Brass & Copper CNC Machining
Key takeaways
- Brass machines beautifully (C360 is the benchmark for machinability), resists corrosion, and has an attractive gold finish — ideal for fittings and decorative parts.
- Copper (C101/C110) has the best electrical and thermal conductivity but is gummy and harder to machine cleanly.
- Bronze adds wear resistance and low friction — used for bushings and bearings.
- Get an exact price with an instant quote from your CAD file.
Brass and copper CNC machining produces conductive, corrosion-resistant, and decorative parts. Brass is one of the most machinable metals available, while copper trades machinability for unmatched conductivity. This guide covers the common brass, copper, and bronze alloys, their properties, finishes, and applications.
Brass, copper & bronze alloys we machine
| Alloy | Key properties | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| C360 brass | Free-machining (the machinability benchmark), corrosion-resistant | Fittings, valves, fasteners, connectors |
| C260 brass | Cartridge brass, good strength and formability | Hardware, decorative, ammunition |
| C101 / C110 copper | Highest electrical and thermal conductivity | Electrical contacts, bus bars, heat sinks |
| C932 bronze | Bearing bronze, wear-resistant, low friction | Bushings, bearings, wear plates |
Properties
- Brass — excellent machinability, corrosion resistance, attractive appearance
- Copper — best electrical and thermal conductivity; softer and gummier to machine
- Bronze — wear resistance and low friction for moving parts
- All resist corrosion and are recyclable
Surface finishes
As-machined, polishing (high luster), electroplating (nickel, chrome, gold), brushing, and lacquer to prevent tarnishing.
Applications
Electrical connectors and contacts, plumbing and fittings, valves, heat sinks, decorative hardware, musical instruments, and bushings/bearings.
Machining tips
- Choose C360 brass for the easiest, most economical machining.
- For copper, expect slower finishing passes to avoid a gummy surface.
- Add lacquer or plating if parts must stay bright in service.
Frequently asked questions
What brass and copper alloys do you machine?
Commonly C360 and C260 brass, C101/C110 copper, and bronze such as C932, chosen for machinability, conductivity, or wear resistance.
Is brass easy to CNC machine?
Yes — C360 brass is the machinability benchmark, allowing fast cutting, clean finishes, and economical parts.
Why choose copper over brass?
Copper has far higher electrical and thermal conductivity, making it the choice for electrical contacts, bus bars, and heat sinks despite being harder to machine.
Can brass and copper parts be plated?
Yes. Nickel, chrome, and gold plating improve appearance, corrosion resistance, or conductivity; lacquer prevents tarnishing.
What tolerances can you hold on brass and copper?
Standard ISO 2768-m (±0.1 mm), with critical features to ±0.01 mm using precision machining.
What is the difference between brass, bronze, and copper?
Copper is the pure metal (best conductivity); brass is copper-zinc (machinable, decorative); bronze is copper-tin (wear-resistant for bearings).
Related services
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- CNC machining services
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- Surface finishing
- All CNC machining materials
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