Brass is the general name of yellow alloys obtained by adding zinc to copper. Some other elements that can be found in brass are tin, lead, nickel, manganese, iron, aluminum, arsenic, antimony and phosphorus. Some brasses containing manganese are also called bronze. In fact, gunmetal (or bronze) is a copper-tin alloy.

Brass is a very tough and easily processed material. Malleability is dependent on copper content. White brass containing less than 55% copper cannot be easily processed. These can only be used in brazing processes by being pulverized. Malleable brasses are generally cold-workable alpha brasses containing more than 62% copper, and beta brasses containing less copper and requiring hot working. Alpha brass has superior cold working properties and is widely used in making bolts, pins and screws. Beta brasses are less ductile but more durable. They are mainly used in the manufacture of faucet valves, door and window handles and some fittings. The third group of brasses are alloys with improved properties with other elements. For example, aluminum brasses are resistant to corrosion. Leaded brass is easily processed. Tinned brass, on the other hand, is resistant to the corrosive effect of sea water. Copper is a red colored metal. The color becomes lighter by adding zinc. As the percentage of zinc in the brass increases, the color approaches from red to golden yellow. The zinc content can be estimated from the color of the rice.

Usage areas :

Architecture : Shower Doors, door handles, decorative shelves, drapes
Automotive : Thermostat parts, pipes
Industry: Lock bodies, valves, valves, plumbing materials