What type of brass is used

Many of the properties of bronze overlap with those of copper and brass. There are a variety of bronze alloy types based on their composition. Choosing the right type of metal for an application is critical to designing and manufacturing a high-quality part or product. Although copper, brass, and bronze provide electrical and thermal conductivity, corrosion resistance, and strength, there are distinct differences between the three metals.

Some of the key differences to keep in mind when selecting sheet metal materials include:. With over 30 years of experience sourcing and buying alloys, we have the knowledge and skills to source specialty and hard-to-find copper alloys for your unique needs.

Copper, brass, and bronze are three different metals that offer a variety of advantageous characteristics, such as conductivity, corrosion resistance, and machinability. Consequently, metal sheets formed from these materials find use in a variety of industrial applications and end-use environments. To learn more about our material offerings, browse our copper , brass , and bronze inventories.

Contact Us Copper, Brass, and Bronze Metal Alloys Although copper, brass, and bronze belong to the same category of metals, each exhibits distinct characteristics that make it ideal for different circumstances. What Is Copper? Properties of Copper Copper has several properties that make it ideal for construction and manufacturing, such as: Copper demonstrates excellent thermal and electrical conductivity, making it suitable for use in electronic and electrical systems and thermal equipment.

It exhibits resistance to many forms of damage, including impact, wear, and corrosion. Additionally, it maintains its strength when flexed, formed, and drawn. Bacterial antimicrobial resistance. The material resists bacteria without degrading. It even kills bacteria that are exposed to its surface.

This quality makes it ideal for use in food-safe equipment. This alloy is an oxygen-free copper , which is suitable for when manufacturers need high conductivity and ductility. Alloy Also referred to as electrolytic ETP copper, this alloy demonstrates the highest level of electrical and thermal conductivity, as well as good ductility and malleability.

This alloy is mechanically similar to Alloy , but it also exhibits superior formability, weldability, and brazing capabilities. Like many copper alloys, it is characterized by excellent thermal and electrical conductivity and high formability and superior machinability. What Is Brass? Properties of Brass As a copper-alloy, brass demonstrates many of the properties characteristic of copper.

For example: Susceptibility to stress-cracking. As brass is stronger and stiffer than pure copper, it is more susceptible to developing stress cracks. Malleability and formability. Compared to bronze, brass is more malleable. They are not as ductile as other brasses, but they are highly durable for structures.

Alpha-beta brasses are commonly used for hinges, valves, fittings and gas appliances. They are hard but not very ductile in cold temperatures. While brass brings to mind a bright gold metal, it actually comes in different colors.

Other colorful types of brasses may be yellow, red, brown, silver or gold. Different colors of brass occur depending on what other elements have been combined in the alloy mix for brass.

For example, if manganese is added, it results in a rich brown hue, while the addition of nickel makes a bright silver brass. The high luster and bright color of brass have long made it an attractive metal. But it is also easily worked, and it does not spark. That makes it safer for combustible environments.

Brass conducts heat well, so it is often used in anything involving heat exchange, like in radiators. It is much less conductive of electricity than pure copper, however. Brass retains its hardness without becoming brittle in cold temperatures. An attractive and economical feature of brass is its ability to be recycled. This is true for all grades of brass. This means it possesses antimicrobial properties and kills microorganisms after hours of contact with the alloy. This makes it a popular component for water pipes.

Brass is also highly resistant to corrosion, with some notable exceptions. Adding arsenic to brass helps with corrosion resistance. While this mainly changes the color of brass, in severe cases, it can weaken the metal. To preserve brass, take care to avoid exposure to chloride ions, such as in seawater.

They have also been shown to have a lower air-side pressure drop than aluminum radiators. Musical instruments — The durability, workability, corrosion resistance, and acoustic properties of brass make it an excellent, economic choice for a wide range of musical instruments, from trumpets, tubas, and trombones to cymbals, gongs, and bells. RV water pressure regulator and elbow fittings — Much stronger and tougher than plastic, brass fittings can stand up to high water pressure and reduce it to a manageable level for use in RVs.

Technical instruments — For centuries, non-magnetic brass has been used to make measuring instruments, such as compasses, astrolabes, barometers, chronometers, clocks, and watches. While retaining its hardness and strength, brass is easily worked and engraved with permanent indicator marks for reading the time, tide, direction, or barometric pressure. Industrial Metal Supply stocks brass sheet and plate in many forms and in full sizes or pre-cuts, as well as a line of decorative brass railing from Lavi Industries.

Contact us today! March 08, by: IMS. Contact Us. Time to Read: 2m 31s. Accidential Discovery of Brass As far as we know, brass was discovered accidentally, when metalworkers in ancient Asia smelted a crude form of brass from zinc-rich copper ores. Brass' Growing Uses Because of its wide versatility, brass has found its way into a surprising range of applications, including: Ammunition casings — Spark resistant, low-friction, corrosion-resistant, and non-magnetic, brass can be easily rolled into thin sheets and formed into cartridge shells.