English 
Brass shows up in everything from doorknobs to precision engine components, but most people couldn't tell you why this golden alloy dominates so many industries. The answer goes beyond its good looks—brass delivers a rare combination of machinability, corrosion resistance, and cost-effectiveness that few metals can match.
Here's what you'll learn:
● What brass is and how it's made
● Different brass types and their unique properties
● Common applications across industries
● Brass vs copper and bronze comparisons
● How brass manufacturing and CNC machining work
● Selecting the right brass finish and hardware
At Team MFG, we machine brass components daily for clients in 73 countries—from prototypes to production runs exceeding a million parts. Our CNC capabilities and material expertise help you pick the right brass alloy for your specific application.
Brass is a metal alloy made primarily from copper and zinc. That's the simple answer. The real story gets more interesting when you look at how tweaking the ratio between these two metals creates drastically different materials.
Change the proportions, and you can shift brass from soft and golden to hard and silvery. Most brass compositions contain 55-95% copper and 5-45% zinc, with the sweet spot for industrial use landing between 57-70% copper content.
The zinc percentage determines whether you get a single-phase alpha brass (up to ~37% zinc) or a two-phase alpha-beta structure. Alpha brasses offer excellent ductility and cold-working capabilities, while two-phase brasses excel in hot working and machining.
Pure copper is soft and reddish. Add zinc and the color shifts toward yellow—but that's just the surface change. The color spectrum ranges from golden red at low zinc content (around 5%) to light yellow at higher zinc percentages (35-37%).
When the two metals mix in a furnace, they form a homogeneous solution that stays evenly distributed during solidification. This uniform structure makes brass predictable to work with.
Manufacturers sometimes add trace elements to dial in specific traits:
● Lead (1-3%): Speeds up machining by creating chip-breaking characteristics
● Tin (0.5-1%): Boosts corrosion resistance without sacrificing shine
● Aluminum (1-3%): Enhances wear resistance and surface durability
● Arsenic, antimony, or phosphorus (trace amounts): Prevents dezincification in marine environments
Brass melts at relatively low temperatures—between 900-940°C, depending on composition—which makes it easier and cheaper to cast than many other metals.
At Team MFG, we work with brass daily across our injection molding, CNC machining, and die casting operations. Our engineers help clients select the right brass composition based on the part's end-use requirements—whether that's maximizing machinability for high-volume production runs or optimizing corrosion resistance for marine hardware.
The brass family branches out into distinct categories based on zinc content and microstructure. Pick the wrong type for your application and you're looking at premature failure or wasted machining time.
Alpha brass contains less than 35-37% zinc and consists of a single-phase solid solution. This structure gives it exceptional ductility and cold-working capabilities.
Key properties:
● Excellent cold workability and aesthetic appearance
● Superior corrosion resistance
● Easy to form through deep drawing and bending
● Golden-yellow to reddish color, depending on copper content
Common alpha brass alloys:
● Red Brass (C23000): 85% copper, 15% zinc, with a rich reddish color
● Cartridge Brass (C26000): 70% copper, 30% zinc, known for excellent ductility
● Commercial Bronze (C22000): 90% copper, 10% zinc
Alpha-beta brasses contain approximately 60% copper and 40% zinc, exhibiting a two-phase structure with both alpha and beta phases. This dual structure creates a sweet spot between strength and workability.
Key properties:
● Good combination of cold and hot working properties
● Higher strength than alpha brass
● Can be heat-treated for enhanced performance
● Suitable for forging, pressing, and machining
Common alpha-beta alloys:
● Muntz Metal: 60% copper, 40% zinc for architectural and marine applications
● Yellow Brass: 67% copper, 33% zinc, with a bright yellow color
Beta brasses contain zinc levels around 45% with a body-centered cubic structure. The high zinc content makes these alloys harder and stronger, but sacrifices ductility.
Key properties:
● Excellent casting properties and good wear resistance
● Lower cost compared to other brass types
● Primarily hot-workable only
● High strength but brittle at room temperature
Primary uses: Die-cast components like locks, hinges, fasteners, and masonry nails.
Leaded brasses contain 1-3% lead to improve machinability. The lead doesn't dissolve into the crystal structure but acts as a chip breaker during machining operations.
