Brass is widely used in manufacturing due to its versatility, but is it a reliable conductor? For procurement teams and engineers, this question goes beyond theory—it’s about application-fit, material trade-offs, and sourcing efficiency.
This guide from YISHANG delivers clear, procurement-driven insight into brass’s electrical and thermal performance, including where it fits best, how it compares, and how to spec it correctly for functional, compliant, and cost-efficient use.
About YISHANG
YISHANG is a China-based manufacturer with over 26 years of experience producing precision metal parts. Certified with ISO 9001 and RoHS, YISHANG supplies OEM/ODM sheet metal and CNC components globally, serving industries such as electronics, energy storage, automotive, vending, and architecture. Our annual output exceeds 100,000 custom parts, with full support for design, prototyping, plating, quality inspection, and international shipping.
Understanding Brass – Composition and Properties That Impact Procurement
What Is Brass Made Of?
Brass is an alloy of copper (55–89%) and zinc (11–45%). Grades may include small amounts of lead, tin, or manganese to improve machinability, corrosion resistance, or strength. Common industrial grades include:
- C360 – optimized for CNC machining
- C260 – higher copper content for better conductivity
- DZR Brass – formulated for water-contact applications
Each grade has a direct impact on downstream performance and certification compliance.
Why Brass Appeals to Industrial Buyers
For OEM and volume buyers, brass stands out for:
- Sufficient conductivity in low-voltage roles
- Reduced machining time and tooling wear
- Compatibility with plating and finishing
- Predictable pricing and global availability
These factors support stable, scalable production for custom parts.
Electrical Conductivity – How Brass Measures Up in Practice
What the Data Says
Brass conductivity ranges from 15–40% IACS. Compared to copper (100%) or aluminum (~61%), brass offers a middle-ground option with better durability and machinability.
| Material | % IACS Conductivity | Strengths | Trade-Offs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Copper | 100% | Best for high-load applications | Higher cost, harder to machine |
| Brass (C360) | ~28% | Good machinability, strong | Lower conductivity |
| Aluminum | ~61% | Lightweight, affordable | Weak under pressure |
| Silver | 105% | Ultra-high conductivity | Expensive, prone to tarnish |
| Stainless Steel | <10% | High strength, corrosion-proof | Not suitable for electrical use |
Key Performance Factors
- Copper Ratio: Higher copper = better conductivity
- Alloy Modifiers: Tin or lead improve strength, reduce flow
- Processing: Cold working, plating, and finishing all affect contact performance
- Surface Area & Fit: Important for terminal-style applications
For buyers, certifications like industry standards or internally validated specifications can validate expected material behavior.
Brass in Thermal Applications – When Heat Transfer Matters
It has thermal conductivity in the 100–150 W/m·K range, supporting moderate heat dissipation needs in parts like:
- Valve fittings in HVAC systems
- Battery case mounts
- Instrument enclosures with passive cooling
While not a substitute for pure copper in high-efficiency systems, brass handles thermal stress reliably in low- to mid-load situations.
Where Brass Performs Best – Aligned Use Cases for Procurement
This section summarizes industries and functions where brass’s properties align with real needs. If you’re assessing component materials for medium-volume manufacturing or cost-sensitive production, brass is often a strategic fit.
Suitable Applications
- Low-voltage connectors (battery clamps, terminals)
- Lighting components (socket frames, brackets)
- Plumbing components (fittings, flow hardware)
Why It Makes Sense in These Scenarios
- Mid-volume orders (500–50,000 units) benefit from low tooling wear
- Standard alloys like C360 are CNC-friendly and globally available
- Cost and delivery lead times are favorable compared to copper
Brass in Real-World Manufacturing: Case Application Examples
Let’s explore actual industrial cases that show how brass contributes to procurement value:
Example 1: Vending Machine Hardware Supplier (EU)
A client sourcing 20,000 units of terminal plates for indoor vending machines chose C360 brass due to its low tooling wear and sufficient current-carrying capacity for internal circuits.
