Brass turning: a guide to best practices

Written by Radmot | Jan 28, 2026 9:19:53 AM

CNC turning, i.e. machining using numerically controlled lathes and milling machines, is one of the key processes in the production of precision metal components, such as brass, copper or stainless steel. Each of these materials has its own unique properties and applications, which means that choosing the right raw material has a significant impact on the final product. In this post, we will focus on brass turning, comparing it to stainless steel turning, and we will also discuss the types of brass and its applications in industry.

What is brass and what types are there?

Brass is a metal alloy whose main components are copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn). The zinc content in brass can vary, which affects the mechanical properties, machinability and corrosion resistance of this material. There are many types of brass, each with slightly different characteristics and applications. The two main types are:

Alpha brass - characterised by high plasticity and used in the production of cold-formed components.
Alpha-beta brass or two-phase brass - has better mechanical resistance and is used where additional strength is required.

Best practices in brass turning

Brass turning requires several key aspects to be taken into account to ensure high quality and accuracy of products:

Choosing the right tool - brass is a relatively soft material, which means that it can be machined using high-speed steel (HSS) or carbide tools. For best results, use carbide tools with a TiCN or TiN coating.
Optimising cutting parameters - due to the good machinability of brass, high cutting speeds can be used, which significantly reduces machining time. However, it is important not to overdo it, because if brass parts are to undergo further electroplating, zinc plating or silver plating, surface quality must be taken into account.
Use of coolant - although brass tolerates dry machining well, in some cases the use of coolant can improve surface quality and extend tool life.

CNC turning of brass versus CNC turning of stainless steel

When comparing brass turning to stainless steel turning, several significant differences can be observed:

Machinability - brass is much easier to machine than most types of stainless steel, which means that higher cutting speeds can be used and high tool costs can be avoided.
Tooling requirements - stainless steel tends to stick to the tool blade, so it requires the use of carbide tools with advanced coatings, which is not always necessary when turning brass.
Cooling - while coolant is not always necessary when machining brass, turning stainless steel almost always requires intensive cooling to prevent the material and tool from overheating.

Applications of brass in industry

Due to its properties, such as good machinability, corrosion resistance and attractive appearance, brass is widely used in various industries:

Fittings and plumbing - brass is often used in the manufacture of valves, fittings and bathroom fixtures.
Musical instruments - due to its good acoustic properties, brass is used to make many wind instruments.
Decorative and functional elements - brass is also used in the production of jewellery, clocks, door handles and other finishing elements.

In summary, brass turning offers many possibilities thanks to its excellent machinability and the aesthetic appearance of the finished products. The choice between brass and stainless steel depends on the requirements of the project, such as strength, corrosion resistance and production costs. Knowledge of material characteristics and appropriate machining techniques is essential to achieving optimal results.

Brass turning – One order, many benefits – this is how you work with RADMOT

As a CNC company with many years of experience, we offer comprehensive metalworking services, including CNC milling, CNC turning and a range of additional services such as cleaning, aluminium anodising, laser marking and assembly. We have a modern machine park equipped with over 80 devices from renowned manufacturers, which allows us to carry out the most demanding projects with the highest precision.

We invite you to download our presentation, in which we showcase the technologies and machines we use to manufacture parts. With nearly 40 years of experience in the CNC industry, we know how to meet our customers' expectations and provide the highest standard of service.

We are eager to learn about your needs and help you choose the optimal technological solutions. Our quote is completely free, and our specialists are always ready to provide professional support at every stage of cooperation. At RADMOT, we believe that precision and quality are the keys to your success.