Copper & Brass for CNC Machining
Copper and brass are widely used in CNC machining for applications requiring excellent electrical conductivity, thermal performance, and high dimensional accuracy.
While pure copper can be challenging to machine due to its softness, brass offers superior machinability and surface finish, making it ideal for precision fittings and functional components.
- Excellent electrical and thermal conductivity
- Good corrosion resistance in most environments
- High precision and clean surface finish
- Ideal for electrical, plumbing, and precision parts
Common Copper & Brass Grades We Machine
C110 (Pure Copper) C101 C360 (Free-Cutting Brass) C260
Copper vs Brass
Copper and brass are both commonly used in CNC machining. This quick comparison helps you select the right material based on performance and application needs.
Copper
- Excellent electrical and thermal conductivity
- Soft material, more difficult to machine
- Prone to tool adhesion during cutting
- Higher material and machining cost
Electrical or thermal performance is critical, such as heat sinks, bus bars, and electrical contacts.
Brass
- Good conductivity with much better machinability
- Excellent surface finish and dimensional accuracy
- Stable cutting behavior for precision parts
- Lower machining cost compared to copper
Precision, appearance, and cost efficiency matter, such as fittings, connectors, and mechanical components.
CNC Machining Material Categories
We machine a wide range of metals and engineering plastics. Each material category is selected and processed based on machinability, dimensional stability, and long-term reliability in real production environments.
Aluminum Alloys
Lightweight, stable, and highly machinable. Aluminum is ideal for precision parts requiring tight tolerances and excellent surface finishes.
- Excellent machinability
- Low deformation risk
- Ideal for anodizing
Stainless Steel
Known for corrosion resistance and mechanical strength, stainless steel is widely used in demanding industrial and medical applications.
- Excellent corrosion resistance
- High structural strength
- Consistent dimensional stability
Carbon & Alloy Steel
A balanced choice offering strength, durability, and cost efficiency, especially suitable for mechanical and load-bearing components.
- Good strength-to-cost ratio
- Suitable for heat treatment
- Stable for batch production
Titanium Alloys
Titanium offers exceptional strength-to-weight ratio and corrosion resistance, making it ideal for aerospace and medical components.
- High strength-to-weight ratio
- Excellent corrosion resistance
- Advanced CNC process control required
Copper & Brass
Ideal for electrical and thermal applications where conductivity and precision are critical.
- Excellent electrical conductivity
- Good surface finish
- Precision control required
Engineering Plastics
Engineering plastics provide chemical resistance, low weight, and dimensional stability for non-metal applications.
- Low weight & chemical resistance
- Stable for precision machining
- Ideal for insulation components
Material Selection Guide
Choosing the right material is critical to performance, cost, and lead time. This guide helps engineers and buyers quickly compare common CNC machining materials based on strength, weight, corrosion resistance, machinability, and cost.
| Material | Strength | Weight | Corrosion Resistance | Machinability | Cost Level | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aluminum | Medium | Very Light | Good | Excellent | Low – Medium | Lightweight parts, housings, prototypes |
| Stainless Steel | High | Heavy | Excellent | Medium | High | Medical, food-grade, outdoor components |
| Carbon Steel | Medium – High | Heavy | Poor | Good | Low | Structural parts, brackets, shafts |
| Alloy Steel | Very High | Heavy | Poor – Medium | Medium | Medium | Gears, tooling, load-bearing components |
| Brass | Medium | Medium | Good | Excellent | Medium | Fittings, valves, decorative parts |
| Copper | Low – Medium | Heavy | Excellent | Poor | High | Electrical, thermal applications |
| Plastic (POM / Nylon) | Low | Very Light | Excellent | Excellent | Low | Insulators, low-load functional parts |
* This material guide is for reference only. Final material selection should consider part geometry, tolerance, surface finish, operating environment, and production volume. Our engineers are happy to recommend the most suitable material for your project.
Not Sure Which Material to Choose?
Our engineers can help you select the optimal material for your CNC machined parts based on strength, cost, weight, and application environment. Upload your drawings or contact us for a professional recommendation.
Contact Us / Upload Drawing