Red Brass vs Yellow Brass: A Comparative Guide

Origin of red and yellow brass is not clear but both are found in old civilizations such as Egyptian, Greek, Mesopotamian and Romans. By chemical compositional point of view, red and yellow brass have some variation of copper and zinc in alloys. Understanding of both alloys is very important to make a well-informed decision as both offer different set of properties. Yellow and red brass contain 60 to 70 wt. % copper and 80 to 85 wt.% copper, respectively.

Copper content in yellow brass is lower than red brass which is translated into variation in properties. Yellow brasses are used in musical instruments, electrical connectors and decorative applications whereas red brass used in valves, plumbing, fittings and in marine applications as both alloys offer different set of properties. Valves, plumbing, fittings, jewelry, decorative applications, electrical connectors and heat exchangers are main applications of red and yellow brass. Red brass is also used in marine applications. This article will develop a comprehensive comparison between yellow and red brass, by elaborating chemical composition, properties and their applications.

What is Red Brass

More precisely, it contains 15 wt. % zinc and 85 wt. % copper. It offers good corrosion resistance, high thermal and electrical conductivity along with high strength. It is used in number of applications including values in faucets and in marine applications due to good corrosion resistance. Melting point and density of red brass are 1,027 ⁰C and 8.75 gm/cm³. Red brass with little less amount of copper than red brass is known as semi red brass and is slightly less expensive.

To understand the difference between red brass and semi-red brass. Please click on the link

What is Yellow Brass

It was first patented in 1832 and named after the George F. Muntz (English businessman). It is commonly known as Muntz metal or cartridge brass. It contains 40 wt. % zinc and 60 wt. % copper. Lower content of copper in yellow brass as compared to red brass, makes it less expensive and it is readily available in market. Accessibility of this alloy is also a plus point, to meet need as per demand. It is used in applications where moderate corrosion resistance is required. Usually, yellow brass is confused with golden brass which is different than yellow brass and both are not same.

Difference Between Red and Yellow Brass

It is important to understand the difference between two alloys in different aspects such as chemical compositional change, corrosion resistance, strength, durability, surface finish and applications.

For reinforcement of difference between yellow and red brass, please check the link below;

Red Brass vs Yellow Brass Chemical composition

Chemical composition of red and yellow brass is given in following tables;

Yellow brass composition

Common alloys of yellow brass are C26,000 cartridge, C27,000, C27,200, C27,400 and C69,300.

Red brass composition

Common alloys of red brass are C836/C83600 leaded red brass, C23000 etc.

Red Brass vs Yellow Brass Corrosion Resistance

Corrosion resistance depends on factors such as chemical composition and environment. Copper is the hero element in brass which improves corrosion resistance. As, red brass has higher copper content so it provides superior corrosion resistance in comparison with yellow brass. Passive layer is formed on the surface which protect it from the environmental factors. Furthermore, yellow brass has high zinc content is more prone to dezincification in the presence of acids, alkaline substance and salts. Dezincification is the leaching out of Zn from the brass by leaving the porous material behind.

Red Brass vs Yellow Brass Strength and Durability

Strength of the red brass and yellow brass is 580 MPa and 315 MPa, respectively. Yellow brass has lower strength and durability than red brass. While considering the strength of the material. Number of factors such as composition, heat treatment, grain size, processing on the specific material is very important so expert opinion is very important in that regards. For proper guidance a consultant please contact, China Tuofa.

Red Brass vs Yellow Brass Mechanical Properties

Mechanical properties of both alloys are given in following table.

Red Brass vs Yellow Brass Appearance

Appearance of both alloys depends on the chemical composition and required surface finish. Both alloys are available in bright lustrous and as well as matt or muted tones.

What does yellow brass look like

Yellow brass is yellowish or golden in color.

What does red brass look like

It has reddish brown color.

Red Brass vs Yellow Brass Surface Finish

Red and yellow brass are available in number of surface finishes. As per requirement, different finished looks are;

1. Polished: mechanical polishing or chemical treatment is carried out to get polished and lustrous look.
2. Satin: It is a matted or muted look with low gloss.
3. Brushed: Textured surface due to elongated grains or using the mechanical abrasion for linear or circular pattern on the surface.
4. Textured: Hammering and stamping is used to achieve textured surface.
5. Antiqued or Aged: Oxidation phenomena is used to age the component to achieve aged look.

