Brass and copper are excellent machining materials but require specific geometries to avoid burrs, smearing, and chip welding.
Material Differences
- Free-machining brass (C36000) — 100% machinability rating
- Naval brass (C46400) — Tougher, burr-prone
- Pure copper (C11000) — Very ductile, gummy chips, work-hardens
- Beryllium copper (C17200) — Hard but toxic dust hazard
End Mill Selection
For brass: 2-flute or 3-flute polished carbide with sharp positive geometry. For copper: 2-flute high helix (45°) uncoated bright. Avoid TiN — copper sticks to it.
Insert Selection
Use ISO N-grade inserts (green code):
- Brass: Sandvik H10F or Iscar IC20
- Copper: Polished uncoated, sharp positive rake
- Beryllium copper: Carbide; PCD for finishing
Cutting Parameters
| Material | Vc (m/min) | Feed (mm/rev) |
|---|---|---|
| Brass C36000 | 200-400 | 0.15-0.30 |
| Copper C11000 | 150-300 | 0.10-0.25 |
| Beryllium copper | 80-150 | 0.10-0.15 |
Avoiding Burrs
Burrs come from dull edges or wrong feed. Always use sharp positive-rake inserts and maintain feed above 0.10 mm/rev (below this, the tool rubs).
Browse our insert catalog for non-ferrous applications.
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