Why Use Brass Tubing Supplies for Your Construction and Decoration Projects

Brass, an alloy of copper and zinc, is prized for its many useful properties. Although not as popular as its older sibling “bronze”, it sure has made a name for itself after benefiting a lot of different industries, from manufacturing and transportation to distribution and service. Today, it can be seen in various forms, including sheets, bars, and ornamental pieces.

Among the many forms of brass, the one thing that makes it extremely useful is tubing. Brass tubes are quite a favorite in many industries because they are sturdy in construction, easy to install, corrosion resistant, and have durable and elegant-looking finish. They’ve even inherited copper’s antimicrobial properties, which make them all the more sought after for a great deal of applications.

Tubes and Pipes

There’s a difference between a tube and a pipe that anyone who’s considering using a hollow cylindrical material for their project should know. Although tubes and pipes look the same, they are made for different purposes. Pipes are used to convey something, such as gas or fluid, while tubes are used to support something as in construction or as an architectural element. Read more from this article: http://bit.ly/2qttevk

Malleability, the Property that Makes Bronze Sheet Metal Manufacturing a Breeze

Every metal has a certain degree of malleability, the ability to deform under compressive stress without breaking. This property is critical because it allows metals to be utilized for various applications, including surface protection, ornament, architectural design, and machine parts.

Some metals are more malleable than others. In fact, there are metals whose malleability is too negligible to be utilized. Among the many malleable metals out there, copper is arguably the most extensively used. This is because it can be easily alloyed with other metals to form even stronger and more durable materials.

Even after alloying, copper retains its malleability, making the new material pliable as well. Bronze is an example of alloy that inherits the malleability of copper. Although not as malleable as other prominent metals, such as gold, silver, and aluminium, bronze sure is very easy to work with, especially to be flattened into usable sheets of varying thicknesses.

Understanding the Malleability of Bronze

Bronze is not really the best example to use when explaining malleability, but it does go flat when hammered, pressed, or rolled. It can only tolerate so much pressure before finally breaking. In fact, regular bronzes have the tendency to become brittle when applied with an abrupt force.

Bronze’s malleability depends on the amount of copper and tin and the crystal structure of their molecules. Most bronzes have a little over 80 percent copper and 12 percent tin. The rest consists of additional elements in miniscule amounts, such as aluminium, manganese, nickel or zinc, which also affect bronze’s malleability.

If you look at bronze’s molecular structure through an electron microscope, you’ll notice that those bronzes that have almost symmetrical arrangement of copper and tin molecules are most tolerant to pressure. They neither deform nor break easily even if bronze is naturally brittle.

Plus, a good crystal structure also contributes to bronze’s ability to resist vibrations. The tin atom placed in a strategic spot within a uniformly arranged cluster of copper atoms in the composition prevents the atomic plain from slipping freely, keeping it in place regardless of the kind of force applied to it. 

Quality Bronze from an Experienced Supplier

Of course, the perfect mix of copper and tin in bronze does not occur by chance. It is with the expert skill of metalworkers that a seamless crystal structure can be achieved. Unfortunately, not all suppliers have this kind of skill. It takes decades of experience in metallurgy to create bronzes of the most desirable compositions.

Metal suppliers, such as Rotax Metals, that have been providing the highest quality bronze sheet metal products to builders and suppliers for decades are the best place to turn to for materials for your projects. Not only do these suppliers have a huge arsenal of products that you can choose from, but they also have a wide network that they can rely on when you can’t find what you need from them.

About Rotax Metals: Rotax Metals is you one-stop shop for the most desirable metal supplies on the market. We provide high-quality copper, brass, and bronze supplies that could work for any kind of project. Whether you are looking for the perfect decorative element for your façade or a durable backsplash material, we can deliver.

