Brass Wire is manufactured from copper–zinc alloys and offers an excellent combination of strength, ductility, corrosion resistance, and electrical conductivity. Its bright golden appearance makes it suitable for both industrial and decorative applications.
Brass wire is widely used across electrical, mechanical, construction, and consumer goods industries due to its durability, workability, and attractive surface finish.
Brass Alloy Families
Alpha brass (≤ 35% Zn) – soft and highly ductile
Alpha–beta brass (35–40% Zn) – stronger and harder
Special brasses – alloyed with Pb, Sn, Al, or Mn for specific performance
Typical Chemical Composition
| Element | Typical % |
|---|---|
| Copper (Cu) | 63 – 70 |
| Zinc (Zn) | 30 – 37 |
| Lead (Pb) | 0 – 0.3 (optional) |
| Other Elements | Trace |
Common grades include C260 (Cartridge Brass), C268, C270, Naval Brass (C464), and free-machining brass wire grades.
Physical Properties
| Property | Typical Value |
|---|---|
| Density | 8.4 – 8.6 g/cm³ |
| Melting Range | 880 – 940 °C |
| Electrical Conductivity | 20 – 30% IACS |
| Thermal Conductivity | 110 – 130 W/m·K |
| Thermal Expansion | 19 – 21 µm/m·°C |
| Magnetic Behavior | Non-magnetic |
| Color | Yellow-gold to reddish-gold |
Mechanical Properties (By Temper)
| Property | Annealed | Half-Hard | Hard |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | 300 – 400 MPa | 450 – 600 MPa | 650 – 850 MPa |
| Yield Strength | 120 – 200 MPa | 300 – 450 MPa | 500+ MPa |
| Elongation | 40 – 60% | 15 – 25% | 2 – 8% |
| Hardness (HV) | 80 – 100 | 120 – 160 | 180 – 230 |
Strengthening & Metallurgical Behavior
✔ Strength primarily achieved through cold drawing
✔ Zinc provides solid-solution strengthening
✔ Alpha brass prioritizes ductility over strength
✔ Not heat-treat hardenable
✔ Annealing restores ductility and refines grain structure
Available Forms & Sizes
Round, flat, square, and shaped wires
Braided wire and mesh wire
Supplied in coils, spools, or cut lengths
Diameter range: 0.05 mm (ultra-fine) to 12 mm+
Tempers: Annealed, quarter-hard, half-hard, hard, spring hard
Applications
Electrical terminals, connectors, and EMI shielding
Springs, fasteners, lock pins, and safety wire
Wire mesh, screens, and filtration media
Jewelry, craft wire, musical instrument strings
Zippers, decorative hardware, and marine fittings
Advantages
✔ High formability and adjustable strength
✔ Corrosion resistance without coating
✔ Attractive appearance and polishability
✔ Non-magnetic and non-sparking
✔ Cost-effective alternative to copper
Why Choose Brass Wire?
Brass wire is selected when controlled ductility, customizable strength, moderate electrical conductivity, and corrosion resistance are required.
Its strength can be precisely tuned through cold drawing, making it ideal for precision wire applications without altering alloy chemistry.