At Sequoia Brass & Copper (SBC), we supply a broad selection of brass, bronze, and copper alloys to customers in a variety of industries. Among our core brass offerings is 360 brass.
Also known as free-machining or free-cutting brass, this copper-zinc-lead alloy possesses the highest machinability rating of all the copper alloys. It also offers excellent strength and resistance to corrosion. Read on to learn more about C36000 brass, its primary characteristics, and common applications.
C36000 Brass Composition
C36000 brass is made up of approximately 61.5% copper, 35.5% zinc, 3% lead, and 0.35% iron. The high percentages of both copper and zinc lend 360 brass its durable strength and corrosion resistance. Its lead content, however, is part of what makes C36000 brass so workable.
Brass C36000 Material Properties
360 brass is prized for its many beneficial material properties, such as:
- Tensile and yield strength: This brass variety’s tensile and yield strength of 58,000 psi and 45,000 psi, respectively, are typical values up to 1-in. diameter in H02 (half-hard) temper. Its overall strength ensures that parts made from this material will retain their structural integrity even when they’re exposed to rugged use or harsh environmental conditions.
- Resistance to corrosion: 360 brass has a particularly high resistance to corrosive substances due to the alloy’s composition. Its resistance capabilities surpass those of metals like steel or iron, giving 360 brass the durable strength that makes it one of the most popular copper alloys across industries.
- Machinability: As the copper alloy with the best machinability, 360 brass’ machinability rating comes in at 100. As such, it’s highly compatible with a multitude of machining techniques so that manufacturers can easily cut and shape it into simple or complex designs.
- Density: At 0.307 lb/in.3, 360 brass is a highly dense material option. Metal alloys such as this are an optimal and reliable choice for applications in heavy industry.
C36000 Brass Mechanical Properties
In addition to its impressive tensile strength, yield strength, and machinability, 360 brass also offers the following mechanical properties:
- Elastic modulus: 17,000 ksi (117 GPa)
- Shear modulus: 5,370 ksi (37 GPa)
- Elongation at break (in 457.2 mm): 53%
- Poisson’s ratio: 0.34
Outside of its mechanical properties, C36000 brass has unique thermal and electrical properties. For example, the material has a melting point ranging between 1,630° and 1,650° F, an annealing point of 800° to 1,100° F, and a heat capacity of 0.09 BTU/lb-° F. The electrical resistivity of this alloy is 0.0000066 ohm-cm.
C36000 Brass Hardness
We mentioned above that the lead in 360 brass supports its high machinability. The material’s lead content means that it’s softer than other brass varieties. Its hardness is ultimately dependent on part shape as well as its temper and diameter as described under ASTM-B16.
| H02 (Half-Hard) Diameter | Rockwell B Hardness |
|---|---|
| 0.5 to ≤1 | 60 to 80 |
| >1 to ≤2 | 55 to 75 |
| >2 to ≤3 | 45 to 70 |
| >3 to ≤4 | 40 to 65 |
| >4 | 25 min. |
In addition to machining, this malleable copper alloy is applicable for knurling and roll threading processes. It’s also compatible with soldering and brazing but isn’t ideal for most welding techniques.
Applications of 360 Brass
Due to its golden appearance and smooth surface, 360 brass has common applications in structural as well as decorative features. However, its strength, density, and resistance to corrosion also lend it to functional component and goods manufacturing because products made from this material can withstand continual, rigorous usage. Examples of common 360 brass applications include:
- Screw machine components, such as nuts, bolts, connectors, couplings, pump shafts, and valve stems
- Plumbing system parts, such as fittings, connectors, adapters, pump shafts, and valve stems
- Central heating system parts, such as fittings, valves, and adapters
360 Brass Offerings From Sequoia Brass & Copper
At Sequoia Brass & Copper, we have 360 brass available in bar and rod form. Our team offers these products in the following sizes online:
- Hex bars: 12 inches to 72 inches long and 0.25 inch to 1.875 inches thick
- Square bars: 12 inches to 72 inches long and 0.25 inch to 2 inches thick
- Rectangular bars: 36 inches to 72 inches long, 0.25 inch to 4 inches wide, and 0.125 inch to 1.5 inches thick
- Rods: 6 inches to 72 inches long and 0.125 inch to 9 inches in outer diameter
Not long enough? We do stock up to 4-inch diameter in lengths up to 144 inches long. Most rectangular, square, and hex bars are available up to 144 inches long.
Contact Sequoia Brass & Copper Today
360 brass is a highly rated copper-zinc-lead alloy that exhibits excellent strength, corrosion resistance, and machinability. If you require a copper alloy like 360 brass for your next project, turn to the experts at Sequoia Brass & Copper.
SBC has over four decades of experience supplying high-quality non-ferrous materials. Visit our 360 brass catalog page or submit a request for information to learn more about SBC’s 360 brass offerings. For details on our catalog of materials or help selecting the ideal alloy for your project, contact us or request a quote today. Our team is here to assist you, answering any questions you might have.