Key properties:
● Excellent machinability with longer tool life and a high machinability index
● Lower tensile strength and ductility compared to non-leaded brasses
● Good corrosion resistance
● Attractive appearance
Common leaded alloy:
● Free-Cutting Brass (C36000): Great for quick production of precise parts, ideal for CNC machining
Note: Environmental and health concerns have driven demand for lead-free alternatives in potable water applications.
Naval brass contains around 60% copper, 39% zinc, and 1% tin. That small tin addition makes a huge difference in marine environments.
Key properties:
● Excellent corrosion resistance and enhanced resistance to dezincification in seawater
● Good strength and wear resistance
● Withstands harsh marine conditions
Primary uses: Marine hardware, ship propellers, bushings, and bearings.
Brass Type | Zinc Content | Best For | Standout Feature |
Alpha | <35-37% | Cold working, decorative items | Maximum ductility |
Alpha-Beta | 37-45% | Forging, machining, valves | Balanced strength & workability |
Beta | ~45% | Die casting, heavy-duty fasteners | High strength, low cost |
Leaded | Varies + 1-3% lead | High-speed CNC machining | Superior machinability |
Naval | 39% Zn + 1% Sn | Marine applications | Seawater corrosion resistance |
Cartridge | 30% | Deep drawing, ammunition | Excellent formability |
At Team MFG, we stock multiple brass grades and can recommend the optimal alloy based on your part geometry, production volume, and end-use environment. Our CNC machining services handle everything from free-cutting brass for high-volume runs to naval brass for corrosion-critical components.
We've machined brass parts for marine hardware manufacturers in Norway, automotive suppliers in Germany, and electronics firms across Asia, with each application demanding specific alloy properties to meet performance requirements.
The global brass market was valued at approximately $18.5 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach $28.3 billion by 2032, driven by diverse industrial applications that capitalize on brass's unique properties.
Over 45% of brass bars are used in the plumbing and sanitaryware sector, making it the single largest application area for brass material.
Why brass dominates plumbing:
● Forms a protective oxide layer that prevents corrosion
● Handles high water temperatures without degrading
● Excellent machinability for threaded fittings
● Won't rust and can handle high heat, ensuring long-lasting and leak-proof installations
Common plumbing products:
● Brass valves for water control and regulation
● Brass fittings (elbows, tees, couplings) for pipe connections
● Brass tubes for water distribution systems
● Faucets and fixtures for residential and commercial use
Nearly 30% of brass demand comes from the electrical industry due to its excellent conductivity and thermal resistance. While not as conductive as pure copper, brass offers better machinability and strength.
Key electrical applications:
● Connectors and terminals
● Switches and sockets
● Electrical plugs and receptacles
● Circuit board components
● Battery terminals
The rapid advancement in technology and increasing proliferation of electronic devices are key factors driving demand for brass in this sector, particularly for smart grid development and renewable energy installations.
The automotive sector accounts for more than 15% of brass consumption, primarily for precision components and fittings. Brass's thermal conductivity and corrosion resistance make it ideal for engine and cooling systems.
Automotive brass components:
● Radiator cores and heat exchangers
● Bearings and bushings
● Gear parts and synchronizer rings
● Brake lines and hydraulic fittings
● Oil coolers
The focus on enhancing fuel efficiency and reducing overall vehicle weight is boosting brass adoption in the automotive industry.
Brass stands up to the ocean better than most metals, making it the go-to choice for marine hardware, boat propellers, and fittings. Naval brass particularly excels here.
Marine brass products:
● Ship propellers and drive shafts
● Hull sheathing and marine fasteners
● Pumps and valves for seawater systems
● Deck hardware and fittings
The tin content in naval brass prevents dezincification, a corrosion process where zinc leaches out of the alloy in aggressive environments.
Brass is widely used in plumbing, heating, cooling systems, and architectural applications for its aesthetic appeal and durability. The construction sector benefits from brass's longevity and minimal maintenance requirements.
Construction applications:
● Door handles, knobs, and hinges
● Decorative hardware and fixtures
● Window frames and cladding
● Architectural trim and railings
● HVAC components
Brass's acoustic properties and workability make it the material of choice for the entire brass instrument family. The metal produces warm, resonant tones that can't be replicated with alternatives.
