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Machined Products

Steel. Steal.

The numbers say it all. In terms of finished part cost, free-cutting brass is a whopping >19.9% less expensive than 12L14 leaded steel.

Surprised? Don't be. Brass may cost more up front, but brass turnings can be reclaimed for 75-85% of the original brass value (steel scrap is worthless). And while brass easily meets the yield strength requirements for small auto component parts, it's five times more machinable than steel. That means higher productivity and lower per-part cost. What's more, brass naturally resists corrosion, eliminating the need for costly protective plating.

Find out how brass can be a real steal. For technical data and sourcing information, contact the Copper Development Association at (800) CDA-DATA.

Transmission Cooling Fitting/1,000 parts*
12L14		C36000
$121.80	Raw Material Cost	$339.12
-0.00	Scrap/Turnings Value	-196.24
$121.80	Net Raw Material Cost	$142.88
+126.39	Cost of Machining	+68.06
+15.12	Zinc Electrocoating	+0.00
$263.31	Total Cost	$210.94
* Based on mid-1991 costs.

Useful Resources

Free-Cutting Brass, which many people know by it's traditional name, CDA Alloy 360, is the most important commercial copper alloy, surpassing all but copper itself in terms of annual consumption.

In today's cost conscious component parts industry, the difference between a "good buy" and a "good bye" is often bottom line cost.

For information on vendor sourcing and what makes free-cutting brass the "good buy," call the Copper Development Association at 800 CDA-DATA; fax: 212-251-7234

Order Machined Rod Products educational, and technical publications.