Custom Brass Swiss Machined Parts
We specialize in high-volume, tight-tolerance brass components machined on CITIZEN Swiss-type sliding headstock machines. Connectors, terminals, fittings, valve stems, threaded inserts — if it’s small, slender, and has to be right, this is where it gets made.
Why Brass Is the Right Metal for Precision Turned Parts
Brass isn’t a compromise material — it’s an engineered choice. For connectors, fittings, valves, and terminals that need excellent conductivity, corrosion resistance, and machinability at volume, brass consistently outperforms aluminum and steel alternatives on total cost of ownership.
Its free-cutting alloys (C360, C385) machine faster than virtually any other metal, generating clean chips with minimal tool wear. That translates directly into higher output per machine hour — and better unit pricing for you on volume runs.
Electrical Conductivity
C260/C360 brass conducts at 26–28% IACS — ideal for connector contacts, terminals, and current-carrying components.
Superior Machinability
C36000 free-machining brass rates 100 on the machinability index — the benchmark all other metals are measured against.
Corrosion Resistance
Natural resistance to oxidation and atmospheric corrosion. Suitable for fluid systems, outdoor connectors, and marine environments.
Thread Integrity
Brass holds fine threads cleanly without galling or seizing — critical for fittings, inserts, and valve stems with repeated assembly cycles.
What Makes Swiss-Type Machining Different
Most buyers sourcing small brass parts don’t know whether they need Swiss or conventional CNC turning. The distinction matters for your part quality and cost. Here’s the honest answer:
Swiss vs. Conventional CNC Turning
Conventional CNC Turning
- Bar stock supported at chuck only
- Deflection risk on long, thin parts
- L/D ratio limited to ~3:1
- Separate setups for OD + end features
- Better for short, rigid workpieces
Swiss-Type (Sliding Headstock)
- Guide bushing supports bar near the cut
- No deflection — excellent roundness
- L/D ratios of 10:1 and beyond
- OD, end features, and cross-drilling in one cycle
- Ideal for pins, shafts, fittings, contacts
if your brass part is longer than it is wide — a terminal pin, a valve stem, a threaded connector body — Swiss machining will produce it more accurately and more consistently than a conventional lathe. Our engineers will confirm the right process during DFM review.
Brass Alloys We Machine — and When to Use Each
The wrong alloy choice costs you in machining time, tool life, or finished part performance. We work with the full range of precision brass alloys and will recommend the right one based on your application, not just availability.
For most connector, fitting, and terminal applications, C36000 free-machining brass is the correct choice. It machines at 100% machinability index — the fastest, cleanest, and most economical brass for Swiss turning. We stock it in multiple diameters continuously.
| Alloy / UNS | Common Name | Machinability | Key Properties | Typical Applications |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| C36000 Top Pick | Free-Machining Brass | 100% (industry benchmark) | Highest machinability, clean chip breakage, good corrosion resistance | Connector bodies, valve stems, threaded inserts, fasteners, fittings |
| C26000 | Cartridge Brass / 70/30 | 30% | Excellent formability and ductility, cold-workable, good strength | Deep-drawn shells, spring contacts, clips, cold-formed terminals |
| C38500 | Architectural Bronze | 90% | High machinability, slightly lower zinc content than C360 | Hardware, fittings, decorative functional components |
| C46400 | Naval Brass | 30% | Excellent seawater corrosion resistance, tin addition for marine service | Marine fittings, pump shafts, seawater valve components |
| C37700 | Forging Brass | 80% | Good hot workability, moderate machinability, strong | Complex fittings that require both forging and machining |
| C93200 | SAE 660 Bearing Bronze | 70% | High load capacity, good wear resistance, self-lubricating properties | Bushings, bearings, thrust washers, wear pads |
| C18150 / CuCrZr High-perf | Chromium Zirconium Copper | 20% | High conductivity (80% IACS) + high strength, excellent for high-temp | Resistance welding electrodes, EV charging contacts, high-current terminals |
Brass Part Families We Produce at Volume
These are the part geometries and applications our Swiss machines are built for. If your part fits one of these families, we can produce it — if it doesn't, tell us what you need and we'll tell you honestly if we can help.
