Copper vs Brass vs Bronze

Copper and its alloys span a wide range of behaviour. Pure copper conducts best; adding zinc makes brass (machinable, corrosion-resistant); adding tin makes bronze (hard, wear-resistant). The right one depends on whether you need to carry current, machine fast, or resist wear.

Side by side

Metal	Main alloy	Strength	Conductivity	Machinability	Best for
Copper (C110)	99.9% Cu	Low	Excellent	Fair	Electrical, thermal, busbars
Brass (C360)	Cu-Zn	Medium	Good	Excellent (100%)	Fittings, valves, connectors
Bronze (C932)	Cu-Sn	Medium–high	Moderate	Good	Bushings, bearings, marine

How to choose

Carrying current or heat → copper.
High-volume machined fittings or decorative parts → brass.
Bearings, bushings, wear and marine hardware → bronze.

All three are routinely turned and milled; brass gives the best finish and tool life.

Frequently asked questions

When should I use brass instead of copper?

Use copper when electrical or thermal conductivity is the priority. Use brass when you need a machinable, corrosion-resistant part with decent conductivity — fittings, valves, connectors and decorative parts.

What makes bronze good for bearings?

Bronze (copper-tin) is harder and more wear-resistant than brass, and holds a lubricating film well, so it is used for bushings, bearings and marine hardware.

Is brass easy to machine?

Free-cutting brass (C360) is the benchmark for machinability — it cuts cleanly at high speed with excellent finish, which is why high-volume turned fittings use it.

Copper vs brass vs bronze