
What is Brass?
Brass is an alloy made from a combination of copper and zinc. The ratio of these two elements can be adjusted to create different types of brass for a wide range of uses. Brass is closely related to bronze, another copper-based alloy.
Characterized by its yellow-gold color, brass is well-regarded for its durability, malleability (ease of shaping), and non-sparking properties when struck. The addition of other metals to the alloy can modify its hardness, color, and resistance to corrosion. Some variations of brass can appear reddish, chocolate brown, or even silver, depending on the specific composition. For all of your Brass recycling needs contact NRI Metals Recycling, serving the greater Minneapolis, Minnesota area.
What is Brass Used For?
Brass is a popular material in decorative applications, such as furniture, fixtures, and sculptures. Due to its natural antimicrobial properties, it is often found in frequently touched objects like keys, door handles, and railings.
In construction and plumbing, brass is commonly used for pipes, fittings, and nuts. Additionally, brass is a key material in ammunition shell casings, making it a frequently recycled metal.
For centuries, brass has been favored in musical instruments. Its malleability allows it to be shaped into intricate forms, making it ideal for creating horns, cymbals, and other brass instruments.
How is Brass Manufactured?
Brass is produced by melting and combining scrap copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) ingots, which are then poured into molds to form slabs or billets. These billets can be further processed by heating and shaping them into pipes, wires, tubes, or sheets through extrusion, forging, or rolling.
Is Scrap Brass Valuable?
Yes, scrap brass is valuable. Like other non-ferrous metals, it is priced per pound and usually falls within the mid-range of scrap metal prices. Brass is particularly dense, making it easier to accumulate significant weight compared to lighter metals like aluminum.
Recycling Brass Conserves Energy and Reduces Waste
Brass, like most metals, is extremely durable and does not degrade over time, meaning any brass that ends up in a landfill will remain there indefinitely. Recycling brass helps conserve energy and reduces the need for mining new raw materials, which is an energy-intensive and environmentally damaging process.
Because brass can be recycled repeatedly without losing its essential properties, it is an ideal material for sustainability. Unlike materials like plastic, paper, or cardboard, which degrade after repeated use, brass (along with copper, zinc, and glass) can be infinitely recycled without loss of quality.
At NRI, serving the Twin Cities, Minnesota area, we accept and recycle all types of brass, helping to promote environmental responsibility and efficient resource use.