--- title: "Brass vs Bronze Machining Guide | Olympus Machining" description: "Brass vs bronze for CNC parts: properties, machinability, corrosion resistance, and cost guidance from a Hanover, PA precision CNC machine shop." lang: en json-ld: | [ { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Organization", "@id": "https://www.olympusmachining.com/#organization", "name": "Olympus Machining LLC", "url": "https://www.olympusmachining.com", "logo": "https://storage.googleapis.com/gpt-engineer-file-uploads/SFKHg3gA6NVscESUCStAZeugW5B3/social-images/social-1762640845290-Olympus-Machining-Gear-Logo_Logo-ONLY.png", "description": "Olympus Machining LLC is a precision CNC machining shop located in Hanover, Pennsylvania, providing CNC milling and CNC turning services for OEMs and manufacturers nationwide.", "telephone": "+17176345094", "email": "info@olympusmachining.com", "address": { "@type": "PostalAddress", "streetAddress": "639 Frederick St, Suite 1", "addressLocality": "Hanover", "addressRegion": "PA", "postalCode": "17331", "addressCountry": "US" }, "sameAs": [ "https://www.google.com/maps/place/Olympus+Machining+LLC" ], "hasCredential": [ { "@type": "EducationalOccupationalCredential", "name": "ITAR Registration — DDTC", "credentialCategory": "Government Registration", "recognizedBy": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "U.S. Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC)" } }, { "@type": "EducationalOccupationalCredential", "name": "CMMC Level 1 Compliance", "credentialCategory": "Compliance Certification" } ] }, { "@type": [ "LocalBusiness", "ManufacturingBusiness" ], "@id": "https://www.olympusmachining.com/#localbusiness", "name": "Olympus Machining LLC", "image": "https://storage.googleapis.com/gpt-engineer-file-uploads/SFKHg3gA6NVscESUCStAZeugW5B3/social-images/social-1762640845290-Olympus-Machining-Gear-Logo_Logo-ONLY.png", "description": "Olympus Machining LLC is a precision CNC machining shop located in Hanover, Pennsylvania. 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Bronze varies widely: C93200 bearing bronze is very machinable, while beryllium bronze and harder alloys require slower speeds. For high-speed production, brass is the clear default." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Which is better for corrosion resistance, brass or bronze?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Bronze is the better choice for marine and chemical environments. Its tin content forms a stable patina layer that resists saltwater and oxidation. Brass, especially with zinc content above 20%, is more susceptible to dezincification in saltwater unless inhibited grades are specified." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "When should I specify bronze over brass for a CNC part?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Specify bronze for bearings, bushings, marine hardware, valve bodies, and any application requiring high wear resistance or exposure to saltwater or chemicals. Specify brass for electrical connectors, plumbing fittings, decorative parts, and high-volume production where fast machining and low tool cost are critical." } } ] } ] } ] --- [Home](/) [CNC Milling](/cnc-milling) [CNC Turning](/cnc-turning) [Quality Assurance](/quality-assurance) [CNC Machining Capabilities](/capabilities) [CNC Machining Services](/cnc-machining) [Quality Program](/quality) [Contact Olympus Machining](/contact) [Prototype to Production](/prototype-to-production) [Industries Served](/industries-served) [Materials Machined](/materials-machined) [Robotics & Automation Machining](/robotics-automation-machining) [Precision CNC Machining](/precision-cnc-machining) [Compliance & Cybersecurity](/compliance) [Privacy Policy](/privacy-policy) [Blog](/blog) [Sitemap](/sitemap) [Pennsylvania CNC Machining](/areas-served/pennsylvania-cnc-machining) [Maryland CNC Machining](/areas-served/maryland-cnc-machining) [Virginia CNC Machining](/areas-served/virginia-cnc-machining) [Delaware CNC Machining](/areas-served/delaware-cnc-machining) [New Jersey CNC Machining](/areas-served/new-jersey-cnc-machining) [New