Sources:

What is Malleability in Metallurgy?, thebalance.com

Malleability in Chemistry Explained With Appropriate Examples, sciencestruck.com

Interesting Facts about Naval Brass and Its Properties that You Probably Didn’t Know

Naval brass, as its name suggests, was originally meant to be used for water-related applications, specifically sea water. The open waters have high salinity or salt concentration, which can easily damage metals that are not protected against corrosion. Once corrosion starts, it can be difficult to prevent it from spreading throughout the vessel.

It is for this very reason that naval brass was created. The tin added into the alloy significantly increases the resulting metal corrosion resistance, allowing brass to last and endure saltwater for longer.

On top of anti-corrosion, the presence of tin also helps increase naval brass’ resistance to dezincification, a type of corrosion in which only zinc is removed from a material, thereby weakening it and making it prone to damage. According to maritime history, dezincification used to be known as “condensiritis,” and had been the subject of various attempts at resolution. Read more from this article: http://bit.ly/2IM7BNt

Properties that Make Bronze Bars and Sheets Sought-After Materials

When man learned that metals can be mixed together to form stronger and more durable materials, they began searching for the perfect combination, and never stopped for the next 7000 years. The first metals they tried to combine were copper and tin. The resulting metal—bronze—turned out to be so popular an entire era was named after it. Until now, metallurgists are still experimenting on copper-tin alloy to produce strong and durable bronzes. Here are some other facts about bronze that might interest you.

It Contains Other Metals Apart from Copper and Tin

In the past, almost all bronzes contain only copper and tin. When metalworkers realized adding other metals can improve its properties, the original copper-tin mix became obsolete. In fact, you can hardly find bronze materials these days that do not have extra elements in them, such as aluminum, manganese, nickel or zinc. Sometimes, non-metals or metalloids such as arsenic, phosphorus or silicon are also added.

You may wonder why it’s still called bronze despite the presence of other elements. Well, that’s because only a miniscule amount of those elements are added. Most bronzes still contain about 86 percent copper and 12 percent tin. The remaining 2 percent consists of the additional elements. The properties and quality of bronze depend greatly on its tin content.

It Has Amazing Properties

There’s more to bronze than its rustic beauty. It has a set of properties that are useful for myriads of applications. Bronze is both ductile and malleable. This means it can be hammer into thin sheets or drawn into wires. It also exhibits low friction against other metals, which is why it is ideal for making machine bearings. When solidifying from a liquid state, bronze expands a small amount, a property that is considered desirable in sculpture casting, particularly in filling a mold.

Aside from being low-friction, bronze also does not generate sparks when stroke against a hard surface. Such property is particularly useful for applications that involve the use of flammable substances. Special types of bronze are also resistant to saltwater corrosion. These bronzes are used for making propellers and other ship parts that are constantly exposed to seawater.

Good Oxidation

Oxidation is the most formidable enemy of most metals, especially the ferrous ones. When exposed to moisture, the molecules of these metals combine with oxygen to form another substance. In most cases, these substance is rust. Bronze, however, reacts differently. Instead of forming rust, it develops a greenish layer of material called patina. This layer serves as a protection to the metal, allowing it to last for thousands of years.

Apart from giving protection, patina is also responsible for giving bronze its distinctive antique appearance. A lot of people would pay high price for a beautifully patinated bronze item. In fact, there are actual methods that speed up patination to achieve the most desirable look of bronze.

When looking for bronze items, it is best to go to a trusted supplier like Rotax Metals. Don’t settle for anything less than high-quality bronze bars and sheets for your project. You should also be careful when choosing a type of bronze to ensure that it suits your project’s specifications.

About Rotax Metals: When it comes to metals, no other supplier can meet your specifications than Rotax Metals. We are a one-stop shop for high-grade copper, brass, and bronze supplies in North America. Whether you are an artisan, an architect, or a metal supplier yourself, we are your best source of materials. Let us help you make your project successful. Get in touch with us today and we will be more than glad to assist you.