What is Red Brass Used For

Red and yellow brass possess their own significance as per applications.

Plumbing fixtures

Plumbing fixtures such as red brass faucets, red brass valves, red brass pipes for transportation of water, air or oil are used at residential, commercial and industrial level due to good corrosion resistance and durability.

Musical instruments

Red brass is considered to be the most suitable material for making musical instruments such as bells and pipes, with excellent resonance and tone characteristics, The common ones are red brass saxophone, red brass trumpet, and other red brass instruments.

Decorative hardware

As red brass provides an aesthetically appealing look due to its color and is used in architectural applications such as red brass door dandles, red brass hinges, red brass locks, and red brass switchboards.

What is Yellow Brass Used For

Electrical connectors

Yellow brass bus bars, yellow brass connectors and other electrical applications, with good electrical conductivity and remarkable corrosion resistance.

Plumbing fittings

With good corrosion resistance and easy manufacturing and processing, At CNC machining service is used in the manufacture of yellow brass valves, yellow brass connectors, and yellow brass adapters, and plays a vital role in yellow brass pipe fittings.

Ornamental applications

Yellow brass Brass is light yellow or golden yellow in color and has good corrosion resistance. Used for jewelry decoration will be durable and beautiful. Yellow brass bracelets, yellow brass anklets, yellow brass chokers are alternatives to jewelry components.

Red Brass vs Yellow Brass More Valuable

Red brass is more valuable than yellow brass due to higher content of copper in it.

Yellow Brass vs Red Brass Chart

Comparison chart of red and yellow brass is given below:

Which is Better Yellow or Red Brass

Red brass possesses better corrosion resistance and mechanical properties. It also has better thermal and electrical conductivity in comparison with yellow brass. But, keep in mind that decision of the material will be taken by keeping the application and required properties in mind.

How to tell yellow brass or red brass

As name suggests that both brasses have distinguished colors, yellow and red. Also red brass is slightly denser as compared to yellow brass. For further understanding click the link.

Brass sheet and brass pipe

Brass sheets are available in different thickness and is used in architectural components, automotive, cladding, aerospace components and roofing. Also, brass pipes are used in multiple applications such as heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems (HVAC) and fluid transportation. Pipes with various diameters are available in market.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Red brass offers high tensile strength and hardness as compared to yellow brass. While, yellow brass is more ductile and easy fabrication. Yellow brass possesses lower corrosion resistance as compared to red brass. Yellow brass is more prone to dezincification in the presence of particular acids and salts. Yellow brass is more affordable due to low copper content and higher zinc content in comparison with red brass. Thermal and electrical conductivity of red brass is superior to yellow brass.  

Machinability of red brass and yellow brass

Red and yellow brasses offer good machinability during different basic machining processes such as drilling, turning, milling and tapping. In comparative study, red brass is slightly superior to yellow brass in machinability due to high copper and low zinc content. If you would like to learn more about brass machining services, please contact the engineering experts at China Tuofa.

Why Choose Tuofa for Custom Brass Parts

Selection of material will be bit tricky if understanding of the material properties is not at expert level. Yellow brass is more affordable and easier to fabricate as compared to the red brass. On the other hand, red brass has superior mechanical properties and better thermal and electrical conductivity. Both alloys, exhibit their own advantages and disadvantages. It is important to take expert advice before finalizing selection of material which would save finances, time and other resources such as fabrication and manpower cost. In that regard, China Tuofa offer its expertise and consultation. Please contact us and here is our website link: tuofa-cncmachining.com

Requesting a quotation now to contact info@tuofa-cncmachining.com

FAQs

Red brass for drinking water?

Red brass would be used for drinking water as it exhibits good corrosion resistance and antimicrobial properties. Also, it is durable. Moreover, relevant industrial standards should be complied.

Can you weld red or yellow brass

Yes, both alloys can be welded using Gas tungsten arc welding. Certain parameters, such as heat control, filler metal, cleaning of surface and pre-and-post heating should be considered critically for welding of red and yellow brass.

Environmental impact of red brass and yellow brass production

Extraction of copper involves mining activity which might cause habitat destruction or soil erosion. Also, energy extensive processes such as smelting, refining and fabrication processes are involved along with the extensive usage of water during the processing after heat treatment. One positive aspect is that it is recyclable.