Brass Alloys
Introduction
Brasses are copper zinc alloys. It is a substitutional alloy. Brass has higher malleability than copper or zinc. In general, they have good strength and corrosion resistance, although their structure and properties are a function of zinc content.
The relatively low melting point of brass (900 to 940°C, depending on composition) and its flow characteristics make it a relatively easy material to cast. By varying the proportions of copper and zinc, the properties of the brass can be changed, allowing hard and soft brasses. The density of brass is approximately 8400 to 8730 kilograms per cubic meter (equivalent to 8.4 to 8.73 grams per cubic centimeter).
Today almost 90% of all brass alloys are recycled. Because brass is not ferromagnetic, it can be separated from ferrous scrap by passing the scrap near a powerful magnet. Brass scrap is collected and transported to the foundry where it is melted and recast into billets. Billets are heated and extruded into the desired form and size.
The color terms yellow and red are American terms referring to the composition of the brass. Brass goes from dark reddish brown to light silvery yellow depending on the amount of zinc. The more zinc the lighter the color. Red brass is really not brass as it is an alloy of copper, zinc, and tin. It is also called gunmetal
Brass Alloys:
• Gilding metal
It is the softest type of brass commonly available. An alloy of 95% copper and 5% zinc, gilding metal is typically used for ammunition components.
• Rich low Brass It contains 15% zinc. It is often used in jewelry applications.
• Low Brass
It is a copper-zinc alloy containing 20% zinc with a light golden color and excellent ductility; it is used for flexible metal hoses and metal bellows.
• Cartridge Brass
It contains 30% zinc brass with good cold working properties.
• Yellow Brass
It is an American term for 33% zinc brass.
• Alpha (α) Brass
Contains less than 35% zinc. These brasses
Brasses are copper zinc alloys. It is a substitutional alloy. Brass has higher malleability than copper or zinc. In general, they have good strength and corrosion resistance, although their structure and properties are a function of zinc content.
The relatively low melting point of brass (900 to 940°C, depending on composition) and its flow characteristics make it a relatively easy material to cast. By varying the proportions of copper and zinc, the properties of the brass can be changed, allowing hard and soft brasses. The density of brass is approximately 8400 to 8730 kilograms per cubic meter (equivalent to 8.4 to 8.73 grams per cubic centimeter).
Today almost 90% of all brass alloys are recycled. Because brass is not ferromagnetic, it can be separated from ferrous scrap by passing the scrap near a powerful magnet. Brass scrap is collected and transported to the foundry where it is melted and recast into billets. Billets are heated and extruded into the desired form and size.
The color terms yellow and red are American terms referring to the composition of the brass. Brass goes from dark reddish brown to light silvery yellow depending on the amount of zinc. The more zinc the lighter the color. Red brass is really not brass as it is an alloy of copper, zinc, and tin. It is also called gunmetal
Brass Alloys:
• Gilding metal
It is the softest type of brass commonly available. An alloy of 95% copper and 5% zinc, gilding metal is typically used for ammunition components.
• Rich low Brass It contains 15% zinc. It is often used in jewelry applications.
• Low Brass
It is a copper-zinc alloy containing 20% zinc with a light golden color and excellent ductility; it is used for flexible metal hoses and metal bellows.
• Cartridge Brass
It contains 30% zinc brass with good cold working properties.
• Yellow Brass
It is an American term for 33% zinc brass.
• Alpha (α) Brass
Contains less than 35% zinc. These brasses