Sources:

Few Interesting Facts Of Bronze, worldofchemicals.com

What Is Bronze? Definition, Composition and Properties, thoughtco.com

The Different Techniques for Making Brass Extrusions

Extrusion is a metalworking process that involves forcing a metal inside a die with a different cross section. Due to the compression and force applied onto the inlet, the metal is deformed as it is fed and the different shapes of the brass extrusions are formed. Most people already know the gist of the extrusion manufacturing, but what many don’t know is the different types of extrusion processing. Here are the four major types of extrusion and how each of them works:

Direct Extrusions. Also known as the forward extrusion, this process involves having the billet move in the same direction as the ram and punch. A lot of friction is created between the container and the billet because the billet slides against a stationary wall. This method requires a lot of force to make the final product. To prevent oxidation, a dummy block with a slightly smaller diameter is used during hot extrusion. This process is best used for creating solid circular and non-circular extrusions as well as hollowed tubes and cups.

Indirect Extrusion. Also known as backward extrusion, indirect extrusion occurs when the punch moves in the opposite direction of the billet. There is less friction because no relative motion between the billet and container happens. This also means that less force is required during the manufacturing of extrusions. Although indirect extrusion uses less energy, the process cannot produce long extrusions. Many manufacturers actually combine both direct and indirect extrusion to create final products of the best quality. Read more from this article: http://bit.ly/2GSafVh

Helpful Tips on Using Engraving Brass for Jewelleries and Other Crafts

Metals are great not only because they are versatile and can be easily formed into many different shapes, but also because you can easily incorporate other elements with them. For example, brass surfaces are not only good for being a base for stones and other accessory elements, but also for engraving.

This is, in fact, a very common practice especially for jewelleries and name plates. The material of brass is perfect for this particular work because it is able to display the text or engraved marking clearly and visibly, even from afar.

Engraving Metals

Brass, copper, bronze, silver, gold—all these metals can technically be engraved upon. It could be of an intricate design or an elegant calligraphy of an initial. Whatever the design, it is sure to come out looking very sophisticated.

If you are looking to expand your skills working with metal, you may want to consider this particular craft. Of course, a primary requirement here is for you to have easy access to the materials, such as engraving brass, among others. Read more from this article: http://bit.ly/2JFvebQ

Brass Angle Basics: What They Are and Their Many Uses

Brass angle, also known as the L-shaped bar, is an important component of many small and medium-sized structures. Its characteristic “L” shape is achieved by rolling and bending a long, flat bar. The shape is essential as it offers a unique kind of structural support.

Unlike steel and iron bars, brass angle bars are rarely used in large-scale construction projects because they are quite expensive. An alloy of copper and zinc, brass possesses a gold-like color and sheen as well as high corrosion resistance, which make it an impractical choice of building material. However, it can perform beyond what’s expected of typical structural bars. Here are some of the most common uses of brass angle.

Structural Strengthening

Hanging cabinets are an efficient solution to a small or cramped space. While these fixtures can effectively help free up space in any room, it poses certain risks to occupants. They might suddenly uncouple from the wall fall on an occupant. This risk, however, can be managed by ensuring the stability of the cabinets. By installing a brass angle bar on the wall where a bottom edge of the cabinet can perfectly fit on, you can provide the shelf with its much needed support. Read more from this article: http://bit.ly/2GOHoNE

A Beginner’s Guide to Muntz Metal–Composition, Application, and Quality

Those who are new to metalworking may not be aware of what Muntz metal is and what applications it can be utilized for. Those who are familiar with it, however, can easily attest to this metal’s viability as a resource material and to its amazing set of beneficial properties.

Also known as yellow metal, Muntz metal is an alloy of copper (60%) and zinc (40%). It is commonly found in machine parts, especially those that are meant to be placed in areas where corrosion is likely to take place.

