Qualities You Should Understand about Engraving Brass and Other Alloys

Many industries require the use of brass alloys in one way or another. The shipping, construction and design industries all appreciate the qualities of the metal. As a copper-zinc alloy, the zinc gives the metal strength and creates an anti-corrosive, aesthetically pleasing product. Small percentages of other metals are included to create each alloy.


You may be wondering if your business should branch out into using different kinds of brass alloy in your projects. There is some background you’ll need to know about the properties of these materials before selecting a product with your supplier. Read more from this blog: http://bit.ly/2qDllko

Brass Sales Offer a Stylish and Affordable Way to Upgrade Bathrooms

A bathroom goes by a number of monikers, but “comfort room” is perhaps the most accurate description. When designing or remodeling a bathroom, therefore, interior designers need to give it a sense of warmth so that it may live up to this title.


Luckily, doing so is neither difficult nor expensive thanks to brass, which has experienced something of a renaissance recently. Here are just a couple of ways you can incorporate it into the bathroom.

Doorknobs

There’s no better place to install brass than the bathroom door. The gold hue of the alloy gives the space an unmistakable touch of elegance from the get-go. What’s more, you can choose any from any number of door handle designs, from elaborate ones to more contemporary designs. It’s a simple tweak that immediately pays dividends, aesthetically speaking. Read more from this blog: http://bit.ly/2qDsBwS

The Best Ways to Connect Metal Tubing by Hand

Square brass tubing is widely used in industry, but is especially popular in buildings and for decorative purposes in furniture and artwork. The most common method of connecting metal tubing is by welding. However this requires a high level of skill as well as expensive equipment. There are a number of other ways you can connect metal tubing by hand without the use of welding equipment.

Hardware Assembly

The process of hardware assembly typically involves using two overlapped pieces of sheet metal with a hole drilled or punched through. This allows the hardware through to connect the two pieces of tubing, common hardware includes nuts, bolts and screws. This type of connection is beneficial as it’s not permanent, it’s easy to fix and it’s very affordable.

Riveting

Riveting involves joining two pieces of tubing with a rivet, which is a metal fastener that has a cylindrical post with a head that is placed into a drilled or punched hole. The post is then expanded which holds the two pieces together, it is a good way of connecting tubes as it’s more permanent than hardware assembly but at the same time it allows for flexibility to deal with expansion and contraction caused by temperature changes. This method of joining is used in aircraft and ships.

Brazing

Brazing is similar to welding in that you use a filler metal heated to over 800 degrees fahrenheit to connect the two pieces together, however it is much cheaper than welding and acts more like an adhesive. Soldering is the same as brazing except the filler material is heated to less than 800 degrees fahrenheit.

To find out more about the methods of joining metal tubes without welding, contact a trusted supplier of metal tubes, they will be able to supply you with the information you’ll need.

Sheet Metal Suppliers Offer a Versatile Material for Home Décor Pieces

In a world where Pinterest exists, homeowners have more inspirations and options than ever when it comes to home décor. That’s why interior designers and furniture manufacturers have to continuously look for new ways to wow potential clients. Luckily, sheet metal offers a versatile and stylish material that can make for some stunning furnishings and accent pieces.


Sheet Metal Suppliers Offer a Versatile Material for Home Décor Pieces

Stylish Outdoor Dining Set

There’s nothing quite like dining al fresco, and for restaurants a set of elegant outdoor tables and chairs is a must. Luckily, sheet metal can be created formed into tables and chairs that can withstand the elements admirably. The ductility of the material allows manufacturers to create elaborate backrests and table tops that are sure to impress customers. http://bit.ly/2qDl5Cb

How to Channel Sailor Chic in Your Design Business

When interior design clients come to you with a vision for their homes, it’s up to you to create a space that fits with their ideas but stands out from the norm. If you want to channel sailor chic in a space, but are tired of striping and anchor accents, try incorporating elements of the traditional shipping industry instead, such as Muntz metal pieces.

Design Uses for Muntz Metal

Muntz metal is an alloy of copper, zinc, and iron, which is corrosion-resistant and has antimicrobial properties. Historically, it was used to clad ship hulls to keep organisms from attaching to the bottom of the boat and breaking down the structure.

