Free-Cutting Brass (Alloy C360)

Frequently Asked Questions about RoHS [PDF - 270Kb]
Do you have questions about the Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS II) exemption for copper and brass alloys? A ‘Frequently Asked Questions’ document is now available that includes key contacts for additional support. Updated November 2020.

European End-of-Life Vehicle Directive: Frequently Asked Questions [PDF - 702 KB]
Do you have questions about the European End-of-Life Vehicle Directive and how it affects copper alloys? A ‘Frequently Asked Questions’ document is now available which includes key contacts for additional support. Updated November 2020.

Brass for European Potable Water Applications [PDF - 533 KB]
Professional care has been deployed throughout the brass value chain to ensure that brass materials and components for drinking water applications are in compliance with global regulatory requirements.  This piece summarizes the European regulatory landscape and reviews how producers and users of brass rod have adapted to meet new requirements. Updated November 2020.

Brass for North American Potable Water Applications: Value Chain Perspectives [PDF - 322 Kb]
Professional care has been deployed throughout the brass value chain to ensure that brass materials and components for drinking water applications are in compliance with lead-free requirements.  This piece summarizes the North American regulatory landscape and reviews how producers and users of brass rod have adapted to meet new requirements. Updated November 2020.

High Speed Machining Advantages of Brass vs. Steel [PDF - 3.7Mb]
The high speed machining capabilities of brass enable significant productivity advantages and cost-savings compared to 12L14 steel and 304L stainless steel. This piece reviews extensive laboratory testing that assessed the maximum practical machining speeds for brass and steel alloys from the standpoint of productivity and tool life. An economic comparison on cost per part is also included.

Technical Report: The U.S. Copper-base Scrap Industry and Its By-products - 2013 [PDF - 1.42 Mb]

Brass: Protecting the Viability of the Scrap Stream [PDF - 865 Kb]
As the use of low or lead-free brass alloys grows, strict segregation of brass scrap is essential.  Learn about the importance of the scrap stream, the issue of scrap contamination and proactive steps the industry is taking to secure the viability of the scrap stream for generations to come.

Brass Recyclability: Environmental & Economic Advantages [PDF - 901 Kb]
This publication describes the environmental and economic advantages of brass as a result of its superior recyclability.  The unmatched secondary value of brass is described and supported by a value comparison using actual production data.

Brass: The Cost-Effective Choice [PDF - 494 Kb]
This publication describes the superior machinability and economic advantages of brass for screw machine products.  A cost comparison for parts made from brass and steel is included to show why brass is the cost effective choice.

Free-Cutting Brass (UNS C36000) for Automatic Screw Machine Products
A primer on Free-Cutting Brass (Alloy 360); includes a discussion of supply, production, consumption, structure, properties, machinability, corrosion resistance, and design applications. Features table which compares tensile properties of free-cutting brass (UNS C36000) with leaded steel (AISI 12L14).

Frequently Asked Questions about the Safe Drinking Water Act and Copper Alloys
Commonly asked questions about the Safe Drinking Water Act - and their answers.

The Safe Drinking Water Act and Copper Alloys
How recent amendments to the 1986 Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) affect the installation requirements for plumbing installation in both residential and non-residential facilities.

Corrosion Tests Prove Free-Cutting Brass Outlasts Plated Steel
This Application Data Sheet documents the superior corrosion resistance of screw machine products made from Free-Cutting Brass, UNS C36000, in comparison with leaded AISI Type 12L14 steel counterparts. Article discusses coatings, immersion conditions, test parameters and results. Photographs included

Free-Cutting Brass for Lower Screw Machine Product Cost
Application Data Sheets discussing usage of Free-cutting Brass for Cellular Antenna Base, Fitting Body, Air Brake Hose Fitting, Pneumatic Hose Fitting, and Actuating Sleeve, Knob Insert, Temperature Sensor, Inserts for Molded Plastic, and Hydraulic Fitting.

Why Brass Screw Machine Parts are Cheaper than Steel
An automotive transmission fitting can be made from either Free-Cutting Brass or AISI 12Ll 4 leaded steel. Which metal is the more economical choice?

Copper vs. Steel - True or False?
A short document which exposes the myths about using copper in screw machine products; discusses comparative cost and the machinability of copper and steel.

Free-Cutting Brass (Alloy 360) for Automatic Screw Machine Products
Brief introduction to the use of free-cutting brass for screw machine products.

Good Buy. Good Bye.
Do the math and you'll find that free-cutting brass is 17% less expensive than its 12L14 steel counterpart!

Steel. Steal.
Brass can be a real steal.