Connector Pins & Contacts
Pogo pins, stamped-to-Swiss contacts, signal pins, power terminals, and spring-loaded probe contacts. The small diameter + high positional accuracy of Swiss machining is exactly what precision connector pins require.
- Diameter rangeØ0.5 – 12 mm
- Length-to-diameterUp to 10:1
- OD tolerance±0.005 mm standard
- Typical alloyC360, CuCrZr
Threaded Inserts & Standoffs
Knurled inserts for plastics, hex standoffs, brass spacers, and internally threaded bushings. We machine fine metric and unified threads in one cycle — no secondary threading operations required.
- Thread sizeM1.6 – M30, UNC/UNF
- Thread tolerance6H / 6g standard
- KnurlingDiamond / straight pattern
- Typical alloyC360, C385
Valve Stems & Spindles
Precision valve stems, needle valve seats, flow control spindles, and fluid-handling components. Brass is the material of choice for valve internals — machinability, corrosion resistance, and thread integrity combined.
- Diameter rangeØ3 – 50 mm
- Roundness±0.003 mm
- Surface finishRa ≤ 0.8 μm standard
- Typical alloyC360, C464 (marine)
EV Charging Terminals
High-current charging contacts, bus bar connectors, and socket terminals for new energy vehicle charging infrastructure. We produce these for active EV programs — CuCrZr alloy for conductivity under thermal cycling.
- MaterialCuCrZr, C360, pure Cu
- Conductivity≥ 80% IACS (CuCrZr)
- FinishSilver plating available
- CertificationIATF 16949
Tube Fittings & Adapters
Compression fittings, barbed connectors, push-to-connect bodies, and fluid coupling components. We machine the complex external geometry, cross bores, and seating faces in a single Swiss cycle — no re-fixturing, no alignment error.
- Diameter rangeØ5 – 120 mm
- Bore concentricity±0.005 mm
- Cross drillingYes — live tooling
- Typical alloyC360, C464
Precision Shafts & Spacers
Stepped shafts, shoulder bolts, bearing pins, and precision spacers. Ground to diameter where tolerances demand it. Brass shafts in encoders, sensors, and positioning assemblies rely on the dimensional stability Swiss machining delivers.
- Diameter rangeØ1 – 35 mm
- Straightness≤ 0.01 mm / 100 mm
- Length tolerance±0.01 mm
- Typical alloyC360, C932 (bearing)
Dimensional Capabilities for Brass Swiss Parts
The numbers below are what our CMM reports confirm on production runs — not marketing targets. We verify first articles with Mitutoyo CMM and Rational 2D/2.5D optical systems. Every lot ships with dimensional data.
Standard production tolerance (all Swiss platforms)
| Feature Type | Standard | Achievable |
|---|---|---|
| Turned OD | ±0.010 mm | ±0.005 mm |
| Bored ID | ±0.010 mm | ±0.005 mm |
| Thread (metric) | 6H / 6g | 5H / 5g |
| Knurl pitch | 0.5 mm mod. | Custom on request |
| Cross-drill position | ±0.05 mm | ±0.02 mm |
| Part length | ±0.02 mm | ±0.01 mm |
| Roundness (form) | 0.005 mm | 0.003 mm |
| Straightness | 0.01/100 mm | 0.005/100 mm |
| Surface finish (Ra) | ≤ 1.6 μm | ≤ 0.4 μm |
Tighter tolerances require individual feature review during DFM. We'll tell you what's achievable — and whether a design modification could hit your spec at lower cost.
Inspection Traceability
Every lot is measured against a defined control plan. First article reports, production inspection records, and material test reports ship with every order. CMM accuracy: ±0.001 mm (Mitutoyo).
Industries That Depend on Brass Swiss Parts
We don't manufacture consumer goods. Every brass part we produce goes into industrial, electronic, automotive, or technical applications where dimensional tolerance and material integrity are non-negotiable.
