Brass: A Scrap Metal Collector's Guide
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JUN 15, 2022

Brass: A Scrap Metal Collector's Guide

Brass, also known as yellow brass, is the common name for a group of alloys comprising mainly copper and zinc. Depending on the exact ratio of these two components, brass is assigned a different type designation based on color. For example, red brass is made from an alloy containing more than 60% zinc, whereas white brass includes a 60/40 blend of copper and zinc. In addition to coloring, other differences between brass types have hardness, tensile strength, corrosion resistance, and thermal stability. RCM Recycling is here for you and your scrap metal recycling needs.

The Value of Brass

Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc. It is a hard metal that can be polished to a high luster. There are many types of brass, each with different properties. Brass has been used in coins since the time of the Roman Empire, and this was because it was relatively resilient against corrosion and easy to work with. Today, brass is commonly used in plumbing and other areas where durability and protection are required.

Brass is often recycled into new products because it is easy to melt down and reshape into new shapes. This means it has a high scrap value when you sell it back to a scrap yard or recycling center. The price will vary depending on the brass you have and how much of it there is at your location.

The copper content in brass makes it more valuable than zinc alone. However, the value of brass can vary depending on its source and the type of brass you're collecting.

Brass originating from car radiators and faucets is often more valuable than other types because it contains more copper content than different types of brass. This means that it has a higher melting point and will produce more income when sold at a scrap yard. Other types of brass may contain so much zinc that they aren't worth selling!

Red Brass

Red brass is an alloy of copper and zinc, with small amounts of other metals such as tin and lead. It is harder than copper but not as strong as bronze (an alloy of copper and tin).

Red brass is commonly used for making musical instruments like trumpets, horns, and trombones.

White Brass

White brass is a type of brass that is made from alloying zinc with copper. It is sometimes called "Dutch metal" or "German silver." White brass is the most common type used for jewelry making and making small parts for musical instruments such as cymbals and bells.

The color of white brass comes from the zinc that is added to the copper. If you want to create your white brass, you can make it by adding about 2% zinc to your copper, giving it a whitish color, and strengthening it so it will not tarnish easily.

Yellow Brass

Yellow brass is an alloy made of copper and zinc with small amounts of lead or tin added to the mix to make it harder than red or white brass. It has good mechanical properties and can easily be machined into intricate shapes.

Yellow brass is often used for making valves for cars because it is resistant to corrosion from engine oil vapors and does not require plating with nickel or chrome for protection against corrosion like stainless steel does.

How Do You Know If Your Brass Is Worth Anything?

Civilizations have used brass throughout the world for thousands of years. It is one of the earliest metals to be used historically, dating back over 6,000 years. In modern times, brass is most commonly used in statues and fountains. To this day, it still retains its popularity as a metal used in architecture. Brass can be melted down and reused, so even if the scrap brass items have been worn and damaged over time, they still have value.

When you are ready to start recycling brass items or scrap metal, consider reaching out to a scrap metal company. RCM Recycling can help with all your brass recycling questions, especially - is your brass worth anything?