Brass C624, also known as high-strength brass, is a copper-zinc alloy that contains small amounts of lead to enhance machinability. It offers excellent strength and corrosion resistance, making it ideal for various CNC machining applications. Brass C624 stands out for its superior mechanical properties compared to other brass alloys, especially when high strength is required in precision applications. It is well-suited for precision machining due to its ease of machinability and durability.
This alloy is commonly used in CNC machined parts such as fittings, connectors, and bushings. Its strength and excellent corrosion resistance make it ideal for industries where both performance and aesthetic appearance are crucial, including automotive, electrical, and plumbing.
Element | Composition Range (wt.%) | Key Role |
---|---|---|
Copper (Cu) | 61.0–64.0% | Provides strength, conductivity, and corrosion resistance |
Zinc (Zn) | 35.0–38.0% | Enhances strength and material hardness |
Lead (Pb) | ≤1.5% | Improves machinability and lubricity |
Iron (Fe) | ≤0.5% | Minimal impact on properties |
Property | Value (Typical) | Test Standard/Condition |
---|---|---|
Density | 8.5 g/cm³ | ASTM B311 |
Melting Point | 900–950°C | ASTM E29 |
Thermal Conductivity | 100 W/m·K at 20°C | ASTM E1952 |
Electrical Conductivity | 15% IACS at 20°C | ASTM B193 |
Coefficient of Expansion | 19 µm/m·°C | ASTM E228 |
Specific Heat Capacity | 380 J/kg·K | ASTM E1269 |
Elastic Modulus | 105 GPa | ASTM E111 |
Property | Value (Typical) | Test Standard |
---|---|---|
Tensile Strength | 350–450 MPa | ASTM E8/E8M |
Yield Strength (0.2%) | 250–350 MPa | ASTM E8/E8M |
Elongation | 25–35% | ASTM E8/E8M |
Hardness | 60–80 HB | ASTM E10 |
Fatigue Strength | ~180 MPa | ASTM E466 |
Impact Resistance | Good | ASTM E23 |
Brass C624 has excellent machinability, making it a preferred choice for high-speed CNC machining. Its lead content aids in reducing tool wear and improving cutting efficiency.
Brass C624 offers high tensile strength and good ductility, allowing it to withstand mechanical stress without cracking or breaking.
Brass C624 exhibits strong corrosion resistance, especially in atmospheric and freshwater environments, making it suitable for various industrial applications.
With its copper content, Brass C624 provides excellent electrical and thermal conductivity, which is essential for electrical connectors and other conductive components.
Brass C624 has a bright golden appearance, making it ideal for decorative applications such as jewelry, plumbing fixtures, and automotive parts where appearance matters.
Chip Formation Brass C624 produces long, stringy chips that can cause operational interruptions and slow down the machining process.
Solution: Use chip breakers and adjust feed rates to better manage chip formation while employing air or coolant for effective chip removal.
Tool Wear Though Brass C624 is machinable, its cutting forces can lead to tool wear over time, especially during high-speed cutting.
Solution: Use high-performance carbide or ceramic tools to extend tool life and reduce wear during machining.
Surface Finish Quality Brass C624 can form rough edges during machining, complicating achieving a smooth, high-quality surface finish.
Solution: Apply high-speed cutting with sharp tools, and utilize proper lubrication to ensure smooth, polished surfaces.
Work Hardening Brass C624 may experience work hardening if machining speeds or pressures are too high.
Solution: Use moderate cutting speeds and sharp tools while ensuring adequate coolant application to reduce the likelihood of work hardening.
Parameter | Recommendation | Rationale |
---|---|---|
Tool Material | Carbide or ceramic tools | These materials provide superior wear resistance and better cutting performance. |
Geometry | Positive rake, sharp edges | Improves chip flow and enhances surface finish. |
Cutting Speed | 150–250 m/min | Reduces heat buildup and prevents material deformation. |
Feed Rate | 0.10–0.20 mm/rev | Ensures smooth cutting and reduces burr formation. |
Coolant | Flood coolant or air blast | Reduces heat and improves surface finish. |
Operation | Speed (m/min) | Feed (mm/rev) | Depth of Cut (mm) | Coolant Pressure (bar) |
---|---|---|---|---|
Roughing | 150–200 | 0.15–0.20 | 2.0–3.5 | 25–35 |
Finishing | 200–250 | 0.05–0.10 | 0.5–1.0 | 30–50 |
Machining Process | Function and Benefit for Brass C624 |
---|---|
Ideal for high-speed, precision machining of small components such as connectors and fasteners. Suitable for electrical and automotive industries. | |
Perfect for creating slots, grooves, and complex shapes in components like valves and fittings. Common in plumbing and aerospace industries. | |
Used for turning cylindrical parts like bushings, gears, and mechanical components. Frequently used in automotive and industrial machinery applications. | |
Ideal for creating precise holes for fasteners and mechanical parts. Common in electrical and automotive industries. | |
Ensures precise internal machining of parts like bearings and bushings. Used in manufacturing industrial equipment and automotive systems. | |
Provides smooth finishes for parts exposed to wear, such as gears and shafts. Common in aerospace and automotive applications. | |
It is ideal for producing complex, multi-featured parts in the aerospace and automotive industries. | |
Provides ultra-tight tolerances for components requiring high-precision performance. Used in aerospace and medical industries. | |
Used for creating intricate features and fine details in automotive and industrial parts. Common in precision tool manufacturing. |
Electroplating: Enhances corrosion resistance and provides a shiny finish for components like connectors and fittings.
Polishing: Achieves a high-gloss finish that improves decorative parts' appearance and functionality.
Brushing: Creates a satin or matte finish for parts exposed to frequent handling or environmental stress.
PVD Coating: Adds a durable coating that increases wear resistance and enhances the part’s life.
Passivation: Improves corrosion resistance, especially for parts exposed to chemicals.
Powder Coating: Provides a thick, protective finish ideal for parts exposed to UV light and harsh conditions.
Teflon Coating: Adds non-stick, chemical-resistant properties, ideal for high-performance mechanical applications.
Chrome Plating: Provides a glossy, durable coating that resists corrosion and adds an aesthetic touch to mechanical components.
Aerospace Industry: Used for manufacturing connectors, bushings, and other parts subjected to high stresses.
Electrical & Power: Ideal for electrical terminals, connectors, and components that require high conductivity.
Automotive Industry: Commonly used for creating gears, fasteners, and connectors in automotive systems.
Medical Industry: Used for producing precise medical device and equipment components that require high reliability and performance.
How does Brass C624 compare to other brass alloys regarding strength and machinability?
What are the best surface treatments for Brass C624 to enhance performance?
Can Brass C624 be used in high-temperature applications?
How does Brass C624 perform in marine environments?
What industries commonly use Brass C624 for CNC machining?