Connector & Electronics
High-reliability connector contacts, pogo pins, socket terminals, and signal pins for PCB assemblies, test fixtures, and industrial interconnects. Tolerances that meet IEC and MIL-SPEC connector requirements.
Automotive (IATF 16949)
Sensor terminals, charging contacts, ECU connector bodies, and fluid system fittings. We serve active programs for major Tier 1 automotive suppliers, including EV charging infrastructure.
Pneumatics & Hydraulics
Valve stems, needle seat bodies, pressure regulator internals, manifold fittings, and compression ferrules. Brass is specified for fluid system components because it doesn't corrode, gall, or seize under assembly torque.
Industrial Equipment
Threaded inserts for equipment housings, precision shafts, bearing bushings, locating pins, and mechanical fasteners for industrial machinery and automation systems.
Medical & Lab Equipment
Non-implant medical brass components — fluid handling connectors, diagnostic instrument hardware, lab fixture components — where corrosion resistance and dimensional repeatability are required.
Semiconductor Process
Gas panel fittings, manifold blocks, and mechanical components for semiconductor fab equipment — where dimensional consistency across production lots is critical to equipment uptime.
How We Guarantee What We Ship
A brass part that's dimensionally out-of-spec is scrap — but one that makes it into your assembly and fails in the field is far more expensive. Our quality system is designed to catch deviation at the machine, not at final inspection.
Inspection Equipment for Brass Parts
- Mitutoyo CMM (3D) ±0.001 mm — Japan
- Rational 2D / 2.5D Optical System ±0.001 mm — 4 units
- Mitutoyo Digital Micrometer ±0.001 mm — 30 sets
- Mitutoyo Height Gauge (ID-C) ±0.001 mm — 5 units
- Mitutoyo Profilometer (Ra / Rz) Surface finish verification
- Thread plug & ring gauges M1.6–M30, UNC/UNF
- RKE CCD Vision Sorter ±0.002 mm — auto 100% sort
- Seiko SII XRF Analyzer RoHS substance testing
- Vickers Hardness Tester Post-heat-treat verification
- Salt Spray Chamber Plating / coating validation
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Surface Finishing for Brass Parts
We coordinate finishing through our certified partner network. All finishing lots maintain the same traceability as machining operations.
Documents Shipped With Every Order
- Certificate of Conformance
- Material Mill Test Report (alloy + temper)
- Dimensional Inspection Report (CMM or optical)
- RoHS XRF Test Report (on request)
- Plating / Finishing Certificate (where applicable)
- Lot traceability code on all packaging
Why Buyers Choose Us for Brass Swiss Parts
There are hundreds of CNC shops that claim Swiss capability. Here is what makes the difference when you're qualifying a supplier for long-term production.
We Own the Machines
23+ CITIZEN and TSUGAMI Swiss machines under one roof — all company-owned, all maintained in-house. No subcontracting, no capacity uncertainty. When you place an order, we know exactly where it runs.
Brass-Specific Process Knowledge
Brass alloys machine differently — chip control, tool geometry, lubricant selection, and thread tap choices all change by alloy. We've dialed these in across thousands of production lots. You benefit from that without paying for the learning curve.
DFM That Actually Helps
We don't just confirm your drawing — we tell you if a feature is difficult, suggest modifications that maintain function at lower cost, and validate thread callouts before we cut any material. That's engineering partnership, not order taking.
Multi-Standard Certified
IATF 16949 for your automotive programs. AS9100D for aerospace-adjacent work. ISO 10012 for measurement system integrity. Most suppliers hold one cert — we hold three. Your supplier audit gets simpler.
Complete Turnkey Delivery
Machining, plating, RoHS testing, and documentation — all coordinated by us. You receive finished, certified, ready-to-assemble parts. One PO, one point of contact, one set of paperwork.
Quote in 24–48 Hours
Submit your drawing today and have a detailed, line-item quote in 24–48 hours. No vague "contact for pricing" — you'll know unit cost by alloy grade and quantity tier before you commit to anything.