This kind of metal has a rather interesting history, particularly because unlike most other metals, it is named after a certain individual, in this case George Fredrick Muntz. He was a metal-roller from Birmingham, England, and is known to be the person responsible for commercializing the alloy. Muntz patented the yellow metal in 1832, and since then, it has been enjoyed by the various industries. Read more from this article: http://bit.ly/2qorgeZ

Saving and Preserving Bronze Sheets and Other Pieces Using Wax

Bronze sheets and similar pieces are metal alloys that are manufactured specifically to last for decades with minimal care and maintenance. For that reason, many collectors value high-quality outdoor bronze fittings and sculptures. The issue with bronze, however, is that it is still susceptible to weathering and tarnishing after years of constant exposure. As any collector should know, the key to preserving the beauty and value of bronze pieces is through proper cleaning and waxing.

Take note that proceeding with the waxing of bronze metal sheets without doing further research can do more harm than good. Here’s a quick guide all about the basics of bronze waxing:

Step 1: Correct Bronze Cleaning

Before attempting to wax bronze pieces, learning how to clean them is the first step. There are different ways to clean the surface, but the easiest, cheapest, and most effective is by using warm water with soap. Use the soapy water some gentle scrubbing and clean the pieces until the desired shine and appearance is achieved. Read more from this article: http://bit.ly/2GNcWHV

All about Round and Square Metal Tubing for All Your Building Needs

Metal tubes play an important role in the stability of many mechanical systems. They provide efficient structural support and also have aesthetic function when arranged systematically or if they are made from quality metals, such as bronze or brass. They usually come in different materials, lengths, and cross-sectional shapes in order to meet various needs and applications.

They Are Not Pipes

While tubes and pipes have the same structure, they are not the same material. You can distinguish one from the other by the way their cross-sections are measured or determined. A tube’s cross-section is measured by its outside diameter, while a pipe is measured by its inside diameter.

The reason for this is that pipes are used for conveying fluids, which puts stress on its interior surface. Tubes, on the other hand, usually function as a structural element so the stress is expected to be concentrated within their outer layer. And there’s the issue of aesthetics, which isn’t much of a concern with pipes, considering that they will end up being buried underground or concealed within the walls and ceiling.

You may ask, if tubes only have structural functions, why do they have to be made to look like pipes in the first place? Well, that’s where consideration of efficiency comes in. It would be costly to use solid rods of similar diameters on structures. If you reduce they diameter to lessen the cost, the resulting metal would be too small to resist other forces. Plus, because tubes are hollow, they are lighter and easier to work with than solid bars.

Manufacturing Tubes

There are several metalworking techniques that are used for manufacturing tubes. The most efficient of these is extrusion, a process that involves pressing a material into a die to achieve a desired cross section. There are two ways to do it:

Cold-Drawing. Metal is drawn over a mandrel at room temperature. Because no chemical change is involved in the process, the “cold finished” is expected to have increased mechanical properties and uniform dimensional tolerances. Complex profiles, however, may require multi-pass drawing to produce the desired tolerances.

Annealing. To make it easier to extrude certain metals, they are subjected to heat treatment. This may alter the physical and sometimes the chemical properties of the metal but the result is almost the same as that of cold-drawing except the metal’s electrical conductivity is increased.

If you are looking for high-quality tubes for your project, you have to a supplier that has been in the business for many decades. Suppliers like Rotax Metals, which has been catering to various industries since 1947 surely have a huge inventory that you can choose from. Whether you need round or square metal tubing, they’ve got you covered.

About Rotax Metals: Rotax Metals is a premier provider of metal supplies based in Brooklyn. We specialize in all kinds of copper, brass, and bronze supplies. We cater to various industries and professionals, including architectural designers, furniture manufacturers, artisans, and metal fabricators. We also perform metal shearing, water jet cutting, and metal fabrication.

Sources:

What Is Annealing in Metallurgy?, thebalance.com

How Is Steel Tubing Made?, sciencing.com

Using Bronze Tube and Other Similar Metals for Jewelleries and Other Crafts

Creating jewelleries and other crafts can become more fun and challenging when you use special kinds of metal. These materials come in different forms, each of which exhibit a unique level of strength and versatility. When used properly, metals can yield the most beautiful results.

