Time to read: 6 min
This comprehensive guide explores the properties and applications of brass material, a key player in the manufacturing industry. Learn about its strength, safety, and regulatory compliance, and how it compares to copper and bronze.
Introduction: Brass material, a copper alloy with zinc as its primary alloying element, has been a cornerstone in various manufacturing sectors. Known for its exceptional corrosion resistance, durability, and antibacterial properties, brass material finds applications in marine environments, hospital equipment, and the food industry.
Strength and Durability: The strength of brass material is contingent upon its composition and the heat treatment it undergoes. Naval brass, when cold drawn and annealed, boasts a tensile strength of 580 MPa, rivaling some steel grades. This makes heat-treated brass material an ideal choice for valve bodies designed to withstand high pressures.
Safety and Applications: Brass material is deemed safe for general engineering applications. However, its use in contact with acidic food (pH < 6) is discouraged due to the release of copper ions, which can be toxic to certain microorganisms and may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Regulatory Compliance: In terms of regulatory compliance, solid copper alloys like brass material and bronze do not violate the REACH regulations, which focus on health hazards from inhalation, ingestion, or contact. Unofactory ensures that final products are shipped without presenting any such hazards, although activities like welding and heating can generate risks.
Brass material is also exempt from the RoHS regulations (Exemption 6c), allowing it to contain up to 4% lead by weight. It's crucial to communicate RoHS or REACH requirements during the quoting phase of a project to ensure material compliance in manufacturing with Unofactory.
Comparative Analysis: Copper, Brass Material, and Bronze: Copper, brass material, and bronze are often referred to as "red metals," with copper being the primary element in all three. While brass material contains zinc and is known for its low-friction properties, bronze typically contains tin and is particularly resistant to seawater corrosion. Copper, with its high conductivity, is ideal for electrical applications such as wiring and busbars.
Conclusion: Brass material's unique combination of properties makes it an invaluable material in the manufacturing landscape. Its strength, safety profile, and regulatory compliance position it as a preferred choice in a variety of applications, from marine to medical and beyond.