Brass has come a long way from being predominantly used in vessels and body armour in ancient times. Nowadays, this metal alloy is used to make a variety of tools, objects and mechanisms fundamental to our lives and culture; from musical instruments and plumbing fixtures to locks, gears, ammunition and decorative ornaments.
To demonstrate just how versatile brass is as a material, we’ve put together 10 interesting facts that cover all aspects of its history; from its humble beginnings to its uses today in modern society:
- Brass was first discovered thousands of years ago by ancient civilizations, who used it to make tools, weapons, and jewellery. It’s also believed to have been one of the earliest alloys used by humans.
- Ancient Egyptians were known for using brass in many different ways, including creating statues and other ornamental objects. Evidence suggests that they were using brass as early as 4500 BC.
- Brass is incredibly durable; it won’t corrode or rust like other metals, making it ideal for use in marine environments or other applications where corrosion could be a problem.
- The colour of brass can range from golden yellow to reddish-brown depending on how much zinc is present in the alloy. Higher amounts of zinc result in a more reddish hue, while lower amounts produce a more golden-coloured brass.
- Brass is highly malleable and can be easily formed into shapes without breaking or cracking – this makes it an ideal material for things like coins and sculptures, which require intricate detail work.
- Despite its durability, brass is also very soft. It can be easily scratched if not properly cared for – regular cleaning and polishing are necessary if you want to keep your brass looking its best.
- Most modern-day musical instruments, such as trumpets and trombones, are made from brass because their unique properties produce a warm tone when played correctly – making it perfect for music lovers everywhere.
- Brass is also commonly used in plumbing fixtures due to its resistance to corrosion caused by water exposure – this makes it an ideal choice for bathrooms or kitchens where moisture levels can be high.
- Because of its heat-resistant qualities, brass has become popular in cooking utensils such as pots and pans, allowing chefs worldwide to create delicious meals quickly.
- Thanks to its low melting point (around 900-930 degrees Celsius), brass is often used in welding applications due to its ability to bond two pieces together without melting away at higher temperatures, unlike other metals that may warp when exposed to extreme heat sources like torches or furnaces.
No matter the purpose – whether you’re looking for something decorative or functional – there’s no denying the usefulness of this versatile metal alloy known as “brass”. Its combination of durability and malleability make it the perfect material for many different applications ranging from musical instruments to plumbing fixtures. So, the next time you see something made out of brass, take a moment to appreciate just how incredible this metal is!
How to Recycle Brass
Brass is a copper-zinc alloy with variable copper and zinc proportions that work to achieve different mechanical, chemical, and electrical properties. The properties of brass can be changed by varying the proportions of copper and zinc, allowing for harder and softer brasses.
Almost all brass alloys are now recycled in some form or another. Because brass is not ferromagnetic, it can be distinguished from ferrous waste once it is passed through a powerful magnet.
Scrap brass is gathered and transported to a foundry, where it is melted and recast into billets. The billets are heated before being extruded into the desired shape and size. Brass, like virtually all metals, can be recycled indefinitely without losing its valuable and useful properties. Glass is the only material that can claim infinite recyclability.
Whether you’re new to recycling brass scrap or simply looking for a more efficient method to get rid of brass scraps, Allied Metal Recyclers can meet all of your scrap metal recycling needs. Get in touch with us today to find out more about brass recycling.
