CNC Machining Brass vs Aluminum, Analyzing the Contrast
What are the Properties of Brass vs Aluminum?
| Properties | Brass | Aluminum |
| Composition | Brass is a copper alloy, mainly composed of copper and zinc. | Pure aluminum or aluminum-copper alloy, aluminum zinc alloy, aluminum manganese alloy, aluminum magnesium alloy, etc |
| Color | Golden yellow or dull yellow | Silver |
| Density | 8 | 2.7 |
| Weight | Copper is heavier than aluminum because copper is denser than aluminum | Lighter than brass |
| Melting point | 900℃-1000℃ | 660℃ |
| Tensile Strength | 210-324MPa | 276-448MPa |
Brass vs Aluminum, What are the differences?
Brass and aluminum are both metal alloys with distinct properties that make them suitable for various applications. Here are some key differences of brass and aluminum:
Brass vs Aluminum: Different Composition
Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc, with copper content generally between 60-90% and zinc content between 10-40%. Aluminum alloy, on the other hand, is primarily made of aluminum, with added elements such as copper, magnesium, manganese, and silicon.
Difficulty of Machining
Aluminum requires higher technical expertise and craftsmanship due to its specific ductility, necessitating strict control over processes and material selection to maintain product quality. In comparison, brass machining is relatively simpler.
Corrosion Resistance
Brass is prone to corrosion and rust over time, while aluminum has excellent corrosion resistance.
Thermal and Electrical Conductivity
Brass exhibits excellent thermal and electrical conductivity, whereas aluminum alloy slightly lags behind brass in these properties.
Different Applications
Brass finds wide applications in the manufacturing of electronic devices, hardware products, pipes, valves, etc., while aluminum alloy is predominantly used in lightweight design and manufacturing in aerospace, automotive, and construction industries.
Summary of Brass vs Aluminum
Aluminum alloy has relatively lower density, better corrosion resistance, strong workability, weaker electrical conductivity, higher mechanical strength, and hardness; however, it has lower heat resistance. In contrast, brass has greater density than aluminum alloy, poorer corrosion resistance, good workability, good electrical conductivity, lower mechanical strength, but better heat resistance. In conclusion, aluminum alloy excels in mechanical and corrosion resistance, while brass outperforms in electrical conductivity and heat resistance areas.
FAQ About Brass vs Aluminum
1. What lasts longer brass or aluminum?
In practical use, components made of brass copper alloy are generally more durable than those made of aluminum alloy. However, aluminum alloy can enhance its wear resistance through surface treatments, such as anodizing, which can create an oxide layer on the surface to increase its hardness and wear resistance.
2. Which costly aluminum or brass?
Brass, being an alloy of copper and zinc, tends to be more expensive than aluminum, which is more abundant and has lower production costs in comparison.
3. How stiff is aluminum compared to brass?
Brass and aluminum both deform well, but brass deforms slightly better than aluminum. Brass has good malleability; it can deform under certain temperatures and pressures without compromising its performance.
