Brass - An In-Depth Look at This Useful Metal and Its Pricing(cnc machining Zachary)
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History of Brass
Brass has been produced and used by civilizations for thousands of years. Archaeologists have uncovered brass artifacts dating back to circa 3500 BC in Egypt and Mesopotamia. The Romans are credited with advancing brass production methods and uses. Brass became more common in Europe during the Middle Ages and was used for everything from household items to war implements. The 17th-19th centuries saw major innovations and growth in brass production fueled by the Industrial Revolution. Today, brass remains an important industrial metal around the world.
Properties of Brass
Brass is valued for being malleable, durable, corrosion resistant, conductive, and having an attractive golden color. By varying the ratios of copper (55-95%) and zinc (5-45%), the properties of brass can be customized to suit different applications. Common types include:
- Yellow/Cartridge Brass: 70% copper, 30% zinc. Common all-purpose brass.
- Red Brass: 85% copper, 15% zinc. Higher copper content gives a reddish hue. More corrosion resistant.
- White Brass: 50% copper, 50% zinc. Cheaper but still useful alloy.
- Naval Brass: 60% copper, 39% zinc, 1% tin. Added tin improves corrosion resistance.
- Nickel Silver: 60% copper, 20% zinc, 20% nickel. Adds hardness and a silver appearance.
- Free-cutting Brass: 61-63% copper, remainder zinc with added lead. Easier to machine.
The malleability, corrosion resistance, attractive appearance, and acoustic properties of brass make it an exceptionally versatile metal.
Production of Brass
Brass production starts with the mining and refining of copper and zinc ores. Common zinc ores are sphalerite and zinc carbonate. Copper can come from ores like chalcopyrite. The refined metals are alloyed by mixing them in the correct proportions and heating them to around 900-940°C. This melted brass can then be cast into ingots, sheets, rods, tubes, and more.
Brass used for products is shaped using various metalworking techniques. Sheet brass can be cut and formed into shapes. Stamping produces brass discs, caps, and cases. Extruding forces heated brass through a die to create long rods and tubes. Cast brass can be poured into molds to make intricately shaped parts. Machining processes like drilling, milling, and lathe turning cut and shape solid brass pieces.
Brass vs. Bronze
Bronze is another prominent copper alloy. The main difference is bronze contains mostly copper usually with tin and sometimes other metals while brass is specifically copper and zinc. Bronze and brass are both ideal for cast products and have similar antique gold tones. Bronze is generally harder while brass has better acoustic properties.
Uses of Brass
Brass's unique combination of properties make it ideal for all kinds of applications including:
- Musical instruments: Brass is used for woodwind, brasswind, and percussion instruments. Its acoustic properties produce clear bright tones.
- Plumbing fixtures and valves: Brass withstands the corrosive effects of water making it ideal for faucets, valves, couplings, and other plumbing components.
- Decorative trims, accents, and hardware: Brass's appearance and machinability help make it a go-to metal for decorative residential and commercial fittings.
- Locks, gears, bearings: Brass parts help these mechanisms resist corrosion and wear while maintaining strength to function properly.
- Ammunition casings: Spent brass casings can be reused many times. New brass casings provide reliable containment for cartridges.
- Maritime and naval uses: Excellent corrosion resistance makes brass well-suited for marine hardware and ship propellers.
- Electrical and electronic connectors: Brass is a good conductor and resists corrosion from exposure to the elements.
- Reflectors and telescopes: The reflective surface of brass was used for early mirrors and telescopes. It remains useful for precision optics equipment.
- Architectural features: Brass brings classic, timeless beauty to doors, railings, wall panels, and more.
- Coinage: Brass has the golden color and tarnish resistance needed for coinage.
Brass Pricing
Like any metal, brass pricing fluctuates daily based on markets, demand, and other factors. However, here are some general price ranges:
- Brass Stock (bar, sheet, plate): $2-$4 per pound
- Brass Tubing: $6-$20 per foot
- Brass Rod (dia. 1/4" - 1"): $3-$8 per foot
- Brass Castings: $6-$30 per pound
- Brass Solids (turning stock, fasteners): $5-$50 per pound
- Brass Scrap: $1.50-$3 per pound
Of course, pricing varies based on the exact alloy, temper, dimensions, quantity ordered, and other specifications. Unique architectural elements, musical instruments, or specialty fabricated products can demand much higher pricing. When sourcing brass, get quotes from multiple suppliers to find the best balance of material properties, quality, and pricing to suit your project needs.
Conclusion
Brass has cemented its status as an essential industrial metal thanks to its outstanding versatility, workability, appearance, and cost. As you can see, brass is all around us - in our homes, vehicles, infrastructure, and almost any manufactured product. Next time you come across something made of that familiar gold-colored metal, you can bet it's dependable, durable brass! CNC Milling CNC Machining