Si trabajas en la industria manufacturera., plomería, o diseño de hardware, probablemente hayas oído hablar de360 latón—one of the most versatile and widely usedcommon brass grades in the industry. También conocido comoaleación 360 latón, latón de fácil mecanización, or by its UNS designationC36000, este material destaca por su excepcional maquinabilidad y rendimiento equilibrado. Ya sea que esté creando un prototipo de una válvula o produciendo sujetadores en masa, comprensión 360 brass’s strengths and limitations can save you time, reducir costos, y mejorar la calidad del producto. Analicemos todo lo que necesitas saber.
1. 360 Brass Overview: What Makes It a Top Choice?
360 latón (UNS C36000) es unleaded brass alloy celebrated for its industry-leadingmachinability rating of 100%—the benchmark against which all other metals are measured for machining ease. This rating means it cuts, ejercicios, and taps with minimal tool wear, making it ideal for high-volume production on CNC machines and screw machines.
Unlike some brass alloys that prioritize corrosion resistance over machinability, 360 brass strikes a practical balance. It adheres to strictstandard brass specifications (such as ASTM B16 and SAE J463) and is used globally in applications where precision and speed matter most. Por ejemplo, a leading plumbing manufacturer in Ohio reported a 25% increase in production efficiency after switching from 260 brass to 360 brass for their pipe fittings—thanks to fewer tool changes and faster cycle times.
2. Chemical Composition of 360 Latón (C36000)
The performance of 360 brass starts with its carefully controlled chemical makeup. Below is a detailed breakdown of its components, incluidocomposition limits and key considerations likeRoHS compliance:
| Element | Percentage Range | Role & Importance |
|---|---|---|
| Cobre (Cu) | 61.5% | Provides strength, ductilidad, and the characteristic brass color |
| Zinc (zinc) | 35.4% | Boosts machinability and reduces material cost without sacrificing durability |
| Lead (Pb) | 3.1% | Enhances chip breaking (critical for clean machining) and reduces friction |
| Hierro (fe) | ≤ 0.35% | Minimized to prevent brittleness and maintain machining consistency |
| Trace Elements | < 0.5% total | Includes small amounts of tin (sn) or nickel (En) to fine-tune properties |
A key note: While thelead content en 360 brass improves machinability, it may not meet strictRoHS compliance standards for electronics or food-contact applications. In these cases, manufacturers often switch tolow-lead brass alternatives (p.ej., C37700 with <0.25% Pb) to stay compliant.
3. Mecánico & Physical Properties: Fortaleza, Densidad, y más
360 brass’s properties make it suitable for both structural and decorative uses. A continuación se muestran losmechanical and physical properties you need to consider for your design:
- Resistencia a la tracción: 338–469 MPa (49,000–68,000 psi) – Strong enough for fasteners and valves but not for high-stress structural parts.
- Yield Strength: 124–310 MPa (18,000–45,000 psi) – Resists permanent deformation under moderate loads.
- Alargamiento: 53% – Highly ductile, allowing it to be bent or formed before machining (p.ej., for decorative trim).
- Densidad: 8.47 g/cm³ – Heavier than aluminum (2.7 gramos/cm³) but lighter than stainless steel (7.9 gramos/cm³), balancing weight and durability.
- Modulus of Elasticity: 97 GPa – Stiffer than aluminum (69 GPa), ensuring stability in precision parts like instrument components.
- Conductividad térmica: 121 W/(m·K) – Dissipates heat well, making it useful for electrical connectors.
- Annealing Temperature: 427–482°C (800–900°F) – Heating to this range softens the metal for easier cold working (p.ej., forming tubes).
Por ejemplo, a maker of lock bodies uses 360 brass’s high elongation to shape the metal into curved designs, then machines the keyway with precision—all while relying on its tensile strength to ensure the lock withstands daily use.
4. maquinabilidad & Fabricación: Tips for Best Results
como unfree-machining brass, 360 brass is designed for ease of fabrication. Here’s how to maximize its performance:
- Mecanizado de alta velocidad: It excels at speeds up to 3,000 surface feet per minute (SFM) on CNC turning centers—faster than 260 latón (2,500 SFM) or stainless steel 303 (1,500 SFM).
- Common Processes: Ideal para torneado CNC, perforación, tocando, y screw machine operations. Its lead content ensures clean chip breaking, so chips don’t clog machines.
- Tool Wear: Uses standard high-speed steel (HSS) or carbide tools. A study by a machining shop found that carbide tools lasted 3x longer when cutting 360 brass compared to 464 naval brass.
- Cutting Fluids: Use water-soluble coolants to reduce heat and tool wear. Avoid oil-based fluids—they can react with lead and leave residues.
