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Tuesday, December 5, 2017

Brass Channel and Other Brass Forms: What You Probably Didn’t Know


Brass is one of the most sought after types of metal. It is often referred to as architectural bronze due to its extensive use in the structural field. Brass boasts of many desirable features, which make it useful in a plethora of applications. One property that makes brass particularly handy is its corrosion resistance, which allows it to last for a long time. It is also highly workable, which is why it is the preferred material for making channels.

Channels are an important structural element that provides additional support to concrete beams and girders. They can also be standalone components if little to no compression is involved in the parts of the structure where they will be installed. Channels are used in projects of all sizes, from skyscraper construction to cabinet or rack assembly. For smaller structures, a more versatile, higher quality, and more aesthetically appealing metal is used instead of the standard steel. This is how brass channels came into existence.

If you need brass channels for your project, look for a vendor with a vast experience in dealing with metals. Rotax Metals, for example, has been providing high-quality brass supplies since 1947. Not only does an established metal supplier have a huge inventory, which would allow you to find the products you need and not just alternatives, but they can also guide you through the process so that you can save money. The following are some of the basic information about brass and brass channels that you need to know before you make a purchase.

Availability

Because brass channels are highly in demand, particularly in the furniture and cabinetry manufacturing industry, you won’t have trouble looking for a piece or two on the market for your project. You still have to be careful though, as not all commercially available products have similar quality. This metal supply is also available in a range of shapes and sizes--C, J, U, H, and right-angled channels--so you can find one that perfectly matches your design. If you can’t find the exact size and cut, you have the option to customize.

Properties and Uses

Brass is teeming with beneficial properties. From corrosion resistance to durability, you can definitely count on this metal to give your money’s worth. Despite that though, it remains quite affordable. Here are some of brass’s most popular features, which make it quite a good material for channels.

Beautiful Finish. Unlike most stubborn metals, brass can easily mix with other metals, forming some of the most impressive alloys. Most alloys of brass have a flawless finish, which makes them perfect for a lot of applications, particularly those that involve aesthetics.

Non-magnetic. Brass is widely used in building naval ships because it is non-magnetic. This property is extremely important in ocean navigation as it helps avoid interference with radio waves. It also makes brass appropriate for the components of most electrical appliances.

Corrosion Resistance. Zinc and copper, the two main constituents of brass, are both corrosion resistant so it’s just normal for brass to be rust-free as well. This property allows brass to last long and withstand harsh environmental conditions.

Frictional Resistance. Rubbing two solid objects produces heat. This process, called friction, affects metals more than other materials because of their conductive property. Some metals, like brass, however, have high frictional resistance. Meaning, they don’t heat up too quickly when rubbed against each other. This is why brass is the preferred metal for making gears and bearings in machine and vehicle engines.

Workable. As previously mentioned, brass is not a stubborn metal. It is easy to work, cut, adjust, and mold to produce the desired shapes and forms. This makes brass perfect for making railings, ceiling braces, and plumbing parts.

Knowing the different beneficial properties of brass, you should be convinced that the brass channel you’ve been eyeing out for your project are your best bet. It is imperative, though, that you turn to a reputable supplier if you want to get high-quality materials that can ensure the durability of your output.

About Rotax Metals:

As a leading metal product manufacturer in North America, Rotax Metals is committed to providing the highest quality copper, brass, and bronze supplies to suppliers, builders, contractors, and artisans. We’ve been in the business since 1947, and through the years we’ve never failed meeting the needs of our customers. No matter the kind of project you need our products for, rest assured that we will deliver.


Sources:

Brass Composition, Properties, and Comparison With Bronze, ThoughtCo.com

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