C36000 Free-Cutting Brass
UNS C36000 Free-Machining Leaded Brass
C36000, commonly known as Free-Cutting Brass, is the industry benchmark for high-speed, high-volume machined brass components. With approximately 61.5% copper, 35.5% zinc, and 3% lead, it produces clean, short chips and exceptional surface finishes at very high cutting speeds.
C36000 carries a machinability rating of 100 — the standard against which other brass and copper alloys are compared. It offers good corrosion resistance, strong mechanical properties for a free-machining alloy, and excellent dimensional stability, making it the default choice for fittings, fasteners, and precision turned parts.
It is most commonly supplied as round bar, hexagon, and square bar in standard machining lengths, with tight tolerances and consistent chemistry from heat to heat.
Common Names & Cross-References
Designation | Value |
|---|---|
Common Names | Free-Cutting Brass, Free-Machining Brass, Brass 360, C360 |
UNS | C36000 |
CDA | 360 |
British Standard | CZ124 |
EN (Europe) | CuZn36Pb3 / CW603N |
JIS (Japan) | C3604 |
AMS | 4610, 4611 |
C36000 Chemical Composition
Element | Composition (%) |
|---|---|
Copper (Cu) | 60.0 – 63.0 |
Zinc (Zn) | Balance |
Lead (Pb) | 2.5 – 3.7 |
Iron (Fe) | 0.35 max |
Tin (Sn) | 0.50 max (combined) |
Aluminum (Al) | 0.50 max (combined) |
Nickel (Ni) | 0.30 max |
Typical Mechanical Properties (H02 — Half Hard)
Property | Typical | Range |
|---|---|---|
Tensile Strength | 58 ksi (400 MPa) | 55-68 ksi |
Yield Strength (0.2%) | 45 ksi (310 MPa) | 40-50 ksi |
Elongation (in 2 in.) | 25% | 18-30% |
Hardness | Rockwell B 78 | B 75-85 |
Key Features & Advantages
- Industry-standard machinability rating of 100 — the highest of any copper alloy
- Excellent chip formation and surface finish at high cutting speeds
- Good corrosion resistance for industrial service
- Strong, consistent mechanical properties
- Excellent dimensional stability for precision components
- Wide availability in round, hex, and square bar
- Excellent solderability, brazing, and platability
Common Applications of C36000
- Fittings, valves, and fluid handling components
- Fasteners, threaded inserts, and hardware
- Precision turned components and screw machine parts
- Plumbing and gas components (non-potable per AB1953)
- Gears, lock components, and instrument parts
- Automotive sensor housings and connectors
Primary Markets Served
- Industrial Manufacturing
- Plumbing & Fluid Handling (non-potable)
- Hardware & Fasteners
- Automotive
When to Specify C36000
- C36000 vs. lead-free brass (C69300, C87850) — C36000 has unmatched machinability but is not compliant with California AB1953 / NSF 372 lead-free requirements for potable water. Specify lead-free alternatives for plumbing in contact with drinking water.
- C36000 vs. leaded steel — C36000 is often a direct substitute for leaded steel in screw machine work, with better corrosion resistance and lower density.
- C36000 vs. C26000 cartridge brass — C26000 has better formability but much worse machinability. Use C26000 for stamped parts; use C36000 for machined parts.
Why Source 21?
- ISO 9001-certified quality system with full chemistry and mechanical traceability on every shipment
- Multi-million dollar national inventory across stainless, nickel alloys, copper, and brass
- Strong domestic and international mill relationships, including premium specialty mill partnerships
- In-house slitting, edging, leveling, and cut-to-length capabilities
- Contract programs, blanket orders, and vendor-managed inventory (VMI) for production accounts
- Responsive technical support for tight-tolerance and certification-driven work
Request a Quote
Contact Source 21 today for C36000 Free-Cutting Brass pricing, availability, and processing options. Our team responds quickly, asks the right questions, and gets you accurate quotes on real material — not vague placeholders.
Call 631-821-1101 or request a quote online to get started.
Founded in 1990 Source 21 is a leading distributor and processor of stainless steel, copper and brass products.
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