How Brass Square Tube Inclusions Can Immediately Improve Your Kitchen Design

Among the most requested projects for interior design is the kitchen. As one of the more important rooms in any home given its functionality, it can have a significant impact on the value not only of the room itself but the house as a whole.

As exciting as it is to go on a full redesign spree, however, many homeowners can’t help but worry about the cost that the project will entail. Refurbishing a full kitchen does not come cheap, after all, especially with all the fittings and appliances that must be taken into consideration. This concern is actually one of the reasons why metals like brass are a popular choice among designers.

With its gold-like appearance, brass can easily improve the aesthetic of any room, making it seem a lot more elegant because of its shine. Here are some other design ideas you can use to maximize the desired sophisticated effect for your client’s kitchen.

Tapware and Other Hardware

Even a simple upgrade of tapware from steel to brass can already deliver an impact. Subtle as it may be, the pop of brass color on the kitchen surface, such as on the sink and countertops, can already brighten up the room.

It’s also versatile enough that it can be mixed and matched with different color palette options. Whether you go for plain white walls or floral wallflower, the brass tapware and joinery can elevate the look and feel of the kitchen. The best part about it: you don’t have to cover everything in brass to achieve this effect.

Shelves

Storage is essential in any kitchen. Some prefer wooden cabinets with glass windows for accent. Meanwhile, there is also the more functional, no-frills option of having open shelves. This is a great way to incorporate brass in your designs, too, particularly by using brass square tube as frames for the shelf structure.

With this, you can come up with a bespoke and sturdy open shelf for the kitchen, perfect for pots, pans, and other kitchen implements. Another plus of going for open shelves is that it allows the materials to be naturally aired out so it’s easier to dry them without having to worry about that dank, musty smell closed cupboards tend to have.

Backsplashes

If you want to have that WOW! effect for anyone walking into your client’s kitchen, you can opt to go for that one time big time application of brass instead of adding them as little, subtle elements throughout the room. One way to do this is to use it as the main backsplash feature.

A wide strip of brass metal sheet just behind the countertops along the wall can make for a very striking feature in any kitchen. It’s shiny, it’s glossy, and gives a simple yet astounding focal point to the kitchen. This is especially advantageous for kitchens that are small and so do not have the space to catch the attention with a striking centrepiece like a very impressive island.

A brass metal sheet backsplash can then be complemented by earth tones or brass accents like candlesticks or flower vases, too.

There are many other ways to feature brass into your interior design plans. Just make sure to get your supplies from reputable sources, such as Rotax Metals.

About Rotax Metals

As a go-to metal supplier in North America, Rotax Metals is dedicated to providing only the highest quality brass, bronze, and copper tubes, sheets, and bars. We have a copious inventory that can support all kinds of project, from home design and construction to industrial machine creation. Whether you are an artisan looking for a shiny metal addition to your design or a plumber looking for durable fittings, we’ve got you covered.

Source:

The Kitchen and Dining Trends to Look Out for in 2018. HuffingtonPost.com. Brass Kitchen.

Top Reasons Why Craftsmen Love Using Brass Tube and Other Brass Types

Any furniture maker worth their salt would know for certain that brass is just about one of the best kinds of metal that they can work with. The natural properties of this particular metal make it such an easy material to work with, making room for better creativity.

Those looking to learn the craft of furniture making would do well to familiarize themselves with brass tube and other brass metal types so they can make the most out of its many possible applications.

Cost Efficient

One of the foremost reasons why brass metal is such a popular choice for craftsmen is that it delivers good value at low cost. The value being referred to here is more of the aesthetic type, though, because it looks a lot like gold. Its monetary value, however, does not meet up to that of actual gold.

While its resale value may not be as significant as gold, however, more people are more likely to choose brass for various applications like bathroom and kitchen fittings, accessories, interior design accents and more. This is because it is more affordable to fill a room with brass-themed furniture rather than filling it up with everything gold. The resulting aesthetic can be the same anyway, especially in terms of sophistication and elegance. 

