Brass: Copper, Zinc and Alloy Names

Brass is a copper–zinc alloy family. Copper and zinc define its basic identity, but individual brasses can contain additional elements. “Brass” describes a family of materials, rather than a single composition or grade. Kupferverband brass definition · CDA wrought-brass families

What is brass made of?

Some brasses are based on copper and zinc without further deliberate alloy additions. Others include additional constituents for particular properties. Kupferverband discusses elements such as aluminum, iron, manganese, nickel, silicon and tin, as well as lead additions in some machinable brasses. These examples do not mean that all brass contains lead or any one of those additions. Kupferverband alloy additions

CDA’s wrought-alloy classification separates copper–zinc, copper–zinc–lead and copper–zinc–tin brass groups. An additional constituent can therefore be part of a brass grade without changing every such alloy into a different material family. CDA brass groups

Brass and names containing bronze

A commercial name does not always identify an alloy family unambiguously. CDA lists Commercial Bronze and Jewelry Bronze within its wrought-brass table. Those names should not be treated as proof that the material is a copper–tin alloy. The designation and composition need to be read together. This observation is about those names; it does not make brass and bronze interchangeable terms. CDA named brass entries

Colour is not a composition certificate

Brass colour varies with composition. Zinc content influences the colour, and additional alloying elements can also change it. A yellow or reddish appearance therefore cannot establish an exact grade or constituent percentage. Kupferverband colour discussion

Composition and condition describe different things

The composition identifies the alloy’s constituents. Processing also matters: Kupferverband describes changes in strength, hardness and elongation with cold working of wrought brasses. A family name alone consequently does not supply one mechanical-property value for every product condition. Kupferverband wrought-brass properties

For an iron-based alloy family, see steel basics. Continue through the metal supply section for related definitions. These distinctions do not establish grade equivalence, a recommended material or fitness for a specific application.