What Is Brass
Brass is any alloy consisting primarily of copper, usually with zinc. In some cases, copper with tin is considered a type of brass, although this metal historically has been called bronze. Different brass alloys have unique properties, such as strength or corrosion resistance, used in various applications, from jewelry to currency coins.
Alpha and Alpha-Beta Brasses
Alpha brass contains less than 35 percent zinc and is malleable, can be worked cold, and is used in pressing, forging, or similar applications, with a single-phase face-centered cubic structure. Alpha-beta brass, also called Muntz metal or duplex brass, contains 35 to 45 percent zinc and is suited for hot working, with the beta-prime phase harder and stronger than alpha. Beta brass with 45 to 50 percent zinc can only be worked hot and produces a hard, strong metal suitable for casting.
Common Brass Grades
Cartridge brass is 30 percent zinc brass with good cold-working properties, used for ammunition cases. Common brass, or rivet brass, is 37 percent zinc, standard for cold working. High brass, 65 percent copper and 35 percent zinc, has high tensile strength and is used for springs, rivets, and screws. Low brass contains 20 percent zinc and is ductile for flexible metal hoses and bellows. Gilding metal is 95 percent copper and 5 percent zinc, the softest type of common brass, used for ammunition jackets. Red brass, C23000, contains 14 to 16 percent zinc with the remainder copper, used for plumbing and decorative applications.
Special Brasses
Admiralty brass contains 30 percent zinc and 1 percent tin to inhibit dezincification. Naval brass has 40 percent zinc and 1 percent tin for seawater service. Aluminum brass contains aluminum to improve corrosion resistance for seawater service. Arsenical brass contains arsenic for boiler fireboxes. DZR brass is dezincification-resistant with a small percentage of arsenic. Leaded brass is an alpha-beta brass with lead for easy machining. Lead-free brass contains not more than 0.25 percent lead as defined by regulatory requirements. Manganese brass, 70 percent copper and 29 percent zinc with 1.3 percent manganese, is used for coinage. Nickel brass adds nickel for color and corrosion resistance. Nordic gold is 89 percent copper, 5 percent aluminum, 5 percent zinc, and 1 percent tin for euro coins.
Application Guidance
Select the brass grade by the required strength, corrosion resistance, machinability, and color. For marine service choose tin or aluminum brasses; for machined parts choose leaded grades; for cold forming choose alpha brasses; and for hot working and casting choose alpha-beta or beta brasses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is brass made of?
A: Primarily copper with zinc, sometimes with tin or other elements.
Q: What is cartridge brass?
A: 30 percent zinc brass with good cold-working properties.
Q: What is naval brass?
A: 40 percent zinc with 1 percent tin for seawater service.
Q: What does lead do in brass?
A: It improves machinability.
Q: What is DZR brass?
A: Dezincification-resistant brass with a small arsenic addition.
Q: Which brass is used for coins?
A: Manganese brass and Nordic gold among others.
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