Brass Properties

Due to the capability of brass of being converted into different designs and shapes and its acoustic properties, brass has become one of the preferred item to be used in numerous applications. Moreover, brass has been widely used in the different musical instruments such as tuba, trumpet, trombone, euphonium and so on. In common parlance, saxophone is classified as a woodwind instrument and the harmonica is a free reed aerophone, both are also generally made out of brass.

The hardness and softness of the brass entirely depends on its properties, which can be changed by altering the proportions of copper and zinc. In the context of these days, approximately 90% of all brass alloys are recycled. The scraps relating to brass, have been widely collected and transported to the foundry where it is melted and recast into billets. After all this process, Billets have been heated up and shaped into the right form and size.

The use of aluminium in brass, makes it much robust and more corrosion resistant. Aluminum also causes a highly beneficial hard layer of aluminium oxide (Al2O3) to be formed on the surface that is thin, transparent and self healing. Tin has a similar effect and finds its use especially in sea water applications (naval brasses). The optimum combinations of silicon, aluminum, iron and manganese make brass wear and tear resistant.

A most sought after alloy has been widely used in the automotive industry named 'LDM C673', where the accurate blend of manganese and silicon lead to a sturdy and resistant brass. In previous times approx. 1930's, brass was used to make fan blades, fan cages and motor bearings in many antique fans. Furthermore, brass can also be used for cryogenic containers. So, we can conclude that, brass is metal having numerous aesthetic properties, due to what it can be used in different applications.