Craftsmen using brass metals, therefore, can expect to have a much faster turn of inventory on the market. As for the client, they can achieve the elegant aesthetic they want without shelling out too much cash from their own pockets.

Versatility

Another reason why brass works is that it is so versatile; you can literally use it for just about anything. Whether it is a simple curtain rod, a handrail, a kitchen accent, or even custom jewellery, there are just so many applications you can do with brass. You’re also not limited to using round brass tubes because there are also square ones, flat U channels, hexagonal, and more.

Its malleability is a big factor in why it is such a preferred material for furniture makers and other craftsmen. Under controlled heat, it can be molded into different design patterns that can improve aesthetic appeal. Maintenance is also huge plus for it because it does not need all that much in order to retain its gold-like shine. Just a regular soap and water to get out the dirt will do, while giving it a good scrub for polish should be enough too.

Accessibility

Unlike precious metals like gold, brass is one of the most accessible in the market. There are plenty of reliable and trustworthy suppliers that craftsmen and artists can go to, such as Rotax Metals. As much as possible, it is advisable that you buy materials in bulk so that it can be more cost-efficient for you rather than buying materials piecemeal. Doing so should also help you continue with your work uninterrupted because you’ll have enough supply on hand.

As brass is highly common and versatile, it is also very easy to mix and match it with other metal types, such as copper or aluminum, which makes it a lot more fun for the craftsman to work with.

If you’re interested in turning art out of metal, consider learning about the peculiarities of the brass metal so that you can use it to its full potential. You can also consider purchasing brass metal products from top suppliers like Rotax Metals.

About Rotax Metals

Rotax Metals is a one-stop shop for all your metal supply needs. Whether you need decorative tubes, bars, and sheets for your interior design project or bathroom fittings for your plumbing business, we’ve got you covered. We specialize in copper alloys, including brass and bronze. We believe that these metals are extremely valuable to various industries. If you are interested in purchasing supplies for your own metal supply business, get in touch with us.

Sources:

Brass Alloys and Their Applications. TheBalance.com.

What is Brass Tubing and What are Its Common Uses? SelfGrowth.com.

Choosing Materials for Craft Jewellery with Metals Like Brass Tubing

Some hobbies can transition easily into a successful business venture, such as arts and crafts. Specifically, jewellery making is something that you can turn into a lucrative activity by selling your creations at retail, whether online or in person. If you’re seriously considering making this shift from hobbyist to actual jewellery maker, one of the most important things you should know about firstly is the kind of material that you’ll be working with.

Metals for Jewellery

Jewellery pieces can be so versatile that you can use just about any kind of material for it. The more precious the stones and metals for it, though, mean the higher value of the item. A common requirement for using metals in craft jewellery is that its properties should allow it to be flexible while also being sturdy. It should also be wearable, which means that its components will not prove harmful to the wearer’s health as much as possible. The stronger the material is, the better an investment the piece becomes, too, so longevity of the product is definitely something to look at.

Aluminum

Among the most common metals used for jewelleries is aluminium, thanks to its lightweight characteristic. It is also highly malleable, which makes it great for adding in design details, whether through engraving or sculpting. It is also not prone to tarnishing unlike other kinds of metal and can be easily cleaned and maintained simply by washing it with hand soap and water. Many jewellery makers prefer aluminium also because it is nickel-free, and so is safe to wear even for those with allergies.

Brass

Brass is a standout choice for many jewellers because of its similar appearance to gold. It can be sophisticated and elegant without costing as much. It’s also highly versatile and malleable, making it easy to mold and shape into various designs. They usually come in different forms, like brass tubing and squares, among others. As long as it is properly cared for, too, it can possibly last a long time. It helps that finished brass does not tarnish like silver does, which makes its maintenance a whole lot easier. Aside from that, it only needs soap and water to be cleaned. Another option for maintenance is ketchup. Apparently, the acid in tomatoes make for a very good cleaning agent against tarnish on brass.

