Interesting things about brass

General Characteristics

Brass is an alloy based on copper and zinc (which in an alloy can be from 4% to 50%). Brass has been mined since before our era. Until the end of XVIII century brass was obtained by melting copper and zinc ore, which was mixed with charcoal. Only in XIX century this method was replaced by a direct method of copper and zinc alloying. Thanks to the strength, ductility, corrosion resistance, ease of processing under pressure in the cold and hot state, comparative cheapness and attractive aesthetic appearance, brass has become the most common copper alloy. Brass is used to produce sheets, rods, bands, wire (in deformable grades), tubes and castings (in foundry grades). The color of brass varies from light yellow to reddish, depending on its zinc content.

Brass Types

Plain brass is an alloy of copper and zinc. Brass, which contains up to 10% Zn, is called tompak, and with a zinc content of 10 to 20% - semi-tompak. Such alloys, which are highly ductile and corrosion-resistant, are used in the production of condenser and radiator tubes, tape, sheets for steel cladding. Brass, which contains about 30% of zinc, has the ability to deep-draw, it is called cartridge brass. This brass is widely used in the manufacture of products by pressing, drawing, and cold stamping.

Basic Additives

To improve the anti-corrosion, mechanical and other properties of brass, they add to double copper alloys with zinc - tin, aluminum, iron, silicon, nickel, manganese, lead and other elements (in total up to 10%). Multicomponent (or special) brass is called aluminum, silicon, aluminum-nickel, iron-manganese , etc. Brass, which contains about 0.5% aluminum and 15% zinc, has a high resistance to atmospheric corrosion and a golden beautiful color. This brass alloy is used as a gold substitute for artwork and insignia. Brass with up to 1.5% lead (also called marine brass) is highly corrosion resistant even in sea water, and up to 3% lead makes the chips brittle and permits a high surface finish when being cut. Lead brass (also called clock brass) is used in watchmaking and automotive industries.

Buy, price

Evek GmbH sells products of different brass grades ina wide range at the best price. You can order and buy the products of standard and non-standard parameters through our representative office or via the web-site of the company. The quality of the products meets GOST and international standards requirements. The terms of fulfilling orders are minimal. The price depends on the order volume and additional terms of delivery. Preferential discounts are provided to wholesale customers.