What is brass metal? Characteristics, uses, properties and types of brass alloys

Brass metal in English is one of copper alloys known as copper and zinc alloy. Buying brass metal is used in various industries due to its special characteristics. The main chemical composition of brass metal includes a significant amount of copper and zinc. The exact percentage of these elements can vary depending on the type and different applications of brass metal.

The composition of brass metal (in English: Brass) is of copper and zinc and it is made from the composition of a certain percentage of each. If we combine brass alloy with other metals or alloys, bronze metal is usually made. Sometimes the name of the alloying element is given along with bronze, for example, tin bronze or phosphor bronze. Alloy copper-zinc brasses that have additional elements such as tin, aluminum, silicon, manganese, nickel and lead are called alloy brasses . It is interesting to know that rice sheet was one of the first compounds that humans made and used by combining metals. This precious metal is also recycled, and today approximately 90% of brass metal is recycled, because brass metal has little magnetic properties and can be easily removed from Separate metals that are usually mixed with them.

Brass alloy is a yellow metal close to gold. Brass sheet is resistant to staining and tarnishing, which means it oxidizes more slowly, also in the past, for the first time, brass metal was produced by melting copper and zinc metal ore, which is more malleable than copper and zinc sheet. The melting temperature of brass metal is between 900 and 940 degrees Celsius, which changes the hardness and softness of brass metal by changing the percentage of copper in its combination with zinc .

What is the use of brass metal?

What are the uses of brass metal? In this text, we are trying to talk about brass metal . If you intend to buy or use this alloy, it is necessary to get complete information about it before purchasing brass metal. For this purpose, we are trying to introduce you to the main nature of this popular metal, its properties and uses. Follow us until the end of this text to get useful and comprehensive information in this regard.

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Introduction to brass alloy

What are the metal compounds of brass? Brass alloy is composed of what metals? Brass alloy is actually derived from two metals, zinc and copper. The combination of these two metals has made it more malleable compared to copper and zinc sheets . It will be a great option for making strong and hard objects. It is possible to change the amount of plasticity by changing the percentage of copper.

It is interesting to know that brass metal has a low magnetic property. This feature allows us to easily distinguish it from other metals; So it can be recycled and reused.
The color of brass metal includes yellow (similar to gold), silver and red colors. Therefore, it can be used in the production of decorative accessories. The tools and equipment produced from this alloy show good resistance against oxidation. Since this metal has a high resistance to abrasion, it will be a wise choice to use it in the core of the locks.
According to the amount of copper and zinc used, the type of rice is determined. Some types of these alloys are known as bronze. Of course, bronze is actually derived from tin and copper.

Brass metal in ancient times and its history

Brass metal is one of the first metals used in human life and it has been satisfying our needs in all kinds of industries for centuries. In the distant times, when mankind was not yet familiar with zinc metal, older methods were used to produce rice. For example, they combined copper + calamine (zinc metal ore) in a molten state. Brass alloy combines the strengths of both metals. The presence of copper causes antibacterial (antimicrobial) properties in it; Hence, it is suitable for hospital handles and special equipment. Other compounds such as silicon, phosphorus , manganese, arsenic, aluminum and lead are also present in this alloy in small amounts.
Although we have learned a little about the properties of brass alloy so far, its features are not limited to these. We will discuss this topic further.

Different forms of brass metal in industry

Brass metal is used in industries in various forms, including items such as brass sheet, brass plate, brass coil, hard brass strip and soft brass strip . Each of these forms is used in different industries and has its own uses.

Features and properties of brass alloy

Knowing about the strengths and properties of brass metal allows us to use it in the best possible way.
This metal can be melted at a temperature of 900 to 940 degrees Celsius. As expected, according to the composition of the brass metal and the percentage of zinc and copper used, the melting temperature will be variable. It has a density of approximately 8.4 grams per square centimeter.
According to the amount of metals used, the type and name of rice will be different. Its various compounds include: tin, Warsaw, lead and silicon.

Due to its unique physical and chemical properties, rice is used in various industries. Some of the uses of brass metal are:

Plasma industry: Due to its high thermal and electrical conductivity, rice is used in the manufacture of plasma parts such as discs, electrodes and other plasma parts.
Automotive industry: In the automotive industry, brass metal is used in the production of parts such as pipes, radiators, cooling systems and air conditioning parts. The rust resistance of rice has made it a suitable material for use in the automotive industry.
Electronics industry: Brass metal is used as a base material for the production of electrical and electronic components. These parts include connectors, sockets, electronic cases and printed circuit boards.
Piping Industry: Due to its high corrosion resistance and rust resistance, rice is used in the production of water pipes, gas pipes, and heating and cooling systems.
Construction industry: In the construction industry, brass metal is used as a structural and decorative material. Examples of brass applications in this industry include doors and windows, door and window guards, air conditioning systems, and decorative items.