For beginners, jewellery making can certainly be a daunting task. It takes extreme care and precision to ensure that the base metal, such as bronze tube and other similar items, won’t be put to waste. If you are just learning the ropes for working with these types of metals, particularly bronze, here are some tips that could help you improve your craft.

Why Use Bronze

One of the reasons why bronze is such a viable material for jewellery making is that it has high strength and low melting point. It is easy to shape into different forms and styles because it easily reacts to concentrated heat. Once it hardens, however, it’s difficult to deform or bend out of shape again. The trick, perhaps, is in the combination of the metals copper and tin in this particular alloy. Read more from this article: http://bit.ly/2qlpvjl

What Leading Brass Suppliers Will Tell You about Brass

You’ve probably seen one somewhere but you just can’t remember. At one point, you might have mistaken it for gold because of its gold-like sheen. Yes, that’s brass, and you’ll find no other metal except gold that has that distinctive, elegant appearance. However, there is more to brass than just appearance. It has a range of useful properties that are notable in the metalworking industry.

Low Melting Point

In the movie Terminator 2: Judgment Day, there were scenes wherein the antagonist T-1000 (made of liquid metal) melted after being blasted and went brittle when soaked in liquid nitrogen. Although just an exaggeration, those are what can happen to most metals when they’re exposed to extreme temperatures. Remarkably, some metals like brass have higher tolerance. Brass is well-known for having a low melting point, which makes it a perfect casting material. It also doesn’t become brittle at low temperatures unlike most metals, so you can expect it to endure in the worst environmental conditions.

Malleability and Ductility

It’s interesting how metal with such a low melting point can be so malleable and ductile. Brass can be hammered or rolled into thin sheets more easily than most metals. It can also be drawn into small wires without breaking. It’s no wonder why brass is the preferred material for making small machine parts, fixtures, and intricate decorative elements.

Friction Resistance

Most metals would immediately heat up when rubbed against each other. Some may even spark when slid on the surface of another metal at high speed. Although unique, this characteristic isn’t really beneficial. Apart from potentially causing fire, it can severely damage adjacent non-metal machine parts, which could in turn break the machine or reduce its performance.

Conductivity

With all this heat and friction resistance, you may think that brass is no longer electrically conductive. In truth, it has good electrical conductivity ranging from 23 to 44 percent that of pure copper. This means brass can still perform well as a machine part through which electricity have to be conveyed. Its heat resistance makes it an even better conductor, since it won’t easily succumb to the heat generated by electricity. 

It helps to learn about these amazing properties of brass before you decide to use it for your project. However, not all brass supplies are the same. Because they vary in zinc content, they also come in different qualities. Consult with top brass suppliers like Rotax Metals about the type of brass you need to make sure that you will pick the right material and make the most out of its properties.

About Rotax Metals: Rotax Metals is a premier metal supplier in North America that has been in operation since 1947. With decades of experience in providing for all kinds of project, we are confident that we can deliver the highest quality brass, copper, and bronze supplies. We cater to various industries, including construction and metalworking. We even deliver materials to artisans and metal suppliers.

Sources:

Properties of Brass, gharpedia.com

Properties of Brass Metal, bizfluent.com

Copper Sheet Supplier Shares Secrets to Preventing Copper Oxidation

There is no mistaking the beautiful warm glow of copper. This is primarily due to its unique and elegant color that has stood the test of time and the fact that it is still being used in modern homes today. One common problem with copper, however, as a trusted copper sheet supplier would confirm, is that it can easily succumb to oxidation. Before long the classy reddish shine becomes an ugly, muddled dark and green surface.

