Brass: The Softest Hardest-working Metal

The origin of brass can be traced to the early years of civilization when people used the versatile metal to craft weapons and armor. Today, brass can be found virtually everywhere.

Spark-free and safe

In environments such as refineries and oil fields that contain explosive fumes, materials, or liquids, brass tools are safe for use since their softness prevents any kind of friction. A brass hammer hitting a steel surface wouldn’t cause any sparking that could accidentally ignite any volatile chemicals.

Benefits of Copper: Creative Jewelry Ideas

Copper has always been known for its distinctive color. Whether it’s used in fixtures or in artwork, the metal has that uniquely lustrous appearance that makes those items eye-catching. It can also be combined with other precious metals and stones to make those accessories or décor valuable as well as durable.

Of course, the benefits of copper go beyond its striking qualities. It has excellent antimicrobial properties that help it kill bacteria and fungi upon contact. This makes the metal ideal for use as safety handrails in hospitals, as recently suggested by experts. It’s also great for cooking appliances to help with food safety.

Bronze: The Alloy that Has a Thousand Uses

First discovered during the period between 4000 and 3000 BCE, bronze has been used for a wide variety of purposes ranging from weaponry to art. Nowadays, with better materials around, one might assume that bronze would have already lost its usefulness. However, the alloy of tin and copper can still be found in many of the products available in the market. Here are some examples:

Quality Brass Tube: The Preferred Material for Plumbing and Fixtures

The high regard for brass as the material of choice for plumbing applications is attributed to the alloy’s recognized quality for durability and strength, while being malleable at the same time. A quality brass tube can last for more than 70 years, and can withstand high temperatures, which makes it highly fire-resistant. Moreover, brass is resistant to corrosion, or its tendency to rust, which contributes to its overall longevity. The metal’s property of malleability makes it easier to install than other tubes made of some other material. Furthermore, brass fixtures in your building adds to the value of the property as much as it provides the space a touch of natural grace and sophistication. Solid brass plumbing fixtures and fittings are held up to high standards as they need to comply with FDA codes. This is to ensure that the quality of the water which will flow throughout the system will never be compromised.
http://rotaxmetals.net/quality-brass-tube-the-preferred-material-for-plumbing-and-fixtures/

Malleable Brass: Versatile Sheet Metal Can Be Used to Create Wonders

However, brass isn’t just used for decorative purposes. Companies use small brass extrusions in various machines and products; brass handles on doors and electrical fixtures are used a lot, especially because of the metal’s ability to resist corrosion and conduct electricity. The conductivity of the metal makes it excellent for wiring in speakers; it lets the speaker deliver a wider range of sounds well. Brass is used as much in the making of tools. Brass hammers and wrenches are used when delicate work is needed; the soft metal is perfect for machining steel without leaving a mark. Brass tools also don’t cause spark, making them ideal for working in places with explosive or inflammable materials. In the field of music, brass is tapped to make musical instruments, which helps generate a unique tonal quality for beautiful music. Moreover, it’s light enough to have a marching band carry these brass instruments over a good distance.
http://rotaxmetals.net/malleable-brass-versatile-sheet-metal-can-be-used-to-create-wonders/

Brass Tube Products for Bed Frames

Previously, metals like brass were only used for making furniture and musical instruments. Today, they see use in many other industries, such as bed manufacturing. It has recently been noted that metal-framed beds may soon be experiencing a resurgence as notable designers have rolled out eye-catching and functional designs utilizing the hard-wearing materials. Bed manufacturers should take careful note of this significant shift in bed trends.

Some Helpful Advice for Trumpet Manufacturers

There are many things to consider when manufacturing trumpets. Here are some helpful tips:

Prioritize Quality of Sound and Durability

Although technology has allowed for the creation of plastic trumpets, many professional trumpeters still prefer the ones made of high-quality brass sheet metal due to the better range of notes of the latter. Generally, this is something that is influenced by your manufacturing method.

Using Brass Angle and Sheet Metal Products as Architectural Pieces

Brass is tough and strong, and make for exceptionally functional and decorative architectural pieces. Brass naturally casts an air of sophistication to any home. Additionally, the metal is impervious to the elements and can naturally resist corrosion, allowing you to enjoy years of problem-free service. Chances are, it will even outlast the rest of your home. Is brass expensive? In some cases, solid brass can be more expensive than aluminum or plated steel. Then again, brass isn’t easily damaged like aluminum, and it won’t rust like plated steel. Although it may cost you more upfront, in the end, using brass as elements in your home’s architectural design can only save you money for the long years it will serve you.
http://rotaxmetals.net/using-brass-angle-and-sheet-metal-products-as-architectural-pieces/

