What brass alloys are best for precision gear and wheel die casting?
What Brass Alloys Are Best for Precision Gear and Wheel Die Casting?
Overview of Brass Alloys in Gear and Wheel Applications
Brass alloys are widely used for precision gears and wheels due to their excellent machinability, wear resistance, dimensional stability, and self-lubricating properties. In die casting applications where fine gear teeth, tight tolerances, and long-term durability are critical, Neway Die Casting recommends high-performance alloys such as C85800 Free-Cutting Brass, C87850 Silicon Brass, and C46400 Naval Brass.
Top Brass Alloys for Precision Gearing
C85800 Free-Cutting Brass
Excellent machinability (Machinability Rating: 100%)
Good strength and fatigue resistance
Ideal for small to medium gears requiring fine pitch accuracy
Low lead content; suitable for controlled environment mechanisms
C87850 Silicon Brass
High corrosion resistance and dezincification resistance
Good dimensional stability and die fill characteristics
RoHS and lead-free compliant
Preferred for precision wheels and gears in potable or exposed applications
C46400 Naval Brass
High strength with moderate machinability
Contains 1% tin, increasing wear and saltwater corrosion resistance
Used in heavy-duty gears or wheels exposed to moisture or abrasive conditions
Conforms to ASTM B21 standards
Mechanical Properties Comparison
Alloy | Tensile Strength | Hardness (HB) | Machinability | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
C85800 | ~400 MPa | 80–100 | 100% | High precision, low tool wear |
C87850 | ~450 MPa | 90–110 | 70–80% | Lead-free, corrosion-resistant |
C46400 | ~480 MPa | 100–120 | 30–40% | Strength and marine durability |
Dimensional Precision and Casting Performance
At Neway, brass gears and wheels are produced using high-pressure die casting combined with post-machining to ensure:
Tolerances: ±0.03 mm on critical dimensions
Gear pitch accuracy: AGMA 9–10 after machining
Surface finish: Ra 0.8–1.6 µm on tooth flanks
Concentricity and runout held to ≤0.02 mm in rotating assemblies
Standards and Testing
All gear and wheel castings meet:
ASTM B584 – Brass and bronze sand and die castings
AGMA 2000-A88 / ISO 1328 – Gear tooth quality grades
ISO 8062 – Dimensional tolerances for castings
Customer-Oriented Gear and Wheel Casting Solutions
Neway Die Casting offers comprehensive support for high-precision brass gearing systems:
Brass Die Casting: Accurate, repeatable casting of gears and small mechanical wheels
Post-Machining Services: Tooth flank finishing, bore alignment, and profile corrections
Tool and Die Creation: Custom gear cavity design for pitch accuracy and mold life