There are several ways to prevent or hasten the effects of oxidation on copper sheets and fittings. Here are some techniques used for preventing copper corrosion:

1: Grease It Up

A layer of grease spread on the surface of copper fittings and sheets can do a lot to stop corrosion. A jar of Vaseline is a great option to look into. However, this isn’t the best solution for decorative pieces as the layer of Vaseline can destroy the aesthetics. For hidden copper pipes and other fittings that aren’t seen by guests, grease is an easy, effective, and affordable anti-corrosion tool. Read more from this article: http://bit.ly/2GIEWrY

First Things First: What You Should Know before Worrying about Where to Buy Copper Sheets

Copper is one of the most flexible base metals for many different materials. It can be found almost everywhere from uncommon machine parts and intricate architectural elements to simple everyday items. In fact, despite the economy’s unpredictability, copper production remains stable worldwide. Copper has become so influential a product that most countries use it as an economic health barometer.

Properties

It’s not an accident that copper is an extensively used material. Unlike other metals, copper possesses a great deal of properties that allow it to be used for a wide range of applications. Here are some of copper’s most notable properties. Read more from this article: http://bit.ly/2JvqZQ7

Applications of Electromagnets with Copper Coils from Sheet Metal Suppliers

Some metals are capable of creating their own magnetic field, thanks to the unique orientation of their domain, the small magnetic field that are inherent in their crystalline structure. These metals, called ferromagnetic materials, include iron, nickel, certain alloys, and rare-earth metals. This doesn’t mean that other metals can no longer be made into magnets or at least part of a magnetic system.

By applying electricity, certain non-ferromagnetic metals can create a temporary magnetic field. This magnet, called electromagnet, consists of a coil and a core. The core is usually made of iron and the coil, of a highly conductive metal wire. Most electromagnets have copper coils, because copper is both electrically conductive and heat-resistant.

Electromagnets are extremely important because they can easily come in handy unlike permanent magnets that might not always be available. Additionally, you can conveniently increase the power of an electromagnet by simple increasing the current flowing in the system or increasing the size of the coil. The following are some of the applications where copper-coiled electromagnets are used. Read more from this article: http://bit.ly/2GDkY1N

Interesting Facts about Brass Sales that You Probably Didn’t Know About

Man’s obsession with metals began in the ancient times. One of the first metals they had discovered was copper. At the time, they were completely clueless about the full potential of this metal, until they accidentally mixed it with other metals. That’s when they learned that metals can be combined together to create different kinds of material of better properties. In fact, such discovery became so influential it instigated an entirely new field of study called metallurgy, which later became one of the biggest and longest running industries on the planet.

One of the first metals man learned to combine with copper is zinc. Doing so, they were able to create a harder, shinier, and more durable metal known today as brass. This metal possesses a great deal of unique features that benefit myriads of industries from construction to electronics. As manufacturing technology evolved, so did the types and quality of brass. Metalworkers experimented on different mixtures to make brass more resilient or more appropriate for certain applications.

Today, there are over 60 types of brass available on the market. Each one has a unique set of properties that are useful for specific applications. Here are the most popular types of brass you can choose from if you’re planning to utilize this metal for your project. Read more from this article: http://bit.ly/2Iz5BrP

Types of Brass for Sale Today, Their Properties, and Unique Uses

Brass pipes and tubes are mostly used as plumbing fixtures for residential and commercial buildings. They belong to the C360 or free cutting brass classification. The properties that make free cutting brass the most popular for everyday architecture include corrosion resistance, ease of soldering and brazing, machinability, and availability.

Aside from C360 brass alloy, there are a lot more types of brass for sale in today’s market. Here are some of those types, what are the differences in composition, and their intended uses:

Leaded Brass – This type of brass alloy, also known as C353, has a varying amount of copper and zinc content. What makes it stand out, though, is the addition of lead. By adding a small amount of this element the alloy gets excellent machinability and added durability making it a very popular choice for many metal users. Read more from this article: http://bit.ly/2q7ho92

The Value of Metal Recycling in the Copper and Brass Sales Industry

It is no secret that we are running out of space inside landfills. The more we consume, the more we throw away and this just creates more waste. Although the concept of reduce, reuse, and recycle has been taught to us from a young age, many still do not see the value in adapting this lifestyle. Now that people and businesses are realizing the value of sustainability and eco-friendly practices recycling is becoming a norm.

