CNC Press Brake Forming Brass is a core capability at VT machining. We combine controlled forming with material-aware setup for Brass — an alloy that is free-machining, good conductivity, attractive finish — to produce parts that meet your specification first time.
Process Data for CNC Press Brake Forming Brass
| Minimum inside bend radius | ~1 × t (across the grain) |
|---|---|
| Press force, 2 mm sheet, V16 die | ~14.7 t per metre |
| Typical springback at 90° | 1-2° |
| Angle tolerance | ±0.5° (CNC back-gauge, angle measurement on first part) |
| Tooling | Sectional punches, multi-V dies, hemming and offset tools |
Shown for C360 Brass, the most common Brass grade we see for CNC Press Brake Forming. Typical values for C360 Brass, Half-hard; confirmed on the first part.
CNC Press Brake Forming Capability for Brass
- Tonnage matched to material
- Air, bottom & coining
- Repeatable bend angles
- Long-part capability
Brass material properties, finishing options and grade notes are on our CNC Bending Brass page.
How CNC Press Brake Forming Brass Works
The Brass blank is bent or formed against tooling under CNC-controlled ram travel and back-gauge positioning. Bend allowance and springback are compensated in the program so finished angles hit the print.
We start from your supplied geometry and tolerance scheme. The setup is designed to minimise re-clamping, which protects positional accuracy across features. A first article is verified against the drawing before the balance of the batch is released.
Achievable Tolerances for CNC Press Brake Forming Brass
| Feature | Standard | Precision |
|---|---|---|
| Bend angle | ±1.0° | ±0.5° |
| Flange length | ±0.30 mm | ±0.15 mm |
| Hole-to-bend distance | ±0.30 mm | ±0.15 mm |
| Minimum inside radius | 1.0 × thickness | 0.8 × thickness |
| Minimum flange height | 4 × thickness + radius | 3 × thickness + radius |
| Bend-to-bend spacing | ±0.30 mm | ±0.15 mm |
| Sheet thickness range | 0.5–8.0 mm | 0.5–4.0 mm |
Standard is what a normal quotation assumes. Precision is available on nominated features and is priced separately, because it needs extra setups, in-process gauging and CMM verification. Call out only the features that need it — blanket-tightening a drawing is the single most common reason a quote comes back expensive.
Design Tips for CNC Press Brake Forming Brass
Small design adjustments often cut cost and lead time. Consistent bend radii, adequate flange lengths and grain-direction awareness reduce cracking and springback in formed Brass. If you send your model early, we will return practical DFM feedback before you commit to production.
CNC Press Brake Forming Tolerances & Surface Finish
Formed Brass holds bend angles to about ±0.5° and consistent flange dimensions, with bend allowance compensated for the material and thickness.
The tightest tolerances are reserved for the features your drawing flags as critical. Share your tolerance scheme and we will confirm what is realistic before quoting.
Applications of CNC Press Brake Forming Brass
Brass parts made this way are found throughout aerospace, medical, automotive, electronics and industrial equipment. Prototype, bridge and production volumes are all welcome.
Typical Brass Parts for CNC Press Brake Forming
Illustrative examples of CNC Press Brake Forming Brass parts and the callouts that usually drive the process plan. They show the kind of work that fits this process; they are not specific customer orders.
Hemmed panel edge
- Material
- Brass
- Size
- 400 mm hem, 1.2 mm
- Key callouts
- Hem flat to 0.3 mm
- Batch
- 1,500 pcs
Hemmed to remove the sharp edge without a secondary deburr operation.
U-channel
- Material
- Brass
- Size
- 800 mm long, 3 mm thick
- Key callouts
- Angle ±0.5°, straightness 1 mm over length
- Batch
- 250 pcs
Formed in two hits with a rotating die to avoid marking the outside face.
Chassis with countersinks
- Material
- Brass
- Size
- 450 × 300 × 2 mm
- Key callouts
- Countersink depth ±0.1 mm, 6 bends
- Batch
- 700 pcs
Countersinks formed before bending while the sheet is still flat and supported.
No drawing yet? Build one in the browser.
Set the metal, dimensions and features, watch the 3D model update as you type, then switch to the 2D sheet to add dimensions and tolerances. Download it or send it straight to us with your RFQ.
What We Need to Quote CNC Press Brake Forming Brass
- GeometrySTEP or IGES for the 3D model, plus a PDF drawing if you have tolerance callouts. A dimensioned sketch is enough to start.
- MaterialThe exact Brass grade and condition — temper, heat-treat state or hardness. If you are not sure, tell us the function and we will suggest one.
- QuantityPrototype count and the expected annual volume. Both change how the part is made and therefore what it costs.
- TolerancesWhich features are critical. Everything else runs to our standard tolerance, which is what keeps the price sensible.
- FinishSurface treatment, cosmetic requirements, and any faces that must be masked.
- DocumentsWhether you need a material certificate, dimensional report, FAIR or PPAP with the shipment.
Missing something from the list is not a problem — send what you have. We will come back with the specific questions rather than a generic form.
Other Metals for CNC Press Brake Forming
Other Processes for Brass
Send the drawing, the Brass grade and the quantity. You get pricing, lead time and any DFM notes back — usually within one business day.
Request a QuoteFrequently Asked Questions
What tolerances can you hold for CNC Press Brake Forming Brass?
Achievable tolerances for Brass forming depend on the alloy, geometry and feature size. We hold tight, repeatable tolerances appropriate to the feature and material. Exact figures are confirmed against your drawing callouts.
What surface finish is achievable on Brass with CNC Press Brake Forming?
Surface finish on Brass is controlled to your specification; we confirm the achievable Ra against your callout.
What material thickness or size range suits CNC Press Brake Forming Brass?
We form Brass sheet and plate to your developed flat pattern and bend sequence.
What is the typical lead time and minimum order for CNC Press Brake Forming Brass?
CNC Press Brake Forming prototypes for Brass can be produced quickly and scaled to series production. Send your drawing and quantity and we will advise lead time and any minimum order.