Brass Electrical Parts as per Drawing: Common Part Types and Design Tips for Buyers

Published by Onella Export on 15 October 2026

Electrical OEMs, switchgear makers and panel builders rarely buy brass parts off the shelf. Terminals, connectors, contacts and earthing parts are designed around a specific product, so they are ordered as per drawing. Getting them right first time depends on a good drawing and a manufacturer that understands how the part will be made.

We have already explained what your supplier needs when you order from a drawing. This article looks at the parts themselves: the most common brass electrical parts made to drawing, and design choices that make them easier, cheaper and more reliable to produce. To start a project, visit our page on brass electrical parts as per drawing.

Free-cutting brass is widely used for machined electrical parts because it machines quickly and accurately. Where conductivity, crimping or bending matters more, a different brass grade may suit better. Ask your supplier which grade it proposes and why, and name your preferred grade on the drawing if your product standard requires one.

• Natural brass: lowest cost, suitable for many enclosed applications.
• Nickel plating: improves corrosion resistance and appearance.
• Tin plating: common for solderability and stable contact surfaces.
• Silver plating: used where very low contact resistance is needed.

Specify plating type and thickness on the drawing, and tell the supplier where the part will be installed.

1. Tolerance only what matters. Tight tolerances on every dimension increase cost. Mark critical dimensions clearly, such as thread pitch diameter, contact faces and mating features.
2. Use standard threads. Metric threads with standard pitches are easier to produce and inspect than special threads.
3. Avoid unnecessary sharp internal corners. A small radius suits cutting tools and reduces burrs.
4. Specify deburring and edge break. Burrs can damage insulation or cause poor contact.
5. Consider bar stock size. Designing around common bar diameters reduces material waste and cost.
6. Allow for plating thickness. Plating adds material to threads and fits; say whether dimensions apply before or after plating.

For machining specifics, see our guide to specifying CNC brass turned parts.

1. Send the drawing, quantity and annual volume.
2. Receive a technical review and quotation, often within two to three business days.
3. Approve samples, typically made within one to two weeks depending on complexity.
4. Carry out first-article inspection against every dimension on the drawing.
5. Release bulk production with agreed inspection levels.
6. Receive parts with inspection reports and, where requested, material test certificates.

• Do you produce brass bar in-house, or buy it?
• Which processes are in-house: forging, CNC turning, drilling, plating?
• How do you inspect threads and critical dimensions?
• Can you provide material test certificates and inspection reports?
• How do you control changes between repeat orders?

Onella Export has manufactured and exported brass components from Jamnagar, Gujarat since 1991. It is an ISO 9001:2015 certified manufacturer with its own foundry producing around 5,000 kg of brass solid and hollow bars a day, plus in-house forging and machine turning. Customers are spread across India, the Middle East, the Far East, Europe and America.

• How to order custom brass parts from a drawing
• CNC brass turned parts: how to specify and source
• Brass cable gland types explained

What does brass electrical parts as per drawing mean?

It means the manufacturer produces brass electrical components, such as terminals, connectors, contacts and earthing parts, exactly to the buyer's drawing and specification rather than supplying standard catalogue parts.

What information should a drawing include?

Dimensions with tolerances, thread specifications, material grade, plating type and thickness, surface finish, critical features and quantity requirements.

Which plating is best for brass electrical parts?

It depends on the application. Nickel improves corrosion resistance, tin supports solderability and stable contacts, and silver gives very low contact resistance.

How long does it take to get samples?

After drawing review, samples typically take one to two weeks depending on complexity.

How can I reduce the cost of custom brass parts?

Tolerance only critical dimensions, use standard threads, design around common bar sizes, and specify finishes only where they are needed.

Contact Onella Export with your drawing, sample or specification, email kp@onellaexport.com or call +91 97276 77787.