York CNC Machining](/areas-served/new-york-cnc-machining) [Ohio CNC Machining](/areas-served/ohio-cnc-machining) [West Virginia CNC Machining](/areas-served/west-virginia-cnc-machining) [Washington DC CNC Machining](/areas-served/washington-dc-cnc-machining) [North Carolina CNC Machining](/areas-served/north-carolina-cnc-machining) [Aerospace Machining Tolerances Explained](/blog/aerospace-machining-tolerances-explained) [Titanium CNC Machining for Aerospace](/blog/titanium-cnc-machining-aerospace) [Aerospace CNC Machine Shop Near DC/MD](/blog/aerospace-cnc-machine-shop-near-washington-dc-maryland) [Cutting-Edge CNC Shop for Aerospace](/blog/cutting-edge-cnc-machine-shop-aerospace-industry) [Best CNC Machine Shop in Hanover, PA](/blog/best-cnc-machine-shop-hanover-pa) [QMS: Precision, Traceability, Process Control](/blog/quality-management-system-qms-precision-traceability-process-control) [Vet a CNC Shop in Pennsylvania](/blog/vet-cnc-machine-shop-pennsylvania-aerospace-defense-robotics) [CNC Shops in Rural America: Hanover, PA](/blog/cnc-machine-shop-rural-america-hanover-pa) [Aerospace CNC Machining in Pennsylvania](/blog/aerospace-cnc-machining-pennsylvania) [CNC Prototyping in PA](/blog/cnc-prototyping-pa) [CNC Machining in Pennsylvania](/blog/cnc-machining-pennsylvania) [Choosing CNC Machining Vendors](/blog/choosing-machining-vendors-cnc-machining-shop) [CNC Machining for Robotics — Guide](/blog/cnc-machining-for-robotics-automation-guide) [CNC Machining Parts for Robotics](/blog/cnc-machining-for-robotics-automation) [Prototype-to-Production CNC Machining](/blog/prototype-to-production-cnc-machining) [How OEMs Evaluate CNC Machine Shops](/blog/how-oems-evaluate-cnc-machine-shops) [CMM Inspection at Olympus Machining](/blog/cmm-inspection-enhances-quality-and-repeatability-at-olympus-machining) [ITAR & CMMC Level 1 in Precision CNC Machining](/blog/itar-cmmc-level-1-precision-cnc-machining) [Precision CNC Machining in Hanover, PA](/blog/precision-cnc-machining-hanover-pa) [AS9102 First Article Inspection Checklist](/blog/as9102-first-article-inspection-checklist) [AS9102 First Article Inspection](/as9102-first-article-inspection) [AS9102 FAI vs PFAI](/as9102-fai-vs-pfai) [AS9102 Balloon Drawings](/as9102-balloon-drawings) [CMM Inspection Services](/cmm-inspection-services) [Medical-Grade Alloys](/materials/medical-grade-alloys) [CMMC Level 1 Compliance](/compliance/cmmc-level-1) [Olympus vs Xometry](/comparison/olympus-vs-xometry) [Olympus vs Protolabs](/comparison/olympus-vs-protolabs) [Direct Shop vs Marketplace](/comparison/direct-shop-vs-marketplace) [Aerospace & Defense Machining](/industries/aerospace-defense) [Medical Device Machining](/industries/medical-devices) [Firearms & Suppressor Machining](/industries/firearms-suppressors) [Energy & Oil/Gas Machining](/industries/energy-oil-gas) [Philadelphia CNC Machining](/areas-served/philadelphia-cnc-machining) [Pittsburgh CNC Machining](/areas-served/pittsburgh-cnc-machining) [Baltimore CNC Machining](/areas-served/baltimore-cnc-machining) [Titanium CNC Machining](/materials/titanium-cnc-machining) [PEEK CNC Machining](/materials/peek-cnc-machining) [Inconel CNC Machining Guide](/materials/inconel-cnc-machining-guide) ![Olympus Machining LLC logo — precision CNC machining shop in Hanover, Pennsylvania](/assets/olympus-logo-DbWcTX06.webp) HomeAboutServices[Blog](/blog)Contact[Careers](/careers)[(717) 634-5094 ](tel:+17176345094)[Login](/auth)Get Quote [Back to Materials](/materials-machined) # Brass vs Bronze Machining: Properties, Machinability & Cost Brass and bronze are two of the most commonly machined copper alloys in production turning and milling. This guide compares their mechanical properties, machinability, corrosion resistance, and cost — written from the perspective of a U.S.