The surfaces of Copper and its alloys have the inherent ability to kill a wide range of harmful microbes relatively rapidly, often within two hours or less, with a high degree of efficiency. This antimicrobial quality makes the material sought after for high-traffic touch surfaces in locations such as hospitals, schools and other public facilities. Its colouring and treatment can also be varied to generate a wide array of effects and hues, ranging from light gold, to almost red, to a dark patinaed appearance.
The metal can be brushed, polished and burnished, as well as aged and weathered to appear more antique. Depending on its treatment, the metal may continue to age or develop its patina or retain a more lustrous appearance.
Its durability and low-friction nature have made it ideal for mechanical applications ranging from bearings, gears and valves, to ammunition casings and tools. Brass has also been used in technical instruments for centuries, especially in measuring instruments, such as compasses, barometers, chronometers, clocks and watches.
Due to its hardness and corrosion resistance, even in the presence of salt water, Brass has been used for centuries in marine hardware, such as engineering tanks and pumps, as well as navigational tools. Another important application is electronic components.
The malleable, non-magnetic nature of Brass and its cost, which is less than gold and silver, makes it an excellent choice for electrical panel board switches and relays, alongside sockets and terminal blocks. A well-known application is in musical instruments, where its durability, workability, corrosion resistance and its acoustic properties make it an excellent and economical choice, ranging from trumpets, tubas and trombones, to bells and gongs.
As a timeless material, Brass continues to be used by artists, designers and architects alike. It has been used in applications ranging from wall art, cast sculptures and figurines, to jewellery, interior accessories and lighting, alongside larger architectural elements such as screens, meshes, ceiling frameworks, railings and balustrades. From a grand staircase to a small, accent touch, such as a handle or doorknob, the material can be made as bold or as subtle as creatives like.
It is also easily paired with other materials, textures and colours, complementing and adapting to changing surroundings. Both durable and stylish, the material has been used in both indoor and outdoor applications and even more challenging environments such as bathrooms. Artists today are also drawn to the fact that Brass can be recycled an infinite number of times, which has significant environmental and economic advantages and allows formerly functional Brass objects to be recycled or live on in art and design works.
While the elegant material does not rust in its pure state, it can also be treated to oxidize or tarnish over time, giving it a distinct weathered look if so desired. Its coloring can range from light gold and silver all the way to almost red. Residential dishwasher fittings and lamp fittings are commonly made of brass, as they are both visually appealing and bacteria resistant.
From shell casings for an M assault rifle to everyday use bearings and gears, brass is widely used for mechanical applications. Tools made of brass are known to have extended life and a reduced need for sharpening.
If you've ever participated in a concert band, marching band, or perhaps even a symphony, you are likely very aware of the brass all around you. Trumpets, french horns, trombones, baritones, and tubas are some of the most popular brass instruments.
Mead Metals, Inc. It is highly resistant to weathering and is ideal for use in corrosive environments. We inventory alloy brass sheets and other brass products in thickness from 0. Other tempers and alloys are available as well.
Common Uses for Brass. Brass — an alloy of copper and zinc — is one of the most widely used alloys. Known for its decorative attributes and bright gold appearance, brass also exhibits durability, corrosion resistance, and high electrical conductivity. Brass sheet and brass plate are more malleable than bronze, and generally very easy to cut, machine, and fabricate, making it useful in the manufacturing, construction, electrical and plumbing industries. Check out our selection of Brass products at IMS!
As far as we know, brass was discovered accidentally, when metalworkers in ancient Asia smelted a crude form of brass from zinc-rich copper ores. Then about 2, years ago, the Greeks and Romans began melting calamine ore, which contained copper and zinc — causing zinc ions to be dispersed throughout the copper.
Over the centuries, a number of other processes have been developed for making brass, with additional metals, such as aluminum , lead, and arsenic, added to create alloys with different properties. Because of its wide versatility, brass has found its way into a surprising range of applications, including:. Ammunition casings — Spark resistant, low-friction, corrosion-resistant, and non-magnetic, brass can be easily rolled into thin sheets and formed into cartridge shells. It is also easy to recycle for ammo reloading.
Marine hardware — Due to its hardness, toughness, and corrosion resistance — even in the presence of salt water — brass was used for centuries as sheathing on the hulls of wooden naval ships, for navigational tools, and later, marine engines and pumps.
Electronic components — For electrical panel board switches and relays, as well as PCB plug pins, sockets and terminal blocks, the malleable, non-magnetic nature of brass, and the fact that it costs less than gold and silver, makes it an excellent choice of material.
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