Brass is a metallic alloy that is made of copper and zinc. The proportions of zinc and copper can vary to create different types of brass alloys with varying mechanical and electrical properties. Brass has a bright, gold-like appearance. Applications include locks, gears, bearings, doorknobs, ammunition casings and valves. Also plumbing parts, electrical parts and musical instruments such as horns, bells and zippers. Since brass does not spark it can be safely used near flammable or explosive materials.
Shapes
- Round
- Flat
- Hex
- Square
- Plate
- Sheet
- Tube
- Angle
- Channel
Grades
- 210
- 230
- 234
- 240
- 260
- 270
- 272
- 274
- 280
- 330
- 345
- 352
- 443
- 462
- 464
- 482
- 485
- 486
- 836
- 844
- 3801
- 6943
260 Easy-To-Form Brass
- Also known as Cartridge Brass
- Combination of copper & zinc makes it most formable brass
- Can be welded, soldered and brazed
- Not heat treatable
- Meets ASTM: B36
353 Engraver's Brass
- Well suited for knurling and threading
- Less lead than 360 Brass allows for better formability
- Can be soldered and brazed
- Not heat treatable
- Meets ASTM: B121
464 Naval Brass
- High corrosion resistance in saltwater environments
- Good weldability, strength and wear resistance
- Widely used for marine hardware
- Can be welded, soldered and brazed
- Not heat treatable
- Meets ASTM: B21
330 Machinable &
- Formable Brass
- Low lead gives good balance between workability and machinability
- Can be soldered and brazed
- Not heat treatable
- Meets ASTM: B135
360 Ultra-Machinable Brass
- Most commonly used brass
- Free-machining, free-cutting
- Can be soldered and brazed
- Not heat treatable
- Meets ASTM: B16
385 Architectural Brass
- Often called Architectural Bronze
- Easy to machine
- Excellent formability when heated
- Typically used for handrails and ornamental trim
- Can be soldered and brazed
- Not heat treatable
- Meets ASTM: B455
485 High Leaded
- Naval Brass
- Same strength and corrosion resistance as 464 Brass with addition of lead for machinability
- Also known as High-Leaded Naval Brass
- Can be soldered and brazed
- Not heat treatable
- Meets ASTM: B21