Brass Rod

What is Brass Rod?

A brass rod is a solid, cylindrical piece of metal made from brass, which is an alloy primarily composed of copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn). The proportions of copper and zinc can vary, giving brass different mechanical and chemical properties. Rods are usually round, but can also come in square, hexagonal, or rectangular cross-sections. Size vary in diameter and length, depending on the application. The colour is a bright gold like appearance.

Properties of Brass Rods

Composition

There is a near endless variety of brass alloys. However, they typical fall in the range of copper from 55% to 90% with zinc the majority balance. Some of the more common alloys and their usage:

·         Cartridge brass – 70% Cu / 30% Zn – Ammunition, deep drawing

·         Yellow brass – 65% Cu / 35% Zn – Hardware, instruments

·         Red brass – 85% Cu / 15% Zn – Plumbing, decorative items

·         Free cutting brass – 61.5% Cu / 35.5% Zn / 3% lead – Machining parts

·         Naval brass – 59% Cu / 40% Zn / 1% Sn – Marine components

Mechanical Properties

Tensile strength of brasses can range from 250MPa to in excess of of 600MPa. The typically have good cold working characteristics. Contact Austral Wright for further technical assistance.

Corrosion Resistance and Dezincification

Brass exhibits good corrosion resistance, making it suitable for a wide range of environments, particularly those where moisture or mildly corrosive substances are present. This resistance is primarily due to its high copper content, which forms a stable oxide layer that helps protect the underlying metal. However, brass is susceptible to certain forms of corrosion such as dezincification, a process where zinc is selectively leached from the alloy in aggressive environments like acidic or saline water, leading to a porous, weakened structure. To combat this, specialized brass alloys such as Admiralty brass or Naval brass include elements like tin or arsenic to improve resistance. Overall, brass performs well in indoor and moderate outdoor applications, and with proper alloy selection, it can also be used in marine and plumbing systems where durability and corrosion resistance are critical.

Other characteristics

Brass round bars have good thermal and electrical conductivity, malleable and easy to machine, non-magnetic and an attractive appearance.

Common Uses of Brass Rods

Brass rods are widely used across many industries due to their excellent machinability, corrosion resistance, and attractive appearance. Here are some of the most common uses of brass rod:

Machined Components

• Fittings, valves, and fasteners in plumbing and HVAC systems
• Bushings, bearings, and gears in mechanical applications
• Preferred for precision components due to high machinability (especially C36000 Free-Cutting Brass)

Plumbing and Sanitary Hardware

• Taps, faucets, pipe fittings, and connectors
• Common in both residential and commercial plumbing systems
• Resistant to corrosion and dezincification (especially red and naval brass) 

  

Electrical and Electronic Applications

• Terminals, connectors, switches, and contacts
• Brass’s good conductivity and non-magnetic nature make it ideal for low-voltage electrical systems 

  

Architectural and Decorative Applications

• Handrails, trim, door handles, hinges, and light fixtures
• Chosen for its gold-like appearance and ability to take on a high polish
• Often used in high-end building interiors and restoration projects and decoration

Musical Instruments

• Used in trumpets, trombones, horns, and other brass instruments
• The alloy’s acoustic properties and formability are ideal for shaping and resonance

Industrial Equipment and Tools

• Threaded rods, fasteners, and custom tooling components
• Withstands wear and tear, and easy to work with on lathes and CNC machines

Marine Hardware

• Shafts, propeller components, and marine fittings
• Naval and admiralty brass rods resist saltwater corrosion

Brass Rods vs Other Metals

Brass vs copper

Brass round bar advantages include; easier to machine, more durable for mechanical parts, aesthetic appearance (golden) and versatile in alloys and applications.

Brass vs stainless steel

Why Choose Austral Wright Metals?

Choosing Austral Wright Metals the industry-leader for your brass round bar supplies. Austral Wright Metals offers a comprehensive range of copper and copper alloy products, including sheets, plates, rods, and coils, catering to various industries and applications. Our products are manufactured to meet or exceed industry standards (such as AS, BS, EN, JIS and ASTM). This ensures highest grade metals and consistent materials, which is crucial for industries requiring precise specifications. Austral Wright Metals has a robust supply chain, which ensures timely delivery and consistent availability of products, even for large or urgent orders, at competitive and accurate pricing.

Certified to quality assurance systems ISO 9001, Austral Wright Metals supply to government agencies, defence sector, OEM and SME manufacturing.

Australia-wide availability in stock with 4 service centres ideally suited across Australia. Sizes from 9.53 mm and up. Click on Contact Us with your quantity.

Helpful and qualified experts available to discuss your project needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Brass Rods Be Welded?

Use brazing or silver soldering instead of fusion welding for brass round bar. These methods are safer, cleaner, and more reliable. Fusion welding can cause zinc vaporisation and should be avoided.

How to Cut and Shape Brass Rods?

For cutting use a hacksaw, band saw or cut-off wheel.

For drilling use HSS or cobalt drill bits.

To shape brass use a file, grinder or a lathe.

To polish use a buffing  wheel.