Heat Treating of Brasses

Brasses are copper alloys with zinc as the principal alloying element. This article provides information on the chemical compositions and mechanical properties of the three types of brasses: alpha, duplex and beta. It briefly discusses the Unified Numbering System designations, compositions, and classifications of wrought brasses and cast brasses. The article provides a discussion on annealing, recrystallization, and grain growth of wrought brasses. Stress relief of wrought brasses, which is typically conducted below the annealing temperatures, is also briefly described.