Other properties of brass metal are as follows:

Acceptable hammering
conductive
Stable against corrosion and oxidation
No fading and color stability
Abrasion resistant
Can be used in molten metal industries
Has antibacterial properties
Separable and recyclable
It has a range of colors from yellow, silver to red (depending on the percentage of metals)

Introduction of various types of brass alloy

Types of brass alloys can be divided into different types. Here we introduce some of its common types: alpha rices, alpha beta rices, beta rices and gamma rices.

1. Alpha rice

Alpha rices contain 67-72% copper and 28-33% zinc. They are malleable and are used in pressing, forging and other related applications. Alpha rice has only one phase and cubic crystal structure. Due to the high copper content, these brasses have a more golden tone than other metals. Alpha phase refers to the solid solution replacing zinc in copper. It has properties similar to copper. Therefore, it will be strong, strong and relatively difficult to machine. The best plasticity of alpha rice is obtained at 32% zinc. Corrosion-resistant red rices (with a zinc content of 15% or less) belong to this category.

2. Alpha beta rices

Alpha beta rice contains 55-65% copper and 35-45% zinc. These rices, which are also known as duplex rices, are suitable for hot and thermal work. They contain both α and β phases. The β phase is body-centered cubic, with zinc atoms in the center of the cubes, harder and stronger than α. Typically, alpha-beta rices are hot worked. Due to the higher zinc content, these brasses are brighter than alpha brasses and have the highest strength with 45% zinc.

3. Beta rices

Beta rices contain 50-55% copper and 45-50% zinc. These rices can only be served hot. They are harder, stronger and suitable for casting. Due to their high zinc-copper content, they are among the brightest common brasses with a less golden hue. Beta brasses are often used for higher strength applications such as valves, gears and bearings.

4. Gamma rices

Gamma rices contain 33-39% copper and 61-67% zinc. There are also Ag-Zn and Au-Zn gamma brasses with 30-50% Ag and 41% Au. The gamma phase is an intermetallic compound with a Cu5Zn8 cubic lattice structure. Gamma brasses are commonly used for specialized applications, including high-strength electrical contacts and fasteners.

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Different grades of brass metal

There are several different brass alloy compositions. However, they differ slightly in terms of elemental composition. 5 types of brass alloys commonly used in rapid prototyping are listed below:

Alloy 260 (brass cartridge)

Alloy 260 is also known as cartridge brass . This brass alloy contains about 70% copper and 30% zinc, along with impurities. Alloy 260 has good malleability and can be easily worked on cold. This type of alloy is used in automobiles, ammunition, hardware and fasteners, among other things.

Alloy 280 (Muntz Metal)

Alloy 280 contains about 60% copper, 40% zinc and a small amount of iron. Montez metal was commonly used as a cost-effective alternative to the copper sheeting that was previously applied to the hulls of boats to prevent marine organisms such as barnacles from forming on the hulls.

Alloy 360 (machining brass)

Alloy 360 contains about 60% copper, 35.5% zinc, up to 3.7% lead and small amounts of iron. This type of alloy is one of the easiest materials to process among all brasses with 100% machinability. Alloy 360 is also an excellent choice for soldering. Designers and machinists use this alloy to create fittings, connectors, valves, and hardware components.

Alloy 385 (architectural bronze)

Alloy 385 is composed of about 59% copper, 42% zinc and up to 3.5% lead. This issue increases its machinability and malleability significantly. Because this alloy is easily formed, it is a good architectural material for aluminum extrusion.

Alloy 464 (marine rice)

Alloy 464 is also known as marine brass. This brass alloy contains approximately 59% copper, 40% zinc, and 1% tin, with some lead. As a result, it is a metal with high corrosion resistance. It can also withstand a wide range of temperature changes. Its adaptability to cold and hot forming, bending, soldering and welding operations makes it ideal for a variety of applications. Applications of marine brass include various fittings for the deck of a boat.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of rice paper?

Rice paper has a wide range of benefits that make it a popular choice for a variety of applications. In this section, we will have an overview of the advantages and disadvantages of brass sheet:

What are the advantages and properties of brass metal?