Versatile Bronze Bars and Copper Sheets: From Crafts to Industries

As harrowing as the Iraq war was, it left behind images of bravery and solidarity among America’s finest, including one captured by embedded photographer Lucian Read. This picture shows Marine 1st Sargent Brad Kasal battered yet remaining steadfast amid the battle in Fallouja, being assisted by fellow soldiers Lance Corporals Chris Marquez and Dane Schaffer to safety. As reported by Tony Perry of the LA Times, the now iconic image has recently been immortalized into a bronze sculpture titled “No Man Left Behind” by Wyoming sculptor John Phelps, and unveiled outside the Wounded Warrior West site in Camp Pendleton.
http://rotaxmetals.net/versatile-bronze-bars-and-copper-sheets-from-crafts-to-industries/

Bronze and Copper: From Crafts to Industries

Some metals and alloys are so versatile that you can see them being used in various industries. Bronze, for example, has been one of the go-to metals for artisans creating sculptures and statues. This is largely due to the fact that bronze can be tempered to any shape while retaining its durability and strength. Unlike other metals, heated bronze bars expand very slowly, making them ideal for sculpting and retaining fine details. When the metal hardens, the details become more pronounced and permanent.

Bronze: The Perfect Metal for your Sculpture

Bronze has been prized throughout the centuries as an excellent medium for art. This is because bronze has some special properties that make it a viable medium for such an endeavor. For one, bronze is essentially a mix of copper and tin, which is a combination that results in both strength and malleability.

Compared to other metals like copper and iron, bronze is more responsive to the processes of smelting and casting. It is typically resistant to corrosion, and when tempered, becomes harder than copper and most other copper-arsenic-based alloys.

Bed Manufacturers Should Consider Using Brass Tube Products for Frames

It might sound counterintuitive at first for consumers to buy metal beds, but once they come around and see how durable and elegant such frames can be, the sturdy furniture can turn out to be a sensation. Indeed, specific metals such as brass make stylish furniture if fabricated and assembled right. Manufacturers and fabricators should capitalize on this trend while it is at its infancy, and should start producing their own bed frames immediately. It will help producers if they can coordinate with a trustworthy brass tube supplier such as Rotax Metals so that they have a steady supply of materials at hand. Brass has a beautiful and distinct sheen that makes it appealing to use as furniture. It is also naturally non-ferromagnetic, which can be handy for the most judicious homeowners.
http://rotaxmetals.net/bed-manufacturers-should-consider-using-brass-tube-products-for-frames/

Brass Applications In Homes and Various Industries

Brass has been one of the more tenured metals in the market. People in previous ages, upon the discovery of zinc, have used brass for various purposes, such as in forging tools and weaponry. Fast forward to the twenty-first century, brass is still used as a viable metal, mainly serving as pipework, such as for indoor plumbing and home and car radiators, among others.

Brass is mainly copper with the addition of zinc. This copper alloy, distinct from bronze, which can be mixed with other metallic substances (manganese, phosphorus, silicon, but mainly tin) yields a highly malleable material ideal for many everyday objects from decorative doorknobs and lighting fixtures to low-friction applications, such as valves, plumbing components, electronic parts, and musical instruments.

All about Brass

Brass is easily distinguished as a buttery yellow-colored metal often associated with the wind instruments used in marching bands. It is an alloy (mixture) of copper and zinc, and basic iterations of brass typically consist of 67% copper and 33% zinc. It is praised for its durability, workability, and aesthetic value throughout the world and is used in a wide variety of applications. It’s a relatively old alloy produced as early as the 5^th Century B.C. by the ancient Chinese.

Durable Brass Sheet Metal for Manufactured Steampunk Fantasy Products

Pop culture can be a surprising source of inspiration for manufacturers, and the steampunk movement is only one of many followings with specific design aesthetics. Of course, fabricators and producers of fantasy décor will want to use authentic materials in order to please their discriminating, pop culture-savvy customers. Those who choose to produce steampunk items will need things such as high quality brass sheet metal to create Victorian-inspired clockwork masterpieces and the like. While brass is an iconic metal in steampunk aesthetics, it can be tricky to work with. There are many alloys possible with brass, and it takes considerable know-how to produce such metals with consistency.
http://rotaxmetals.net/durable-brass-sheet-metal-for-manufactured-steampunk-fantasy-products/

Copper Can Be Cool

Cryonic vats are a staple of popular fiction, whether in games or sci-fi TV shows. The idea is that a person kept in extreme subzero temperatures can survive long enough to be thawed and revived in the future. The extreme cold slows (but not stops) his metabolism, slowing several processes like aging.

In Ships, Ordinary Bronze Won't Do

Marine propellers ended the era of sails and masts in maritime travel. Attached to the bottom of the stern, just behind the fin, the propeller provides thrust for the ship. It spins way slower than propellers on a prop plane since water is denser than air. In addition, ship propellers can spin in reverse, whereas propellers in planes—while having the capability—rarely do it.

