If there is a metal that is highly exploited in the various sectors of activity and which is absolutely present in all homes, it must be brass. The latter is used in the manufacture of various objects and tools used on a daily basis. It comes down to his various qualities that make him an excellent choice. In this article, we take you on a discovery of these distinct uses.
The different uses of brass
Let’s discover together the various uses of this metal.
- plumbing tools
Brass is highly exploited in the manufacture of everything related to plumbing, including: sinks, channels, drains, bidets and others. it is ideal because it is resistant to degradation and corrosion. Unlike copper, brass is not as expensive and still quite affordable. Similarly, it does not change colors to tend towards green. It only loses its shine but retains its initial color. It is therefore perfect to use for everything related to plumbing.
- Cartridges
Well, yeah ! If you have ever seen cartridges of ammunition, their yellowish color has surely intrigued you. It is the color of the brass that enters into their composition. This color is quite special and does not lose its shine or fade. Note that brass is used for cartridges because it has several characteristics that should not be overlooked. It is non-magnetic and it is non-sparking. It is therefore the best material for ammunition cartridges.
- Musical instruments
It’s a surprise, isn’t it? Many musical instruments are made from brass. This concerns tuba, saxophone, trumpet… and more. This comes down to the fact that brass brings several acoustic benefits to the music produced. It is true that this assertion has not yet been verified. It is also true that there are other materials with similar properties, but that does not prevent it from remaining an excellent material for designing and manufacturing different musical instruments.
- Technical tools
This is one of the areas where brass is highly exploited for the manufacture of several technical tools. It can be watches, compasses, electronic components and more. It is to say that the technology has developed a lot in recent years and is based on the use of this metal which is characterized by its affordable cost, but also by its durability and efficiency. Making it the metal ensuring excellent value for money for any manufacturer.
- The maritime sector
Again, another use of brass that is quite surprising. This metal is used to provide a resistant and quality coating to the hulls of ships. This is due to its high performance, but also to its resistance to corrosion and high pressures. Except that’s not all. Brass can also be used in various marine components. This concerns engines, pumps… and other elements of the ship itself and its navigation.
- The automobile sector
Brass is a metal often used in automobile construction. It is often adopted for the manufacture of radiators. What explains the choice of this metal is that it is low in cost compared to other metals such as iron or aluminum for example. In addition, it has a longer service life and high resistance. What is also great for brass is that it is easily recyclable. Something that is very effective for a sector as growing as the automobile.
- Everyday objects
If you look around you, you may find several items surrounding you that are made from brass. It’s just that daily contact means you don’t notice them. Take a look around and you’ll probably find that doorknobs, railings, taps, cutlery… and more are all made of brass. What explains this excessive use is that this metal has a chic and elegant appearance that makes it easy to integrate into your interior and exterior decoration.
The properties of brass
The qualities that explain the wide use of metal in various common objects.
- Malleability
Brass is the result of a composition between zinc and copper. It is this special mixture that gives it its malleability property. This means that it is easy to manipulate it to put it in the desired shape. It is a special quality that sets it apart from several other materials that do not offer this flexibility. Namely that it is always possible to increase and reduce the malleability of brass by modifying its composition by adding or decreasing the quantity of a metal.
- Corrosion resistance
One of the characteristics of brass is its resistance to corrosion. Moreover, this is why it is used in the maritime sector, as a coating for the hulls of ships. This comes down to their resistance to oxidation which is caused by moisture. So even after contact with corrosive substances, the brass can resist and preserve its initial state without any damage. Likewise, this quality means that brass is widely used for all types of taps and faucets, given the daily contact with humidity and water.
- degradation resistance
In addition to its resistance to corrosion, brass also resists wear. This means that it has a long lifespan and is able to stay in good condition for a very long time. This is also what makes it a metal that guarantees excellent value for money. Thus, opting for objects and tools made of brass can prove to be a good investment in the long term as it does not undergo degradation like other materials.
- Antibacterial property
This fact may surprise you, but it has been scientifically proven. Brass does have antibacterial properties. This quality does not mean that it has the ability to kill bacteria directly, but rather that its nature and composition can limit the spread of bacteria. This is perfect for not transmitting diseases and limiting their spread. And that is what makes it a healthy and perfect metal for any type of housing.
To finish this article, we would like to point out that brass is an important metal. It has many more uses and properties than our article can contain. This explains why it is wise to adopt it for several possible fabrications.