Brass instruments include:
● Trumpets and cornets
● Trombones
● French horns
● Tubas and baritones
● Saxophones (despite being woodwinds)
Brass plates are utilized for brackets, electrical components, and marine hardware because of their strength and resistance to environmental factors. Machinability and wear resistance drive adoption in precision equipment.
Industrial uses:
● Gears and gear components
● Springs and fasteners
● Pressure gauges and instruments
● Hydraulic and pneumatic fittings
● Precision engineering components that withstand friction and high temperatures
Different brass forms serve specialized applications:
Brass Form | Primary Applications | Key Advantage |
Brass Bar | CNC machining stock, shafts, and structural components | Easy to machine into complex parts |
Brass Tube | Plumbing, heat exchangers, fluid transport | Corrosion-resistant hollow sections |
Brass Plate | Electrical panels, decorative cladding, brackets | Large flat surfaces for stamping |
Brass Ring | Bearings, seals, decorative trim | Uniform circular geometry |
Over 35% of brass bars are now manufactured using recycled brass scrap, aligning with global sustainability initiatives. This recyclability makes brass economically attractive for high-volume production.
Machining brass advantages:
● Can often be machined without cutting fluid
● Excellent chip-breaking characteristics (especially leaded grades)
● Tight tolerances achievable with standard tooling
● Free-cutting brass ideal for the quick production of precise parts
Team MFG specializes in brass CNC machining for clients who need precision components at scale. Whether you're producing 50 prototypes or 500,000 production parts, our five-axis CNC equipment handles complex brass geometries while our material expertise helps you select the right alloy upfront.
We've produced brass valves for European plumbing manufacturers, electrical connectors for Asian electronics firms, and marine hardware for shipbuilders worldwide. Our engineering team provides DFM feedback to optimize your brass parts for manufacturability, cutting costs without sacrificing performance.
People constantly confuse these red metals, but copper is a naturally occurring pure metal, while brass and bronze are copper alloys. Each serves distinct purposes.
Composition differences:
● Copper contains about 99.7% copper in its pure form
● Brass combines copper and zinc, with zinc content ranging from a few percent to over 20%
● Bronze consists mainly of copper and tin, with tin content typically between 1% and 11%
Performance comparison:
Property | Copper | Brass | Bronze |
Conductivity | Highest electrical/thermal | Good | Moderate |
Hardness | Softest (~35 HB) | Medium (55-73 HB) | Hardest (60-210 HB) |
Machinability | Good | Excellent | Fair |
Corrosion resistance | Good (forms patina) | Good in freshwater | Best in saltwater |
Cost | Highest | Lowest | Mid-range |
Color | Reddish-brown | Yellow-gold | Dull gold/brown |
Brass demonstrates superior machinability with minimal friction, making it desirable for CNC machining operations. Bronze has the highest corrosion resistance, while brass has the lowest, particularly in saltwater environments.
When to choose brass:
● High-speed machining requirements
● Decorative applications needing a golden appearance
● Plumbing and electrical components
● Cost-sensitive projects
When to choose copper:
● Maximum electrical conductivity needed
● Wiring and electronics
● Heat exchangers requiring optimal thermal transfer
When to choose bronze:
● Marine environments with saltwater exposure
● Heavy-duty bearings and bushings
● Sculptures requiring strength and weather resistance
The manufacturing process begins with melting copper and zinc in a furnace at high temperatures, often reaching up to 1000 degrees Celsius. This creates a uniform alloy before any forming operations begin.
● Casting: The molten brass is poured into molds using methods like sand casting, die casting, or vacuum casting, which helps reduce impurities and air bubbles. Brass melts at 900 to 940 degrees Celsius, and maintaining the right temperature is critical to prevent defects.
● Forging: Forging enhances mechanical properties by applying squeezing or pressing forces, making brass stronger and more durable. This process is used for high-strength components like gears and fittings.
● Extrusion: Brass is forced through a die to create long, continuous shapes with uniform cross-sections like rods, tubes, and profiles. The process produces consistent dimensions and smooth surfaces.
Brass has the ability to undergo high pressures caused by sequential movements in CNC machines and conducts electricity well. Free-cutting brass with lead content machines exceptionally fast with minimal tool wear.