Copper

Similar to brass, copper is a bright, shiny metal that tends to look like gold, albeit with a reddish hue. Also soft and easily malleable, copper is best distinguished through its green patina that occurs upon oxidation. Some consider this patina as part of this metal’s aesthetic, although for jewellery, it could make it look less appealing. Unlike the previous metals, copper requires a bit more for its maintenance, such as a water-vinegar-salt mixture to get it clean.

Silver

There are two choices you can go for when working with silver: fine and sterling. Fine silver is pure silver up to 99.9%, while sterling is at 92.5% purity. Most jewellers prefer sterling silver because it is a lot stronger than fine silver, which means it can be used with other accents like pendants. Fine silver, on the other hand, can be so fine that it bends easily making it difficult to incorporate with other elements.

Gold

Highly valuable as compared to other metal types, gold is a foremost choice among jewellery makers for its natural beauty and versatility. Real gold is also very easy to maintain because it does not tarnish or corrode. It is advisable to mix it with other metals when possible, however, because pure gold, like fine silver, is on the softer side, which can affect its durability as a jewel piece. Mixing it with other metals will affect its karat though (higher karat means higher purity while lower karat but stronger metal).

About Rotax Metals

Rotax Metals is a premier metal supplier in North America. We’ve been supplying high-quality copper alloys to the world since 1948. We pride ourselves in our vast network of sources and a team of highly experienced metallurgists. Whether you need brass, bronze, or copper tubes, bars, or sheets, we surely have ample supplies in store for you. We serve individuals and businesses looking for the highest quality metals for their projects.

Sources:

Hardware Store Jewelry: 10 Ways to Use Tubing and Pipe in Jewelry Making. What is the Best Jewelery Metal? eBay.com.

Industrial Benefits of Bronze Bars, Tubes, and Sheets—The Properties that Set Bronze Apart

Bronze is one of the most important metals ever discovered. In fact, it is so important that an entire age in history was named after it. An alloy of copper and tin, bronze is a favorite material for making a wide range of items, including weapons, farming tools, bells, and even coins. Today, bronze is wielded for various industrial applications, and for the following good reasons.

Corrosion Resistance

Because bronze is an alloy of two non-ferrous metals—meaning it doesn’t contain iron, which reacts with oxygen to form rust—it naturally resists corrosion. Instead of forming rust (iron oxide) upon contact with oxygen molecules, it forms a protective outer layer, called patina. This process, called passivation, is unique to all non-ferrous metals. As a result, bronze makes a perfect material option for applications that involve exposure to oxygen-containing moisture.

Coefficient of Linear Thermal Expansion

There are many ways to determine a metal’s resistance to heat. One is determining its coefficient of linear expansion or the length by which it expands after being exposed to extreme heat. Bronze has a coefficient of linear expansion of 17.5 to 18. It may look high but it’s actually low that is five points higher than that of concrete, a material that is virtually unyielding to heat. In other words, bronze is one of the best materials for applications that involve exposure to high temperatures. 

Wear and Tear

If you look inside an engine, you will see bearing and gear components that are made of bronze. While other metals may have the strength to withstand the speed and pressure required to power engines, very few metals like bronze can actually sustain minimal wear and tear over time, allowing it to last for many years with minimal maintenance. Machines with bronze components, therefore, need constant maintenance and replacement parts.

Machinability

Generally, copper alloys have excellent machinability. This means that they can be cut easily to suit specific or complex mechanical or structural designs. Unlike steel, which requires just the right amount of carbon molecules to allow for machining, bronze remains highly machinable at various mixtures of copper and tin. It’s no wonder many small machine parts and intricate tubes and bars are made of bronze.

Ease of Welding

Unfortunately, not all metals can easily be welded to another metal. Some even don’t join no matter how you fuse them. Welding is an important procedure in machine design and construction because it helps connect metals securely and fast. Instead of smelting or casting them to form one object, you can simply connect their ends or sides onsite through welding. Bronze is known for its high weldability. It is easy to braze and solder as well.

