Messing und Kupfer bearbeiten

Brass, copper, and bronze machining guidelines

Brass and copper alloys machine very differently from steel. Brass is one of the most machinable metals; pure copper is one of the most difficult due to its ductility. This guide covers speed, feed, and tooling recommendations for common copper-based alloys.

• C360 Free-Cutting Brass: 100% machinability rating (the benchmark). Speeds 200-400 m/min carbide. Chips break easily. No coolant needed for most operations.
• C110 Pure Copper (ETP): 20% machinability rating. Extremely ductile with long stringy chips. Use sharp carbide tools, high-positive rake, and coolant. Speeds 60-150 m/min.
• C932 Bearing Bronze (SAE 660): Good machinability (70%). Used for bushings and bearings. Speeds 100-250 m/min. Use coolant for drilling.
• Tellurium Copper (C145): 85% machinability -- much better than pure copper due to tellurium addition. Similar to free-cutting brass. Preferred for electrical components requiring machining.

How to use this Brass & Copper Machining Parameters Guide

Use this reference to choose the right copper alloy and machining parameters. C360 free-cutting brass is the best choice for high-volume machined components. For electrical conductivity requirements, specify tellurium copper (C145) instead of pure copper for significantly better machinability.