Brass vs Bronze Machining: Properties, Machinability & Cost

Engineering comparison of brass (Cu-Zn alloys including C360 free-machining brass and C260 cartridge brass) and bronze (Cu-Sn and aluminum-bronze alloys including C932 bearing bronze and C954 aluminum bronze) for CNC machined parts from Olympus Machining LLC, an ITAR-registered precision CNC machine shop in Hanover, Pennsylvania. Brass C360 carries the industry-standard 100% machinability rating, is the default for fittings, valve bodies, and electrical connectors, and costs less than bronze. Bronze grades trade machinability for higher load capacity, low-friction bearing performance, and saltwater corrosion resistance for bushings, marine hardware, and high-load thrust washers. Includes property comparison table, machinability practice (700–1,000 SFM for C360, 250–400 SFM for bronze bearings), and DFM guidance. CAGE 9V9P0, CMMC Level 1.