From Brass Sheet Metal to Instrument: Advice for Trumpet Manufacturers

Although technology has allowed for the creation of plastic trumpets, many professional trumpeters still prefer the ones made of high-quality brass sheet metal due to the better range of notes of the latter. Generally, this is something that is influenced by your manufacturing method. As for durability, using a yellow brass channel (70-30 copper to zinc ratio) from an established supplier like Rotax Metals should go a long way in guaranteeing the longevity of the instruments you manufacture.
http://rotaxmetals.net/from-brass-sheet-metal-to-instrument-advice-for-trumpet-manufacturers/

Turning Bronze Bars into Art: How to Turn a Profit from Sculptures

While there are many people who believe art should be done for art’s sake, art is also profitable, especially if one has the skill, talent, and determination to succeed. With many trusted suppliers of bronze bars such as Rotax Metals providing high quality metals, aspiring sculptors would do well to begin using the material for more high-profile pieces. If you plan to create and sell bronze sculptures in the future, keep the following tips in mind: Use Quality Bronze Bronze itself is an amalgam of various metals, so in a sense, there is no such thing as pure bronze.
http://rotaxmetals.net/turning-bronze-bars-into-art-how-to-turn-a-profit-from-sculptures/

Decor Tips: Use Brass to Brighten Your Rooms Up

Brass is currently experiencing a resurgence as home decor. The popularity of the metal’s usage has resulted in applications as varied as curtain rods made out of polished brass tube, mirrors lined with flat strips of brass, ornamented doorknobs, and door handles. Even bathrooms can get their own brass makeovers, since plain grey handles, faucets, pipes, and mirror frames can be given a brilliant sheen.

Brass Tube Products: Preferred Materials in Making Musical Instruments

In metallurgy, brass pertains to the alloy of copper and zinc. In music, it refers to aerophones, or instruments that require the blowing of air to play. However, because many metallic musical instruments are made of the metal brass, brass instruments are often misconstrued as all being made of its namesake metal. Brass is used in many musical instruments, even outside the brass family, due to its unique properties. Compared to other metals, brass’s malleability makes it resistant to tension; and high-quality brass tube products are tough raw materials used in many other industrial and commercial applications.
http://rotaxmetals.net/brass-tube-products-preferred-materials-in-making-musical-instruments/

Brass Sheet Metal and Tube Have Suitable Properties for Various Uses

Metals were originally pure elements. When early humans discovered that mixing metals through melting produced stronger, more durable, and corrosion-resistant materials, alloying became a practice. Two of the most commonly alloyed metals are copper and zinc, the combination of which produces brass. Brass is used extensively in various industries due to its desirable properties. It is malleable, low friction, and non-ferromagnetic. However, there are many types of brass available to various users, each type having unique levels of this metal’s properties.
http://rotaxmetals.net/brass-sheet-metal-and-tube-have-suitable-properties-for-various-uses/

Brass Sheet Metal Properties: Its Uses and Advantages in Plumbing

This same quality makes brass perfect for uses that require precision, including items that would need further retrofitting or adjustment. A good example is architectural brass angle, which has a wide variety of uses in home and building construction, particularly applications that offer support and reinforcement, as well decorative and framing purposes.
http://rotaxmetals.net/brass-sheet-metal-properties-its-uses-and-advantages-in-plumbing/

Muntz Metal: The Ideal Brass for Ships and Boats

While brass is one of the oldest known alloys in the world, it wasn’t used as a material for boat and shipbuilding until the 18^th Century. Even then, brass was only used to protect the bottoms of ships against barnacles and the dreaded shipworm. Everything changed in 1832 when a man named G.F. Muntz patented a new brass formula that contained 60 percent copper and 40 percent zinc, which is known today as ‘Muntz Metal’.

From Bronze Bars to Inspiring Likenesses: Creating a Lasting Legacy

Reputable companies like Rotax Metals, provide artists and other users with their bronze needs in several shapes and sizes, including high-quality bronze bars, sheets, and rods, that make perfect materials for casting in any size and shape. These noted suppliers also provide bronze sheet metal and bronze supplies in other forms, to such industries as aviation and marine; as well as to architectural and industrial designers; furniture, and jewelry makers; and hardware fabricators.
http://rotaxmetals.net/from-bronze-bars-to-inspiring-likenesses-creating-a-lasting-legacy/

The Beneficial Properties of Copper

For centuries, copper has been widely used for various applications in many industries. Its unique properties make it one of the most valuable metals ever discovered. This metal is the backbone of the world’s power generation infrastructure. The already large demand for it is expected to only increase with time. More dependable providers will be forced to produce more to meet the growing demand for copper in the solar energy and electronics industries.

Since copper is highly conductive, it is preferred for manufacturing components of electronic devices. Copper is also used for construction purposes; many building components such as roofing are made of copper because of the metal’s high corrosion resistance. Unlike iron that can immediately form rust as it makes contact with oxygen, copper passivates to counter the effect of oxidation. Passivation is the process by which the surface of a certain metal reacts to oxygen by forming a protective film rather than rust.