-based, ITAR-registered CNC machining shop in Hanover, Pennsylvania. ## Quick Reference - **Brass (C36000 lead-free):** Cu-Zn alloy. ~45 ksi tensile. Best-in-class machinability, excellent for high-volume turning. CDA 360 / ASTM B16. - **Bronze (C93200 bearing):** Cu-Sn alloy. ~35 ksi tensile. Superior wear resistance and corrosion resistance, ideal for bearings and marine hardware. CDA 932 / SAE 660. ## Property Comparison Table Property Brass (C36000) Bronze (C93200) Ultimate tensile strength 45–58 ksi (310–400 MPa) 35–45 ksi (240–310 MPa) Yield strength 15–25 ksi (103–172 MPa) 18–25 ksi (124–172 MPa) Elongation at break 18–50% 15–30% Brinell hardness 55–85 HB 65–85 HB Density 8.49 g/cm³ 8.70–8.80 g/cm³ Machinability rating 100 (standard) 30–70 (alloy-dependent) Thermal conductivity 115 W/m·K 62 W/m·K Electrical conductivity 28% IACS 12–15% IACS Corrosion resistance Good (moderate in saltwater) Excellent (marine-grade) Wear resistance Moderate Excellent (self-lubricating) Relative cost (per lb) 1.0× (baseline) 1.3–2.0× Primary alloying elements Cu, Zn (Pb-free variants: Cu, Zn, Bi) Cu, Sn (Pb-free variants: Cu, Sn, Zn) Values are typical for common wrought and cast grades per ASM Copper Development Association data. Actual values vary by mill, temper, and certification. ## Machinability Notes Both brass and bronze machine cleanly, but the practical differences are significant for production planning, tooling cost, and surface finish. - **Brass (C36000):** The benchmark for free-machining metals. Short, brittle chips and low cutting forces enable very high surface speeds (800–1,500 SFM) on CNC lathes with standard carbide. Tool life is excellent; roughing and finishing are often done in the same setup. Excellent for screw-machine production and turned fittings. Lead-free variants (C36000, C34000 with bismuth) machine nearly identically and are RoHS-compliant. - **Bronze (C93200 bearing):** Softer and more abrasive than brass. Chips are gummier and tend to weld to inserts if speeds are too high. We run 200–400 SFM with positive-rake carbide and flood coolant to control heat and chip welding. The lead content in C93200 (typically 6–8%) provides natural lubricity — beneficial for bearing applications but requires coolant management for compliance. Lead-free bronze variants require sharper geometries and slightly reduced feeds. ## Design-for-Manufacturability (DFM) Guidance - **High-volume turned parts → Brass.** For fittings, connectors, and bushings produced in the thousands, brass's 100 machinability rating and low tool wear translate directly into lower cycle time and cost per part. - **Marine and saltwater exposure → Bronze.** Bronze's tin content resists dezincification and forms a protective patina. Specifying C93200 or C95800 (aluminum bronze) for valve bodies, propeller hardware, and pump components eliminates the risk of brass failure in chloride environments. - **Bearings and wear surfaces → Bronze.** C93200 bearing bronze is self-lubricating under load and exhibits excellent galling resistance. It is the standard material for bushings, thrust washers, and wear plates in industrial and defense equipment. - **Electrical connectors and bus bars → Brass.** Brass's higher electrical conductivity and solderability make it the default for electrical terminals, RF connectors, and grounding hardware. Bronze is rarely specified for electrical applications. - **Decorative and cosmetic parts → Brass.** Brass takes a bright polish and gold-like appearance without plating. It is the standard for architectural hardware, instrument bezels, and decorative fittings. Bronze's reddish-brown patina is valued for marine and antique aesthetics but is not interchangeable with brass for bright finishes. - **Tight-tolerance bores and threads → Either, with different strategies.