Composition
The primary difference between H62 brass and 360 brass lies in their chemical makeup:
H62 Brass:
Copper (Cu): 60–63%
Zinc (Zn): 37–40%
Other elements (e.g., lead, iron): Minimal or trace amounts
H62 is classified as a type of alpha-beta brass, meaning it has both alpha and beta phases, which gives it a balance of strength and ductility.
360 Brass (Free-Cutting Brass):
Copper (Cu): 60–63%
Zinc (Zn): ~35.5%
Lead (Pb): ~2.5–3%
Other elements: Trace amounts
360 brass is specifically a free-machining brass, designed for high machinability due to its lead content.
Mechanical Properties
| Property | H62 Brass | 360 Brass |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | 372–540 MPa | 380–620 MPa |
| Hardness (Brinell) | ~90–120 | ~100–150 |
| Elongation (%) | ~20–45 (depending on temp) | ~10–30 (lower ductility) |
| Machinability | Moderate | Excellent (100% rated) |
H62 Brass: Offers good strength, ductility, and corrosion resistance, making it suitable for forming and bending operations.
360 Brass: Known for its exceptional machinability due to the added lead, but it is slightly less ductile compared to H62.
Applications
H62 Brass: Ideal for applications requiring forming, bending, or drawing. Common uses: Radiator fins, heat exchangers, pipes, and decorative objects due to its good corrosion resistance and workability. Less suited for machining compared to 360 brass.
360 Brass: Perfect for high-precision machining and complex geometries. Common uses: Screws, nuts, gears, valve stems, and fittings. Its lead content makes it unsuitable for potable water or food-related applications in some regions due to environmental and safety regulations.
Corrosion Resistance
H62 Brass: Good corrosion resistance in neutral or mildly corrosive environments. More resistant to dezincification compared to 360 brass (due to lower lead content).
360 Brass: Decent corrosion resistance but more prone to dezincification (selective leaching of zinc in corrosive environments). Not ideal for applications exposed to water or high humidity for extended periods.
Workability
H62 Brass: Excellent for cold working processes like bending, rolling, or deep drawing. Can also be hot worked, but its machinability is moderate.
360 Brass: Best suited for machining operations (turning, milling, drilling, etc.). Poorer formability compared to H62 brass due to its lead content and lower ductility.
Cost
H62 Brass: Slightly cheaper than 360 brass because it lacks lead and is less specialized.
360 Brass: Slightly more expensive due to the added lead and its optimized machinability properties.
Environmental Impact
H62 Brass: Contains minimal lead, making it safer and more environmentally friendly. Often used in applications where lead-free materials are required.
360 Brass: Contains lead (~2.5–3%), which can pose environmental and health concerns. Many regions restrict its use in potable water systems or food-related industries.
H62 Brass vs 360 Brass, Which Should You Choose?
Choose H62 Brass if: You need a material for forming, bending, or drawing. Corrosion resistance and environmental safety are priorities. Cost is a concern.
Choose 360 Brass if: Machinability is the primary requirement. You are producing precision components like screws or fittings. Dezincification is not a concern in your application.
H62 brass is a highly versatile alloy with a wide range of applications, from automotive components to decorative hardware. Its balanced composition, excellent mechanical properties, and corrosion resistance make it an indispensable material in industries worldwide. While 360 brass excels in machinability, H62 brass offers greater versatility and environmental benefits, making it a better choice for many applications.
Our factory
We specialize in providing a comprehensive range of materials, including pure copper (C11000), brass (C26000, C28000), and phosphor bronze, available in various forms such as strips, sheets, tubes, and coils. Equipped with advanced rolling mills, continuous casting lines, and precision slitting equipment, we offer fully customizable dimensions, tempers (from soft annealed to full hard), and surface finishes (mill, bright, brushed) to meet specific customer requirements. Our integrated operation-from smelting and alloying to final inspection-ensures complete traceability and consistency. Certified to international standards such as ISO 9001, we implement rigorous SPC quality control at every stage.
Product Packaging
Our export packaging system is specifically designed for high-value copper products, utilizing multi-layered industrial-grade protection. The standard process involves: wrapping the product with VCI (Vapor Corrosion Inhibitor) paper to effectively prevent salt spray corrosion during sea transportation; inserting reinforced wooden shafts into coil inner diameters and attaching high-strength plastic edge protectors to prevent edge damage; securely fastening the entire package to IPPC-marked fumigated wooden pallets with cross steel strapping for structural integrity; and finally, sealing the package entirely with waterproof stretch film to ensure moisture and dust resistance. All packaging is clearly marked with shipping labels and safety warnings, and combined with customized loading plans, maximizes container space utilization.
