mineral / Metallic / Alloy

Brass Hardware/Fittings, various configurations (Specified by product dimensions)

Copper-zinc alloy (typically 60-70% Cu, 30-40% Zn) offering excellent machinability, antimicrobial properties, and corrosion resistance for architectural and plumbing hardware applications

Atlas code
MIN-MET-ALY-001
brasscopper-alloyantimicrobialarchitecturalplumbingmarineDZR
Brass Hardware/Fittings, various configurations (Specified by product dimensions)
At-a-glance signals

Copper-zinc alloy (typically 60-70% Cu, 30-40% Zn) offering excellent machinability, antimicrobial properties, and corrosion resistance for architectural and plumbing hardware applications

Overview
Executive summary

Brass is a substitutional alloy of copper and zinc, extensively used in Australian construction for hardware, fittings, and architectural applications. Available in various grades including free-machining brass (C360/C385), dezincification-resistant brass (C352), and architectural brass (C260/70-30), each optimised for specific applications. The material combines aesthetic appeal with functional properties including natural antimicrobial action, good strength-to-weight ratio, and excellent formability. Australian specifications typically require compliance with AS 2345 for dezincification resistance in water contact applications.

Best when…
  • Excellent antimicrobial properties (EPA registered)
  • Superior machinability (100 rating for C360)
  • Good corrosion resistance in atmospheric conditions
  • Aesthetically appealing golden colour
  • Non-ferromagnetic for easy recycling
  • High electrical and thermal conductivity
  • Good strength with maintained ductility
  • Excellent cold forming properties
  • 90%+ recyclability without property degradation
  • Lower cost than bronze alternatives
Top advantages
  1. 01 Excellent antimicrobial properties (EPA registered)
  2. 02 Superior machinability (100 rating for C360)
  3. 03 Good corrosion resistance in atmospheric conditions
  4. 04 Aesthetically appealing golden colour
  5. 05 Non-ferromagnetic for easy recycling
Top limitations
  1. 01 Susceptible to dezincification in marine environments
  2. 02 Stress corrosion cracking risk with ammonia exposure
  3. 03 Tarnishing requires regular maintenance
  4. 04 Lead content concerns in older alloys
  5. 05 Lower strength than steel alternatives
Technical
Physical ·9
Density
8470 kg/m³
Specific gravity
8.47
Porosity
0 %
Water absorption
0 %
Hardness
80
UV resistance
Excellent // develops protective patina
Chemical resistance
Good // except ammonia, mercury
pH tolerance
5.5-8.5
Surface roughness
0.8 µm
Mechanical ·7
Tensile strength
470 MPa
Compressive strength
400 MPa
Flexural strength
350 MPa
Shear strength
260 MPa
Poisson's ratio
0.31
Impact resistance
45
Creep resistance
Moderate // limited at elevated temperatures
Sustainability & Health
Embodied carbon & energy ·7
Embodied carbon
2.5
Carbon footprint
3.8
Embodied energy
45 MJ/kg
Water footprint
85 L/kg
Recycled content
70 %
Renewable content
0 %
Circular score
8.5
Compliance & Fire
Fire performance ·5
Combustibility class
A1 // EN 13501-1
Fire resistance level
Non-combustible // AS 1530.1
Flame spread index
0
Smoke dev. index
0
Heat release rate
0
Cost & Lifecycle
Capex & lead time ·6
Material cost (range)
12-25 // AUD/kg
Material cost (per unit)
18
Lead time
1-3 weeks // standard items
Lifecycle cost
450
Annual maintenance
50
Market availability
Excellent // readily available
Service life & durability ·3
Expected lifespan
50
Maintenance interval
12
Warranty period
10
Layer D

Where it's used

Door hardware and architectural fittings
Plumbing fixtures and valves (AS/NZS 3500 compliant)
Marine hardware (DZR grades)
Electrical terminals and connectors
Fasteners and threaded components
Healthcare antimicrobial touch surfaces
Decorative architectural elements
Lock cylinders and security hardware
Window and cabinet hardware
Industrial valve components
MIN-MET-ALY-001 · Materials Atlas · CLAD Atlas data is reference-only. Verify against manufacturer specifications and current standards before specifying.