History
Brass objects appeared in China in the third millennium BC and by the third millennium BC brass began to pop up in sites from the Aegean Sea to the Persian Gulf. Back then, early copper-zinc brass alloy composition varied, as copper was smelted having a range of zinc from a 5% to 15%, most likely a result of naturally occurring zinc-rich copper ore being used.
Brasses’ near gold-like sheen inspired the Age of Alchemy, the metal spreading across the known world because of its beauty and durability. Yet until the mid 1700’s, the alchemists had no clue that the zinc powder used in the melting pot was actually a metal.
Today numerous types of brass are created in alloys using everything from tin to arsenic, aluminum to lead, manganese and so on.
This wide range of characteristics makes brass suitable for limitless applications, from industrial uses like spark reduction in electrical components and everyday uses, ranging from musical instruments to zippers. Yet its muted yellow color sometimes referred to “gold-like” makes brass an ideal metal for decoration in homes and offices.
Brass is also sought out for its resistance to tarnishing. Once polished, it will retain its finish for a long time without requiring attention, which is why it was used as a mirror in antiquity.
Another excellent characteristic of brass is its malleability. Brass is more ductile than copper or zinc alone. It also has a fairly low melting point depending on the alloy, and its molten flow characteristics makes it popular for casting.
QuickShipMetals.com sells brass sheet, brass rod, coils or foil most commonly used for counter tops, backsplashes, accents around cabinets and mantels as well as decorative artwork and accent pieces like name and light-switch plates.
Brass Sheeting and Coils (Foil)
QuickShipMetals.com offers brass sheeting and brass sheeting coils manufactured under the specifications of ASTM B19 and B36. The sheeting’s soft temper comes from the brass alloy C260, an alloy also known as yellow brass or cartridge brass that is roughly 70% copper and 30% zinc as classified by the Copper Development Association.
Alloy 260 Composition: 68 to 71% Copper; 28 to 31% Zinc; 0.07% Lead; and 0.05% Iron
Alloy 260 is highly corrosion resistant with excellent electrical properties, and capable of developing high tensile strength and hardness. Temper ranges from dead soft to extra strong.
Malleable and ductile, 260 brass is easy to form. Over time the brass surface reacts with air and forms a protective patina.
Note that 260 brass sheet is not recommended when machining brass or welding. And it will not harden when heat-treated.
Thickness
Calling out the gauge of the metal is another way of saying the thickness. It is important to keep in mind that with gauge, the larger the number the thinner the material. Brass sheet with a thickness of 24-gauge is much thinner than 16-gauge.
QuickShipMetals.com sells brass sheet that is thicker than its brass coil sheeting. The thicknesses of our brass sheet begin at 0.02” and goes up to 0.125”. If you are in need of something thinner than brass sheet, our brass coil sheeting ranges in thickness from 0.005 or 8 Gauge to 0.020 or 24 Gauge.
This cross-reference table – based on Brown and Sharpe – will help you convert gauge to inches and pounds per square foot.
Brass Sheet from QuickShipMetals.com:
| Gauge No. | Inches | Lbs./Sq. Ft. | |
| 24 | 0.020 | .89 | |
| 20 | 0.036 | 1.42 | |
| 18 | 0.045 | 1.79 | |
| 14 | 0.064 | 2.84 | |
| 8 | 0.125 | 5.70 | |
Brass Coils from QuickShipMetals.com:
| Gauge No. | Inches | Lbs./Sq. Ft. | |
| 24 | 0.020 | .89 | |
| 30 | 0.010 | .45 | |
| 36 | 0.005 | .23 | |
Flexibility
If flexibility is an issue, here’s a simple way to compare the thickness and flexibility of brass metals from QuickShipMetal.com. The thickness of metal sheeting is listed in decimals, such as 0.20. Metal sheeting with the thickness of .010, compared to our American system of fractions, would measure to less than 1/64 inch.
Now, let’s go one step further with a comparison of the flexibility of the metal that you can relate to an item in your everyday life. If you may have a Blockbuster membership card or a Bonus rewards card, brass sheeting with a .010 thickness will have the same flexibility as either of these cards. Keep in mind that these two cards are thinner than a standard credit card, which is less flexible. A standard credit card measures .028.
Solid Brass Rods
QuickShipMetals.com offers brass round rod manufactured under the specifications of ASTM B16, SAE J461 and J463. Made of brass alloy C360 round brass rod is known for its strength and corrosion resistance with properties closely resembling that of steel. The rods’ half-hard temper is ideal for high-precision machining, making it an industry standard.
Alloy 360 Composition: 61.5% Copper; 35.5% Zinc; 3% Lead; and 0.35% Iron
360 Brass round rod is an excellent metal to use because it resists corrosion, is durable and attractive. Over time the brass surface reacts with air and forms a protective patina. These qualities make brass round rod a fantastic metal to use in automobiles, industrial equipment, plumbing, as well as for decorative hardware.
360 Brass round rod can be cut down and molded fairly simply to meet various project specifications. However, this specific brass alloy has only fair to poor characteristics when used in forming operations. And while 360brass rod is highly recommended for machining, it is not suitable for welding, though 360 brass can be soldered and brazed to a limited degree.
QuickShipMetals.com sells brass round rod in numerous lengths ranging from 12” to 96” depending on diameters, which range in standard increments from .25” to 3.0” – the following quick links will take you to the exact-diameter product page:
Common Uses for Brass Sheet and Rod
The most popular type of brass sold at QuickShipMetals.com is 20- and 24-gauge brass sheet, which is thin enough to adapt to numerous art and home hobby projects. Brass is also sold for a number of DIY projects that range from fireplace surrounds to garden markers, including …
Fireplace Surrounds, Kick Plates, Fishing Lures, Trivets, Dog Tags, Wind Chimes, Garden Markets, Ventilation Grates, Heat Diffusers, Furniture and Door Inlays, Name Plates, and Tabletops.
Even with so many potential applications and options for using brass it really isn’t difficult to pick the right type for any project. If you still have questions, link back to our friendly customer service staff at QuickShipMetals.com or call toll free 1-866-334-2177.
