Leaded Brass

Leaded Brass: Precision, Strength, and Machinability

Leaded brass is critical for manufacturers that require high-performance alloys with superior machinability and durability. By incorporating lead into the brass composition, this alloy achieves excellent chip-breaking characteristics, reduced tool wear, and a smoother finish in machined components. Aviva Metals supplies premium leaded brass for industries where precision and reliability are paramount, including aerospace, automotive, marine, and power distribution. Whether for intricate fittings, fasteners, or high-strength valves, leaded brass provides the ideal balance of strength, workability, and corrosion resistance.

What Is Leaded Brass?

Leaded brass is a copper-based alloy that contains a percentage of lead, to enhance machinability and performance. The addition of lead allows the material to be cut, drilled, and shaped with greater precision, reducing tool wear and improving production efficiency. This makes leaded brass a preferred choice for manufacturers producing components that require tight tolerances and fine detail.

Beyond machinability, leaded brass retains the traditional advantages of brass, including excellent corrosion resistance, good electrical conductivity, and a visually appealing finish. It is commonly used in applications where strength, workability, and durability are required, such as valve components, specialty fasteners, and architectural hardware.

Leaded Brass Composition and Properties

Leaded brass alloys are specifically engineered to improve machining efficiency while maintaining the essential properties of traditional brass. The brass lead content varies depending on the alloy with the remaining composition primarily consisting of copper and zinc. This controlled lead addition enhances chip formation during machining, allowing for faster production speeds and improved surface finishes.

In addition to machinability, leaded brass offers excellent corrosion resistance, particularly in environments exposed to moisture, oils, and mild chemicals. This makes it well-suited for applications in marine, automotive, and power distribution industries, where both strength and longevity are required. The alloy's thermal and electrical conductivity further expands its usefulness in electrical components and heat exchangers.

While leaded brass provides critical advantages in manufacturing, regulatory guidelines regarding lead content vary by industry and location. Aviva Metals supplies leaded brass alloys that comply with industry standards, ensuring manufacturers have access to high-quality, precision-engineered materials that meet performance and compliance requirements.

Machinability and Manufacturing Advantages

Leaded brass is widely recognized for its exceptional machinability, making it an ideal choice for high-speed production. The presence of lead creates small, well-formed chips during cutting, reducing clogging and tool wear. This results in faster cycle times and lower manufacturing costs, particularly in automated machining processes.

Corrosion Resistance and Durability

Leaded brass exhibits strong resistance to corrosion, especially in applications exposed to moisture or lubricants. It outperforms many non-leaded brass alloys in harsh environments, making it a preferred material for marine hardware, industrial fittings, and fluid-handling components.

Industry Applications for Leaded Brass

Manufacturers across multiple industries rely on leaded brass for its combination of machinability, strength, and corrosion resistance. Common applications include:

• Aerospace & Automotive – Precision-engineered fittings, bushings, and fasteners

• Oil & Gas – Valves, couplings, and pipe fittings for high-pressure systems

• Electronic & Digital – Connectors, terminals, and grounding components

Selecting the Right Leaded Brass Alloy for Your Needs

Choosing the right leaded brass alloy depends on your application's specific requirements, including machinability, corrosion resistance, strength, and compliance with industry standards. Aviva Metals offers a range of high-quality leaded brass alloys, each designed for precision performance in demanding environments.

Commonly used leaded brass alloys include:

• C34500 (High Leaded Brass) – A free-machining alloy known for its excellent machinability, corrosion resistance
• C35300 (High Leaded Brass) – A 62% lead alloy available for use in continuous wire-in-coil or small coils. 
• C38000 (Low Leaded Brass) – An alloy with excellent corrosion resistance, and strength, making it popular for architectural applications. 
• C836 / C83600 (Leaded Red Brass) – An extremely common red brass offering containing 85% copper and 5% each of tin, lead and zinc. 
• C48200 (Medium Leaded Brass) – An alloy made to be fabricated into marine hardware and valve stems. 
• C48500 (High Leaded Brass) – An alloy with High ductility, high electrical and thermal conductivity, and high impact strength. 
• C84400 (Leaded Semi-Red Brass) – A semi-leaded red brass known for its reasonable cost and good machining properties. 

Each alloy provides unique benefits depending on manufacturing requirements, environmental conditions, and mechanical properties. Aviva Metals' technical experts are available to help manufacturers select the ideal leaded brass alloy for their specific applications, ensuring optimal performance and long-term reliability.

Contact Aviva Metals for Premium Leaded Brass Solutions

Aviva Metals is a trusted supplier of high-quality leaded brass alloys, serving industries that demand precision, durability, and performance. With an extensive inventory and advanced processing capabilities, we provide manufacturers with the materials they need to produce reliable components for aerospace, automotive, marine, and industrial applications.

Our team can guide you in selecting the right alloy for your needs. We offer custom cutting, precision machining, and fast delivery, ensuring your production stays on schedule.

Contact us today to discuss your requirements or request a quote. Our experts are ready to assist you in finding the best leaded brass solutions for your application.