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 |
59.00 |
60.00 |
| Pb |
0.80 |
1.60 |
| Sn |
– |
0.20 |
| Fe |
– |
0.20 |
| Al |
– |
0.05 |
| Ni |
– |
0.30 |
| Total Others |
– |
0.20 |
| Zn |
Remainder |
Mechanical properties according to ASTM B981 (As per temper HO2)
| Range |
UTS Min |
UTS Max |
PS Min |
Elongation |
Hardness |
| Round |
2 – 40 |
410 |
– |
230 |
12 |
– |
– |
| Hex |
2 – 35 |
410 |
– |
230 |
12 |
– |
– |
| Square |
2 – 35 |
410 |
– |
230 |
12 |
– |
– |
| 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 |
28 |
| Thermal Conductivity BTU/ sq ft/ ft hr/ °F at 68°F |
71 |
| Coefficient of Thermal Expansion 68-572 10⁻⁶ per °F |
11.6 |
| Specific Heat BTU/ lb /°F at 68°F |
0.09 |
| Modulus of Elasticity in Tension ksi |
15000 |
| Modulus of Rigidity ksi |
5600 |
| FABRICATION PROPERTIES |
| Soldering |
Excellent |
| Brazing |
Good |
| Oxyacetylene Welding |
Fair |
| Gas shielded Arc Welding |
Fair |
| Coated Metal Arc Welding |
Not Recommended |
| Spot Weld |
Not Recommended |
| Seam Weld |
Not Recommended |
| Butt Weld |
Fair |
| Capacity for Being Cold Worked |
Fair |
| Capacity for Being Hot Formed |
Excellent |
| Machinability Rating |
60 |
