Fittings. Fixtures. Free-machining precision.

C360 (free-machining): contains 2–3% lead for fast machining. Used when machinability matters most. Restrictions: cannot be used for potable water contact under US regulations (California Prop 65, NSF requirements). C260 (cartridge brass): no lead, harder to machine, suitable for plumbing, cosmetic applications. For decorative + mechanical, C360 if not water-contact; C260 or C693 if water-contact.

C693 (lead-free) meets NSF/ANSI 61 and California AB 1953 for potable water contact. Slightly worse machinability than C360 but adequate. Other lead-free options: ECOBRASS (silicon brass), C89837, C89520. For applications where lead content matters (drinking water, children's products, California regulations), specify lead-free — we'll use appropriate alloy.

As-machined: bright yellow brass, oxidizes to darker color over time. Common finishes: polished (mirror), bead blasted matte, lacquered (prevents oxidation), antique patina (chemical darkening for decorative effect), nickel plated (silvery appearance), chrome plated (bright silver), gold plated (for high-end decorative). Anodizing does NOT work on brass — brass is not aluminum.

C464 naval brass contains tin addition for superior seawater corrosion resistance vs plain brass. Used for: marine hardware, boat fittings, propeller components, rigging. Not as corrosion-resistant as 316L stainless or bronze for extreme marine service, but adequate for standard marine hardware and much cheaper. For saltwater-submerged applications, use 316L or bronze.

C360 brass achieves 0.1 µm Ra surface finish single-pass with standard turning. Cutting speeds 300–500 m/min vs 50–100 for steel. Tool life 10–20× longer than steel. Result: precision brass parts are 3–5× cheaper per unit than equivalent steel parts for complex geometry. This is why C360 is preferred for high-volume precision fittings — economics dominate material choice.

Brass welding is challenging — zinc vaporizes at 907 °C below brass melting point. Preferred joining methods for brass: brazing (silver or phosphorus-copper filler at 650–800 °C, doesn't vaporize zinc), soldering (lower temperature), mechanical assembly with threads. Arc welding of brass possible but requires low-zinc filler and careful technique. For most brass assemblies, brazing is the practical answer.