In a modern setting, Muntz metal lends itself to a variety of design uses. Its bright yellow appearance makes it a striking option for both architectural pieces and metal accents within a room. Depending on your client’s needs, you could opt for Muntz metal door knobs, hinges and window accents, or draw the eye with a sculpture or large mirror.

Creating a Nautical Inspired Interior for Clients

When using yellow colored metals, be sure to combine this with suitable wood and fabric features for an overall nautical look. Traditional ship quarters use dark woods such as oak for the structure and larch or cedar for planking, so, you can imitate these features in a room with wooden flooring and furniture pieces. Add Muntz metal picture frames and drawer handles to a dresser for more panache within a room.

If you’d like to create unique Muntz metal pieces, talk to a metal supplier about using their facilities to create extrusions and cast products. An interior designer will encounter no limitations on what they can achieve within a room when implementing Muntz metal.

Why Artisans Should Pay Close Attention to Copper and Brass Sales

It’s been said that some things get better with age. This adage holds true, especially for copper and brass. Because of its chemical makeup, copper and its popular alloy naturally oxidize when exposed to the elements—a process called patination. Rather than destroying the metals, however, the oxidation leads brass and copper to develop beautiful, sought-after colorations.


It’s this same quality that has led artists like Adam Colangelo to fall in love with copper. In a series of large-scale pieces displayed all over the U.S. and Canada, the artist brings to life the color and character that patination adds to metals.

As he says, “In my experience working with metals, copper has proven to be the most versatile. Firstly, it’s soft, which makes it easy to bend and cut. It can also be oxidized through heat and/or chemical treatments, which reveal a surprisingly wide spectrum of colors and textures. Read more from this blog: http://bit.ly/2pXe0A8

Brass and Its Importance in Horse Equipment

Brass is copper alloy which can be more than just hinges, fasteners, or door knobs. Brass, easily recognized for its corrosion resistance and resilient properties, is a popular material that horse riders are truly thankful for. Find out how this alloy is used in equipment and more.

Tacks and Bits

Solid brass is used in rings and buckles that hold the harnesses and reins together. The bits, or the mouthpiece of the horse, also contain some brass parts. This alloy is the metal of choice because it is strong and does not rust or corrode easily compared to iron.

Plaques and Plates

Beyond providing aesthetic value to the rider’s seat of honor, brass saddle plates serve a purpose for easy identification. These plates are usually customized or monogrammed with the initials of the horse owner or rider. Even the horse halter and bridle may be labeled with a brass plate, bearing the name that distinguishes each equine from another. At the stables, horse owners also have customized plates engraved with the horse’s name, and these are posted at its designated stall.

Awards and Decorations

According to historical sources, the ancient Romans used to decorate their horses with brass plaques that adorn its harness. These parts are often engraved and carry the insignia of royalty or nobility. In modern-day horse racing, horse brasses can still be found, and they are not just for the horses, but are also collected as keepsakes by many aficionados.

If you would like to know more about the uses of brass, talk to the specialists in copper and brass sales. They have a wide array of gauges and sizes of metals to choose from. Whether you’re a horse lover, or simply looking for topnotch materials for your project, they can definitely help you out.

Protecting Copper and Bronze Items from Damage

Properly caring for copper and bronze will truly bring out the beauty in all your projects. Not only that, but these maintenance tips will also ensure that your creations will last for many years to come.

How Resistant Are They?

Many craftsmen and contractors work with copper and its alloys because of their known resistant properties. They are suited for freshwater and marine applications, as they can fight corrosion well, and won’t exhibit rust. Even for outdoor installations like statues, gates, window frames, and the like, these metals can withstand weather exposure as well as weak acids and sulfur-containing compounds.

Effects of Certain Compounds

Stress corrosion cracking (SCC) may occur on the surface of bronze and copper when they are exposed to compounds containing ammonia. In some cases, chlorine, like those found in bleach and strong acids can also damage the surface of the metal. Generally, if the alloy has a high zinc content, it is more susceptible to SCC, and this degradation may eventually lead to the weakening of the metal.

How to Keep Them Clean

Metal craft experts say that proper care for copper, brass, or bronze sheets can be simple and hassle-free. After working with these metals, a lacquer or oil-based coat may be applied to protect the surface and create a beautiful finish. Cleaning these alloys does not need to be done frequently, perhaps once every few months. Avoid using strong polishing solutions that contain ammonia, and always consult with your metal supplier to know about the correct brands for a particular alloy you are using.

