Brass is one of those magical materials—easy to machine, corrosion-resistant, and with a gorgeous golden finish when polished. But when you need micro-scale brass parts with a flawless surface, standard CNC machining isn’t enough. That’s where precision turning, milling, and polishing come together to create tiny, high-performance components.
Why Brass? The All-Star Material for Micro Parts
Before we talk machining, let’s appreciate why brass is so popular for precision components:
✔ Machinability – Softer than steel, so it cuts smoothly without excessive tool wear.
✔ Conductivity – Great for electrical connectors and RF shielding.
✔ Corrosion Resistance – Naturally tarnish-resistant (unless exposed to harsh chemicals).
✔ Aesthetic Appeal – Polished brass looks premium—think watch gears, musical instruments, and high-end fittings.
Common Brass Alloys Used in CNC Machining:
- C360 (Free-Cutting Brass) – The go-to for smooth machining.
- C260 (Cartridge Brass) – More ductile, good for forming.
- CZ121 (Lead-Free Brass) – Used in medical and drinking water applications.
How Micro Brass Parts Are Made: CNC Turning & Milling
1. CNC Turning for Cylindrical Parts
- Best for: Screws, pins, connectors, nozzles
- Capabilities: Down to 0.5mm diameter with tight tolerances (±0.01mm).
- Key Challenge: Preventing deformation—brass is soft, so clamping must be gentle.
2. CNC Milling for Complex Shapes
- Best for: Gears, housings, custom brackets
- Capabilities: Micro-milling down to 0.2mm features.
- Key Challenge: Avoiding burrs—brass tends to leave fine edges that need deburring.
The Secret to a Mirror Finish: Precision Polishing
A machined brass part isn’t ready until it’s polished. Here’s how manufacturers achieve that smooth, reflective surface:
1. Mechanical Polishing
- Abrasive belts, brushes, or buffing wheels progressively smooth the surface.
- Best for: Larger parts or where a satin/semi-gloss finish is acceptable.
2. Electroplating (Optional)
- Adds a protective or decorative layer (gold, nickel, chrome).
- Common in jewelry, electronics, and marine components.
3. Ultrasonic Polishing (For Micro Parts)
- Uses high-frequency vibrations in a slurry medium to remove microscopic imperfections.
- Perfect for tiny, intricate components like medical instrument tips.
4. Laser Polishing (High-Tech Option)
- A laser melts the surface slightly, creating an ultra-smooth finish.
- Used in high-precision optics and microfluidics.
Industries That Demand Polished Micro Brass Parts
- Medical – Surgical tools, endoscopic components.
- Electronics – Connectors, RF shielding, miniature relays.
- Luxury Goods – Watch gears, fountain pen nibs, high-end zippers.
- Automotive – Fuel injector nozzles, sensor housings.
Final Thoughts
From medical devices to luxury watches, micro brass parts play a huge role in high-performance products. The difference between a "good" part and a great one often comes down to precision machining + expert polishing.
| | CNC Turning, CNC Milling, Laser Cutting, Bending, Spining, Wire Cutting, Stamping, Electric Discharge Machining (EDM), Injection Molding,3D Printing,Rapid Prototype,Moulds etc. |
| | Aluminum: 2000 series, 6000 series, 7075, 5052, etc. |
| Stainlesss steel: SUS303, SUS304, SS316, SS316L, 17-4PH, etc. |
| Steel: 1214L/1215/1045/4140/SCM440/40CrMo, etc. |
| Brass: 260, C360, H59, H60, H62, H63, H65, H68, H70, Bronze, Copper |
| Titanium: Grade F1-F5 |
| Plastic: Acetal/POM/PA/Nylon/PC/PMMA/PVC/PU/Acrylic/ABS/PTFE/PEEK etc. |
| | Anodized, Bead Blasted, Silk Screen, PVD Plating, Zinc/Nickl/Chrome/Titanium Plating, Brushing, Painting, Powder Coated, Passivation, Electrophoresis, Electro Polishing, Knurl, Laser/Etch/Engrave etc. |
| | ±0.002 ~ ±0.005mm |
| | Min Ra 0.1~3.2 |
| CERTIFICATE | ISO9001:2015,AS9100D,ISO13485:2016,ISO45001:2018,IATF16949:2016,ISO14001:2015,ROSH,CE etc. |
FAQ
1. Are you a manufacturer or a trading company?
We are a factory located in Shenzhen, China, with 20 years of rich experience,
covering 6000 square meters. Complete facilities, including 3D quality inspection equipment, ERP system and 40 machines. If necessary, we can provide you with material certificates, sample quality inspection and other reports.
2. How to get a quote?
Detailed drawings (PDF/STEP/IGS/DWG...), including quality, delivery date, materials, quality, quantity, surface treatment and other information.
3. Can I get a quotation without drawings?
Can your engineering team draw for my creativity? Of course, we are also glad to receive your samples, pictures or detailed size drafts for accurate quotation.
4. Can you provide samples before mass production?
Of course, the sample fee is necessary. If possible, it will be returned during mass production.
5. What is the delivery date?
Generally, the sample lasts for 1-2 weeks and the batch production lasts for 3-4 weeks.
6. How do you control quality?
(1) Material Inspection - Check material surfaces and approximate dimensions.
(2) First inspection of production - ensure
critical dimensions in mass production.
(3) Sampling inspection - check the quality before delivery to the warehouse.
(4) Preshipment inspection - 100% inspection by QC assistant before shipment.
7. After sales service team
If you have any problems after receiving the product, you can provide feedback through voice call, video conference, email, etc. within one month. Our team will provide you with solutions within a week.
