The Lowdown on Brass

Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc and is one of the most popular metals because of its wide range of applications. It is also valued because it is tough, with high resistance to corrosion, and moreover, has an attractive appearance. They are also desirable because of how easy they can form into different shapes while maintaining their strength. The exact properties of different brasses cannot be pinned down because this can be varied depending on the proportions of zinc and copper.

While certain properties vary on the zinc-copper ratio, all brasses are considered malleable and ductile. They can be cast relatively easy due to their low melting point. Brasses with low zinc content are easily welded, brazed, and cold-worked. Meanwhile, a high copper content would make it even more resistant to corrosion, making it valuable for applications that require exposure to weathering and moisture.

Some of the forms that brass come in include bars, rods, strips, plates, sheets, and foils. These can be further made into different products for anywhere from construction to decorative hardware. They are also vital for construction because they are able to hold iron and steel posts together. Brass can be seen in many homes, restaurants, and various commercial spaces.