Brass Ingot

Brass is the name used to describe an array of metal alloys, all combinations of copper and zinc, that have different mechanical and electrical properties depending on their zinc content (which can vary from 5% to 45%). This ingot and the bronze ingot that accompanies it were made by the manufacturer to test the consistency of their metals. This sample of brass is a mottled yellow-gold colour, but the colour of brass can vary from red to chocolate brown depending on the composition of the alloy and amount of weathering.

Because of their colour and other aesthetic qualities, brasses are often used in decorative applications, for example in architectural hardware like doorknobs and handrails. Brass is also relatively easy to cast and has good acoustic properties, so has become the material of choice for many musical instruments. It is not only used to make ‘brass instruments’ like the trombone and French horn, but also some wind instruments like the saxophone. Because of the high copper content of brass, it has naturally antibacterial qualities. Because these instruments are played with the mouth, brass is normally preferred to stainless steel or aluminium, which have good sound qualities but are quickly colonized by microorganisms.