Custom Brass Parts

Fittings.
Fixtures.
Free-machining precision.

Custom brass parts in multiple alloys. C360 free-machining brass for high-volume screw machine work. C260 yellow brass for decorative and plumbing. C464 naval brass for marine hardware. C642 manganese bronze for heavy-duty. Cosmetic-grade finishes available.

Brass Parts Quote Copper alloys

C360 machinability Naval brass C464 Polished finish Lead-free available

01 · Brass grades

Which brass alloy.

Brass has multiple alloy families optimized for different properties. Selection depends on machining requirements, environment, and whether lead content is acceptable.

C360 Free-Machining

Pb · 100% machinability

The reference brass for machinability. Lead additions make it the easiest-machining metal. High-volume screw machine work, fittings, precision parts. Contains lead — check regulations

C260 Cartridge

70/30 brass · decorative

Yellow cartridge brass. Decorative hardware, plumbing fittings, architectural brass. More corrosion-resistant than pure copper

C464 Naval Brass

60/40 + tin · marine

Marine-grade brass with tin addition for seawater corrosion resistance. Boat hardware, propeller components, marine fittings

C272 Yellow

65/35 · plumbing

Standard yellow brass. Plumbing fixtures, decorative hardware, architectural applications

C642 Mn Bronze

Heavy duty · wear

Manganese bronze with high strength. Bearings, gears, pump components, heavy-duty mechanical brass

C693 Lead-Free

Environmental · plumbing

Lead-free brass per NSF/ANSI 61. Required for potable water applications in US market. Slightly worse machinability than C360

02 · Applications

Where brass parts ship.

Plumbing fittings

C260 or C693 (lead-free) plumbing fittings, compression fittings, valve bodies

Decorative hardware

C260 polished and plated decorative hardware for furniture, architecture, luxury

Marine hardware

C464 naval brass cleats, latches, marine fittings — seawater corrosion resistant

Musical instruments

C260 brass for instrument components — bells, keys, mouthpieces

Precision screw machine

C360 brass screws, pins, custom threaded parts at high volume

Fluid connectors

Brass compression fittings, quick-disconnect hardware, tube fittings

Clock & watch

C360 precision clock movement components, watch hardware

Electrical hardware

C360 threaded electrical fittings, wire lug hardware, grounding components

Gears & bushings

C642 manganese bronze gears, thrust washers, heavy-duty bushings

FAQ

Brass Parts questions.

C360 (free-machining): contains 2–3% lead for fast machining. Used when machinability matters most. Restrictions: cannot be used for potable water contact under US regulations (California Prop 65, NSF requirements). C260 (cartridge brass): no lead, harder to machine, suitable for plumbing, cosmetic applications. For decorative + mechanical, C360 if not water-contact; C260 or C693 if water-contact.

C693 (lead-free) meets NSF/ANSI 61 and California AB 1953 for potable water contact. Slightly worse machinability than C360 but adequate. Other lead-free options: ECOBRASS (silicon brass), C89837, C89520. For applications where lead content matters (drinking water, children's products, California regulations), specify lead-free — we'll use appropriate alloy.

As-machined: bright yellow brass, oxidizes to darker color over time. Common finishes: polished (mirror), bead blasted matte, lacquered (prevents oxidation), antique patina (chemical darkening for decorative effect), nickel plated (silvery appearance), chrome plated (bright silver), gold plated (for high-end decorative). Anodizing does NOT work on brass — brass is not aluminum.

C464 naval brass contains tin addition for superior seawater corrosion resistance vs plain brass. Used for: marine hardware, boat fittings, propeller components, rigging. Not as corrosion-resistant as 316L stainless or bronze for extreme marine service, but adequate for standard marine hardware and much cheaper. For saltwater-submerged applications, use 316L or bronze.

C360 brass achieves 0.1 µm Ra surface finish single-pass with standard turning. Cutting speeds 300–500 m/min vs 50–100 for steel. Tool life 10–20× longer than steel. Result: precision brass parts are 3–5× cheaper per unit than equivalent steel parts for complex geometry. This is why C360 is preferred for high-volume precision fittings — economics dominate material choice.

Brass welding is challenging — zinc vaporizes at 907 °C below brass melting point. Preferred joining methods for brass: brazing (silver or phosphorus-copper filler at 650–800 °C, doesn't vaporize zinc), soldering (lower temperature), mechanical assembly with threads. Arc welding of brass possible but requires low-zinc filler and careful technique. For most brass assemblies, brazing is the practical answer.