When do we use brass

There are many different ways to use the different types of brass alloys. Some of the most common uses of brass include:.

Many items that we use to decorate our homes is made of some kind of brass alloy. Antique candle holders are a fantastic example of brass used for decorative purposes.

Brass ornaments and sculptures are also a prime example of decorative brass. If you have any trophies or plaques at home, there is a good chance that the portion engraved with your name is made of engraving brass. The innate durability and corrosion-resistance of brass makes it a popular alloy for architectural purposes.

Certain brass alloys have also been used to help restore or refurbish historical buildings throughout the world. Brass is often used as components of two of the most commonly used systems in your home: your plumbing and electrical system. Brass alloys are used in various components of electrical sockets and switches. In terms of plumbing applications, brass is often used in valves and various pipe fittings like elbows, plugs, and couplings.

Brass exhibits minimal friction in settings that require metal-on-metal contact, which is why there are often seen in mechanical components.

Brass hand tools hammers, flat knives, etc. Historically, brass has been used to produce a wide range of musical instruments. What makes this alloy so different from others is that the properties of brass can vary significantly based on the ratio of copper to zinc and the kinds of alloying agents used.

Thus, multiple kinds of brass are often made to suit the purpose of its application. In fact, the first brass instrument ever was a trumpet. Clock and watch components, electrical terminals and munitions all require a metal that will not be affected by magnetism. While compiling a complete list of all of the brass' applications would be a colossal task, we can get an idea of the breadth of industries and the types of products in which brass is found by categorizing and summarizing some end-uses based on the grade of brass used.

Alloy C brass, also called "free cutting brass," is alloyed with copper , zinc, and lead. Free cutting brass is very easy to machine, but also offers the same toughness and corrosion resistance as other forms of brass. Some uses for free cutting brass include:. A soft brass alloy, gilding metal can be hammered or easily formed into desired shapes. Its unusual deep bronze color and ease of use make it ideal for craft-related projects.

It's also commonly used for artillery shells. Some other uses include:. Its name, not surprising, comes from its use in the creation of engraved nameplates and plaques. It may also be used for:. Like other forms of brass, arsenical brass is bright yellow, strong, and easy to machine. It's also an appropriate metal to use in plumbing. Create a personalised ads profile. Select personalised ads. Apply market research to generate audience insights.

Measure content performance. Develop and improve products. List of Partners vendors. Share Flipboard Email. Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph. Chemistry Expert. Helmenstine holds a Ph. She has taught science courses at the high school, college, and graduate levels. Facebook Facebook Twitter Twitter. Updated January 31, Brass Bronze Composition Alloy of copper and zinc. Commonly contains lead. May include iron, manganese, aluminum, silicon, or other elements.

Alloy of copper, usually with tin, but sometimes other elements, including manganese, phosphorus, silicon, and aluminum.