The copper and brass sales industry is not far behind. Why? Because there are so many benefits to scrap metal recycling. Here are the best of them:

How to Assess Scrap Copper & Brass Sales Value for Recycling

Everyone knows that you can earn a bit of cash when you recycle plastic bottles and tin cans. These are the most commonly recycled items around the county, but the money earned isn’t very significant. What many forget about is the scrap copper & brass sales value when they are sold for recycling. These two metals are very valuable and many junk shops pay a good price to get your “trash” off your hands.

The Magnet Test

The first step into metal recycling is to know if what you have is a ferrous or non-ferrous metal. This is very easy to do with the help of a magnet. Simply bring a piece of magnet close to the metal to see if it sticks. If the magnet sticks, you have a ferrous metal, most probably either steel or iron which aren’t very valuable. However, if the magnet does not stick to the metal, you probably have a non-ferrous piece that can be worth a lot when recycled.

Two of the most valued scrap metals are copper & brass pieces. Here’s more information about the copper & brass recycling and how to take advantage of it:

Copper Scraping 101

Copper and brass are different in many aspects. First of all, copper is considered as a true metal and most copper pieces have the same composition: copper. Brass on the other hand is a type of alloy made with a mix of copper, zinc, and other compounds. Since copper scrap is pure, scrap yards put more value in them. In fact, they are the most valued and highly priced scrap metal all over the country. Read more from this article: http://bit.ly/2HcIGms

A Beginner’s Guide to Soldering Brass Square Tubing and Fittings for Beginners

Brass square tubing and other brass pieces are popular because of their malleability, durability, and beauty. Despite all this, there are still instances where brass can get damaged, cracked, and sometimes even break off entirely. When this happens, some make the mistake of immediately replacing and ditching the damaged piece and just throw out the damaged pieces. The truth is that there’s still a way to have those metal pieces soldered together. Here’s a quick guide to soldering brass.

Step 1: Materials

Soldering is largely about getting all the right tools and having a good workspace. Gather the following materials:

• Soldering torch
• Preferred solder and flux brand
• Fire bricks
• Hammer
• Tweezers
• Metal file
• Broken brass pieces
• Sanding pad
• Alcohol swab

Step 2: Preparation

Find a clean space where you can solder safely. Remove anything flammable from the area and choose a spot that is well ventilated. A small fan will also help in blowing away the fumes. You can also create a small but safe space for soldering using fire-resistant bricks to contain the heat from your blow torch. Read more from this article: http://bit.ly/2J0kPau

Interesting Facts about Naval Brass—Composition, Properties, and Applications

Anyone who has experienced using brass can tell how malleable, strong, and durable it is. This metal is composed mainly of copper and zinc, but sometimes, a miniscule amount of tin and other metals like lead is added to improve its properties. The ratio of copper to tin varies depending on the metal’s intended purpose. The composition ranges from 55 to 90 percent for copper and 10 to 45 percent for zinc.

As for naval brass, the perfect ratio is around 59% copper, 40% zinc, 1% tin, and trace amounts of lead. Due to its composition, this type of brass is classified under a brass subfamily known as “Alpha Beta” or sometimes “Duplex Brasses”, which are stronger and harder than other brass groups, particularly when it comes to dealing with saltwater. This makes them a perfect material for sea vessels.

Why Alloy Composition Is Important

The reason why brasses are classified into different groups is that each unique composition yields a material of unique properties. This is especially the case with malleability and ductility, two critical properties you can get from brass alloys. The malleability of brass depends on the amount of zinc used. When the alloy contains more than 45% of zinc they are known as White Brass and are no longer workable either in hot or cold.\ Read more from this article: http://bit.ly/2pMLMpS

Scrap Metal Basics: How and Why You Should Recycle Brass Sheet Metal

In a world where eco-friendly solutions are fast becoming the norm, reusing and recycling are among the ways to cut down on waste. While many concentrate on collecting plastic bottles, cartons, and newspapers, there is one item that is prized above the rest: metals.

