Brass Sheet Metal Fabrication: Decorative, Conductive, and Antimicrobial
Brass sheet metal fabrication: C26000 cartridge brass, C36000 free-cutting brass, and C28000 Muntz metal. Golden appearance, excellent formability, EPA-registered antimicrobial properties. Laser cutting, CNC bending, stamping, and brazing.
Brass Sheet Metal Fabrication: Decorative, Conductive, and Antimicrobial
Brass sheet metal combines a distinctive golden appearance with excellent formability, moderate electrical conductivity (28% IACS), and EPA-registered antimicrobial properties. As a copper-zinc alloy, brass is harder and stronger than pure copper while remaining easy to fabricate. Its natural corrosion resistance and attractive color make it the preferred material for decorative hardware, plumbing fixtures, and electrical terminals.
At FIRMFG, we fabricate brass sheets from 0.3mm to 3mm thick across three grades: C26000 cartridge brass (best for forming and decorative applications), C36000 free-cutting brass (best for machining and stamping), and C28000 Muntz metal (best for strength and corrosion resistance). Our capabilities include fiber laser cutting, CNC bending, progressive die stamping, and silver brazing.
This guide covers brass grade selection, material properties, fabrication processes, design guidelines, surface finishing, and cost factors. Or, skip ahead and request a quote for an immediate price and lead time.
Brass Quick Specifications
Key specifications for brass sheet metal fabrication across all three grades.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Material Thickness | 0.3 – 3 mm |
| Dimensional Tolerance | ±0.1 mm |
| Electrical Conductivity | 28% IACS (C26000) |
| Thermal Conductivity | 121 W/m·K (C26000) |
| Density | 8.53 g/cm³ (C26000) |
| Max Sheet Size | 1000 × 2000 mm |
Brass Grades for Sheet Metal
Three grades cover virtually all brass sheet metal applications. Grade selection depends on the required formability, machinability, and strength.
C26000 (Cartridge Brass)
Best for Forming & Decorative
70/30 copper-zinc alloy with golden appearance, excellent formability, and deep drawing capability. Known as "cartridge brass" for its ability to be drawn into deep shapes without cracking. Antimicrobial and corrosion resistant.
Properties: Conductivity: 28% IACS | Tensile: 380 MPa | Density: 8.53 g/cm³
Best for: Decorative parts, deep-drawn shapes, electrical terminals, musical instruments
C36000 (Free-Cutting Brass)
Best for Machining
61.5% copper, 35.5% zinc, 3% lead alloy engineered for maximum machinability (100% machinability rating). Excellent chip breaking, superior surface finish, and high production rates. Ideal for stamped and machined components.
Properties: Conductivity: 26% IACS | Tensile: 400 MPa | Density: 8.50 g/cm³
Best for: Stamped terminals, machined fittings, connectors, precision hardware
C28000 (Muntz Metal)
Best for Strength & Corrosion
60/40 copper-zinc alloy with higher strength and excellent corrosion resistance. Named after George Muntz. Stronger than C26000 with good hot-working properties. Used for structural and marine applications.
Properties: Conductivity: 28% IACS | Tensile: 470 MPa | Density: 8.39 g/cm³
Best for: Structural brackets, marine hardware, valve bodies, heat exchanger tubes
Material Properties Comparison
Side-by-side comparison of C26000, C36000, and C28000 properties for material selection.
| Property | C26000 | C36000 | C28000 | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Density | 8.53 g/cm³ | 8.50 g/cm³ | 8.39 g/cm³ | Lighter than pure copper (8.96) |
| Electrical Conductivity | 28% IACS | 26% IACS | 28% IACS | Lower than copper, higher than steel |
| Thermal Conductivity | 121 W/m·K | 115 W/m·K | 126 W/m·K | 3× of steel (50 W/m·K) |
| Tensile Strength | 380 MPa | 400 MPa | 470 MPa | C28000 is the strongest |
| Yield Strength | 270 MPa | 310 MPa | 350 MPa | Higher than pure copper (69 MPa) |
| Elongation | 55% | 25% | 35% | C26000 is the most formable |
| Corrosion Resistance | Very Good | Good | Excellent | Natural patina protects surface |
| Machinability | 30% | 100% | 40% | C36000 is the benchmark (100%) |
| Antimicrobial | Yes (strong) | Yes | Yes | EPA-registered antimicrobial alloy |
C26000 offers the best formability. C36000 is the machinability benchmark (100%). C28000 provides the highest strength and corrosion resistance.
Fabrication Processes for Brass
Brass is easy to fabricate due to its excellent formability and lower reflectivity than pure copper. All standard sheet metal processes are applicable.
