Brass is prized
for many of its characteristics, including its distinct appearance,
machinability, durability, and conductivity. But perhaps the property that
craftsmen and artisans consider to be the most important is its excellent
corrosion resistance. Through the ages, new brass alloys have been introduced
with improved ability to withstand corrosion. This is why brass remains as a
preferred material for aggressive working environments and even in marine
applications.
Today, there are
over 60 types of brass specified by European Norm standards, each with a
different composition to suit the specific needs of the user. If you want a
material that satisfies the most demanding conditions across many industries,
however, here are three of the finest alloys you can get from suppliers like
Rotax Metals.
Naval Brass
Also referred to
as admiralty brass, naval brass is composed of 30 percent zinc and 1 percent tin.
Small as it may be, that tiny percentage of tin is what gives naval brass its most
notable property—resistance to dezincification. This is especially true if the
copper content is near the top end of the range. Being an alpha-beta brass,
naval brass is often cheaper, easier to find in markets, and more workable at
high temperatures. Naval brass plates hold up well against seawater and other
caustic substances, making it a staple in ship manufacturing.
Muntz Metal
Muntz metal is
also a popular material in the shipbuilding industry, although it’s not quite
as widely used as naval brass. Its composition of 60 percent copper, 40 percent
zinc and a trace amount of iron makes it a little more susceptible to
dezincification, particularly in marine environments. This is why Muntz metal
is more commonly used only as lining on boats. When treated and protected with
iron or zinc anodes, though, it can tolerate a significant amount of
dezincification before needing replacement.
Aluminum Brass
Nowadays,
aluminum brass is just as important as naval brass when it comes to marine
applications. Containing about 76 percent copper, 22 percent zinc, and 2
percent aluminum, this alloy has superior corrosion resistance, too. Aluminum
brass sheets, strips and plates are widely used in seawater service and
sometimes for production of seawater pipe systems. It is also a prominent
material used in Euro coins due to its resistance to tarnishing, as well as its
non-allergenic and mild antimicrobial properties.
All brass types
are naturally corrosion resistant under normal conditions, but some are
designed to be more resilient when exposed to the elements. Consult with your
supplier to know which brass alloy works best for your project.
About Rotax Metals
Rotax Metals is a
trusted supplier of quality copper, brass and bronze products for a number of
industries. Founded by Ronald Rosenthal in 1948, our company offers an
extensive inventory of competitively priced items along with value added
services, such as welding, cutting, forming, and machining. We also provide
special services, including polishing, metal shearing, waterjet cutting, metal
fabrication through our vast network of resources. Get in touch with us and let
our experienced and knowledgeable staff help with your project today.
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