Alloys of copper and many other metals are also popular products. Copper mixed with other elements result in alloys that have industrial and commercial uses as versatile as ball bearings, mechanical components, and ornamental pieces.

For instance, bronze is the result of copper and tin being mixed; when shaped, this metal is used in musical instruments. Another kind of alloy is brass, which is copper combined with zinc; in use for thousands of years already, brass is employed in a wide variety of functions, including sculpture and indoor decoration.

Get to Know Two of Copper’s Alloys

Copper is—together with its alloys—one of the most versatile metals known to man. The ideal combination of its most valuable qualities—conductivity, malleability, ductility, and corrosion-resistance—make the metal perfect for use in a wide range of applications. What’s more, these qualities can be further enhanced when composition variations are infused into its manufacturing process.

Buying and Fitting Brass Compression Fittings

Brass compression fittings and tubes are used in plumbing or electrical applications for joining tubes or thin-walled pipes together, especially if both are made of dissimilar materials. While they are technically easy to install, there are a few things you should consider before buying your equipment and setting it up.

Buy for Compatibility

Check to make sure that the fittings are compatible with the application’s flow pressure, temperature, and process fluid. Otherwise, you might end up in need of replacement sooner than you’re comfortable with. Moreover, make sure that the fittings you’ve bought are not contaminated or corroded by the time you install it.

Clean the Tubes

Make sure that you get the tubes cleaned out before you install them. You can do this simply by running them through running water and letting them dry before setup. This is important because in many cases, the presence of substances that block the tubes could lead to leaks. Moreover, remember that your brass compression tubing can only be used for stationary pipes.

Test for Leaks

After you’ve successfully installed them, check your fittings for leaks. Seal the threads and all the other parts of your brass fittings so that you won’t have to disassemble every component in case you find any leak signs. Make sure that you do not apply too much force when putting the compression fittings in place.

Building the Best Window Cleaner

Every handyman needs a good set of tools to make the job a lot easier. Dealing with dirty windows is no sweat, provided you have a good window cleaner in your hands. In assembling an efficient window cleaner, or squeegee as it is more known, all you need is a visit to the nearest metal shop for some brass.

Before you build your squeegee, consider the size of your window. Small windows could use a squeegee that is almost as wide as the window size to avoid drips and streaks. Larger windows require a wider squeegee that measures half of the window size so you can use lesser strokes in cleaning.

A squeegee has two vital parts: the channel, and the rubber. The rubber is the one touching the window surface, so you might want to choose rounded, firm, and flexible ones to avoid getting streaks. In choosing the channel, choose a brass channel since this metal is fire- and spark-resistant, anti-microbial, and doesn’t crack easily, giving your squeegee a longer lifespan.

Choose a good quality handle preferably made of brass, too, that is easy to grip, and you have yourself a dependable window squeegee. Now your windows will always be squeaky clean.

Home Décor Trend: Brass Tube, Nut, Pipe, Frame – Brass Everywhere!

Brass is not a recent innovation or discovery. In use by various civilizations around the world since the 5th millennium BC, the metal has a bright gold pigment that can be rolled, bended, thinned, and sliced easily into various shapes and sizes. It has a low melting point, and therefore higher malleability than bronze and zinc. It’s very easy to shape and cast, whether one needs a refined brass square tube, a nut and bolt, a fitting for a home ornament, or any other component; the versatility of the metal is such that it can be used for almost anything. It is also non-ferromagnetic, which means that brass cannot attract other metals and is fully recyclable.
http://rotaxmetals.net/home-decor-trend-brass-tube-nut-pipe-frame-brass-everywhere/

More Than Musical Instruments: Brass Sheet Metal’s Many Applications

The burnished golden sheen of brass fixtures, along with the aura of classic elegance that the material projects, is what attracts many interior designers to use the metal for indoor decorations. A single sheet of high-quality brass sheet metal from an established supplier like Rotax Metals would be able to provide enough raw materials for several of these fixtures. An additional benefit is that the copper in brass has a germicidal effect that also works on molds and fungi, thus assuring people of the long-term cleanliness of brass items. Sheet metal’s flexibility doesn’t end in fixtures. It can also be molded into other useful forms such as pipes or channels. Plumbers prefer using brass pipes because the material doesn’t rust, unlike steel or iron; this lets people use smaller pipes without worrying about them being rusted through. Also, brass is a low-friction metal that lets water move through it smoothly. Furthermore, since it is quite malleable, brass is easier to thread and be
http://rotaxmetals.net/more-than-musical-instruments-brass-sheet-metals-many-applications/

Industries Expected to Raise Demand for Copper Sheet Supplier Products

Taking these projections into account, solar energy companies all over the world will need to get copper sheet supplier products from dependable providers such as Rotax Metals to keep their inventories well-stocked. This is just the tip of the iceberg for copper usage, however. Because of its high conductivity, the metal is a preferred material for use in electronic devices. Copper is also used for construction purposes; many building materials such as corrosion-resistant roofing contain copper because of the metal’s malleable properties, its lightweight nature, and qualities such as low thermal movement and lightning protection.
http://rotaxmetals.net/industries-expected-to-raise-demand-for-copper-sheet-supplier-products/

