Aluminum 6061 wins on weight (3x lighter) and overall versatility. Brass C360 wins on pure machinability and is preferred for fittings, connectors, and decorative parts where its gold appearance and conductivity are advantages.
| Property | Aluminum 6061-T6 | Brass C360 (Free-Cutting Brass) |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | 310 MPa (45 ksi) | 385 MPa (56 ksi) |
| Yield Strength | 276 MPa (40 ksi) | 310 MPa (45 ksi) |
| Hardness | 95 HB (Brinell) | 78 HRB |
| Density | 2.70 g/cm³ | 8.49 g/cm³ |
| Machinability Rating | 90/100 | 100/100 |
| Thermal Conductivity | 167 W/m·K | 115 W/m·K |
| Melting Point | 582–652 °C | 885–900 °C |
| Tolerance | ±0.005 mm | ±0.005 mm |
| Property | Aluminum 6061-T6 | Brass C360 (Free-Cutting Brass) | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight (Density) | 2.70 g/cm³ | 8.49 g/cm³ | Aluminum |
| Machinability | 90/100 | 100/100 | Brass |
| Tensile Strength | 310 MPa | 385 MPa | Brass |
| Thermal Conductivity | 167 W/m·K | 115 W/m·K | Aluminum |
| Cost per kg | ~$6 | ~$7 | Aluminum |
| Corrosion Resistance | Excellent | Good | Aluminum |
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