260 Brass

At Sequoia Brass & Copper, 260 brass is among our offerings of quality brass, copper, bronze, and other nonferrous metals. Also known as brass 260, c260 brass, 70/30 brass, yellow brass, and cartridge brass, this copper-zinc alloy is recognizable for its shiny yellow appearance. Its tonal quality, corrosion resistance, and capacity for bending lend this versatile material to applications in everything from residential furniture to musical instruments and artwork.

Read on to learn more about the functional and aesthetic qualities of 260 brass, its common uses, and how it differs from other brass options.

Properties of 260 Brass (Cartridge Brass)

260 brass consists of 68.5-71.5% copper, 28.5-31.5% zinc, up to 0.05% iron, and up to 0.07% lead. This elemental composition results in the following material characteristics:

• Material hardness: B77 (per Rockwell scale)
• Ultimate tensile strength: 62,000 psi
• Yield strength: 52,000 psi
• Elongation: 23%
• Electrical conductivity rating (annealed): 28% per International Annealed Copper Standard (IACS)
• Density: 308 lb./in.3 at 68° F
• ​Thermal conductivity: 70 BTU-ft./ft.2-hr.-° F
• ​Modulus of elasticity: 16,000,000 psi
• Coefficient of thermal expansion [68-572° F (20-300° C)]: 1 PPM/° F
• Electrical resistivity: 0 ohm circ. mil./ft.

Altogether, these characteristics, among others, influence how the material reacts to different manufacturing processes and industrial applications. For example:

• Its high workability makes it suitable for a variety of fabrication processes, such as cutting, forming, bending, and machining. While welding operations are not recommended, 260 brass does accommodate soldering and brazing in certain conditions. As a note, in its half-hard condition, the material demonstrates a machinability rating of 30 — i.e., poor suitability for machining operations.
• Its corrosion resistance makes it well-suited for applications involving regular exposure to atmospheric conditions.
• Its ductility — the highest of all materials in the yellow brass series — enables it to be utilized in a wide range of applications without losing its structural integrity.

260 Brass (C260 Brass) Applications

260 brass exhibits unique qualities — e.g., smooth yellow finish, workability, corrosion resistance, etc. — that allow it to find a range of applications in the manufacture of various parts and products. Some of the common uses of the material include:

What Is the Difference Between 260 Brass & 360 Brass?

260 brass differs from 360 brass in several key ways:

• Chemical makeup. 360 brass contains less copper than 260 brass but has a higher zinc and lead content. “Leaded brass” is another name for C360.
• Machinability, formability, and general workability. Also called free machining brass, C360 offers exceptional machinability, particularly compared to C260. However, 260 brass is superior when it comes to being workable and formable.
• Application. 260 brass is applicable in everything from construction hardware and plumbing components to ammunition parts. 360 brass is particularly useful for screw machine components.

260 Brass vs. 464 Brass

Also known as C464 or naval brass, 464 brass has a greater hardness than either 260 or 360 brass. The material also contains less copper and more zinc — about 59% and 40%, respectively — than 260 brass, as well as 1% tin. C464 holds up well against wear and abrasion, lending it to applications as wear plates or liners, and its corrosion resistance makes it suitable for marine fittings. 464 brass plate is extruded and holds close-to-size stock tolerances. Its yield strength is significantly higher than that of C260, but like C260, C464 does not offer the ideal machinability of C360.

260 Brass Offerings From Sequoia Brass & Copper

At Sequoia Brass & Copper, we offer 260 brass in plate and sheet form. These products are available in the following sizes:

• Plate: 36 in. wide x 96 in. long from 0.25 in. to 0.50 in. thick
• Sheet: 36 in. wide x 96 in. long from 0.020 in. to 3/16 in. thick

Contact Sequoia Brass & Copper Today for 260 Brass/Cartridge Brass

Since 1983, Sequoia Brass & Copper has supplied high-quality nonferrous metals like 260 brass to diverse industries. By maintaining high quality standards for all of our materials, we ensure that we meet and exceed the expectations of our customers. If you need brass, bronze, or copper for your next project, we can deliver.

Review our brass 260 catalog to learn more about our 260 brass offerings, or submit a request for information. For general questions about our materials, contact us or request a free quote today. Our team would be happy to assist you.