Perhaps one of the greatest achievements of man is discovering that raw
metals can be combined to form better-performing alloys. Among the most popular
types of alloy that have been produced for millennia is brass. It is composed
of copper and zinc, two commonly used metals that are known for their many
beneficial properties. When combined to form brass, their properties are
boosted, allowing the resulting alloy to be used for greater applications.
Applications
of Brass
Unlike other alloys, brass is so easy to produce. It’s no wonder there’s
a vast array of products used by multiple industries that are made of brass.
These include jets, taps, injectors, and terminals. Even most nuts, bolts, and
threaded parts are made of brass. This metal is also ideal for making musical instruments,
particularly woodwinds like trombone, trumpet, and horn.
Not all brass products, however, have similar characteristics. Some are
tougher or more durable than others, considering that each alloy consists of a
different amounts of copper and zinc. The variation allows manufacturers to
produce materials of varying qualities, especially if they are trying to
customize brass for specific purposes.
Beneficial
Properties of Brass
There are many reasons why designers, builders, and artisans prefer
brass to other alloys. Here are some of the beneficial properties that make
brass an ideal metal for various projects.
Workable.
Like most alloys of copper, brass can be worked to produce a plethora of items,
mainly because it’s ductile and malleable. The workability of brass, however,
depends on its zinc content. Brasses that contain more than 45 percent zinc
lose their workability along with their industrial importance. Fortunately,
most brass products, including plumbing fixtures and fittings, have less than
45 percent zinc.
Hard.
A metal’s hardness refers to its ability to resist plastic deformation when
applied with pressure. Despite being malleable and ductile, finished brass
becomes particularly hard. Its hardness can be increased through cold work,
such as rolling, swaging, or bending.
Corrosion-Resistant.
Both copper and zinc are non-ferrous (non-iron containing) metals. Iron
reacting with oxygen forms rust. Since both metals and their alloys don’t have
iron, they won’t produce rust. This makes brass perfect for applications that
involve exposure to moisture, such as plumbing and irrigation systems.
Withstands
High Temperatures. Brass alloys have a thermal expansion
coefficient ranging from 9 to 12. This means it doesn’t easily expand or
elongate when exposed to high temperatures. With such property, brass is the
perfect material for hot water distribution systems and other structures that
deal with extreme heat.
Versatile.
Since brass can be worked easily, it can be made into products of varying
sizes, shapes, and finishes. Plumbing systems, for instance, may have big,
small, and irregular-shaped fittings, which allow for the installation of
complex networks, particularly those that require unique specifications. Each
product can be chrome plated, antique or nickel finish, lacquered, or polished
brass depending on its purpose.
Whether you are a builder looking for the best materials for your
project or a supplier in need of new, in-demand products, brass can be your
best bet. Turn to reputable brass suppliers like Rotax Metals to make sure that you will get only the
highest quality brass products. A long-standing company like Rotax Metals
surely uses the most advanced methods when producing brass alloys, so they can
definitely meet all your needs.
About Rotax
Metals
Rotax Metals is one of biggest suppliers of brass, bronze, and copper in
North America. We serve professionals and businesses from various industries,
including craftsmen, fabricators, building contractors, and plumbers. We’ve
been providing high-quality metal supplies and custom-make machines since 1948.
If you want the right metals for your project, get in touch with us and we’ll
find what you need from our huge inventory.
Sources:
The Uses
and Properties of Bronze, TheBalance.com
Use of
Copper and Brass - Way to Good Health,
GlobalVarnasramaMission.Blogspot.com
Hardness
of Brass: Effects of Rolling and Annealing,
MaterialsEducation.org
5 Benefits
of Brass Plumbing Fittings, DoItYourself.com
Thermal Expansion of Metals, EngineeringToolbox.com
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