Brass Density, Specific Heat and Melting Point

General physical and thermal properties of brass

Brass values vary by zinc content, other alloying additions, temper and temperature. Representative room-temperature ranges are:

  • Density: approximately 8.2–8.7 g/cm³; higher zinc content generally reduces density.
  • Coefficient of linear thermal expansion: approximately (17.0–21.2) × 10−6 K−1.
  • Thermal conductivity: approximately 106 W/(m·K) for selected common brass grades; grade-specific values can differ substantially.
  • Specific heat capacity: approximately 0.39–0.41 kJ/(kg·K).
  • Melting range: approximately 880–950 °C, depending on composition.

Electrical resistivity

Representative electrical resistivity for many common brasses is approximately 0.070–0.072 µΩ·m at room temperature. Conductivity and resistivity vary with composition, temper and temperature, so use a grade-specific certificate or data sheet for design work.

Mechanical and technological characteristics of brasses

For the most common grades of this alloy values are shown in the table:

Alloy grade The method of production of the alloy - casting Tensile strength, MPa Elongation, % Relative elongation Brinell hardness, NV
LMtsS 58-2-2 in soil 250 10 80
in a shoe 350 8 70
LAMC 66-6-3-2 Casting into the ground 600 7 -
Soil casting 650 7 -
Centrifugal casting 700 7 -
Wrought brasses with zinc content not exceeding 38% Soft brass (sheets, strips) 300 38 -
Semi-hard brass (sheets, strips) 350...530 20...10 -
Solid brass (sheets, strips) 500...630 4 -
Extra hard (strips, forgings) 600 4 -

Technological properties of foundry brasses

  • Pouring temperature, °С - 1060...1100;
  • Linear shrinkage of the alloy, % - 1,8 ... 2,0.

Why does brass density vary?

Brass is a family of copper-zinc alloys rather than one fixed composition. Zinc content and additions such as lead, tin, aluminum, manganese or nickel change density and other physical properties.

How should these values be used?

The ranges on this page are suitable for comparison and preliminary calculations. Final engineering work should use the exact alloy designation, condition, temperature and certified material data.

Related brass product pages

See existing Evek pages for rolled brass products, brass sheet and brass tube.

Evek LLC handles U.S. enquiries for brass forms and alloys. Send the grade, product form, dimensions, temper, quantity and delivery ZIP code. Typical delivery is 2–3 weeks, subject to specification and availability. Contact Evek LLC for a quote.