When discussing brass CNC machining, one must realize that not all brass is equal. Out of the various grades of brass, H59 and H62 are likely the two most prevalent brass alloys utilized in the industry for precision manufacturing.
Although they may seem similar to each other, choosing between H59 vs H62 can have a large effect on the performance of your part, your machining processes, and the affordability of the part.
What Are H59 and H62 Brass?
|
Grade |
Composition |
Features |
|
H59 |
~59% Copper, 40% Zinc |
Good strength, excellent machinability, low cost |
|
H62 |
~62% Copper, 38% Zinc |
Higher corrosion resistance, better ductility, better for bending |
Both are free-cutting brass and both belong to the CuZn series of brass alloys, and both are readily available as rounds, plates, and bars for CNC turning and CNC milling.
Machinability Comparison
H59 Brass Machining
✔ Very good machinability
✔ Can be used for higher-speed turning and milling
✔ Chips run short and clean
✔ Is often selected for automatic lathe (Swiss type) production
H62 Brass Machining
✔ Harder than H59 to machine
✔ Will require sharper tools, may have more chip buildup
✔ Will have a better finish assuming the right tooling and lubrication are utilized
For ease of use and on higher-speed mass production, select H59 Brass Machining. For parts that will consist of complex surfaces, or that it will be post-formed, select H62 Brass Machining.
Mechanical Properties
|
Property |
H59 |
H62 |
|
Tensile Strength |
~370 MPa |
~360 MPa |
|
Yield Strength |
~100 MPa |
~110 MPa |
|
Elongation |
~25% |
~30% |
|
Hardness (HB) |
~80 |
~70–80 |
H59: Stronger but less ductile
H62: Softer, better suited for bending, deep drawing
Applications of H59 and H62 CNC Parts
H59 Brass Parts
H59 Brass is preferred based on its lower cost and excellent Machinability. Examples of H59 and applications of H59 include:
Valve bodies
Connectors & fittings
Decorative hardware
Threaded components
Watch or small mechanical components
H62 Brass Parts
H62 Brass has a higher Copper content than H59. Examples of H62 applications include:
Plumbing parts
Marine equipment
Electrical terminals
Components that will be formed, bent, or reshaped.
Surface Finish & Corrosion Resistance
|
Aspect |
H59 |
H62 |
|
Surface Finish |
Good |
Better polish capability |
|
Corrosion Resistance |
Moderate |
Higher |
|
Oxidation Resistance |
Lower |
Higher |
H62 has better long-term oxidation and corrosion resistance due to higher copper content, making it more suitable for outdoor or fluid-exposed environments.
How to Choose the Right Brass for Your CNC Part
|
If Your Project Requires… |
Choose |
|
High machining speed & low cost |
H59 |
|
Better bendability or forming |
H62 |
|
Strong corrosion resistance |
H62 |
|
Tight threads or high-volume turned parts |
H59 |
|
Decorative appearance with polish |
H62 |
Our product range
| Category | Product Name | Standard Specifications | Typical Forms | Common Applications |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Copper Tubes | Copper & Copper Alloy Tubes | ASTM B68, B75, B88, B280, B306, EN 12449, 12451, JIS H3300 | Straight lengths, coils, U-bends | HVACR, plumbing, heat exchangers, refrigeration, industrial pipelines |
| Copper Rods | Copper & Copper Alloy Rods | ASTM B187, B301, B441, EN 12163, 12164, JIS H3250 | Round, hexagonal, square, rectangular | Electrical components, fasteners, machined parts, connectors |
| Copper Plates/Sheets | Copper & Copper Alloy Plates/Sheets | ASTM B152, B248M, EN 1652, JIS H3100, H3110 | Plates, sheets, coils | Architectural cladding, roofing, chemical tanks, electrical shielding, fabrication |
| Copper Wires | Copper & Copper Alloy Wires | ASTM B1, B3, B258, EN 13601, 13602, IEC 60228 | Bare, tinned, stranded, single-end | Electrical wiring, cables, windings, conductors, wire mesh |
| Copper Strips/Bands | Copper & Copper Alloy Strips | ASTM B103, B122, B534, EN 1654, JIS H3110, H3260 | Coils, slit strips, narrow width | Busbars, connectors, terminals, transformers, electronic components |
| Other Copper Products | Custom Profiles & Special Shapes | Custom specifications, drawings accepted | Extruded, drawn, rolled | Custom engineering, automotive, aerospace, specialty industrial uses |
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Copper Packaging
Our copper products all employ professional graded packaging to ensure transportation safety and product integrity: Copper tubes and rods are tightly wrapped with moisture-proof stretch film and secured on reinforced wooden pallets, with extra corner protectors for extra-long tubes; Copper plates, strips, and wire coils are lined with waterproof paper or plastic film, fixed externally with sturdy wooden crates or steel-strapped solid wooden pallets, and include VCI (Volatile Corrosion Inhibitor) paper inside to prevent corrosion. All packages are clearly marked with product information, lifting symbols, and moisture/impact warnings, and can be customized according to client requirements to ensure safe delivery to destinations worldwide.
