The supremely long lifespan of brass has made it a sought-after material today. Brass products can last for many lifetimes. In fact, brass can be found as far back as civilization’s Bronze Age in the form of war weapons and even musical instruments, some of which still exist at present. Modern advancements have built on the natural strengths of brass, and few alloys today can match it in terms of durability and strength. Because of this, brass is now an invaluable element of many industrial applications over land, sea, and air.
The Renowned Qualities of Brass
The excellent properties of brass have resulted to a surge in brass sales. For one, it comes in a wide range of colors such as brown, yellow, bronze, red, and silver. Over the years, the luster of brass gracefully patinates for a sophisticated character. For instance, brass blended with 1% manganese will eventually have a chocolate-brown patina. This aesthetic quality has made brass a highly-desired design material for many industrial, architectural, and personal projects.
In addition, this copper-zinc alloy is tremendously durable. It’s resistant to wear, corrosion, rust, and extreme temperatures. Unlike steel, it is not brittle when exposed to low temperatures. Its machinability makes it a versatile material for many industries that require various forms and shapes depending on the project. On top of that, the antimicrobial properties of brass also make it a good fit for hospitals and similar facilities. Finally, brass is more affordable than metals like bronze and gold, making it a value-packed material for any project.
Countless Industrial Applications
Various combinations of these properties make brass a highly-desirable industrial material. Naval brass, for instance, is a blend of tin, copper, and zinc with traces of lead. Furthermore, naval brass is stronger and harder than other alloys, and it was originally created for use in seawater applications such as marine engines and pump shafts. In the field of architecture, brass is used to give buildings a unique exterior style. This metal can also be found everywhere from heavy load wheels, locomotive axle boxes, and even yacht fittings. Clearly, the superb qualities of brass have enabled it it to permeate many industries, and it’s reasonable to expect brass sales to remain strong for years to come.
Sources:
Brasses. copperalliance.org.uk
Brass Applications. metals.about.com
What is Naval Brass?. www.nationalbronze.com