1. High corrosion resistance: When exposed to air, brass sheet forms a protective oxide layer that prevents further corrosion. Some rices are resistant to salt water and industrial pollutants. This feature allows it to be used in plumbing, architecture, electronic components and marine equipment.
2. Low friction coefficient: Rice has a low friction coefficient. As a result, it is perfect for sliding applications.
3. Good casting and machining: Brass can be easily cast, stamped, machined and polished. It has good wear properties in cutting tools and reduces manufacturing costs and problems. This advantage allows cost-effective production of brass parts and bodies with high volume.
4. Attractive appearance: Brass sheet has a shiny golden metallic appearance for decorative architectural elements, artwork, musical instruments and consumer goods. When polished and varnished, brass creates an attractive and durable finish for furniture and equipment.
5. Antibacterial properties: All types of brass alloys contain copper with natural antimicrobial properties. Brass surfaces prevent the growth of microbes, algae and bacteria. This advantage makes rice suitable and safe for piping systems, food equipment, hospitals and other areas where hygiene is important.
6. Recyclable: Brass scraps are highly recyclable and a valuable commodity. Most rices can be smelted and modified indefinitely. This feature contributes to the sustainability and economy of rice as an industrial material. The recycling process helps reduce costs and the need for new mineral resources.

Disadvantages of brass metal

Relatively expensive: Although the copper and zinc components of brass alloys are recyclable, they are more expensive than base metals such as iron or aluminum and some plastics. Material and production costs can be high depending on the price of copper and zinc. This weakness may limit the very large applications of rice.

Heavy: Brass alloys have a higher density than most commercial metals. This results in heavy parts that require more labor and resources to machine, transport and install. The weight factor should be considered, especially in large brass structures.

Susceptible to Tarnishing: If brass sheet is not cared for properly, it can develop a blackish tarnish due to oxidation. To prevent this, the rice may need to be coated with a clear varnish.

Sensitizing: due to the presence of copper or zinc, brass metal can cause skin irritation in people with sensitive skin if not used properly with varnish.

Hazardous fumes of zinc oxide: Melting and heating of curry rice at high temperatures can produce hazardous fumes of zinc oxide that require ventilation and respiratory protection for workers. Additional environmental controls may also be required to trap and filter zinc emissions and prevent contamination.
Risk of ignition due to thermal conductivity: Brass sheet and its alloys cannot be used where a spark could ignite vapors or flammable materials. The high thermal and electrical conductivity of brass poses a risk of overheating and sparking/arcing in certain work environments. Safe alloys should be used for these applications.

Properties of brass metal — Copper clad interior wall texture background

Applications and uses of brass metal:

Apart from the characteristics of brass metal, in this section we are going to examine its applications.

1. Accessories and decorative equipment: due to the beautiful color and shine of brass alloy , it is used to make household items, brass statues, accessories, etc.

2. Architecture and design: due to the mentioned features such as high resistance, lack of wear and stability against oxidation, it can be used in the restoration of historical structures, the construction of column heads, etc.

3. Installations and power lines: Due to its low magnetic properties and high durability, this alloy can be used in making pipes, elbows, couplings and even sockets.

4. Mechanical tools and equipment: Mechanical equipment generally suffer from wear and friction due to heavy use. Due to its high stability, brass metal is a recommended option for manufacturing equipment and mechanical parts.
5. Musical instruments: Since ancient times, this metal has been used to make wind instruments such as chorus, tuba, trumpet and big trumpet. This alloy can have good plasticity; Therefore, it is suitable for the production of instruments that require high plasticity. This alloy is also used in making internal parts of musical instruments such as electric violins and electric guitars.

6. Tools and tools: Due to its high resistance, it is useful for making tools such as hammers, knives, and keys.
7. Sculpting: An artist can create a variety of decorative sculptures with the help of high malleability and brilliant color of this alloy.

Comparison of copper, brass and bronze

What is the difference between brass, bronze and copper metal? All three are colloquially known as “red metals”. Copper is a non-ferrous metal that exists in its pure state. Unlike bronze and brass, copper metal occurs naturally and may be processed directly and immediately.

Brass and bronze are copper alloys. But copper is the main element of both brass and bronze. Brass metal often contains lead and may contain manganese, iron, aluminum, silicon, and other elements. However, bronze contains tin as its main secondary element. In addition, it also has nickel, aluminum, phosphorus, zinc, etc.

Bronze is highly resistant to saltwater corrosion, but brass has very low friction properties. In contrast, copper’s high conductivity makes it ideal for electrical applications.

Contact Bazarfels for consultation and purchase of Pamnar Rahimi brass sheet.

You can visit stores in Pamnar, Tehran, to buy Rahimi brass sheets in thin and thick varieties for your desired use. Rahimi Metal Bazaar online store is one of the oldest sellers of copper and brass sheets in Iran, and you can contact our experts for price inquiries or free consultation. You can also contact our sales experts through WhatsApp .

Summary

If we want to talk about the metal composition of brass, brass is an alloy of copper and zinc, which has a golden yellow color. Brass sheet is resistant to sea water corrosion and its machining and shaping is simple. Its biocidal effect makes it a good material for antibacterial applications. In addition, brass plate can be found in applications that require low friction. Fittings, tools, appliance parts, and ammunition components are examples of these items.