Brass

Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc, the exact compositions of which are varied to achieve different grades with varying properties. Hard and soft brasses are created by modifying the ratio of copper and zinc. Brass is similar to bronze in that it contains a large amount of copper but where brass uses zinc, bronze uses tin. Like bronze however, brass can include other elements such as lead, phosphorus, aluminium, manganese, arsenic and silicon.

The addition of aluminium makes makes brass stronger and more resistant to corrosion. Tin has a similar corrosion resistant effects and is often in naval applications (naval brasses). Combinations of iron, aluminium, silicon and manganese improve wear-and tear-resistant.

Brass is a popular decorative material due to its bright gold appearance. It is used in a wide range of aesthetic applications such as architectural elements and home furnishings. Brass is still a good choice for applications where low friction, corrosion resistance or workability are required (soft brasses can be machined without a cutting fluid).

Speed Alloys supply a wide range of brass rods, bars and extrusions. Get in touch to let us know what you need. Whatever it is, we can deliver it!