Brass is a metal alloy that is made from copper and zinc. Depending on the ratios of zinc and copper, brasses with varying properties are created. Brass is used for decorative purposes, for low-friction applications such as locks, ammunition and valves, for plumbing and electrical components and for musical instruments.

Brass is similar in color to gold, having a muted yellow tone. Because of it's resistance to tarnish, brass is used for decorative purposes as well as for coins. In your search for brass suppliers consider the following:

1. Find brass sheeting, plates and rods from brass vendors

2. Have a brass alloy custom mixed for specific needs

3. Purchase brass rods from rod distributors

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Purchase brass from brass vendors

When you are in need of standard forms of brass, working with a brass supplier will be sufficient to fulfill your brass needs. Many suppliers are able to cut bronze sheeting and plates to a specific size.

I recommend: Strategic Aerospace Materials is a brass supplier that carries differing grades of industrial brass. SAM sells brass in the form of coils, sheets, ribbons, as well as several other options. National Bronze and Metals is another industrial brass supplier that offers brass in several forms and grades.

Work with industrial brass producers when you require a custom alloy

Working directly with an alloy manufacturer allows for businesses to have a brass alloy created according to exact specifications. Brass producers generally allow for the alloy to be created into specific shapes and forms.

I recommend: All Metals & Forge is a metals service center that can custom melt to create the brass alloy that is specific to your needs. Order custom alloys in weight increments from 250 to 25,000 pounds. Belmont Metals is another alloy manufacturer that specializes in unusual, prototype, or customer specific alloys. Belmont metals takes orders for any size lot, large or small.

Buy brass rods from online distributors

Purchasing brass rods from a distributor that specializes in rods can save you money. Rod distributors will carry standard brass rods in varying shapes and sizes. Take advantage of distributors that offer free shipping as this will save a significant amount of money.

I recommend: Cerro Metal is a brass rod distributor. Cerro Metal has brass material for sale in the standard rod shapes such as hex, round and rectangular. They also allow for custom shapes. Quick Ship Metals is an online distributor that has rods made of brass for sale. QSM offers free shipping on all orders.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Have brass lacquered when it will be used outside to increase the amount of time that the brass will remain tarnish resistant. Lacquered brass will remain tarnish free indefinitely when it is used indoors.