Through Rain or Shine: Sheet Metal Roofing

For many homeowners, the best roofing material to keep the rain off their heads—generally to protect them from the onslaughts of the elements—is still sheet metal roofing. There are several advantages to this material; here are some of them:

• Durability. Sheet metal roofing has been known to last a long time. A good example would be copper roofing; this type of material has been in use for centuries. The natural toughness of sheet metal along with further reinforcing techniques to make them more durable and desirable as a roofing material ensures roofing that will serve and last you for a long time.

• Eco-friendly. A lot of sheet metal in use are made from recycled materials which attracts environmentally conscious builders and homeowners alike. Favoring sheet metal over other roofing materials contributes to less waste in the environment due to sheet metal’s recyclable properties and long performance life.

• Insulation. Sheet metal roofs are often coated with highly reflective surfaces. This reduces the heat they absorb which helps conserve the cooling temperature inside the home. Additionally, sheet metal disperses heat quickly which also helps cut down on a homeowner’s air conditioner bills.
• Lightweight. Roofing materials like shingles or ceramics can be quite heavy while they’re being installed and replaced. Sheet metal is easier to repair and maintain.
• Fireproof. Most sheet metal gets a class-A fire rating for building purposes, the highest there is. This makes it an excellent way to protect your house from fire.

Importing of Brass Sheet Metal, Other Products on the Rise This Year

Considering the high demand for their products, dependable brass suppliers like Rotax Metals are doing brisk business indeed. Much of their imports are of pipe and tube components, but sheet metal and bars are close behind. Why the increased need for this alloy? Brass has several properties that make it a preferred material in several industries. First, high-quality brass sheet metal is sufficiently malleable to be easily cut and molded into a vastly diverse range of shapes such as brass cartridges for bullets or brass fixtures for indoor ornamentation, to name just two. This versatility means that many industries seek to have a reliable supply of brass for their own purposes.
http://rotaxmetals.net/importing-of-brass-sheet-metal-other-products-on-the-rise-this-year/

A Brief History of Bronze

Throughout much of recorded history, bronze is one of the most significant metals for virtually every thriving civilization, and is also considered one of the most innovative alloys created by man. Different scores of tools, weapons, armor, and priceless pieces of art have been forged using bronze, most of which have stood the test of time.

Bronze is known as the oldest alloy humans ever made, with its very first variation created using a mix of copper and arsenic during 3500 B.C. Realizing that tin would make the resulting material stronger and lighter, arsenic was dumped and replaced with tin. The period when bronze smelting was widespread came to be known as the Bronze Age, which is characterized by a huge collection of cups, urns, vases, and even simple home containers forged in bronze. One of the first people to use bronze on a wide scale were the ancient Sumerians, a group of people who thrived along the Tigris-Euphrates Valley.

By 3000 B.C., bronze-making gradually spread to neighboring kingdoms like Persia. The ancient Egyptians and Chinese began using bronze around 2000 B.C., where some of the earliest bronze castings were created by pouring the molten metal mixture into molds made of sand. However, bronze was slowly usurped by wrought iron as the main material for weapons because wrought iron is much easier to find, giving way to the Iron Age. Today, bronze is still being used in making smaller household items, as well as several industrial applications.

A Class of Brass in the Home

Brass may often be a common sight in commercial and industrial applications. However, trends in interior design have led to the vaunted metal returning as part of the home furnishings front. Products such as a sturdy brass tube can be part of the equation for a home fix.

Leading Bronze Bars Supplier Attends the 23rd Annual Wood Boat Show

"Rotax Metals, a supplier of high-quality bronze bars and other industrial metals, attended the recently concluded 23rd Annual Wood Boat Show in Mystic, CT. As a leading brass, bronze, and copper supplier, we are very excited to continue working with wooden boat restorers and manufacturers. Our brass, bronze, and copper can be used in several phases of boat construction, including cleats, trim, hardware, rivets, and structural components. These fixtures not only add beauty to a sea vessel, they bring interesting history as well. Until the mid-19th century, sailing was done mostly on official business: conquering new lands, transporting spices, or exploring trade routes, just to name a few."
http://rotaxmetals.net/leading-bronze-bars-supplier-attends-the-23rd-annual-wood-boat-show/

The Many Uses of Brass

People often say that two heads are better than one. In metallurgy, this concept is best embodied in a process called alloying. This is the blending of two different metals to produce a hybrid that is better than either of its original components.

