Copper, brass, and bronze are part of a category of metals known as “red metals”, which are characterized by their reddish tint. While copper is a pure metal, brass and bronze are copper alloys (brass is a combination of copper and zinc; bronze is a combination of copper and tin). All three of these metals demonstrate unique combinations of properties that make them ideal for use in metal sheets.
This page focuses on each of these metals, outlining their distinct properties, available grades, and potential applications. Additionally, it covers some of the key factors to consider when choosing between copper, brass, and bronze for a specific application.
Copper, Brass, and Bronze Metal Alloys
Although copper, brass, and bronze belong to the same category of metals, each exhibits distinct characteristics that make it ideal for different circumstances. Across industry, it is essential that designers, engineers, and manufacturers understand these differences to select the best metal for their projects.
What Is Copper?
Copper is a non-ferrous transition metal. Unlike brass and bronze, it is a pure, naturally occurring metal; therefore, it is found on the periodic table of elements. It is among the few metals found in nature that is directly suitable for processing. Although it is used on its own, it is also combined with other pure metals and alloys to form its own subset of alloys.
Available Grades of Copper
Copper’s availability in many different grades facilitates its versatility. At Sequoia Brass & Copper, we offer the following grades of copper:
Alloy 101. This alloy is an oxygen-free copper, which is suitable for when manufacturers need high conductivity and ductility.
Alloy 110. Also referred to as electrolytic (ETP) copper, this alloy demonstrates the highest level of electrical and thermal conductivity, as well as good ductility and malleability.
Alloy 122. This alloy is mechanically similar to Alloy 110, but it also exhibits superior formability, weldability, and brazing capabilities. It is available in tubing from Sequoia Brass & Copper.
Alloy 145. Available in rod & bar, this alloy is also known as tellurium copper as it consists of copper with between 0.4–0.7% tellurium content. Like many copper alloys, it is characterized by excellent thermal and electrical conductivity and high formability and superior machinability.
Applications of Copper Metal Sheets & Shapes
In general, copper offers excellent conductivity, formability, and machinability. These qualities make copper metal sheets suitable for a wide range of industrial applications, including use as architectural, construction, plumbing, and heat exchanger materials and components. Additionally, its high ductility allows sheets to be drawn into wires for electrical systems.
What Is Brass?
Like copper, brass is a non-ferrous, red metal. Unlike the pure metal, however, it is a metal alloy that primarily consists of copper and zinc. Other metals such as lead, tin, iron, aluminum, silicon, and manganese are also added to produce more unique combinations of characteristics.
The addition of zinc enhances the strength and ductility of the base copper material. The higher the concentration of zinc, the stronger and more pliable the alloy. High-strength brass contains ≥39% zinc.
Available Grades of Brass
Brass is available in a variety of grades, each of which is characterized by the exact material makeup. At Sequoia Brass & Copper, we provide these six grades of brass:
Alloy 260. Also known as cartridge brass, Alloy 260 demonstrates good cold working properties. It is suitable for use in ammunitions, automobiles, fasteners, and hardware.
Alloy 272. This alloy also referred to as yellow brass consists of 33% zinc. It is typically used in industrial and architectural applications.
Alloy 330. Brass alloy 330 is suitable for application where high machinability is critical. It contains a low lead content sufficient for cold-working and is commonly used to produce pipes.
Alloy 353. Alloy 353 (also referred to as clock brass) is often used to fabricate precision components, such as clock and watch parts, because of its excellent machinability.
Alloy 360. Also known as free cutting brass, this alloy is the most common type of brass. It exhibits excellent machinability and formability, as well as suitability for soldering and brazing operations. It commonly finds application in the manufacture of hardware components, fittings, valves, and fasteners.
Alloy 385. Also known as architectural bronze this alloy can be used for construction & architectural applications. Alloy 385 is available in a wide variety of extruded & drawn shapes such as angles, channels, square tube, hand rail moulding & more.
Alloy C48200 – C48500. Leaded naval brass meanto for machining. Typically available in rounds.
Alloy 464. Alloy 464 (or naval brass) is known for its excellent resistance to corrosion from seawater across a wide range of temperatures. Additionally, it demonstrates suitability for hot forming and hot forming, as well as drawing, bending, heading, soldering, brazing, and welding.
Application of Brass Alloys
Brass metal has several different applications. As the metal has a similar appearance to gold and is available in a variety of shades, it is often used for decorative & architectural elements. Additionally, the workability and machinability of the material lend it to use in the manufacture of plumbing, electronics, and musical instruments.
