Free-machining brass (C360) is the benchmark for easy machining — it cuts cleanly at high speed with short chips and little tool wear. The only real concern is a sharp positive-rake tool grabbing into thin parts.
Key properties
| Property | Typical value |
|---|---|
| Density | 0.307 lb/in³ (8.50 g/cm³) |
| Hardness | ~78 HRB |
| Tensile strength | ~58,000 psi (400 MPa) |
| Machinability | Excellent |
| Composition | Cu-Zn with lead (C360) |
Cutting speeds
| Operation | HSS (SFM) | Carbide (SFM) |
|---|---|---|
| Milling | 150 – 250 | 400 – 700 |
| Turning | 200 – 300 | 500 – 900 |
| Drilling | 150 – 250 | 350 – 600 |
Convert to RPM: RPM = (SFM × 3.82) / cutter diameter. Use the Feeds & Speeds calculators.
Tooling and tips
- Sharp tools; brass needs little or no coolant.
- Use a neutral or slightly negative rake on thin parts so the tool does not self-feed.
- Chips are short and break cleanly, so evacuation is easy.
See Cutting Speeds for Brass and the full Feeds and Speeds Chart.