Brass

• Copper (Cu): This usually makes up the majority of the alloy, typically ranging from 55% to 95%.
• Zinc (Zn): This generally constitutes around 5% to 45% of the alloy.

Depending on which other elements are added to the brass mixture, this produces a wide range of properties and variations in colour. Increased amounts of zinc provide the brass material with improved strength and ductility. Brass metal can range in colour from red to yellow, depending on the amount of zinc added to the alloy.

Brass can also contain small amounts of other elements to impart specific properties. These elements could include:

• Lead (Pb): Added for improved machinability.
• Tin (Sn): Added for corrosion resistance and strength.
• Iron (Fe): Added to increase strength and hardness.
• Aluminum (Al): Added for enhanced corrosion resistance and strength.
• Silicon (Si): Added for improved strength and machinability.

Characteristics of Brass Metal

Brass is a highly versatile material that is useful in many applications. Here are some of the key characteristics:

Colour – Brass metal has a bright, gold-like appearance. Depending on the zinc content, its colour can vary from reddish to yellowish. Higher zinc content typically produces a more yellowish hue, while lower zinc content makes the brass reddish.

Malleability and Ductility – Brass is relatively soft and malleable, making it easy to work with through processes such as casting, forging, and machining. It can be shaped and formed with minimal risk of cracking.

Corrosion Resistance – Brass is more corrosion-resistant than pure iron or steel. This property makes it ideal for applications in moist or aquatic environments.

Thermal and Electrical Conductivity – Brass has good thermal and electrical conductivity, though not as high as pure copper. This makes it suitable for electrical and heat exchange applications.

Acoustic Properties – Brass material has excellent acoustic properties, which is why it is commonly used in the construction of musical instruments like trumpets, trombones, and saxophones.

Low Friction – Brass has low friction properties, making it useful for applications like gears and bearings where smooth and consistent motion is crucial.

Germicidal Properties – Brass metal is germicidal which means it can kill microorganisms on contact. This makes brass a valuable material for applications in public spaces and healthcare settings, where hygiene is of top importance.

Strength and Durability – Brass material is strong and durable. By varying the zinc content, its strength and ductility can be adjusted to meet specific needs.

Workability – Because of its relatively low melting point, brass metal is easy to cast, and its softness makes it easy to machine or form into intricate shapes.

Applications for Brass Material

Brass is one of the most popular metals for making musical instruments due to its low friction and acoustic properties. Instruments such as French horns, trumpets, trombones, and saxophones are commonly made from brass, as brass material provides excellent sound quality and ease of play.

Outside of musical instruments, brass material is commonly used as a decorative metal because of its resemblance to gold. Other applications for brass metal include architectural uses, condenser/heat exchangers, plumbing, radiator cores, musical instruments, locks, fasteners, hinges, ammunition components and electrical connectors.

Types of Brass Metal

At Metal Supermarkets, we carry both brass C260 and C360.

Brass C260 is a combination of copper and zinc, carrying the highest ductility in the yellow brass series. This alloy typically consists of approximately 70% copper and 30% zinc, creating a material that is both versatile and easy to work with. With its smooth, yellow brass finish and polished or brushed (satin) look, it is highly regarded as an attractive material. Its excellent formability makes it a popular choice for applications requiring intricate shapes and precise details, such as decorative items, architectural elements, and various industrial components.

Brass C360 includes lead in its composition, creating a highly machinable material that can be cut, drilled and shaped easily. This unique addition of lead significantly enhances the alloy’s machinability, making it an ideal choice for applications requiring high-speed machining and precision. No material of comparable strength machines faster and produces better surface finishes than C360. The exceptional machinability of Brass C360 makes it a preferred material for manufacturing intricate components such as gears, connectors, and fasteners.