Machining advantages:
● Can often be machined without cutting fluid
● Excellent chip-breaking characteristics
● Tight tolerances achievable
● Long tool life reduces production costs
Team MFG's brass CNC capabilities include 3-axis and 5-axis machining for complex geometries. We recently produced 100,000 brass valve bodies for a European manufacturer, holding tolerances to ±0.005mm across the entire production run. Our machinists optimize feeds and speeds for each brass alloy to maximize throughput while maintaining part quality.
Polished brass is bright, shiny, and highly reflective with a protective clear lacquer top coat, while different finishes serve specific aesthetic and functional needs.
● Polished Brass: Can't tarnish because it's made with a protective clear lacquer, so it always looks like it has just been polished. Best for traditional and contemporary spaces needing high shine.
● Unlacquered Brass: Has no protective coating and develops a natural warm "antique" patina over time. This "living finish" changes with use and environment.
● Antique Brass: Gives the appearance of being already aged with deep shades of brown, won't tarnish, and doesn't show dirt or marks as much.
● Brushed/Satin Brass: Brushed brass features distinctive brush marks, while satin brass has a matte finish without visible brush strokes. Both offer a more subdued appearance than polished finishes.
Finish Type | Maintenance | Best Application | Key Feature |
Polished | High (shows fingerprints) | Formal spaces, lighting | Mirror-like shine |
Unlacquered | Medium (polishes easily) | High-touch items, evolving aesthetic | Living finish |
Antique | Low (hides marks) | Vintage décor, busy areas | Pre-aged look |
Brushed/Satin | Low (conceals smudges) | Modern interiors, hardware | Matte texture |
Hardware considerations:
● High-traffic areas benefit from antique or brushed finishes
● Wet environments need proper lacquer or regular maintenance
● Solid brass hardware outlasts plated alternatives
● Match finish tones across all brass elements in a space
When specifying brass hardware for manufacturing projects, Team MFG can apply various surface treatments, including polishing, brushing, and protective coatings. We work with clients to match existing hardware finishes or develop custom patinas for branded products. Our finishing capabilities ensure brass components arrive ready for installation or assembly.
Brass keeps showing up everywhere because it works. From plumbing systems that last decades to precision electronics requiring tight tolerances, this copper-zinc alloy delivers the rare combination of machinability, corrosion resistance, and cost-effectiveness that few materials match.
Key takeaways:
● Brass is a copper-zinc alloy with properties determined by composition ratios
● Alpha brass offers maximum ductility, while beta brass provides superior strength
● Over 45% of brass goes into plumbing, with electrical and automotive close behind
● Brass outperforms copper in machinability and bronze in cost
● Manufacturing methods include casting, forging, extrusion, and CNC machining
● Finishes range from high-gloss polished to naturally aging, unlacquered options
Whether you need 50 prototypes or 500,000 production parts, Team MFG machines brass components across all major alloys. Our engineering team helps optimize your designs for manufacturability, while our ISO-certified facilities ensure consistent quality from first article to final shipment.
Brass is made primarily from copper and zinc, with typical compositions containing 55-95% copper and 5-45% zinc. Small amounts of other elements like tin, lead, or aluminum are sometimes added to enhance specific properties.
No. Brass is an alloy, not pure copper. Pure copper contains about 99.7% copper, while brass combines copper with zinc and sometimes other elements. The zinc content fundamentally changes the material's properties compared to pure copper.
Yes. Brass has a similar appearance to gold and is available in various shades, making it popular for decorative and jewelry applications. It's affordable, workable, and takes a beautiful polish, though it may tarnish over time without a protective coating.
Brass is remarkable for its high machinability, minimal friction, and corrosion resistance. It balances strength with workability better than most metals, machines faster than bronze or copper, costs less than both, and maintains an attractive golden appearance.
No. Brass will tarnish and darken over time as it oxidizes, but it will not corrode or rust like iron-based metals. It forms a protective patina that prevents further degradation, making it durable for long-term applications.
No. Brass is generally not magnetic. Because brass is not ferromagnetic, this property allows ferrous scrap to be separated from brass by passing it near a powerful magnet, which is useful for recycling operations.
