa	~360 MPa
Yield Strength	~100 MPa	~110 MPa
Elongation	~25%	~30%
Hardness (HB)	~80	~70–80

H59: Stronger but less ductile

H62: Softer, better suited for bending, deep drawing

Applications of H59 and H62 CNC Parts

H59 Brass Parts

H59 Brass is preferred based on its lower cost and excellent Machinability. Examples of H59 and applications of H59 include:

Valve bodies
Connectors & fittings
Decorative hardware
Threaded components
Watch or small mechanical components

LJZ CNC H62 brass parts.jpg

H62 Brass Parts

H62 Brass has a higher Copper content than H59. Examples of H62 applications include:

Plumbing parts
Marine equipment
Electrical terminals
Components that will be formed, bent, or reshaped.

Surface Finish & Corrosion Resistance

Aspect	H59	H62
Surface Finish	Good	Better polish capability
Corrosion Resistance	Moderate	Higher
Oxidation Resistance	Lower	Higher

H62 has better long-term oxidation and corrosion resistance due to higher copper content, making it more suitable for outdoor or fluid-exposed environments.

How to Choose the Right Brass for Your CNC Part

If Your Project Requires…	Choose
High machining speed & low cost	H59
Better bendability or forming	H62
Strong corrosion resistance	H62
Tight threads or high-volume turned parts	H59
Decorative appearance with polish	H62

LJZ CNC Insights

At LJZ CNC Machining, we routinely assist clients with making choices between H59 and H62 with respect to the application of their part, expected performance, and budget constraints.

Whether you are producing custom fittings, sensor terminals, or medical connectors, LJZ CNC will help you refine the tooling, machining parameters, like:

Type of Tool and Coating
Feed rate and spindle speed
Lubrication program
Post-machining surface treatments

In short, we are not just a machining shop but your material collaborator.

Need Help with Brass CNC Machining?

If you are uncertain in identifying which grade of brass to use for your design, our engineers would be very happy to help you. We are also able to provide custom CNC machining on both H59 and H62 brass with very tight tolerances, quick lead times, and we can ship globally. Welcome to contact us now!