​What Exactly Is Brass CNC Machining? Benefits, Applications, and Suggestions

Brass CNC machining is a subtractive method that involves the use of computerized cutting tools to manufacture high-precision applications using raw brass as the material to provide precision components for various applications. CNC machined brass parts are popular across industry types due to its excellent machinability and corrosion resistance.

Brass CNC machining involves automated tools, like CNC turning centers or CNC milling machines, to create precise, accurately dimensioned parts by removing material from solid brass rod, bar, or billets. The most commonly used grades in machining brass are H59, H62 and C3604, and they are typically selected based on electrical conductivity and mechanical strength.

In the brass machining process:

-CAD models are converted to machining toolpaths. 

-The CNC system will control the movement of the tool with extremely high levels of precision.

-The part can then be fabricated by CNC machining into a custom brass part with very precise tolerances and extremely smooth finishes.

-If you would like to learn more about any unique ideas or designs for brass parts, please visit our Brass Machining Services page to learn more about our technical capabilities and other custom options!

Brass is a preferred material in many areas of the precision industry because of its non-magnetic, conductive, and corrosion resistance properties. 

CNC brass machining is ideal for applications in:

-Electronics (i.e., terminals, connectors, and sensor housings);

-Medical (i.e., valve parts, fittings, and pump housings);

-Automotive (i.e., sensor sleeves, bushings, and precision shafts);

-Aerospace (i.e., hydraulic fittings and engine fuel system components).

-Precision optical instruments (i.e., lens mounts and enclosure rings).

The most common criteria where brass components can apply typically require precision and shall withstand tight dimensional tolerances.

Why is brass so popular in CNC machining?

Feature Benefit

• Excellent machinability Shorter cycle times = lower cost

• High dimensional stability this makes brass ideal for tight tolerance parts.

• Electrical conductivity Can be very useful for electronic contact type parts.

• Corrosion resistance Strong practical use for fluid type applications and outdoors.

• Good surface finish Leaves little need for extensive post processing or finishing operations.

When compared to either aluminum or stainless steel types of material, CNC brass does have a more favorable upfront cost of material, and/or performance vs machining cost for machining in brass.

-Cutting Tools! Use sharp polished tools to minimize burrs, and improve the finish on the parts machined.

-Chips! Maintain good chip control by method of utilizing brass, as brass typically produces short clean chips from its form.

-Medium to high speeds! Maximize utilizing high speeds as it takes advantage of the softness of brass material.

-Over-tightened clamping systems! Avoid over-tightening clamping systems - the brass can deform under pressure.

-Consider plating! Consider using electroplated coatings -i.e,. nickel and/or gold - as it greatly improves brass performance under high corrosion environments.

With all types of materials and brass specifically, we tailor each aspect of the machining strategy process with your brass material (or the type of alloy), the part complexity (or required geometries), and the intended end-use to ensure quality output with maximum efficiency.

If you need to have custom brass machined parts customized to your specific order requirements, then you will be glad to know that we supply our customers with CNC machined brass components worldwide. If you want your brass components to have precision machined parts, we supply brass components by providing end-to-end machining capabilities -with an end-to-end processing from machining all types of brass materials, inspection, and recommendations for mutually agreeable time for turn-around to your parts orders.

Visit our Brass Machining Services page for more details of our brass, or to receive a quote or estimates for your projects.