The price of raw
brass materials may not be the cheapest compared to other alternative metals,
but it remains the practical option. Aside from its distinct range of colors,
excellent malleability, ductility, electrical conductivity, and acoustic
properties, other characteristics unique to brass add to its overall value.
This is why many industries rely on their trusted brass suppliers to provide quality materials for a
wide variety of applications.
Superior Machinability
Performance is
just as critical as cost when to selecting materials to work on, and brass has
even aluminum and steel beat in this category. All types of brass are
intrinsically easy to machine and formed into one’s desired shapes while still
retaining high strength but brass variants with a higher lead content have high
universal machinability ratings. In particular, “free cutting brass” is
universally accepted as the standard for which all other materials are judged
when machinability is being assessed. As a result, brass is able to withstand
higher machining speeds while maintaining lower rates of tool wear. This means
that metalsmiths enjoy higher productivity at minimized per-part costs.
Corrosion Resistant
The high copper
and tin content of select brass types give them a remarkable tolerance for
moisture and weathering as well as high atmospheric and aqueous conditions.
When exposed to the elements, brass forms a patina or a protective oxide layer
on the surface to help guard against further corrosion. It is for this reason
that admiralty brass, naval brass and free machining brass are typically used
to make fasteners, marine hardware, pump shafts, screw machine parts and other
mechanical products in many environments. Its innate resistance to corrosion
and moisture also eliminates the need for protective electroplating or coatings
which can add more to the cost of the product.
Exceptional Recyclability
As a copper-based
alloy, brass has the capacity to be recycled an infinite number of times
because it does not lose its chemical or physical properties in the
process. This particular ability yields some economical advantages
and gives brass an unmatched secondary value and lowers the net material cost
for customers. In fact, brass used for extrusion and hot forging are normally
made from basic melt of scrap. This is why fabricated brass costs considerably
less than it might otherwise be. Furthermore, the entire brass industry is
dependent upon the recycling of any surplus products to make components more
environmentally advantageous as well. Recycling brass is less energy-intensive
and yields a smaller carbon footprint as compared to the process of recycling
aluminum and steel.
Raw material cost
is only a small consideration when determining the true value of alternative
metals. Given these properties, brass is a clear, pragmatic choice.
About Rotax Metals
Rotax Metals
offers an extensive inventory of copper, brass, and bronze products, and
special services to a variety of industries. Founded by Ronald Rosenthal in
1948, Rotax has been dedicated to forging strong business relationships with
our customers, and observing sustainable and responsible practices. Get in
touch with our knowledgeable sales team to help you choose the best products
among our selection of angles, channels, rods, extrusions, coils, sheets and
tubes.
Sources:
Brass: The
Cost-Effective Choice, Copper.org
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