Atlas index
Form · Sizes pending
Metallic — indicative fig. M·101

Traditional brass architectural hardware and fittings for doors, windows, and decorative elements

01 Physical

Density 8470-8530kg/m3
Specific gravity 8.53
Porosity 0%
Water absorption 0%
Hardness 3-4Mohs
UV resistance Excellent
Chemical resistance Good (dry) / Fair (wet)
pH tolerance 6-9pH
Surface roughness 0.05-1.6um

02 Mechanical

Tensile strength 338-524MPa
Compressive strength 338-524MPa
Flexural strength 338-524MPa
Shear strength 200-250MPa
Poisson's ratio 0.375
Impact resistance 30-60J
Creep resistance Good

03 Thermal

Thermal conductivity 120W/mK
Specific heat 375J/kgK
Thermal expansion 0.020mm/m/degC

04 Compliance & Fire First question

Combustibility class A1 (Non-combustible)
Fire resistance level 30-120 (per AS 4145.2)minutes
Ignition temp N/A (non-combustible)degC
Flame spread index 0
Smoke dev. index 0
Heat release rate 0kW/m2

05 Sustainability & Health

Embodied carbon 3.0-5.0kg CO2-eq/kg
Carbon footprint N/A (per piece)kg CO2-eq/m2
Embodied energy 44-80MJ/kg
Water footprint 40-100L/kg
Recyclability 100%
Recycled content 50-70%
Renewable content 0%
Circular score 9.0/10
VOC emissions 0ug/m3
Toxicity rating Low (unleaded) / Moderate (leaded alloys)
LEED contribution 0-1points

06 Durability · Cost · Logistics

Expected lifespan 50-100+years
Maintenance interval 365-2555days
Warranty period 7-15years
Material cost (range) 250-800 per lever setAUD/m2
Material cost (per unit) 350 per setAUD/m2
Lead time 5-84days
Lifecycle cost N/A (per piece)AUD/m2
Annual maintenance 0-15 per piece/yearAUD/m2/year
Market availability Good

07 Assessment

Advantages

  • Inherent antimicrobial properties — EPA-registered, kills >99.9% bacteria within 2 hours
  • Warm golden colour with premium aesthetic appeal
  • Excellent machinability for precision components and complex shapes
  • Versatile finishing options (polished, satin, brushed, aged, PVD, plated)
  • 100% recyclable with high scrap value
  • Non-combustible — compliant with fire door hardware requirements (AS 4145.2)
  • Traditional material with strong association with quality and craftsmanship
  • Good corrosion resistance in dry atmospheric environments
  • Develops attractive patina if 'living finish' aesthetic is desired

Constraints

  • Susceptible to dezincification in moist/acidic environments (standard alloys)
  • Tarnishes rapidly if uncoated — requires lacquer, PVD, or regular polishing to maintain bright finish
  • Stress corrosion cracking risk in ammonia-containing environments
  • Leaded brasses (C36000) restricted under RoHS and drinking water regulations
  • Higher cost than zinc die-cast, aluminium, or stainless steel alternatives
  • Softer than stainless steel — shows wear and scratching in high-traffic applications
  • Heavy material adds weight to doors and cabinetry

08 Applications

A1 Door lever handles and hardware sets Solid brass lever handles, knob sets, and associated furniture (roses, escutcheons, backplates) for residential and commercial doors. Available in passage, privacy, entrance, and fire-rated configurations.
A2 Cabinet and joinery hardware Brass knobs, pulls, handles, and hinges for kitchen cabinets, bathroom vanities, wardrobes, and furniture. Key interior design element contributing to overall aesthetic.
A3 Antimicrobial touch surfaces Brass door handles, push plates, handrails, and grab rails specified for healthcare, aged care, childcare, and public buildings where antimicrobial surfaces reduce infection transmission.
A4 Heritage and restoration hardware Period-correct brass hardware reproductions for heritage building restoration. Includes Georgian, Victorian, Federation, and Art Deco styles with historically accurate profiles and finishes.
A5 Fire door hardware AS 4145.2 certified brass lever sets, hinges, and associated hardware for fire-rated doors. Must be tested and certified for fire resistance to maintain door rating.

09 Sources & Standards

Sources pending — citations for this material are not yet recorded. Verify all figures against manufacturer data and current standards before specifying.

MATERIALS ATLAS · CL·AD M·101 · data indicative — verify per project