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2023.4.23
When working with brass on a CNC machine, it is important to use the right cutting tools, speeds, and parameters. What is the best brass for CNC turning and machining? What are common brass-turned parts? Let’s get into these basics.
Yes, brass is generally considered a good material for CNC turning. Brass CNC turning involves the use of a lathe to create cylindrical parts by cutting away brass material from a workpiece. Brass and its alloys are relatively easy to machine, have good corrosion resistance, and are aesthetically pleasing.
Brass is a metal alloy made up of copper and zinc, and it can come in a variety of different compositions. The most common brass alloys used for CNC turning are C360, C345, and C260. C360 brass, also known as free-cutting brass, is the most common and is known for its excellent machinability. C345 and C260 brass are also good choices for CNC turning and are known for their good corrosion resistance.
The best brass alloy for CNC turning depends on the specific application and requirements of the part being produced. However, some of the most commonly used brass alloys for CNC turning are:
– C360 Brass: This is also known as free-cutting brass and is the most commonly used brass alloy for CNC turning. It has excellent machinability and is easy to cut, drill, and tap. It has good corrosion resistance and is used in a wide range of applications, including plumbing fixtures, electrical components, and fasteners.
– C46400 Naval Brass: This brass alloy is composed of copper, tin, and zinc, and is known for its high strength, excellent corrosion resistance, and good machinability. It is used in marine hardware, pumps, and valves.
– C28000 Muntz Metal: This is a brass alloy composed of copper and zinc with a small amount of lead. It has good machinability and is often used in architectural applications, including ornamental trim and hardware.
– C26000 Cartridge Brass: This is a brass alloy composed of copper and zinc and is often used in the production of cartridge cases for firearms. It has good corrosion resistance and can be easily machined.
The speed at which you should turn brass during CNC turning depends on various factors such as the specific brass alloy being used, the diameter of the part being machined, the depth of cut, and the type of cutting tool being used. However, as a general guideline, the recommended cutting speed for brass is in the range of 600 to 1,200 surface feet per minute (SFPM). This range is a starting point, and adjustments may need to be made based on the specific factors mentioned above.
In addition to cutting speed, other factors that affect the machining process include feed rate, depth of cut, and coolant or lubrication. It is important to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for tool selection, feeds, and speeds for the specific brass alloy being machined. It is also important to note that when machining brass, it can produce a lot of chips and heat, which can lead to the workpiece and tool damage. Therefore, it is important to have proper chip evacuation and coolant or lubrication to ensure a successful machining process.
Brass is a popular material for CNC turning, and it is used to produce a wide range of brass turned components for different applications.
– Plumbing fixtures: Brass is commonly used to produce plumbing fixtures, such as valves, faucets, and pipe fittings.
– Electrical components: Brass is often used to produce electrical components, including connectors, switches, and terminals.
– Fasteners: Brass is an excellent material for producing screws, bolts, and other types of fasteners.
– Musical instruments: Brass is used extensively in the production of musical instruments, such as trumpets, trombones, and saxophones.
– Decorative hardware: Brass is a popular material for producing decorative hardware, such as drawer pulls, door knobs, and hinges.
– Automotive parts: Brass is used to produce various automotive parts, such as valve guides, fuel system components, and fittings.
– Medical instruments: Brass is a biocompatible material and is used to produce various medical instruments, such as surgical instruments, dental tools, and implants.
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