Brass

Brass, or yellow copper, is an alloy made of copperand zinc. Since copper is a soft metal, adding zinc increases its hardness without making it brittle.

Messing geel koper

Depending on the amount of zinc, there are three types:

  • Alpha brass (less than 40% zinc): this material is flexible and can be cold-forged or formed.

  • Beta brass (40–45% zinc): can only be forged when hot. Its advantage is that it’s much stronger and harder.

  • White brass (more than 45% zinc): rarely used, as it is very brittle.

Yellow copper has several advantages:

  • easy to work with, yet relatively strong

  • aesthetically appealing (resembles gold)

  • corrosion-resistant

  • easy to maintain

  • cheaper than pure copper

  • sustainable, as 90% of brass is recyclable

  • antibacterial properties

In metallurgy, the properties of brass are optimized by adjusting the alloying elements — for example, increased corrosion resistance by adding aluminium or zinc.

Brass is used in many applications, both industrial (e.g., fittings) and in interior design (e.g., door handles). In recent years, it has been increasingly used for its antibacterial properties in hospitals, public buildings, and public transport.

At Alinco, we can laser cut and bend brass with high precision up to a thickness of 6 mm. Welding is only possible if followed by a post-treatment such as bronzing or nickel plating.

Standard sheet formats are 2000x1000 mm; 2500x1250 mm sheets are also occasionally available.

An example certificate can be found in the attached PDF.