Brass sheet metal
Brass is a copper-zinc alloy with a warm colour. We process it while preserving its natural lustre, for technical and visible applications alike.
About this operation
- Brass (copper-zinc alloy)
- Interior fit-out
- Art objects
- Decorative technical components
Where brass stands out is its appearance. The surface has a warm, yellow lustre that no coating on stainless steel can match. That makes it attractive for visible work in interiors, for art objects and for decorative technical parts — but it also makes the surface the most vulnerable part of the product.
Brass discolours over time. In contact with air and moisture a darker patina forms, first yellow-brown and later brown to greenish. For some applications that is exactly what is wanted; for others it is not. Tell us which of the two you want, because it determines the finishing.
Brass combines well with other materials. If you are looking for corrosion-resistant visible work without the warm colour, ground stainless steel is often the logical choice; if low weight is decisive, aluminium comes into play. We process all three, so the material choice need not be dictated by the supplier.
From drawing to delivery
Cutting
Precise cutting of brass sheet. We choose the cutting method per request: reflectivity and thermal conductivity make copper alloys harder to cut than steel or stainless steel.
Press braking
Bending without damaging the surface, with attention to the rolling direction — a bend across the grain is more likely to crack.
Finishing
Deburring and protecting the lustre. The protective film stays on up to and including the last operation.
Specifications
Indicative values — to be confirmed per project- Alloy
- copper and zinc
- More zinc
- stronger and easier to form
- More copper
- warmer, redder colour
- For sheet metal work
- usually a readily formable grade, so it does not crack during press braking
- Surface
- warm yellow lustre; softer than stainless steel and steel, so it scratches more easily
- Patina
- first yellow-brown, later brown to greenish
- Keeping the lustre
- a protective lacquer, or allowing for periodic polishing
- Cutting method
- decided per request — reflectivity and thermal conductivity make brass harder than steel
- When press braking
- rolling direction matters; a bend across the grain cracks sooner
- In the workshop
- kept separate from steel, to prevent iron contamination
What to send us
Request a quote- Drawing with the sheet thickness
- The required brass grade
- The surface requirement
- Whether you want to keep the lustre or allow a patina
Frequently asked questions
Which brass sheet thicknesses can you process?
We determine that per request. The cutting thicknesses we have confirmed for our fibre laser apply to steel, stainless steel, aluminium and galvanised steel; brass is a copper alloy and behaves differently under the laser. Send your drawing with the sheet thickness and brass grade and we will indicate what is feasible.
Does brass discolour over time?
Yes. In contact with air and moisture a patina forms: first yellow-brown, later brown to greenish. For some applications that is exactly what is wanted. If you want to keep the original lustre, a protective lacquer is needed or the part has to be polished periodically.
Can you press brake brass without damaging the surface?
Yes. Brass is softer than stainless steel and steel and therefore scratches more quickly. We keep protective film on up to and including the last operation, work with clean tooling and take the rolling direction into account, because a bend across the grain is more likely to crack.
What is brass sheet metal mainly used for?
For interior construction, art objects and decorative technical components — applications in which the warm, yellow lustre makes the difference. For purely functional parts without a visual requirement, stainless steel or aluminium is usually more economical.
Can you weld brass?
Brass is listed with us as a material for laser welding. Because of the zinc in the alloy it does call for adapted parameters and good extraction. Put your joint to us with the sheet thickness and the joint geometry and we will indicate whether welding, brazing or a mechanical joint is the better route in your case.
Discuss your drawing,
part or assembly.
Response within one working day · 074-2912235 · info@assinkschipholt.nl