Brass is mostly an alloy of copper and zinc
Every so often it consists of other metals such as lead, aluminium, tin, silicon, chromium, manganese and iron. According to the brass composition range, its density is between 8.4 kg/dm3 and 8.7 kg/dm3.
Content of zinc in brass alloys has an impact on their taint (up to 45%). Taint of brass alloys could be orange-yellow (high level of zinc) or copper- colored (small level of zinc).
Due to brass processing technology as well as brass purposes, brass is devided into the following: casting brass and wrought brass. Regarding composition of brass and its application, brass is divided into the following: combined brass, lead brass, tin brass, aluminium brass, manganese brass, nickel brass and silicon brass.
Application
Due to its great technological and functional properties, brass is one of the most widely used alloys. According to its chemical composition brass is used for machining process or has plastic properties.
Brass is also used for manufacturing of fittings, machine components in automotive industry, electrical industry, marine and chemical industries as well as metalwork industry for production of tracery.
Restrictions on use of lead in industry make for development of new brass alloys, which consist of a new alloying element arsenic. These types of brass alloys are commonly used to replace lead brass, especially in production of fittings and equipments that come into contact with drinking water.
Brass is noticed in some developments such as: handles, coins, padlocks, lamps and railings.