White Brass is a high-zinc brass alloy distinguished by its bright, silvery-white appearance and enhanced strength. It typically contains more than 50% zinc, often combined with copper and small additions of nickel, tin, or lead to improve durability and machinability.
Due to its attractive light color, cost-effectiveness, and balanced mechanical performance, white brass is widely used in decorative components, precision castings, plumbing hardware, and light industrial applications.
Typical Chemical Composition
| Element | Typical % | Metallurgical Role |
|---|---|---|
| Copper (Cu) | 50 – 60 | Base metal, ductility |
| Zinc (Zn) | 40 – 50 | Strength, hardness, white color |
| Nickel (Ni) | 0 – 5 | Whiteness, corrosion resistance |
| Tin (Sn) | 0 – 2 | Corrosion resistance |
| Lead (Pb) | 0 – 2 | Machinability |
| Iron / Manganese | Trace | Grain refinement |
Key Insight: Higher zinc content produces a whiter color and higher strength, but reduces ductility compared to alpha brasses.
Physical Properties
| Property | Typical Range |
|---|---|
| Density | 8.2 – 8.5 g/cm³ |
| Melting Range | 880 – 930 °C |
| Electrical Conductivity | 10 – 20% IACS |
| Thermal Conductivity | 90 – 110 W/m·K |
| Thermal Expansion | 19 – 21 µm/m·°C |
| Magnetic Behavior | Non-magnetic |
| Appearance | Silvery-white / pale gold |
Mechanical Properties
| Property | Typical Range |
|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | 350 – 650 MPa |
| Yield Strength | 180 – 450 MPa |
| Elongation | 5 – 25% |
| Hardness | 100 – 220 HB |
| Elastic Modulus | ~100 GPa |
| Wear Resistance | Good |
White brass is stronger than cartridge brass but offers lower ductility.
Strengthening & Metallurgical Behavior
✔ Predominantly beta-phase brass for higher strength
✔ Solid-solution strengthening from zinc and nickel
✔ Beta-phase increases hardness and wear resistance
✔ Cold working increases strength with limited formability
✔ Not precipitation hardenable
Key Characteristics
✔ Distinct silvery-white appearance
✔ Higher strength than yellow brass
✔ Good wear resistance
✔ Non-magnetic
✔ Good machinability (lead-modified grades)
✔ Cost-effective alternative to nickel silver
Limitations:
Lower ductility than alpha brasses
Not suitable for deep drawing
Moderate corrosion resistance (below naval and red brass)
Refining & Processing Properties
Produced using high-purity copper, controlled high-zinc additions, optional nickel or tin alloying, and careful temperature control to minimize zinc loss during melting.
| Process | Performance |
|---|---|
| Hot Working | Good |
| Cold Working | Limited |
| Machining | Good |
| Casting | Good |
| Stamping | Fair |
| Welding | Poor |
| Brazing / Soldering | Good |
| Plating | Excellent |
Available Forms
Sheets and strips
Rods and bars
Cast components
Decorative fittings
Precision machined parts
Hardware blanks
Applications
Decorative handles, hinges, door and furniture hardware
Electrical connectors, casings, and switch components
Industrial bushings, wear plates, and light-duty gears
Decorative plumbing and non-potable utility fittings
Advantages
✔ Attractive silver-like finish
✔ Higher strength than standard brass
✔ Good machinability
✔ Cost-effective alloy choice
✔ Wear resistant
✔ Easy surface finishing and plating
Why Choose White Brass?
Choose white brass when you need a silvery appearance without the cost of nickel silver, higher hardness and wear resistance, moderate corrosion resistance, and good machinability for decorative and functional components.
Material Selection Rule:
When appearance, strength,
and cost balance matter,
white brass is an excellent choice.
White Brass vs Similar Alloys
| Alloy | Appearance | Strength | Corrosion Resistance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yellow Brass | Yellow | Moderate | Good |
| White Brass | Silvery | High | Moderate |
| Nickel Silver | Bright silver | High | Excellent |
| Stainless Steel | Silver | Very High | Excellent |