Material · Copper Alloys
Brass C260 (Cartridge Brass)
The forming brass: stronger and lower-lead than C360, with the classic warm brass look.
Price index: $$$
Material properties
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Tensile strength | ~370 MPa |
| Yield strength | ~250 MPa (temper dependent) |
| Hardness | ~55 HRB |
| Density | 8.53 g/cm³ |
Choose it when
Pick C260 over C360 when the part is formed as well as machined, when lead content is a concern, or when ductility and a flawless polished finish matter more than cycle time.
Look elsewhere when
For high-volume turned parts C360 machines meaningfully faster and cheaper. Avoid ammonia environments — like all 70/30 brass, C260 is susceptible to stress-corrosion cracking there.
Compatible finishes
As-Machined
The baseline finish: straight off the machine, fastest and cheapest.
Nickel Plating (Electrolytic)
Bright, polishable nickel for decorative protection and contact underlayers.
Tin Plating
The solder-friendly finish: tin for bus bars, terminals and food-contact hardware.
Hard Chrome Plating
The hardest plated surface in the shop: ~65 HRC chrome for sliding and abrasive service.
Polishing
Progressive abrasives down to mirror: the finish for optics, molds and show surfaces.
Vibratory Tumbling
Batch deburring by the bowl-full: every edge broken, every burr gone, at volume prices.
Laser Marking
Permanent identification with zero dimensional change: serials, logos and codes burned in, not stuck on.
Typical applications
- Electrical terminals and connector bodies
- Decorative hardware and trim
- Deep-drawn and formed components
Compared with similar grades
| Property | Brass C260 (Cartridge Brass) | Copper C110 | Brass C360 (Free-Machining) | Phosphor Bronze C510 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tensile strength | ~370 MPa | 220–345 MPa (temper) | 385 MPa | ~470 MPa (H02) |
| Yield strength | ~250 MPa (temper dependent) | 70–320 MPa (temper) | 310 MPa | ~345 MPa (temper dependent) |
| Hardness | ~55 HRB | 40–95 HRF | 78 HRB | ~80 HRB |
| Density | 8.53 g/cm³ | 8.94 g/cm³ | 8.50 g/cm³ | 8.86 g/cm³ |
| Price index | $$$ | $$$ | $$ | $$$ |
| Machinability | 4/5 | 2/5 | 5/5 | 3/5 |
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