Brass Swiss Machining FAQ
For most connector terminals and signal contacts, C36000 free-machining brass is the right choice. It offers the highest machinability index (100%), excellent corrosion resistance, and good conductivity (~26% IACS). If your terminal carries high current or operates at elevated temperatures — as in EV charging applications — we recommend CuCrZr (chromium zirconium copper), which combines 80% IACS conductivity with significantly higher hardness and thermal stability. Bring us your application requirements and we'll confirm the correct alloy before you finalize the drawing.
Yes, on specific features — typically turned OD diameters and bored ID features where dedicated gauging is applied. ±0.002 mm requires a controlled setup with temperature-stabilized inspection and typically involves reducing the number of features on a single setup to maintain rigidity. We'll identify which features on your drawing require this level of control during DFM review, confirm it's achievable, and quote accordingly. We won't commit to a tolerance we can't verify — and we verify with Mitutoyo CMM at ±0.001 mm accuracy.
There's no hard minimum. For first article and prototype runs, quantities of 20–100 pieces are common. The economics of Swiss machining improve significantly at volume — setup time is amortized across the run, and Swiss machines are optimized for continuous production. We'll quote you pricing at multiple quantity tiers (100 / 500 / 1000 / 5000+) so you can make a rational decision about lot sizing vs. inventory. For high-volume programs, we also discuss blanket order arrangements to lock in pricing while scheduling deliveries to your actual call-off needs.
We operate a Seiko SII SEA1000A energy-dispersive XRF analyzer on-site. On request, we can test finished brass parts for restricted substances (Pb, Cd, Hg, Cr VI, PBB, PBDE) and issue a test report. C36000 free-machining brass contains up to 3.7% lead as a machinability aid — this is relevant for RoHS compliance under certain exemptions. If your application requires lead-free brass, we can machine C26000, C46400, or other low-lead alloys. Discuss with us at RFQ stage so we can source the correct material and confirm the alloy by XRF before shipment.
Our CITIZEN A16 and A20 machines handle bar stock from Ø0.5 mm. In practice, the smallest parts we regularly produce are Ø0.8 mm pogo pin plungers and Ø1.0 mm contact pins. The lower limit is determined by bar stock availability in the alloy you need, and the feature geometry — threaded features or cross-drills on a 0.5 mm part require individual feasibility review. Send us your drawing and we'll give you a straight answer.
Finishing operations — electroless nickel, silver plating, tin plating, chromate, passivation — are performed by certified partner facilities in our network. We coordinate logistics, maintain lot traceability throughout the finishing chain, and receive plating certificates that we include in your documentation package. For bare brass parts (deburr, clean, anti-tarnish packaging only), everything happens in-house. You receive a single consolidated set of documentation regardless of how many process steps are involved.
Yes — this is one of the core advantages of Swiss turn-mill machines with live tooling. On a CITIZEN A20 or BNC 40# with live tooling stations, we can turn the OD, machine any undercuts or shoulders, cut external threads, apply diamond or straight knurling, drill cross-holes, and part to length — all in a single uninterrupted cycle. There is no re-fixturing, which means cross-hole position accuracy is held relative to OD and thread features in one coordinate frame. Typical cross-hole positional accuracy is ±0.05 mm standard, ±0.02 mm achievable.
Bare machined brass begins to oxidize and tarnish on contact with air moisture — for many connector and contact applications, this affects solderability and surface resistance. Our standard packaging for bare brass uses VCI (Volatile Corrosion Inhibitor) poly bags or paper, sealed with moisture-absorbing desiccant, placed in rigid cartons with foam insert protection. Parts intended for extended storage or overseas transit receive additional VCI wrap at the lot level. If you require specific packaging per IPC or military standards, specify it at the order stage and we'll accommodate.
Ready to Quote Your Brass Swiss Machined Parts?
Send us a drawing — 2D PDF or 3D STEP — and we’ll review it, confirm the right alloy and process, and have a line-item quote back to you within 24–48 hours.
- No-charge DFM and alloy recommendation
- Quote by quantity tier — 100 to 100,000+
- CITIZEN Swiss machines, ±0.005 mm standard
- IATF 16949 + AS9100D certified
- Full documentation with every shipment
- All information and uploads are secure and confidential.