- Desbarbado: Machined parts may have small burrs; use vibratory tumbling or hand deburring tools for a smooth finish (critical for plumbing fittings to prevent leaks).
Un ejemplo del mundo real: A fastener manufacturer in Texas produces 10,000 brass screws per hour using 360 brass on screw machines. By optimizing speeds (2,800 SFM) and using the right coolant, they reduced tool replacement costs by 40%.
5. Aplicaciones comunes: Where 360 Brass Shines
360 brass’s versatility makes it a staple in dozens of industries. Here are its most popular uses:
- Plumbing: Guarniciones, valvulas, y hose barbs (its machinability ensures tight, leak-proof connections).
- Hardware: sujetadores (tornillos, nueces), engranajes, pinions, y builders’ hardware (doorknobs, bisagras).
- Cabellos & Seguridad: Lock bodies and cylinders (resists tampering and corrosion in outdoor settings).
- Electrónica: Conectores electricos (excellent conductivity and heat dissipation).
- Ammunition: Casings (ductile enough to form and strong enough to withstand firing pressure).
- Decorative: Trim for furniture or lighting (polishes to a bright, gold-like finish).
One notable application: A major appliance brand uses 360 brass for dishwasher valves—its machinability allows for complex internal channels, while its corrosion resistance stands up to soapy water.
6. Formularios de productos & Estándares: What’s Available?
360 brass is sold in a wide range of forms to fit different manufacturing needs, all meeting industryestándares:
| Product Form | Common Sizes | Key Standards |
|---|---|---|
| Round Rod | 3mm–150mm diameter | ASTM B16, SAE J463 |
| Hex Bar | 6mm–50mm across flats | ASME SB-16 |
| Square Bar | 5mm–100mm sides | AMS 4610 |
| Tube/Pipe | 6mm–100mm OD (various wall thicknesses) | ASTM B16 |
| Sheet/Plate | 0.5mm–10mm thickness | SAE J463 |
Suppliers typically providemill certificates to verify chemical composition and properties. Por ejemplo, a CNC shop ordering 360 brass round rod for gears would request a mill cert to ensure the material meets the 3.1% lead content requirement for optimal machining.
7. Comparison with Other Alloys: 360 Brass vs. Competitors
How does 360 brass stack up against other popular metals? Let’s compare key factors:
| Aleación | maquinabilidad (vs. 360=100%) | Cost per Volume | Resistencia a la corrosión | Mejor para |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 360 Latón (C36000) | 100% | Moderado ($2–$3/lb) | Bien (interior; avoid saltwater) | Machined parts, plomería |
| 260 Latón (C26000) | 65% | Similar to 360 | Better than 360 | Piezas decorativas, chapa de metal |
| 353 Latón (C35300) | 90% | Higher than 360 | Bien | High-precision fittings |
| 464 Naval Brass | 40% | Higher than 360 | Excelente (saltwater) | Piezas marinas |
| Acero inoxidable 303 | 30% | 2x higher than 360 | Excelente | Food/medical equipment |
| Aluminio 6061 | 50% | Lower than 360 | Bien (with anodizing) | Lightweight parts |
Por ejemplo, if you’re making a valve for a boat, 464 naval brass is better for corrosion resistance—but if you’re making a indoor lock, 360 brass is cheaper and easier to machine.
Yigu Technology’s Perspective on 360 Latón
En Yigu Tecnología, we’ve relied on360 latón (C36000) for over a decade to produce high-precision electrical connectors and plumbing components. Es 100% machinability rating cuts our production time by 30% en comparación con 260 latón, while its balanced strength ensures our parts meet strict quality standards. For clients needing RoHS-compliant options, we recommend low-lead alternatives but always highlight 360 brass as the top choice for cost-effective, high-volume machining. We also help clients select the right product form—whether round rod for connectors or sheet for decorative trim—to optimize their manufacturing processes.
Preguntas frecuentes: Your 360 Brass Questions Answered
1. Es 360 brass suitable for outdoor applications?
360 brass has good corrosion resistance for indoor use but may tarnish or corrode in saltwater or high-humidity outdoor environments. For outdoor parts (p.ej., hardware marino), choose 464 naval brass instead.
2. Poder 360 brass be welded?
No—360 brass’s lead content makes welding difficult (lead vaporizes at high temperatures, causing weak joints). Para piezas soldadas, use lead-free brass like C37700 or stainless steel 303.
3. ¿Cuál es la diferencia entre 360 brass and C36000?
There’s no difference—360 latón is the common name, mientrasC36000 is its official UNS (Sistema de numeración unificado) designation. Both refer to the same free-cutting, leaded brass alloy.