Brass Tube Supplier Discusses the Many Benefits this Alloy Offers

"There are more than 400 copper alloys known to man, and one of the most useful variants is brass, which is produced by the addition of zinc. Rotax Metals, which supplies heavy-duty square brass tubing and other brass products, says that this alloy boasts of many advantages, such as: Durability A brass tube provides excellent durability, making it a favorite piping material among plumbers. For starters, it can withstand extremely high temperatures, making it ideal for hot water distribution in the home. It is also one of the most corrosion-resistant metals available, so areas with corrosive water (like acidic groundwater) can benefit from brass tubes. In addition, brass pipes never rust, which greatly extends the service lifetime of a plumbing system that uses these components."
http://rotaxmetals.net/brass-tube-supplier-discusses-the-many-benefits-this-alloy-offers/

Which Type of Copper Best Suits You?

Copper is one of the oldest-used elements in the world, as it has been used by mankind for more than 10,000 years now. In modern times, copper is found in nearly every industry from construction, to electronics, to medicine. Copper is mostly sold as ‘alloys’, or amalgams of copper and other elements, which possess their own unique properties and applications.

Brass Sheet Metal Distributor on Why this Alloy is Stylish Once Again

"Brass used to be notoriously hard to maintain, so products were often lacquered to make them easier to clean; unfortunately, this also made them shiny to the point of being tacky. Now, people use raw brass, which is not only less sparkly, but also develops an attractive patina over the years. Versatile, glamorous, and affordable, brass is certainly in the midst of a renaissance as more people rediscover its unique beauty. It’s no wonder, then, why many furniture manufacturers and interior designers order items like custom brass extrusions to add a touch of warmth and class to homes."
http://rotaxmetals.net/brass-sheet-metal-distributor-on-why-this-alloy-is-stylish-once-again/

Bronze Feels Like Gold

Gold may usually signify the pinnacle of achievement, but bronze has properties that make them stand out on their own. If physical properties were the basis, bronze prevails among other metals used for everyday applications, such as making sturdy bronze bars.

Brass Sheet Metal Dealer on the Alloy’s Use in Architectural Projects

"Of course, architectural firms and clients in North America who want to use brass in their projects need a reliable supplier of this alloy. Thankfully, there are companies like Rotax Metals that stock and deliver brass metal sheets to both America and Canada. With its unique look and versatility, brass continues to be a favorite building material among architects here and abroad. By partnering with a trusted dealer who can provide a variety of brass products—be it a high-quality brass angle, sheets, or tubing—you can create structures that astound the senses without sacrificing functionality."
http://rotaxmetals.net/brass-sheet-metal-dealer-on-the-alloys-use-in-architectural-projects/

A Brass Tube and Other Forgings Bring Beauty and Function into Homes

"The sought-after properties of brass go beyond aesthetics. Its malleability is a joy to work with, which makes welding and crafting easier than using alternatives. Despite this ease of handling, the copper alloy’s durability and corrosion-resistance does not waver. The various sizes, shapes, and thickness aside from a standard brass square tube can withstand time with minimal upkeep. Makers of home improvement products can consult wholesale suppliers like Rotax Metals for quality raw materials. With top-of-the-line brass forgings, products can be manufactured with elegant beauty and lasting function."
http://rotaxmetals.net/a-brass-tube-and-other-forgings-bring-beauty-and-function-into-homes/

Copper, Brass Sheet Metal, and Other Forgings Strengthen Utilities

"Aside from its electrical uses, brass is one of the copper alloys widely used in a variety of industries. Versatile brass sheet metal and other forgings are made into different system components. Most notably, brass is used for electrical contacts or connectors, bullet casings, nuts and bolts or screws, and plumbing hardware. Together with copper, brass generally makes up parts of electricity and wiring, heating and cooling, plumbing, and numerous other utilities. The resilience and conductivity of the metals enable the components to withstand varying temperatures and natural elements. What’s more, the metals are proven cost-efficient over alternatives like steel because they require less difficulty in machining."
http://rotaxmetals.net/copper-brass-sheet-metal-and-other-forgings-strengthen-utilities/

Most Bacteria are No Match for Brass Sheet Metal, Thanks to Copper

"With copper widely considered an “emerging health technology” in North America, the brass and bronze-producing sector is expected to see a peak in demand. The chemical properties of copper don’t change when it becomes quality brass sheet metal. This is because the process of alloy-making instigates a physical change, not chemical. In other words, copper’s antimicrobial properties will remain in brass and bronze. It may even inherit properties of the very metals it bonds with such as zinc’s durability. Overall, a quality brass channel from producers like Rotax Metals may save lives in a hospital."
http://rotaxmetals.net/most-bacteria-are-no-match-for-brass-sheet-metal-thanks-to-copper/

In a Game of Physical Properties, Bronze Bars Win Gold Every Time

"If physical properties had their way, bronze would be the winner’s medal. Gold is too soft to stand alone and must form an alloy with other, stronger metals for durability. The same can be said for copper, which results in bronze, but it’s more abundant. Metal distributors such as Rotax Metals can manufacture bronze bars for an affordable cost. If needed, both metals can be recycled. Copper recycling has been in practice as early as the age of bronze artillery, melting the cannons after a war to be remade into useful items. As only the physical form of copper and copper alloys change, not the chemical structure, remade bronze sheet metal still possesses the same properties as scrap copper."
http://rotaxmetals.net/in-a-game-of-physical-properties-bronze-bars-win-gold-every-time/

The Properties and Uses of Brass

Brass is a popular metal often used for decoration. Its soft, ductile, and malleable properties make it inefficient for heavy-duty applications. The metal’s color is close to that of gold, which is the reason why many mistake brass as a precious metal. However, like gold, brass is resistant to tarnishing and may maintain its luster for years.

