Varieties of Brass and Recognized Uses

Did you know that historians believe that brass was first used in Mediterranean cultures around 500 BC? Over the centuries, however, this copper alloy has proven to be useful in a multitude of ways. Beyond tools and machinery, brass has also become a decorative option for many crafters and artists. Get to know some brass types and what they are specifically used for.


Yellow Brass

Known under the unified numbering system for metals (UNS) as C27200, yellow brass contains 36.5% zinc and 63.5% copper in approximation. As the name implies, its bold and full yellow sheen often makes laymen mistake it for gold. Great for cold working, this copper alloy is made into fasteners, parts for heat exchangers, as well as tubes and coils for air conditioning and refrigeration systems.

70/30 Brass

UNS C26000, or arsenical brass, may contain traces of arsenic, and this element helps to make the metal more resistant to corrosion in water. Plumbing hardware like pipes, taps, and valves, are made of this alloy. In other industries, C26000 is called cartridge brass, as it can be converted into ammunition casings and shells.


Naval Brass

Also denoted as UNS C46400, naval brass has found its home in the boat and shipbuilding industry. Its metal composition is approximately 60% copper, 39% zinc, and about 1% tin. This alloy can be soldered, brazed, drawn, and bent, among its many other machinable characteristics. The minute traces of tin also allows this metal to resist saltwater corrosion. Aside from being used in nuts, rivets, and bolts, naval brass can also be found in turn buckles and propeller shafts.


These are only some of the most widely used brass types in the market today. Whether you need a brass square tube, brass sheets, channels, or rods and bars of varying thickness, you can find those and more from a reputable metal supplier. Consult with them and give them the specs you need, and they can definitely custom-cut your brass to help you complete your projects with ease.