Brass is essentially copper alloyed with zinc. It is strong but easy to form, stamp or draw which make it a common choice for a broad spectrum of applications. By varying the amount of zinc content it is possible to achieve a variety of characteristics including different levels of corrosion resistance, ductility and suitability for machining.
Chemical Composition
| Elements |
Min (%) |
Max (%) |
| Cu |
58.00 |
62.00 |
| Pb |
0.60 |
1.20 |
| Fe |
– |
0.15 |
| Total Others |
– |
0.40 |
| Zn |
Remainder |
Mechanical properties according to ASTM B981 (As per temper HO2)
| Range (inch) |
From |
To |
UTS Min (ksi) |
UTS Max (ksi) |
PS Min (ksi) |
Elongation Min (%) |
Hardness Min |
Hardness Max |
| Round (Dia) |
0.059 |
0.500 |
63 |
– |
28 |
10 |
– |
– |
| 0.500 |
1.000 |
55 |
– |
26 |
12 |
– |
– |
| 1.000 |
2.000 |
48 |
– |
24 |
20 |
– |
– |
| 2.000 |
2.952 |
45 |
– |
20 |
25 |
– |
– |
| Hex (A/F) |
0.118 |
0.500 |
63 |
– |
28 |
10 |
– |
– |
| 0.500 |
1.000 |
55 |
– |
26 |
12 |
– |
– |
| 1.000 |
2.000 |
48 |
– |
24 |
20 |
– |
– |
| 2.000 |
2.756 |
45 |
– |
20 |
25 |
– |
– |
| Square (A/F) |
0.118 |
0.500 |
63 |
– |
28 |
10 |
– |
– |
| 0.500 |
1.000 |
55 |
– |
26 |
12 |
– |
– |
| 1.000 |
2.000 |
48 |
– |
24 |
20 |
– |
– |
| 2.000 |
2.362 |
45 |
– |
20 |
25 |
– |
– |
| Range (mm) |
From |
To |
UTS Min (MPa) |
UTS Max (MPa) |
PS Min (MPa) |
Elongation Min (%) |
Hardness Min |
Hardness Max |
| Round (Dia) |
1.5 |
12 |
430 |
– |
190 |
10 |
– |
– |
| 12 |
25 |
380 |
– |
180 |
12 |
– |
– |
| 50 |
75 |
310 |
– |
135 |
25 |
– |
– |
| Hex (A/F) |
3 |
12 |
430 |
– |
190 |
10 |
– |
– |
| 12 |
25 |
380 |
– |
180 |
12 |
– |
– |
| 25 |
50 |
330 |
– |
165 |
20 |
– |
– |
| 50 |
60 |
310 |
– |
135 |
25 |
– |
– |
| Square (A/F) |
3 |
12 |
430 |
– |
190 |
10 |
– |
– |
| 12 |
25 |
380 |
– |
180 |
12 |
– |
– |
| 25 |
50 |
330 |
– |
165 |
20 |
– |
– |
| 50 |
60 |
310 |
– |
135 |
25 |
– |
– |
| PHYSICAL PROPERTIES |
| Melting Point – Liquidus °F |
1650 |
| Melting Point – Solidus °F |
1630 |
| Density lb/cu in. at 68°F |
0.304 |
| Specific Gravity |
8.41 |
| Electrical Conductivity % IACS at 68°F |
27 |
| Thermal Conductivity Btu/ sq ft/ ft hr/ °F at 68°F |
69 |
| Coefficient of Thermal Expansion 68-57210-6 per °F (68 – 572°F) |
11.6 |
| Specific Heat Capacity Btu/ lb /°F at 68°F |
0.09 |
| Modulus of Elasticity in Tension ksi |
15000 |
| Modulus of Rigidity ksi |
5600 |
| FABRICATION PROPERTIES |
| Technique |
Suitability |
| Soldering |
Excellent |
| Brazing |
Good |
| Oxyacetylene Welding |
Not Recommended |
| Gas Shielded Arc Welding |
Not Recommended |
| Coated Metal Arc Welding |
Not Recommended |
| Spot Weld |
Not Recommended |
| Seam Weld |
Not Recommended |
| – |
Fair |
| Capacity for Being Cold Worked |
Fair |
| Capacity for Being Hot Formed |
Excellent |
| Machinability Rating |
70 |