Whether you are a machine designer looking for the best metals for your upcoming projects or an artisan who is fascinated by the beauty of copper alloys, bronze can be your best bet. You can find high-quality bronze bars, sheets, and tubes in reputable suppliers like Rotax Metals. It always helps to find a supplier that has already partnered with successful builders, designers, and suppliers across North America for many decades.

About Rotax Metals

When it comes to metals, particularly copper, brass, and bronze, Rotax Metals is your most reliable supplier. We started our business in 1948 and since then we’ve provided the highest quality metals for all kinds of project across North America. We customize machine parts, too. So whether you are a builder, supplier, or artisan looking for the best copper alloys, you are most welcome to check out our inventory and find the metals you need.

Sources:

Infographic: History of Bronze Timeline, Makin-Metals.com

Coefficients of Linear Thermal Expansion, EngineeringToolbox.com

Copper and copper alloys, Twi-Global.com

Top Considerations for Round and Square Metal Tubing Selection

Metal tubes are among the most widely used yet least regarded objects on the planet. You can find them in your home, at the workplace, in the subway, or even in your car. They convey hot water from your heater and cool air from your air conditioner into your home. When you are going up or down the stairs, they keep you from falling off the side. They have a plethora of uses and yet you probably know very little about them, particularly how they are manufactured.

What Metal Tubes Are Usually Made Of

There are many metals that can be used to produce tubes, each of which is chosen for specific industrial applications. The most common of them are the stainless and non-ferrous metals, such as copper, brass, bronze, and aluminum. These metals not only exhibit properties common to non-ferrous metals, such as corrosion resistance and toughness, but they have other highly beneficial characteristics, including superior strength and high thermal and electrical conductivity, which makes them a perfect round or square metal tubing material.

How Their Dimensions Are Decided

Metal tubes come is a range of sizes to suit different applications. Their dimensions include inside diameter, outside diameter, and wall thickness. Manufacturers base their choice of material, design, and production technique on the tube’s purpose and the kinds of fluid that it will be used to transport. Tubes that are meant to convey corrosive fluids are usually made of corrosion-resistant metal and with a thick wall. 

Methods of Construction

There are three ways metal tubes are constructed—extrusion, welding, and welding and drawing (W&D). Metal tubes constructed via extrusion often exhibit seamless features, while welded ones have a visible patch on one side as they were originally sheets rolled to form conduits. W&D, on the other hand, are welded and precisely sized by drawing through a die.

Commercially Available Shapes

Most tubes that are made for conveying fluids have circular diameter. This is because such purpose requires even strength distribution in all directions. As the demand for tubing in other industries grew, manufacturers began introducing tubes of other shapes into the market. You can now find oval, rectangular, and square tubing offered by top suppliers like Rotax Metals.

Testing Their Performance

Of course, it is crucial to ensure that metal tubes meet the demands of the industries they will be used for. As such, different tests are conducted to measure each product’s quality and performance. When offered to buyers, commercial metal tubes usually come with certain performance specifications, including pressure rating, maximum vacuum, minimum bend radius, and temperature range so that buyers can find the most suitable tubes for their projects.

Choosing the Best Finish

To improve the durability and corrosion resistance of a metal tube, it is normally polished or covered with a finishing layer. Depending on the tube’s purpose, the manufacturer can galvanize, paint, or plate it either inside or outside. Meanwhile, if the buyer wants a bright finish, the manufacturer can simply polish or pickle the tube’s surface.

With these considerations, it is easier to choose the best metal tubing for your projects. All you have to worry about is the likelihood of choosing poor-quality products. This is where reputable companies like Rotax Metals come in. Having been in the business for over seven decades, they can surely measure up to your expectations.

About Rotax Metals

Rotax Metals is your one-stop shop for high-quality metals. Whether you need copper, brass, or bronze fittings and pipes for your plumbing or customized tubing for your interior design, we’ve got you covered. We serve countless professionals and material suppliers across North America, and for over seven decades we’ve never failed them.

Sources:

4 Types of Copper Piping, TheBalance.com

Metal Tubes Information, GlobalSpec.com

Why Your Builder Chose Solid Brass Plumbing Fixtures, Copper.org