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Hanging Brass Lamps

Brass

  A non-ferrous alloy of copper and zinc that is sustainable, antimicrobial, and corrosion resistant.   

Characteristics

  • Ductile

  • Non-ferrous

  • Easily formed 

  • Retains high strength after forming

  • Color can range from light gold, to silver, to almost red

  • More malleable than bronze (easily cast into molds)

  • Tools have extended life and reduced need for sharpening

  • Proportions determine varying electrical, mechanical, and chemical properties

Source

  • Alloy of copper and zinc

  • Can have small amounts of other metals such as tin or lead

  • First manufactured in Syria or Eastern Turkey in 3000 BC

  • Often zinc and tin ore deposits are found together

  • One of the most widely used alloys (abundant)

Environmental Impact

  • Corrosion resistant

  • Antimicrobial (bacteria resistant)

  • Relatively inexpensive

  • Long service life means lack of failures

  • Highly sustainable (can be recycled and is less energy-intensive than recycling other metals)

  • No negative affects to indoor air quality

Image by Sigmund
Image by Ji Woo Park
Image by Jos Speetjens
Brass (light tone) ​used for sink faucet.
Brass (dark tone) ​used for cabinet hardware, such as drawer handles.
Brass (light tone) ​used for plumbing fixtures, such as pipes.

Production

  • Cementation process where copper and zinc ore are heated together until zinc vapor is produced and reacts with the copper

  • Melted at over 1,000 degrees and is cooled in slabs

  • Warmed to desired temperature before steel rolling to reduce thickness (width increases) and outer layer is removed

  • Annealed to reduce firmness and cold rolled to a thickness of 2.5 millimeters which increases strength and strength

  • Final cold rolling creates smooth outer texture and then brass cut into desired size

  • Easily machined as there are high production rates

Maintenance

  • Low maintenance required (polishing such as dusting and removing fingerprints with a clean, dry, cotton cloth and warm water)

  • Never use hot water or fully soak in water

  • Best results is to coat with clear sealer (lasts longest)

  • Oxidation will appear as black or even green spots if not cleaned properly

  • Determine if its brass or brass-plated (cleaning process differs)

Application

  • Used where low friction is required

  • Decorative (cabinet handles, light fixtures)

  • Mechanical (faucet handles, door hinges, door knobs, plumbing)

 

Example: Locks

  • Apply a clear lacquer finish coating to prevent rusting

  • Produce a soft, smooth texture to ensure functionality

  • Pass the ASTM E8/E8M requirement: “Test Methods for Tension Testing of Metallic Materials" to ensure safety

Door
Image by Pawel Czerwinski
Image by Marc-Olivier Jodoin
Brass (medium tone) ​used for door hardware, including locks.
Brass (medium tone) ​used for light fixtures. 
Brass (dark tone) ​used for door fixtures, such as hinges. 

Organizations

  • Copper Development Association (www.copper.org)

  • Copper and Brass Servicenter Association 

  • American Metal Market

  • Copper and Brass Fabricators Council

  • Modern Metals

  • National Ornamental & Miscellaneous Metals Association (NOMMA)

  • Tube and Pipe Association, International (TPA)

Image by Dan Counsell
Brass (dark tone) ​used for door hardware, such as doorknobs and cabinet handles.
Page by Michelle Dooge
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