Difference Between Bronze, Brass and Copper
Bronze, brass, and copper can be difficult to tell apart if you don’t know what factors to look for. However, if you have an understanding of the different materials, it can actually be simple to tell the difference between them when items are placed in front of you.
Explore the printed information below to discover what each material is, how to spot differences, and some items that are made out of each. Knowing the difference between brass, bronze, and copper won’t just expand your trivia knowledge; it could save you from damaging your precious items and important hardware with improper care.Bronze Brass Copper
Difference Between Bronze, Brass and Copper
Color
Copper, brass, and bronze all have a slightly different color and sheen to them. Copper has a brown, somewhat rustic finish. Brass has a lighter finish with a bright sheen, comparable to the look of gold. Bronze has a much darker finish and does not have much of a sheen.
Alloys
Copper is true in itself. Copper is pure and is not made of any alloys. Brass is mixture of copper and zinc. By varying the levels of copper used, you can create different types of brass material. Bronze is a mixture of copper and tin. Copper is the main used component in bronze, and when this mixture is altered, it can create different types of bronze.
Magnetic
When looking and testing materials to determine which is which, you may be able to use a heavy duty magnet. Because copper and bronze are not magnetic with even the strongest of magnets, you can narrow down your options. Keep in mind that while brass is magnetic, it is very slight. If you take a very heavy duty magnet and hold it close to a brass object, chances are the object will attract to the magnet. If your magnet is strong enough, you’ll at least be able to tell if your item is brass or not.
Durability
Copper is a durable but flexible material. In it’s purest form, copper is hard to crack or break, but you can bend and stretch it to change its shape. Bronze is tough and durable as well, but it is not easily flexed. It does withstand water, which in turn makes it resistant to corrosion. Although brass is strong, it is not as durable as copper or bronze. Brass is susceptible to corrosion and cracking, and it is not flexible at all.
Uses
Copper is used for many things. Most commonly you’ll see copper in the makeup of wiring and plumbing materials because it is a great conductor. Copper has been used for years in different types of construction because of its durability, flexibility and conduction capability. Brass is used in many of our household accessories, such as locks, doorknobs, gears, etc. You will also see brass present and some electrical and plumbing materials as well. Bronze is used in many ship and boat parts and gears. This is because, as stated before, bronze will withstand water, so it can stand up to just about anything.
Brass Bar Plate
Brass Bar Plate, Brass Rectangular Sheet Rod, Rectangle Brass Bar, Brass Plate Sheeting, Brass Flat Rectangular Bar, Rectangular Brass Plates, brass sheet plate tube, Brass Rectangle Bars, Copper Brass Plate China Factory Brass Bar Plate Feature: Standard ASTM B301 B150 B151 B187 JIS 3250 DIN EN12168 Size 3-800mm Length:1-6m Grade Copper:C11000 C10200 C1100 C1220 T2 […]
Brass Rectangular Rod
Brass Rectangular Rod, Rectangle Brass Bar, Brass Plate, Brass Flat Rectangular Bar, Rectangular Brass Plates, brass sheet plate tube, Brass Rectangle Bars, Copper Brass bar plate China Factory Brass Rectangular Rod Feature: Standard ASTM B301 B150 B151 B187 JIS 3250 DIN EN12168 Size 3-800mm Length:1-6m Grade Copper:C11000 C10200 C1100 C1220 T2 CU-OF CU-SF Brass:C28000 C27400 […]
Rectangle Brass Bar
Rectangle Brass Bar, Brass Plate, Brass Flat Rectangular Bar, Rectangular Brass Plates, brass sheet plate tube, Brass Rectangle Bars, Copper Brass bar plate China Factory Rectangle Brass Bar Feature: Standard ASTM B301 B150 B151 B187 JIS 3250 DIN EN12168 Size 3-800mm Length:1-6m Grade Copper:C11000 C10200 C1100 C1220 T2 CU-OF CU-SF Brass:C28000 C27400 C27000 C26000 C24000 […]
Brass Bronze Flat Bar
Brass Bronze Flat Bar, Brass Flat Rectangular Bar, Rectangular Brass Plates, brass plate sheet brass tube for industrial and decorative applications, Brass Rectangular Bars, Copper Brass sheet plate China Supplier Brass Bronze Flat Bar Feature: Standard ASTM B301 B150 B151 B187 JIS 3250 DIN EN12168 Size 3-800mm Length:1-6m Grade Copper:C11000 C10200 C1100 C1220 T2 CU-OF […]