Brass is formed by mixing copper and zinc. These two metals are known for their ability to cause passivation, the process by which a metal prevents oxidation on its surface. In effect, brass does not rust, and the presence of copper allows it to form a coating that protects its surface from potential corrosion.

Unlike bronze, which can be an alloy of copper and any known metal, brass can be formed only by copper and zinc. However, mixing different amounts of zinc produces different types of brass. This procedure also forms brasses that perform well in various applications where a typical brass may fail. To form stronger and harder brasses, the amount of zinc must be increased.

The most common applications for brass include manufacturing coins, doorknobs, and nameplates. Some strong alloys of brass are formed into tubes that can be used in making marine condensers, pump casting, and hydraulic equipment fittings. Continuous study of the properties of brass allow for the discovery of its various other applications.

Why Should You Use Brass Channel Extensions?

Brass is one of the oldest metal alloys in the world, with its usage dating back to ancient times. Various civilizations had their own versions of brass, but the zinc-copper amalgamation in use today didn’t materialize until after the medieval period. Since then, brass has been used for making musical instruments, sculptures, and various bits in general construction. Its versatility and persistency over the years should give you an idea of why a brass channel is likely to serve you well in your project.

Curious about specifics? Well, brass is the ideal metal for applications that involve plenty of touching and moisture. Unlike other metals, brass has germicidal properties that prevent microbes from sticking to its surface for too long. This is why it is generally safe for you to drink from ancient brass goblets. Brass is also very durable and can withstand extreme pressures and temperatures, making it an essential material in shipbuilding.

Perhaps the biggest reason why you need to use brass is because it is one of the most sustainable materials in the world. Most, if not all, of the brass products you see today are made from recycled brass; some of them likely derived from decades-old brass scraps. Although it is still possible to manufacture brass from raw materials, the amount of work, energy, and resources expended simply make it too uneconomical.

Manufacturing Home Remodeling Products with Copper

Metallic accents have been a recent trend in home remodeling, and copper is one of the forefront materials. The polished, bronzed metal instantly gives a rich and classic edge to the home, which makes it a must-have feature. From utility fixtures to artsy home decors, copper sheets can be a lucrative investment for home remodeling product manufacturers.

Plumbing Fixtures

Kitchens and bathrooms accented with copper fixtures have been frequently featured in magazines and recommended by interior designers globally. Copper faucets, bathtubs, pipes, and other plumbing wares give a hint of opulence and a dose of shabby chic to any room with plumbing.

Kitchen Implements

Copper has traditionally been used on pots, pans, tea kettles, jars, other kitchen tools, and even cooking ranges. Accessories like unique bottle openers, serving bowls, and serving trays can be made with the metal, too. With its famed anti-microbial properties, copper makes a good cooking material.

Furniture

Doors, cabinetry, and other furniture with copper knobs and handles are sought-after in the world of interior design. Copper-finished backsplashes, countertops, and fireplaces are also chosen over more expensive alternatives like marble and granite.

Home Decors

Virtually any home décor and art piece can be made of the material, including accent chairs, sculptures, and table centerpieces. Sconces, hanging lights, lamps, and other lighting fixtures made of copper can all bring warmth to the home’s interiors.

A Brief Look at Modern Bronze Casting

During the Renaissance, sculptors worked around bronze using the lost-wax method. Basically, it involved pouring smelted bronze into a clay-wax mold with a low melting point. It's called "lost-wax" because the mold is destroyed during the process. Historians believe the practice began in Africa as early as the tenth century.

Today’s technology has given rise to more than one method of casting bronze. The lost-wax art still lives on as investment casting, while sand and centrifugal casting methods have also seen widespread use. Here's a breakdown of the three most common casting methods, which are also used to fabricate machine parts.

Investment Casting

Not much has changed in investment casting from the lost-wax method. One of the differences is the mold used; whereas the early casters used beeswax or latex, investment casters today use a ceramic slurry. The ceramic coating allows the mold to withstand the molten metal but not without preheating the mold to 1,000^o C first.

Sand Casting

This casting method yields more intricate figures but suffers from a low production rate since, like the lost-wax method, the mold will be destroyed. One of the most widely-used types of sand for this process is green sand (not to be confused with greensand). This sand contains silica, clay, water, inert sludge, and anthracite.

