Brass: Properties, Uses and Processing Examples

This page introduces the precision processing of brass materials conducted by TDC.

For more information about TDC’s services, please also refer to our page on “Ultra-Precision Polishing and Machining Service.”

What is Brass?

Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc, commonly known as “yellow brass.” In English, it is referred to as “brass,” and the term “brass band,” which refers to a musical ensemble using brass instruments, is derived from this material.

Typically, brass contains around 30-40% zinc, and the color of the alloy changes depending on the ratio of copper to zinc.

Well-known types of brass include “70:30 yellow brass” and “60:40 yellow brass,” where the copper and zinc ratio is approximately 70:30 and 60:40, respectively. The properties of brass change with the zinc content, but it is characterized by its unique luster and high ductility.

Due to its gold-like appearance when polished or finished with a mirror surface, brass is sometimes used as a substitute for gold.

History of Brass

Brass is believed to have been used since ancient times, and was even used as currency in the Roman Empire.

With its beautiful gold-like luster, brass has also been used for plating, and it is said that the “crown of gold” that the ancient Greek scientist Archimedes discovered to be a fake was made from brass.

Characteristics and Processing Properties of Brass

Brass has the following characteristics and processing properties:

• Ductility
  Brass, a relatively soft material, has the property of being resistant to damage or breakage even when subjected to compressive or tensile forces. For this reason, it is easy to work with using processes such as press working and bending, and is used in various applications, from electrical products to decorative items.
• Machinability
  Brass contains small amounts of lead and iron, making it easy to cut and machine. Due to this high machinability, it can also undergo precision machining.
• Electrical Conductivity
  Brass has electrical conductivity similar to silver, and is used in connection points such as electrical outlets and connectors.
• Hot Forging Properties
  Brass can be stretched at room temperature without breaking, and can be heated and processed into complex shapes.

Brass Processing Capabilities at TDC

At TDC, we are capable of performing high-precision polishing processing on brass.

By combining our expertise in grinding and precision lapping technologies developed over the years, we produce precise brass products.

Features of TDC’s Brass Precision Processing

Our brass precision processing has the following strengths and features:

• High-Precision Polishing Technology
  With TDC’s advanced precision polishing technology, we control material removal to achieve ultra-high precision processing at the micro to nano level, even for brass. Compared to methods such as cutting and grinding, we can process any shape without applying load to the workpiece.
• Short Lead Times and Expedited Service
  With over 100 polishing machines, we can handle large batches and complex processing with short lead times. For urgent requests, we also offer “expedited service” options.
• Small Batches Welcome
  We accept small lot orders starting from one piece and can also handle prototype production.
• Over 100 Advanced Processing Machines
  TDC owns more than 100 polishing devices, including lapping machines and surface grinders. We also have a variety of machining equipment, including machining centers and milling machines, allowing us to handle all types of processing.
• About Half of the Polishing Equipment is In-House Manufactured
  Of the 100 polishing machines, about half are in-house manufactured, enabling us to achieve “low-cost” and “high-quality” production.

Example of TDC’s Processing of brass

Electroforming Masters, Molds, Various Test Pieces, and Long-Length Mirror Foils
Specifications: Ra 1nm or less, flatness 0.001mm or less, parallelism 0.001mm or less, etc.

You can view our processing achievements for other materials on the following page:
TDC’s Surface Roughness Achievements

Based on your desired specifications, we can combine elements such as surface roughness, flatness, parallelism, and dimensional tolerances to achieve high-precision manufacturing. Brass has better hardness compared to copper, making it easier to process and achieve high precision.
We can process both customer-supplied materials and materials arranged by our company. We accept orders from one piece to mass production.

For Precision Brass Processing, Consult TDC

At TDC, we solve all challenges related to brass processing by utilizing our precision polishing and nano-scale processing technologies developed over the years.

We handle a wide range of precision metal processing, from brass material machining and part processing to creating mirror-like surface finishes. Please feel free to consult with TDC.

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