The result: 13% reduction in machining cycle time, and lead time dropped by 4 working days per batch.
Example 2: Agricultural Equipment (U.S.)
For exposed grounding frames on automated irrigation systems, YISHANG delivered CNC-machined brass bars with nickel plating. Brass’s durability in wet and abrasive environments avoided the corrosion seen with untreated aluminum.
These examples demonstrate how sourcing brass helps optimize both lifespan and cost.
Brass Cost vs Performance – What Procurement Teams Should Expect
Cost Trends
Brass is typically 20–40% cheaper than copper depending on grade and market conditions. According to 2023 data, average brass alloy bar stock hovered around $4,800/ton compared to $8,300/ton for copper.
Performance Trade-offs
Buyers can expect:
- 25–30% conductivity (vs 100% in copper)
- 2–3× better machinability
- Comparable corrosion resistance with proper alloy/plating selection
Procurement Insight
- Use brass in parts with ≤10A current, or where thermal dissipation is moderate
- For terminals or housings, the combination of cost reduction + acceptable conductivity offers strong ROI
How to Evaluate Brass Suppliers for Conductivity-Sensitive Parts
Let’s explore actual industrial cases that show how brass contributes to procurement value:
Key Questions to Ask
- Can the supplier provide recent third-party conductivity test reports (IACS % values)?
- Is plating thickness uniform across batches, and is this documented?
- Does their QC process include surface resistance testing or only visual inspections?
What to Look for
- Batch-level material certifications (including RoHS/REACH/NSF)
- In-house conductivity inspection capability or access to lab testing
- Consistency in plating, especially for tin/nickel finishes used in terminals
Reliable suppliers should support not only spec sheets, but also actual testable results—especially when conductivity directly impacts part functionality.
Brass Sourcing Checklist – What Buyers Should Confirm Before PO
For B2B procurement teams, accuracy in pre-order validation prevents costly rework and delays. Before placing a brass component order, ensure the following:
- Confirm Alloy Grade: C360, C260, or DZR based on use case (e.g. electrical, plumbing, marine).
- Conductivity Specs: Required IACS % clearly marked on drawings or PO.
- Plating Needs: Tin/nickel/silver plating confirmed for terminal contacts.
- Certifications Required: RoHS, REACH, ISO 9001, or country-specific standards.
- Sampling Process: Is first article inspection (FAI) or sample approval available?
- Delivery Timeline: Can the supplier meet your target shipping window?
- Traceability: Ensure heat number and batch traceability for compliance.
YISHANG offers full documentation and technical support for each of these steps, reducing your sourcing risk.
Conclusion
Brass isn’t a high-end conductor—but it doesn’t have to be. It’s a smart, cost-effective choice for functional parts where conductivity, formability, and corrosion resistance matter equally.
For procurement leaders, choosing brass for low-voltage systems or hardware components means predictable costs, stable supply, and reduced machining complexity. When specified correctly, it’s a material that balances function with manufacturability.
Looking for a sourcing partner who understands conductivity, tolerances, and global compliance?
Connect with YISHANG for high-performance brass parts manufactured to ISO 9001 standards, with full OEM/ODM support, plating, and packaging options.
FAQ
Q1: Is brass suitable for electrical connectors?
Yes, particularly for low- to mid-voltage use where cost and corrosion resistance are key.
Q2: What brass grades offer the best conductivity?
C260 and C360 are most common; C260 has higher copper content for improved flow.
Q3: Can brass be used in water supply systems?
Yes, but use DZR it to avoid dezincification and meet safety standards.
Q4: Why do OEM buyers choose brass over copper?
Better price stability, easier machining, and good-enough conductivity for many parts.
Q5: Does YISHANG provide technical certification and compliance documentation?
Yes—RoHS, ISO 9001, and full material traceability are standard across all batches.