A Copper Sheet Supplier Discusses Flint’s Conversion to Copper Pipes

If you were watching the news back in 2014, it was impossible to miss the Flint, MI water crisis. Three years ago, the city opted to change its source of water from the City of Detroit to the Flint River. Unfortunately, the proper anti-corrosion measures were not observed.


As a result, the water leached lead from the aging pipelines and delivered the toxic water straight into people’s homes. In fact, tests revealed that the water in the area contained 10 times the lead limit imposed by the Environmental Protection Agency.

An image of some nice copper pipes in a warehouse

First Steps in Solving the Problem

The good news is that Flint’s water has finally returned to normal, though the residents are still being cautioned to use water filters or consume bottled water. Moreover, the local government also plans to enact long-term solutions that will solve the problem at its core.

Officials also announced that the city will be replacing almost 5,000 lead pipelines with copper. As Mayor Karen Weaver said during the Flint Water Infrastructure Summit, “Copper piping is the best material to use for the service lines because it’s long lasting and impermeable, so contaminants can’t get into our drinking water. Read more from this blog: http://bit.ly/2qDjdJF

How Brass Can Affect the Quality of Sound

In the world of music, orchestras are rendered incomplete without the full-bodied sounds that the brass section brings. In fact, you don't need your eyes to know the brass line is there; close them and your ears will identify the distinct tones of these specially-crafted instruments. Have you ever been curious about how craftsmen differentiate their brasses to create the ideal sound quality that produces award-winning performances?

Choices for Brass

Yellow brass, or C27200, is made of approximately 70% copper and 30% zinc. Most trombones and tubas are made of this very malleable but durable alloy. As the name implies, it exhibits a bright gold sheen and can truly be eye-catching when polished. Another type of brass used in musical instruments is red brass, also called rose brass. This contains a higher copper content, usually up to 90%—the other 10% consisting of zinc.

Why Copper Content Matters

According to music researchers, the amount of copper determines the brightness and darkness of brass instruments. Red brass, or those with higher copper content, produces darker and deeper tones. On the other hand, yellow brass makes the sound brighter and thinner, making it ideal for use in trumpets and flutes. 

Effects of Measurements

Aside from the copper content, the gauge and diameters of brass sheets and brass tubing play crucial roles in creating quality music. Thicker sheets used in the cones and cylinders of tubas create lower resonance and lower sounds. For brass chimes, tubes with the same wall thickness can produce varied sounds when the diameters are adjusted. More specifically, narrower tubes create higher pitches while wider ones produce lower pitches. 

The Year of Brass: Incorporating Brass Tube in Your Interior Design

The use of brass in interior design is not exactly a new concept. In fact, a number of homes have incorporated brass to introduce a touch of elegance into any interior setup. What makes this material a classic in its own right is the fact that it’s not only aesthetically pleasing, but it’s also highly functional.


A simple brass tube, for example, can instantly upgrade a bathroom when used as a towel holder or even just a simple shower curtain rod in the bathroom. Indeed, its impactful simplicity makes brass such a great material to work with. Here are some more ideas for maximizing its use in your interior design this year. Read more from this blog: http://bit.ly/2pX0hcj

Brass Square Tube Speaks to Your Creative Flair

If you aspire to infuse more creativity into your metal work, start using more brass square tubing for your projects. Not only is this material easy to find and affordable, but its qualities function superbly for a host of projects.

Floating Wood Shelves

One of the more novel interior designs continuing to gain appeal, the floating shelf emanates the exact dynamic its name implies. These shelves seem to float near walls. You can accentuate these additions even further by using brass square tubing as the base, supporting the wooden shelves.

Because of the gold-like eminence of brass, the shelves convey a premium look, without having to spend a fortune on material costs. Additionally, the gold colors contrast nicely with the wood planks’ finish, lending a sense of warmth into clients’ interiors.

Since these shelves usually hold a lot of weight, you need to select tubing that is thick. This way, your shelves are sturdy and can hold multiple objects at one time.