Centrifugal Casting

Using centrifugal and centripetal forces, this casting method results in bronze pieces that are toughest on the surface. This is thanks to the rotational forces pushing the molten metal outward.

The Many Uses of Brass Tubes

Brass has proven itself to be a reliable material when it comes to building almost any product because of its malleability. It’s relatively easy to produce and has a sparkling gold-like appearance that makes it one of the mostly widely used alloys. Its cost efficiency scores an additional point, making it the material of choice for many manufacturers of free cutting objects like nuts and bolts.

The material also boasts of a great acoustic property, which is why there are musical instruments, like the trombone and the tuba, made from brass tubes. Brass has also stamped its mark in the fashion industry as zippers, jewelry, and accessories are fabricated from the material. Architecture and landscaping also have their own share of brass tubing escapades as some buildings and parks make use of brass pieces to create eye-catching and conversation pieces.

However, people will have to agree that the best use for brass tubes is when they are employed to improve tools’ functionality. Marine hardware and pump shafts that use centrifugal force to transport and eject fluids are made from brass tubes. These are also present in the home as they are vital in clocks, faucets, and many common appliances.

Brass tubes have a colossal number of functions and uses. With man’s ingenuity for solving problems and finding solutions, more and more ways of using the material will surely be developed.

Advantages of Using Brass Plumbing Tubes

Plumbing systems today use a wide array of materials for tubes, pipes, and fittings, each one having its own set of advantages and disadvantages based on the intended application. Common materials range from plastic (PVC) to metal and alloy (brass, steel, copper). Out of all the metals though, brass is considered to be one of the most efficient. Here are reasons why:

Durability

Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc, making it highly durable and resilient. These factors allow it to be an excellent choice for plumbing applications that need long-lasting and non-corrosive materials, like your sewage drains. Brass also doesn’t easily disintegrate nor crack easily in the face of high pressure and extreme temperature.

Malleability

In a home system where a single crack in the pipeline can be disastrous and costly, malleability is an invaluable asset. Brass is much more malleable than iron or steel, and more flexible than most metal materials, making installation, repair, and maintenance pretty easy and inexpensive.

Corrosion Resistance

Even municipal water have varying levels of corrosion per city or locality. Places with highly corrosive water properties can rest easy knowing that with brass fittings and tubing, they won’t have to replace their plumbing fixtures frequently. Brass also doesn’t rust, which explains its high longevity property.

Benefits of Having a Copper Roof

Copper has been a famous roofing material since the early times, when craftsmen and designers utilized it to build visually appealing and sturdy structures. Even famous architects like Frank Lloyd Wright, Renzo Piano and Michael Graves saw something in copper and incorporated it in most of their buildings. So what are the characteristics of copper that make it a sought after roofing material?

Durability

Copper’s high resistance to the harsh elements make it well-liked by builders and homeowners alike.

There are several 18^th century homes in Europe with copper roofs that are still intact, only showing how they could last for hundreds of years without breaking down. Copper roofs endure for long because of the protective patina inherent on copper surfaces.

Diverse design options

The color spectrum of copper is wide and assorted, ranging from bright metallic colors to lustrous brown-black and greenish verdigris patina. Other available colors include plum, mahogany and russet, among others. Copper can also be applied in making roofing system components such as flashings, vents, gutters, and downpipes, as well as ornamental details like cornices and sculptures.

Sustainability

Copper and all its alloys are completely recyclable resources, meaning they can be used over and over again without degradation after every recycling sequence. Reconditioning copper only uses only around 20% of the energy required to process new metal. Moreover, its low thermal expansion guards against deterioration, while its resilience results to a long useful life and low maintenance features.

The Flexible Applications and Functions of Bronze

Bronze is an alloy mostly comprised of copper. Throughout history, several cultures worldwide had used this highly adaptable and versatile material in sculptures, cannons, mirrors, musical instruments, and others. With technology, it has become sturdier yet still pliable for a much wider range of applications.

Unlike iron, bronze is less brittle than iron and oxidizes only on the outside layer, making it resistant to corrosion. It is generally about 10 percent heavier than steel, though may be less dense when mixed with aluminum or silicon. Since it’s softer and more malleable than steel, it’s very useful in making components like springs for industrial applications.

Furthermore, it holds well against seawater weathering and metal fatigue, making it a great ship-making material. Bronze also conducts heat and electricity better than most types of steel. The cost of copper-based bronze is generally higher but significantly less than nickel-based alloys like stainless steel.

With its versatile properties, bronze is often applied in equipment components that need high electrical conductivity, low friction, and high-pressure endurance. Bronze alloys like brass are also used to make musical instruments such as tubular bells, cymbals, and piano and guitar strings. Those with machines that need low-friction bearings, cylinders, and pumps can count on bronze materials like bars to be flame-resistant.