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 | 90% | ELV Exempt | ≥360–500 MPa (R360–R500) | Poor | Fuel line fittings, pneumatic connectors, high-vol CNC |
| CW614N | 100% | ELV Exempt | ≥360–500 MPa (R360–R500) | Poor | High-precision turned parts, surface-critical housings |
| CW625N | 55% | ELV Exempt | ≥280–400 MPa (R280–R400) | Good | Plumbing and pneumatic fittings that need dezincification resistance |
| CW612N | 85% | ELV Exempt | ≥360–500 MPa (R360–R500) | Fair | HVAC connectors, lower-Pb preference, general auto parts |
| CW724R | 85% | Lead-free | ≥500–670 MPa (R500–R670) | Poor | BEV cooling connectors, ELV-future-proof, higher-strength |
| C27450 | 70% | By heat (Pb ≤0.25%) | ~434 MPa (H04 rod, CDA) | Excellent | Low-lead CNC parts; RoHS/ELV without exemption only for heats with Pb ≤0.10% |
| CuZn37 | ~35% | Lead-free | 300–550 MPa (EN 1652 sheet) | Excellent | Stamped clips, wiring harness contacts, radiator tanks |
Machinability: CW614N = 100, as on each datasheet. Strength: minimum tensile strength of the EN 12164 conditions; C27450 CDA typical value for H04 rod; CuZn37 range across EN 1652 sheet conditions. Cold work as in the materials-library comparison.
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: ~90% 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 (R500–R670: Rm ≥500–670 MPa), dezincification-resistant by composition — 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: September 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.
Brassland manufactures brass turned parts and CNC machined components to your drawing in Jamnagar, India, including precision turned brass components on 28+ Swiss-type lathes, with an EN 10204 3.1 certificate on every shipment.