Laser Cutting
Fiber laser cutting with nitrogen assist. Brass cuts cleaner than pure copper due to lower reflectivity. Minimal burr, excellent edge quality.
CNC Bending
Press brake bending with excellent formability. C26000 has 55% elongation — the most formable brass grade. Minimal springback (0.5–1°).
Stamping
Progressive die stamping for high-volume brass terminals, contacts, and decorative hardware. C26000 deep-draws without cracking.
Brazing & Soldering
Silver brazing and soldering for strong, conductive joints. Brass brazes easily with silver-based fillers at 600–800°C.
Design Guidelines for Brass
Brass is highly formable — C26000 is one of the most formable sheet metals available. Follow these DFM rules to optimize parts for appearance, strength, and cost.
| Feature | Recommended | Minimum |
|---|---|---|
| Min Bend Radius | 0.5× thickness | 0.3× thickness (C26000 only, excellent formability) |
| Hole-to-Bend Distance | 2× thickness + bend radius | 1.5× thickness + bend radius |
| Min Flange Width | 3× thickness + bend radius | 2× thickness + bend radius |
| Avoid Stress Corrosion | Avoid ammonia environments for all brass grades | Apply protective coating if ammonia exposure is unavoidable |
| Dezincification | Use C26000 or C28000 for water contact | Avoid C36000 (lead content) in potable water |
| Springback Compensation | Overbend by 0.5–1° for C26000 | Overbend by 1–2° for C28000 (higher yield strength) |
| Machining Allowance | 0.2mm stock for C36000 post-stamp machining | 0.1mm stock for precision features |
| Max Part Dimensions | 1000 × 2000 mm | 1200 × 2500 mm (extended bed) |
DFM Tips for Brass
- C26000 bends easily — use 0.5× thickness bend radius for deep draws and complex shapes.
- Apply clear lacquer to preserve golden color on decorative parts — prevents patina formation.
- Avoid ammonia environments — all brass grades are susceptible to stress corrosion cracking.
- Use C36000 for parts requiring post-stamp machining — 100% machinability rating saves time.
- Compensate for springback — overbend C28000 by 1–2° due to its higher yield strength.
- Recover brass scrap — it has excellent recyclable value (60–80% of material cost recoverable).
Surface Finishing for Brass
Brass develops a natural patina that many find attractive. Surface treatments can preserve the original golden color or create decorative finishes.
| Finishing | Suitable Grades | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Polishing | All brass grades | Mirror finish for decorative applications; enhances golden appearance |
| Passivation | C26000, C28000 | Removes surface contaminants; stabilizes natural patina formation |
| Clear Coat (Lacquer) | All brass grades | Prevents tarnish and oxidation; preserves original golden color indefinitely |
| Nickel Plating | All brass grades | Silver appearance with enhanced wear and corrosion resistance |
| Chrome Plating | C26000, C28000 | Mirror-finish hard surface for plumbing fixtures and decorative hardware |
| Antique Finish | C26000 | Chemical patina for vintage/antique decorative appearance |
| Tin Plating | All brass grades | Solderable surface for electrical contacts; prevents oxidation |
What Drives Brass Cost?
Brass is moderately priced — more expensive than steel and aluminum but 20–30% cheaper than pure copper. Easy processing and high scrap value help offset material cost.
Moderate Material Cost
Brass costs 20–30% less than pure copper but 3–4× more than steel. Price tracks LME copper futures with zinc premium. Quotes are valid for 7 days.
Easy Processing
Brass is softer than steel and easier to cut, bend, and stamp. C36000 has 100% machinability rating — the industry benchmark for all metals.
High Scrap Value
Brass scrap has excellent recyclable value (60–80% of material cost recoverable). Yellow brass scrap is widely traded and easily recycled.
Grade Price Tiers
C26000 is the standard grade. C36000 costs 10–15% more due to lead content. C28000 Muntz metal costs 15–20% more due to higher zinc ratio.
Cost by Grade and Thickness
| Grade | Thickness | Sheet Price | Fabrication | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| C26000 (Cartridge Brass) | 0.5mm | $28 – $38 /m² | $6 – $12 /part | Decorative + forming |
| C26000 (Cartridge Brass) | 2.0mm | $65 – $85 /m² | $10 – $22 /part | Deep-drawn parts |
| C36000 (Free-Cutting) | 1.0mm | $35 – $48 /m² | $8 – $15 /part | Stamped terminals |
| C36000 (Free-Cutting) | 2.0mm | $75 – $100 /m² | $12 – $25 /part | Machined fittings |
| C28000 (Muntz Metal) | 1.5mm | $40 – $55 /m² | $8 – $18 /part | Structural brackets |
| C28000 (Muntz Metal) | 3.0mm | $85 – $110 /m² | $15 – $30 /part | Marine hardware |
Brass prices track LME copper and zinc futures. Quotes are valid for 7 days. Scrap credit can offset 60–80% of material cost for high-scrap parts.
