7 Types of Brass: Properties and Applications
Brass is used widely in many applications as it offers versatility. There are different types of brass, each with its own specific characteristics and applications.
If you want to learn about these types of brass, followed by some history, the guide below has it all. So, let's read.
The History of Brass
Brass has its roots in ancient civilizations, where it was used for artifacts. It was found in different regions of Europe and the Middle East initially, and a step-by-step historical detail is given below.
Ancient Origin (5000 BCE)
Brass was initially created by mixing zinc and copper, which were used for artifacts. These artifacts were found in Europe and the Middle East.
Roman Empire
The Roman Empire called brass Aes and used it for various items such as decoration, statues, and coins.
Medieval Europe (500-1500 AD)
In European countries like France and Germany, the use of brass and its production started to evolve for use in architectural objects and religious items.
Renaissance (14th to 17th Century)
Brass was used in the 14th to 17th century by well-known artists like Leonardo Da Vinci and Donatello for engravings and sculptures.
Industrial Revolution (1760-1840)
Brass manufacturing advanced in the era of 1760 to 1840, which enhanced its use in shipbuilding, steam engines, and telegraph systems. Sheets and rods of brass were produced in high volume.
Modern Era (20th to 21st Century)
In the modern era, brass has taken the lead and is a key material in various industries, such as structures, decoratives, plumbing, electrical engineering, etc.
What are the Advantages of Brass?
Messing is opted for due to the exceptional benefits it offers, and some of these benefits are as follows:
- Brass is a highly machinable metal. It has different grades, like brass 360 and brass 353, which have high copper content and less lead content with minimal iron traces. Hence, they are quite effective when it comes to machining.
- Brass has very little iron, which makes it resistant to corrosion. Hence, it is usually opted for various applications where corrosion is a risk.
- Brass has a high conductivity, so it is used for applications where pressure and friction are high, and require heat and electricity conductivity.
- Brass even works well with high temperatures and does not deform.
- Brass has antibacterial properties and can be used for filtration systems.
Types of Brass
There are different types of brass, and each type has its own application that is suitable for its characteristics. Seven of these types of brass are as follows:
Alpha Brass (CuZn)
Eigenschaften
Alpha brass has about 55 to 65% copper and 35 to 45% zinc. It has the structure of a face-centered cubic crystal. It offers ductility, cold workability, and good resistance against corrosion.
Anmeldung
Alpha brass is usually opted for applications involving forming and drawing; hence, it is widely used in architectural and decorative objects. It offers a very good color and polished surface finish.
Alpha-Beta Brass (CuZn40)
Eigenschaften
Alpha-beta brass is composed of about 40% of Zink and 60% of Kupfer. It has a structure with alpha as well as beta phases.
This type of brass can work well with hot as well as cold processes, and is strong and ductile.
Anmeldung
Alpha-beta brass is suitable for forging and machining processes. Components like fittings, gears, and valves are manufactured using it.
High-Zinc Beta Brass (CuZn15)
Eigenschaften
In high zinc beta, the content of zinc is high, which is about 85% and the rest of 15% is copper. It is a single-phase structure with the BCC crystal.
It offers excellent fluidity and has a low melting point followed by high wear resistance. It can, however, end up cracking due to stress.
Anmeldung
High zinc beta brass is used in applications involving die casting. Components like hinges, locks, and fasteners are manufactured using it.
Leaded Brass (CuZn39Pb3)
Eigenschaften
Leaded brass consists of lead in a very minimal amount, which is around 1 to 3%, and it helps to make them machinable.
This type of brass offers cold workability and even has excellent resistance. However, the ductility is reduced due to the lead addition.
Anmeldung
Components that have complex shapes, like valves and fittings used for plumbing, are manufactured through leaded brass.
Naval Brass (CuZn40Sn1)
Eigenschaften
Naval brass has 39% zinc, 60% copper, and 1% tin, which makes it resistant to dezincification. It offers high corrosion resistance, wear resistance, and excellent strength.
Anmeldung
Naval brass is commonly used for components that are used in harsh and corrosive environments like marine applications.
Marine hardware, bearings, ship propellers, and bushings are manufactured using it.
Yellow Brass (CuZn33)
Eigenschaften
Yellow brass has 33% zinc and 67% copper. It is yellow in color and has the ability to be shaped as required.
It has moderate strength and excellent resistance against corrosion. It works well with cold working processes.
Anmeldung
Yellow brass is used in ornaments, hardware, and sculpture for decorative applications. It is also used in musical devices and fittings for plumbing.
Red Brass (CuZn15)
Eigenschaften
Red brass has 15% of zinc and 85% of copper, which gives it a red color. Sometimes, it even contains a small amount of materials like iron, lead, and tin. It has excellent machinability.
Anmeldung
Red brass, due to the red color, is used for decorative applications. Also, due to its corrosion resistance and high machinability, it can also be used for fittings in plumbing, pumps, and valves.
Schlussfolgerung
The guide above has given you a detailed insight into different types of brass and how they are used in different industries.
Choosing the right brass type for your project can be easier for you now by understanding the properties and composition of each type of brass.
Start Your Custom Brass Parts Project with DEK
If you are seeking help regarding the process of manufacturing brass components for your project, you can get in touch with us. DEK is a leading manufacturer of custom brass components.
We help you choose the right type of brass based on your project requirements. These components manufactured by us offer high quality and durability.
