Brass is a metal alloy made from copper and zinc, with varying amounts of lead. It is used in a wide variety of applications, including musical instruments, household fixtures and electrical components. The metal is highly machinable and can be formed into various shapes. In the United States, brass is designated using the Unified Numbering System for metals.
There are over 60 different types of brass. Each type is characterized by its crystalline structure and color. This allows for the creation of different brasses that vary in hardness, corrosion resistance, workability, ductility and malleability. However, in general, brasses with higher amounts of zinc are harder and less corrosive. These brasses are generally more difficult to form.
The amount of copper used in brass varies between 55% and 95% by weight. The percentage of copper and other alloying elements can be changed in many ways. For example, the amount of copper may be increased in order to decrease the thickness and increase the strength of the brass.
Brasses with low copper content can be made from electrically refined copper. Similarly, brasses with high copper content are generally made from copper scrap that has been processed. Depending on the amount of copper and other materials in the scrap, manufacturers will need to determine the best process to produce the brasses they desire.
Typically, the manufacturing process for brass is divided into three stages. These stages include forming, finishing and testing. During forming, the material is melted and poured into molds. Afterward, the molten metal is allowed to solidify. Once the desired shape is achieved, the finished product is polished or soldered.
Brass is a highly machinable and durable material. Although it is not as tough as steel, it has a greater malleability and is easier to work with than other metals. Besides being highly tensile and abrasion-resistant, it is highly resistant to heat and cold, making it ideal for a wide range of applications.
Typical uses of red brass include doorknobs, jewelry, architectural trim, lipstick containers, and medallions. Red brass can be stamped or spun into its desired shape. Unlike other brasses, it has a warm, rich tone.
CW72CuZn15 is a wrought alloy that is highly abrasion-resistant and has excellent hardness and strength. CW72CuZn15 is commonly used in a wide range of applications, from pipes to automobiles.
CW72CuZn15 can be formed by a cold-forming technique, or it can be cast. CW72CuZn15 has excellent hardness and corrosion resistance, and has a mildly hard texture. CW72CuZn15 is readily machined.
Brass is classified into three families depending on the color and amount of zinc in the material. Red brass is considered to be the strongest, toughest, and tensile-strengthiest of all brasses. The specific gravity of red brass is 8.750.
Other brasses are also available in different colors and alloys. For instance, tin brasses are manufactured from copper and tin. A granulated white brass is used in brazing and soldering. Another brass is the Naval Brass, which contains 40% zinc and 39.7% copper. Among the other brasses are yellow brass, which is a highly ductile brass and is frequently used in hot and cold-rolled products.