Brass

Low friction, excellent electrical conductivity, golden appearance.

Brass at a glance
Common grades
C360 (free-machining) · C260 (cartridge brass) · Naval brass / dezincification-resistant grades
Machinability
C360 free-machining brass is the benchmark other metals are measured against; it machines faster than any common engineering metal, producing fine chips, excellent surface finishes straight off the tool, and very long t…
Tolerances
±0.025 mm standard on linear dimensions; ±0.010 mm on critical features
Processes
CNC milling, CNC turning and 5-axis machining
Finishes
Polishing · Nickel or chrome plating · Tin plating
Used in
Oil & Gas, Automotive
Certification
Mill test certificate (chemistry and mechanical properties) with every lot; EN 10204 3.1 certificates on request

Machining Brass

C360 free-machining brass is the benchmark other metals are measured against; it machines faster than any common engineering metal, producing fine chips, excellent surface finishes straight off the tool, and very long tool life. For high-volume turned parts, brass often beats cheaper materials on finished-part cost.

Brass is naturally corrosion resistant, non-sparking and has good electrical and thermal conductivity, which is why it dominates fittings, valve internals, electrical contacts and instrument components. It threads exceptionally cleanly, making fine and miniature threads routine.

We hold ±0.025 mm on critical brass features; the material's stability and finish quality make it one of the most predictable materials we run.

Common Grades We Machine

  • C360 (free-machining) - The standard for machined brass parts: maximum machinability for fittings, inserts and turned components.
  • C260 (cartridge brass) - Better cold-forming and corrosion resistance where parts are also formed or flared.
  • Naval brass / dezincification-resistant grades - for seawater and potable-water applications, sourced on request.

Applications by Industry

  • Oil & Gas - non-sparking fittings, valve components and instrumentation parts.
  • Automotive - sensor bodies, fittings and electrical terminals at production volume.

Surface Finishing Options

  • Polishing - bright cosmetic surfaces for visible components.
  • Nickel or chrome plating - tarnish and wear protection with a bright finish.
  • Tin plating - solderability and contact protection for electrical parts.

See our surface finishing services for the full range.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is brass often cheaper to machine than steel or aluminium?

Cycle times are dramatically shorter and tool life longer, so on turned parts at volume the machining savings usually outweigh the higher raw material price.

Is brass suitable for drinking water or marine parts?

Standard C360 contains lead and can dezincify in aggressive water; for potable or marine service we source dezincification-resistant or low-lead grades to suit the requirement.

What tolerances can you hold on brass?

±0.025 mm on critical features: brass's stability and surface finish make tight turned tolerances routine.

Precision Brass Manufacturing in Singapore

Need complex Brass parts manufactured to tight tolerances? Explore our 5-axis simultaneous CNC machining, CNC milling, CNC turning and certified ISO Class 6–8 cleanroom assembly capabilities.

Speak with Our Sales & Engineering Team

Explore how Shine's Singapore precision CNC machining and cleanroom assembly integrate into your global supply chain. We welcome technical consultations, mutual NDAs, and facility audits.

  • Mutual NDA executed within 24 hours
  • ISO 9001:2015 certified & Cyber Essentials mark
  • 24–48h engineering DFM feedback & formal RFQ pricing