Sequoia Brass & Copper Inc. (SBC) has supplied brass, bronze, copper, and other nonferrous metal alloys to metal fabrication customers across North America for over 40 years. Our materials are available in bar, plate, sheet, and various other forms.

One of our primary brass material options is 353 brass. Also called engraver’s brass, it’s an alloy of copper and zinc that’s recognized for its unique combination of strength, wear resistance, and machinability. C35300 brass falls under the umbrella of the high-leaded tin bronzes. The material lends its unique and beneficial properties and aesthetics to an array of applications, prized for its durability, machinability, and more. Read on for an overview of the material’s noteworthy characteristics and common uses.

353 Brass Chemical Composition

The C35300 brass chemical composition is made up of approximately 62% copper, 36.2% zinc, 1.8% lead, and trace amounts of iron. This elemental combination gives the metal its distinct characteristics. Examples of C35300 brass properties include:

Physical Properties

  • Density: 0.307 lb./in.3
  • Material hardness: B65 (per Rockwell scale)

Mechanical Properties

  • Tensile strength: 49,000-85,000 psi
  • Yield strength: 17,000-61,900 psi
  • Elongation at break: 52%
  • Modulus of elasticity: 15,200 ksi (105 GPa)

Electrical Properties

Thermal Properties

  • Thermal conductivity: 798 Btu-ft./ft.2-hr.-° F
  • Coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) @ 68° F: 11.3 µin./in.-° F

Brass 353 Material Properties

In addition to these properties, 353 brass exhibits a variety of characteristics that make it suitable for different manufactured parts and products. For example:

  • Machinability: C35300 brass has a machinability rating of 90. The alloy’s machinability allows it to readily accommodate numerous machining processes, including blanking, piercing, punching, roll threading, knurling, and stamping. As a result, manufacturers can use it to fabricate precise components, such as clock and watch parts.
  • Joining Techniques: It is an excellent material for soldering operations as well as a good choice for brazing. Most other forms of welding are not recommended. It offers optimal fabrication versatility.
  • Surface treatment options: 353 brass is highly compatible with finishing and plating surface treatments. This allows metal fabricators to apply their desired finish and improve upon the material’s inherent luster.
  • Resistance capabilities: Its wear resistance enables parts and products made from it to withstand regular movement or force. With its hardness rating and modulus of elasticity, engraver’s brass also holds up well against scratching and deformation.
  • Compliance: The alloy adheres to ASTM B121 specifications, which set the standard for a material’s suitability for architectural as well as industrial projects.

Applications of 353 Brass

As a result of its exceptional corrosion resistance and conductivity, you’ll commonly find 353 brass as part of the material makeup of fasteners and fittings, as well as electrical and marine components. The alloy is well-suited to outdoor applications for its resistance to the elements. It’s also a mainstay in decorative items like window framing and door handles, given the material’s pleasing aesthetic.

Ultimately, 353 brass is used in manufacturing a variety of products and components. Some examples of typical applications for 353 brass include:

  • Adapters
  • Bearing cages
  • Clock and watch parts
  • Couplings
  • Drawer pulls and handles
  • Engraver’s plates
  • Gears
  • Hinges
  • Key blanks
  • Nuts
  • Pinions
  • Screws
  • Valve stems
  • Wheels

Benefits of Using C35300 Brass

We’ve already discussed some of the primary advantages of versatile 353 brass, such as its optimal machinability, durability, and resistance to wear and tear. However, because the material is easy to machine, that lends it the additional benefit of enhancing efficiency in fabrication operations. It also allows metal fabricators to create complex components as well as strong parts that will hold up well over time, all while generating minimal material waste.

The alloy’s surface finish is less likely to tarnish, enabling 353 brass to maintain its pleasing appearance for longer, particularly in architectural applications and those that will expose the material to harsh environmental conditions. Lastly, C35300 brass is a relatively safe choice for components that will come into direct human contact as the makeup of this copper-zinc alloy makes it less likely that it will experience lead seepage.

353 Brass Offerings From Sequoia Brass & Copper

At SBC, we offer 353 brass in plate and sheet forms, which are available in , but not limited to, the following dimensions:

  • Plate: 12 in. to 36 in. (length), 12 in. to 24 in. (width), and 0.25 in. to 1 in. (thickness)
  • Sheet: 12 in. to 36 in. (length), 12 in. to 24 in. (width), and 0.125 in. or 0.1875 in. (thickness)

Contact Sequoia Brass & Copper Today

At Sequoia Brass & Copper, we are an experienced and knowledgeable supplier of nonferrous metal alloy materials. If you need 353 brass, another brass variety, or bronze and copper alloys, we’ve got you covered. For more details on our 353 brass products, submit a request for information or visit our 353 brass catalog page. If you’re looking for information regarding our general material offerings or need help selecting the right option for your project, contact us today or request a quote. The SBC team is here to answer any questions you might have.