Elegant Light Fixtures

If you’re looking for a dynamic piece to enhance your clients’ homes, you can incorporate brass square tubing with pre-existing light fixtures. You can use the tubing to create a striking base that holds lights in place. As the light is shed, the luster emanating from the brass further enhances the atmosphere of any room. If you’re manipulating tubing to form unique base shapes, you need a metal that is thin and malleable, such as brass.

Your project options are never-ending if you start using more brass square tube, a material coveted for its high-end looks and economical price tag.

Helpful Tips for Creative and Productive Use of Brass Sheet Metal

If you are keen on working with brass as the main element for your creative endeavors, whether it be for art or for functional items like lighting fixtures or accents, you have to learn how best to use it. Familiarize yourself with the material as well as the tools needed to cut and form it into different shapes.


Here are some tips to help you manipulate brass into whatever shape you need for your project.

Interior Of Living Room With Sofa Over Concrete Wall 3D Renderin

Determine Thickness

There are different thicknesses of brass sheets and they are available in different sizes. Ensure you buy brass in the size and thickness needed for your project. There’s a special measuring wheel or gauge that you can use to determine or check the thickness of the sheet you will be using. Note that the higher the gauge number, the thinner the sheet. Read more from this blog: http://bit.ly/2qDhpAp

Designing Awnings Using Brass Materials

Awnings are often requested by homeowners as they provide shaded areas and they accentuate a property’s looks. If you’re trying to give your clients awnings that are truly unique, consider using brass material.

Colors of Brass

Not all clients want the same thing in an awning. Some prefer bright colors that stand out, while others want colors that are more subtle. Luckily, brass comes in many different colors that give you endless possibilities when designing awnings. Some of the more popular options include red, brown, gold, silver, bronze, and even a chocolate brown when brass is mixed with some magnesium.

When thinking about color choice for your brass, consider the current elements and structures already in the backyard. Using the same colors creates an aesthetic that flows and brings everything together. Or, you can use contrasting and multiple colors for a unique visual.

Built for Durability

A unique aspect of brass is that it’s extremely durable and resistant to corrosion, making it a great material for outside awnings. No matter what wet environments and extreme temperatures brass is exposed to, it will not corrode. You can therefore ensure clients quality looking awnings that hold up in any climate.

Additionally, there are some brass for sale that actually turns darker as time goes on, giving it an aged look with a lot of character. You can also order brass materials that are extremely thick, capable of supporting structures for a long time.

You can create great awnings for your clients, especially if you use a durable and versatile material such as brass.

Working with Bronze Bars and Sheets for Elegant Interior Decorations

Bronze is one of the friendliest types of materials that architects and interior decorators use in their projects because of its availability, durability, and versatility.


It can easily take on a very modern look with its high polish, for example, while it can also look authentic and vintage once it acquires a natural patina over time. Here are some design ideas that you can incorporate to add a cool and unique element to your client’s project.

Bronze in the Kitchen

If you want to go for something a bit more rustic but easy enough to pass for something modern, you can use bronze sheets for splashes lining up the kitchen walls. The reflective surface brings a tinge of color–and even a hint of elegance–to the work area. Read more from this blog: http://bit.ly/2pXm8kf

How to Get Creative with Brass Angle

Metal workers have many great materials to work with. In terms of affordability and availability, brass angle is perfect and can be used for so many different things. Here are several projects in particular that are easy to complete when you rely on this material.

Furniture Borders

There may be pieces you’re working on that already look great, but need a few touch-ups. That’s where brass angle is useful because it works great when used as furniture borders. Featuring a square shape, this angle fits perfectly around corners so very little manipulation is required. You may need to cut different pieces to certain lengths, but that won’t be a challenge when you use metal snips.

You can also choose different thicknesses of brass angle depending on function. Visual pieces, for example, may require thin pieces while pieces you’re protecting structurally may need thicker brass angles. In addition, this versatile metal shows off an inimitable luster that accentuates your furniture pieces. Think of how it can add a little bit more character to a trunk, nightstand, or dresser.

Sculptural Pieces

Brass angle is a versatile material that is particularly easy to work with when you select thin pieces. Doing so lets you maneuver it in different directions, perfect for when you’re trying to sculpt unique pieces for clients looking for something original. You could craft distinct images or geometric shapes that stand out in any living room or dining area.

There are so many possibilities when you incorporate brass angle into your projects. It’s affordable, offers a striking design, and is easy to find when you source through the right metal supplier.