Brass alloy C353, also known as Engraver's Brass, is a leaded brass with a composition of approximately 62% copper, 36% zinc, and 2% lead, along with small amounts of other elements. This specific formulation gives C353 enhanced machinability, making it well-suited for engraving, stamping, and intricate machining operations. The addition of lead also imparts a smooth, bright finish, making it an excellent choice for decorative applications like jewelry and ornamental items. Brass C353 exhibits good corrosion resistance in mildly corrosive environments, contributing to its use in architectural accents and marine hardware. Its combination of machinability, corrosion resistance, and aesthetic appeal makes it a versatile material, widely used in industries seeking functional and visually appealing solutions for various components and artistic works.

Characteristics

Hot Working

C35300 has poor hot workability due to its lead content.

Cold Working

C35300 has fair cold workability. Although its formability is limited, it can be finished in the annealed state, which gives a moderate amount of formability combined with excellent machinability when so desired; however, C35300 is usually furnished in harder tempers for purposes that do not require much forming and where machinability is important. Common fabrication processes include bending, flaring, roll threading and heading.

Joining

Joining by soldering is excellent and brazing is good. The lead content prevents successful welding.

Typical Uses

Applications of C35300 include clock and watch parts, and hardware such as gears, nuts, rivets and screws. Other applications include drawer handles, drawer pulls, faucet seats and stems.