News / Where Ancient Craftsmanship Meets Modern Engineering
November 18, 2025

Where Ancient Craftsmanship Meets Modern Engineering

In the world of electrical component manufacturing, precision is paramount. One exemplary product showcasing this dedication to exactitude is the brass fitting with M20 x 1.5 internal pitch and PG13.5 external pitch. A specialist component engineered to meet the demands of contemporary electrical installations.

Dual-pitch engineering excellence

This particular brass fitting represents a sophisticated solution to a common industrial challenges. To achieve a secure, reliable connection in electrical assemblies. The component features two distinct thread specifications working in harmony. The M20 x 1.5 internal thread provides a metric standard connection, whilst the PG13.5 external thread offers compatibility with the widely used Panzergewinde (armoured thread) system, originally developed for protecting electrical cables in demanding environments.

The requirement for two precise pitches in a single component demonstrates the complexity of modern electrical engineering. Each thread must be manufactured to exacting tolerances to ensure proper mating, environmental sealing and long-term reliability. This dual-pitch configuration allows the fitting to serve as an adaptor between different threading systems, facilitating versatile installations across various electrical applications.

Why brass remains the material of choice

Brass continues to be favoured for such precision components, due to its unique combination of properties. The alloy offers excellent machinability, allowing for the accurate thread cutting required in dual-pitch fittings. Its natural corrosion resistance ensures longevity in diverse environmental conditions, whilst its electrical conductivity and non-magnetic properties make it ideal for electrical applications. Additionally, brass fittings provide a superior aesthetic finish compared to many alternatives, with the warm golden hue being instantly recognisable in industrial settings.

An ancient material with modern applications

The use of brass in precision engineering connects us to a remarkable historical legacy. The Romans were amongst the first civilisations to intentionally produce brass through a process known as cementation. In this ancient technique, copper was heated alongside zinc ore (calamine), allowing zinc vapour to diffuse into the copper and create the brass alloy.

Roman metallurgists crafted this versatile material into an impressive array of items, including coins that circulated throughout the empire, decorative objects that adorned villas and public spaces, and military signalling instruments such as the distinctive Roman trumpet. These early applications demonstrated brass’s workability and durability. Qualities that continue to make it indispensable in modern manufacturing.

From ancient forges to modern workshops

The journey from Roman cementation furnaces to today’s precision-machined electrical fittings illustrates the enduring value of brass. Whilst modern manufacturing employs computer numerical control (CNC) machining, advanced quality assurance systems, and metallurgical science far beyond Roman capabilities, the fundamental appeal of brass remains unchanged. It is a material that combines strength, workability, and resistance to the elements.

Today’s brass fittings, such as the M20 x 1.5 / PG13.5 component, may be worlds apart from Roman coins and trumpets in their application, yet they share a common thread. The recognition that brass offers an optimal balance of properties for precision work.

As electrical systems grow ever more sophisticated, and as industries demand components that meet increasingly stringent standards, it is fitting that brass continues to play a vital role, bridging millennia of metalworking tradition with cutting-edge engineering requirements.

If you’re looking for a bespoke brass component, our team are ready to assist.