** Brass's free-machining nature produces clean threads with standard taps. Bronze requires slower tapping speeds, bottoming taps for through holes, and attention to galling — especially on fine threads. ## Common Applications We Machine Brass (C36000 / C34000) - • Plumbing fittings and valve stems - • Electrical connectors and terminals - • Instrument bezels and knobs - • RF connector bodies - • Threaded inserts and standoffs - • Decorative architectural hardware Bronze (C93200 / C95800) - • Bearing bushings and thrust washers - • Marine valve bodies and flanges - • Pump impellers and wear rings - • Defense gunmetal components - • Gear blanks and worm wheels - • Industrial slide and guide components ## How Olympus Machines Brass and Bronze Brass and bronze are routine production materials at our Hanover, PA shop. We machine them on live-tool CNC lathes and 3-axis milling centers with copper-specific tooling geometries and flood coolant. For brass, we leverage high-speed turning with minimal tool changes to maximize throughput. For bronze, we control chip formation and heat with conservative speeds and positive-rake carbide inserts. Material certifications are retained for every lot, and Certificates of Conformance include alloy verification for defense and marine customers. CMM inspection on our Haas HMM 430 supports tight-tolerance bearing bores, thread pitches, and surface finish requirements. For bearing-grade bronze parts, we can specify and verify oil-impregnated sintered bronze where porosity is critical. ## Frequently Asked Questions Can I plate brass or bronze after machining? Yes. Brass accepts nickel, chrome, tin, and gold plating readily — common for electrical and decorative parts. Bronze is often left as-machined or lacquered for marine hardware. Both can be chemically passivated for improved corrosion resistance. Is lead-free brass as machinable as leaded brass? Lead-free brass (C36000, C34000 with bismuth) machines at 95–100% of leaded C36000 performance. The primary difference is slightly longer chips; modern carbide geometries and coolant systems offset this. We default to lead-free brass for RoHS-compliant and drinking-water applications. What about aluminum bronze (C95400 / C95800)? Aluminum bronze is significantly harder and stronger than tin bronze (C93200) — tensile strength up to 85 ksi and hardness to 170 HB. It machines more like steel and is the standard for heavy-duty marine propellers, valve seats, and structural bearings where C93200 is insufficient. It costs more and requires slower machining, but it outperforms in high-load and cavitation environments. ## Need a Quote on Brass or Bronze Parts? Send drawings and we'll return a quote with alloy recommendation, lead time, and tolerance review. [Start a Quote](/#submission) ## Related - • [All Materials Machined](/materials-machined) - • [Titanium CNC Machining](/materials/titanium-cnc-machining) - • [PEEK CNC Machining](/materials/peek-cnc-machining) - • [Aluminum 6061 vs 7075](/materials/6061-vs-7075-aluminum) - • [Delrin (Acetal) Machining Guide](/materials/delrin-machining-guide) - • [CNC Turning Services](/cnc-turning) - • [CNC Milling Services](/cnc-milling) - • [Precision CNC Machining](/precision-cnc-machining) Last reviewed: June 8, 2026 [CNC Milling](/cnc-milling) [CNC Turning](/cnc-turning) [Quality Assurance](/quality-assurance) [Prototype to Production](/prototype-to-production) [Industries Served](/industries-served) [Materials Machined](/materials-machined) [Robotics & Automation Machining](/robotics-automation-machining) [Precision CNC Machining](/precision-cnc-machining) [Careers](/careers) [ITAR CNC Machining for Mid-Atlantic Aerospace OEMs](/itar-cnc-machining-mid-atlantic-aerospace) [CNC Tolerances & GD&T Guide](/resources/cnc-machining-tolerances-gdt-guide) [Reducing CNC Machining Costs](/resources/reducing-cnc-machining-costs) [6061 vs 7075 Aluminum](/materials/6061-vs-7075-aluminum) [Brass vs Bronze Machining](/materials/brass-vs-bronze-machining) [![Olympus Machining LLC logo — CNC machining shop Hanover, PA](/assets/olympus-logo-DbWcTX06.webp)](/) Olympus Machining LLC is a precision CNC machining shop in Hanover, Pennsylvania, providing CNC milling and turning services for OEMs and manufacturers nationwide. Olympus Machining LLC · 639 Frederick St, Suite 1 · Hanover, PA 17331 · [(717) 634-5094](tel:+17176345094) Explore all [areas served, industries, and capabilities →](/sitemap) © 2026 All rights reserved.[Admin](/auth) [Compliance & Cybersecurity](/compliance)[Privacy Policy](/privacy-policy)[Sitemap](/sitemap) ITAR-aligned internal controls. Cybersecurity practices aligned with CMMC Level 1 (FAR 52.204-21). [Call (717) 634-5094 ](tel:+17176345094)