Alloy C272, also called yellow brass, is a metal that exhibits properties that fit just about any industry. Chemically, the composition of yellow brass is approximately 63.5% copper plus 39.5% zinc. While it offers the same attractive sheen as gold, the material is more robust and not as expensive, thus making it versatile for a multitude of projects. Alloy C272 can be sold in the form of square brass tubing, as well as other cross-section shapes like hexagons, rectangles, and the traditional round tube.
Different Applications
Brass tubes are known to have a very high thermal conductivity, nearly 50% as efficient as pure copper. For this reason, tubes or pipes made from this alloy are often installed on heat exchangers for radiators as well as parts for refrigeration and other cooling machinery. In terms of aesthetics, yellow brass may also be fitted on appliances, door handles, gates, and furniture to mimic the classy sparkle of gold.
Care for Brass Parts
Whether you’re using a brass tube to decorate a door or window frame, or to make legs for tables and chairs, you should also note about its limitations as a material. Dezincification is a degradation process that involves the gradual loss of the zinc content of the alloy, leaving the copper behind and making the brass prone to cracking. To care for brass, mild cleaners may be used for polishing. Avoid applying highly acidic or highly basic or alkaline solutions on brass surfaces.
Sustainability of Brass Tubes
Sources explain that alloying brand new brass tubing from raw copper and raw zinc is a very expensive process, and one that is not entirely environmentally-sound. Many by products are released into the air, soil, and water during this procedure. For this reason, many companies in the brass industry are already finding ways of reprocessing and recycling brass from old structures as well as scraps.
Buying the Right Brass Tubing
If you are in need of high-quality round, hexagonal, or square brass tubing in any length or size, then talk to your trusted metal supplier today. Make sure to approach a seller that offers hard-to-find dimensions, or even offers custom-cutting for your needs. Also, since brass is known to be a recyclable material, it also helps to find a supplier who has a system for reusing scrap metal and making them like new.
Sources
Brasses, copperalliance.org.uk
Beware the Brass, proboat.com