Metal recycling is a lucrative business. Such items like an old brass sheet metal, copper pipes, and aluminum tubes have a higher value that other materials because of their uses in various major applications. Here’s a step-by-step guide to recycling metal:

Step #1: Collection – Unlike other types of waste, used metals are found in scrap yards instead of the landfill. Homes that have gone through recent renovations may have scrap brass, copper, bronze, etc., laying around perfect for recycling. Read more from this article: http://bit.ly/2pIuOIA

Brass Extrusions: How They Are Made and What Their Applications Are

Brass has a classy and elegant look that not many other alloys can come close to. Ever since its amazing properties were discovered, this metal has been used for various applications. Everything from coins to architecture, you’ll find traces of brass. This is mainly because apart from being strikingly appealing, brass is also durable and malleable. It has all the necessary qualities for aesthetic and practical uses.

Most brass pieces in the past were only available in plain sheets, tubes, or pipes. With the invention of new metal forming techniques and other advances in metallurgy, most complex designs for brass pieces are already achievable. Whether you need a super-thin sheets or exceedingly complex brass extrusions, you’re very likely to achieve your goal.

What is extrusion?

Extrusion is a metal working process in which a metal, in this case brass, is melted and then pushed through a certain die to create a fixed, cross-sectional profile. A lot of metalworkers are choosing this process because it’s much faster and it is capable of making the most complex cross-section designs while using very brittle materials. Plus, the resulting extrusions usually have a beautiful smooth surface finish that is valued from a design point of view. Read more from this article: http://bit.ly/2GrC6uF

Engraving Brass: 3 Quick Tips to Help Beginners Create Works of Art

More and more people are starting to pick up the hobby of metalworking, creating backyard foundries that are capable of tackling a variety of projects. It isn’t uncommon to see enthusiasts crafting everyday items such as doorknobs or even medieval replicas like broadswords. What you might not see too often, however, are people engraving their works.

Engraving brass and other metals is a great way to add extra flair to a completed work. From floral patterns to something as simple as a signature, engraving metal is an art in and of itself. In some works, such as a brass globe paperweight, engraving even completes a design. Read more from this article: http://bit.ly/2pGWg9D

Cleaning the Tarnish off Brass Square Tube Pieces the Right Way

Brass square tube pieces are very versatile and can be used for a number of applications. Due to brass’ malleability they are commonly re-molded into parts of furniture, accessories, and sometimes also as a part of plumbing fixtures. Although brass is known for being rust and corrosion resistant, the alloy isn’t safe from gradual tarnishing. During these cases, you can still clean and polish the pieces to breathe new life to them.

The key is to do the cleaning and maintenance regularly and correctly. Here’s how you can do that:

Looking for a Brass Channel, Angle, or Sheet?—Get to Know Brass First

Metals have come a long way from being made into weapons and hunting tools to being the very framework that holds cities together. Thanks to them, today’s buildings are much sturdier and safer. Unlike before when all structures were made entirely of wood and stones, modern-day structures are made of a combination of concrete and metal, which significantly improves their stability.

Among the few metals that have remained in extensive use today is brass. Any metalworker can attest to the many potentials of this metal, especially that more and more alloys of brass are being manufactured to cater to various other industries. Apart from being durable and tough, brass has an interesting color and sheen as well, which make it suitable for both structural and decorative applications.

Shaping Brass

 Much like bronze and steel, brass can be shaped into bars, sheets, rods, and channels. However, because brass is more malleable than bronze and steel, it is much easier to work with. It’s no wonder it is preferred for applications that involve making small fixtures or systems with intricate systems. Its high machinability makes it a top choice for manufacturing machine parts. Read more from this article: http://bit.ly/2G5724k