Brass alloy selection for fuel systems, brake components, pneumatic connectors, and high-volume CNC — with ELV Directive compliance guidance.
The End-of-Life Vehicles (ELV) Directive (2000/53/EC) restricts heavy metals including lead in new vehicles sold in the EU. Like RoHS, it includes a specific exemption for lead in copper alloys:
This exemption is regularly reviewed. For new automotive platform designs (especially BEV/PHEV with long production runs), specifying lead-free brass where technically possible reduces future compliance risk. ELV Annex II exemptions have become progressively stricter over successive reviews.
Automotive brass fittings are typically high-volume CNC or Swiss-turn parts — millions of units per year. Machinability directly impacts cycle time and tool cost.
| Alloy | Machinability | ELV/RoHS | Strength (Rm) | Cold Work | Best Automotive Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CW617N | 100% | ELV Exempt | 360–470 MPa | Moderate | Fuel line fittings, pneumatic connectors, high-vol CNC |
| CW614N | 95% | ELV Exempt | 380–500 MPa | Low | High-precision turned parts, surface-critical housings |
| CW625N | 72% | ELV Exempt | 380–500 MPa | Good | Plumbing fittings, pneumatic body where cold-work needed |
| CW612N | 65% | ELV Exempt | 360–490 MPa | Good | HVAC connectors, lower-Pb preference, ductile auto parts |
| CW724R | 80% | Lead-free | 450–600 MPa | Moderate | BEV cooling connectors, ELV-future-proof, higher-strength |
| C27450 | 55% | Lead-free | 330–460 MPa | Good | Lead-free CNC parts, RoHS EEE components on vehicle |
| CuZn37 | 50% | Lead-free | 320–450 MPa | Excellent | Stamped clips, wiring harness contacts, radiator tanks |
Brass is the dominant material for fuel line fittings, banjo bolts, and quick-connect bodies due to its machinability and corrosion resistance to petrol, diesel, and biofuel blends.
CW617N is the standard: 100% machinability for million-part runs, suitable for Zn-based fuel environments. For hybrid/BEV applications with alternative fluids, confirm compatibility.
Pneumatic brake system connectors, air dryer fittings, and ABS valve bodies are high-volume machined brass parts. Dimensional precision and seal integrity are paramount.
CW617N and CW625N are both used: CW617N for maximum throughput, CW625N where slightly better ductility is needed for crimping or deformation-fit connections.
Battery electric vehicles create new demands: thermal management fittings (coolant loops), high-voltage busbars, and charging connectors. Lead-free grades are preferred for BEV platforms with 10–15 year production horizons.
CW724R: Lead-free, higher strength (Rm 450–600 MPa), DZR-qualified — ideal for coolant fittings. C11000: For busbars and battery terminal connections.
Brassland supplies automotive-grade brass CNC components with PPAP-ready documentation, ELV declarations, and EN 10204 3.1 material certificates.
Discuss Your Program CW617N DatasheetThis guide covers alloy selection. To have components machined to your drawing, see the matching manufacturing pages:
Composition ranges, mechanical properties, machinability ratings and regulatory data on this page are cross-referenced against the publishers below. Tolerances and minimum values are taken from the relevant published standard at the time of writing — for procurement specification, always reference the current published edition.
Last reviewed: May 2026. EN/ISO/ASTM standards are updated periodically. This datasheet reflects the editions listed; for safety-critical or contract-critical applications, always verify against the current published edition of the standard. For project-specific deviations or supplier-specific composition windows, request a Type 3.1 mill certificate (EN 10204) with your order.