Brass Sheet Metal FAQ
Answers to the most common questions about brass sheet metal fabrication at FIRMFG.
QIs brass antimicrobial?
Yes. Brass is an EPA-registered antimicrobial alloy. Copper-containing alloys (including brass) rapidly kill 99.9% of bacteria, viruses, and fungi on contact within 2 hours. The copper ions in brass disrupt microbial cell membranes and destroy DNA. This property is intrinsic to the metal — it does not wear off or require maintenance. C26000 cartridge brass and C28000 Muntz metal have the strongest antimicrobial effect due to higher copper content. This makes brass ideal for high-touch surfaces in healthcare, food service, and public facilities. However, antimicrobial brass surfaces complement (not replace) standard cleaning protocols.
QWhat color is brass sheet metal?
Brass has a characteristic golden-yellow color that ranges from pale gold (high zinc, ~40% Zn like C28000) to rich gold (lower zinc, ~30% Zn like C26000). The color is naturally attractive and does not require plating for decorative applications. Over time, unlacquered brass develops a warm patina — a darker, richer tone caused by surface oxidation. This patina is often desired for antique or vintage aesthetics. To preserve the original golden color, apply a clear lacquer coat or polish regularly. For a silver appearance, nickel or chrome plating can be applied over brass.
QHow conductive is brass compared to copper?
Brass has 26–28% IACS electrical conductivity — about one-quarter of pure copper (100% IACS) but still 4× higher than steel (7% IACS). Thermal conductivity ranges from 115–126 W/m·K, which is 2.5× better than steel (50 W/m·K) but one-third of copper (391 W/m·K). For electrical applications where copper is too expensive or where mechanical strength is also needed, brass is an excellent compromise. Common brass electrical applications include terminals, connectors, switch components, and grounding hardware. For maximum conductivity (bus bars, heat sinks), use C11000 pure copper instead.
QCan brass be brazed or soldered?
Yes, brass is easy to braze and solder. Silver brazing (BAg filler at 600–800°C) produces strong, leak-tight joints for plumbing and structural assemblies. Soldering (tin-based filler at 180–250°C) is used for electrical connections and decorative joints. Best practices: (1) Clean thoroughly — zinc oxide must be removed with flux. (2) Use lap joints with 0.05–0.15mm clearance for capillary flow. (3) Avoid overheating C26000 — prolonged high temperature causes dezincification (zinc leaches out, weakening the alloy). (4) C36000 brazes well but lead content can cause porosity in weld zones. For brazed assemblies, C26000 and C28000 are preferred.
QWhat is the minimum thickness for brass sheet metal?
We fabricate brass sheets as thin as 0.3mm. C26000 cartridge brass has 55% elongation — the highest of all brass grades — making it excellent for thin-gauge forming and deep drawing. Common thicknesses in stock: 0.3, 0.5, 0.8, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0mm. Maximum thickness for laser cutting is 3mm; for bending, 3mm; for stamping, 2.5mm. For decorative foil applications thinner than 0.3mm, brass foil (0.05–0.3mm) is available with adhesive backing for architectural trim and labels.
QHow much does brass sheet metal fabrication cost?
Brass fabrication costs 3–4× more than equivalent steel parts but 20–30% less than pure copper. C26000 is the standard grade at $28–$85/m² depending on thickness. C36000 free-cutting brass costs 10–15% more but saves machining time. C28000 Muntz metal costs 15–20% more for higher strength applications. Processing costs are moderate — brass is easy to cut, bend, and stamp. Scrap value is excellent (60–80% material cost recoverable). Surface finishing adds cost: polishing $2–$5/part, clear coat $1–$3/part, nickel plating $3–$8/part. Standard lead time is 3–5 business days.
Applications of Brass Sheet Metal
Brass is used wherever a combination of appearance, conductivity, corrosion resistance, or antimicrobial properties is required.
Decorative Hardware
Architectural trim, signage, nameplates, artistic elements
Electrical Contacts
Terminals, connectors, switch parts, grounding hardware
Plumbing Fixtures
Valves, fittings, faucet components, coupling nuts
Musical Instruments
Brass instrument components, guitar hardware, tuning keys
Marine Hardware
Corrosion-resistant fittings, fasteners, pump components
Antimicrobial Surfaces
Medical hardware, door handles, touch surfaces, food equipment
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Learn MoreStart Your Brass Project
Upload your CAD files and get a free brass fabrication quote within 24 hours. Our engineers provide grade selection advice (C26000/C36000/C28000), decorative finishing options, and antimicrobial surface guidance at no cost. 3-day turnaround.