Have you decided that you need brass to complete your design project? Is this material required for manufacturing your company’s products? Not sure what type of brass to buy when you place the next order. A 360 brass bar could be the right choice, but only under certain circumstances.
Understanding Brass
Brass is a highly decorative, highly useful metal that has an incredible variety of applications. Creating by blending copper and zinc, this material is very durable, attractive and can be shaped into just about any design imaginable. Brass, however, does come in different grades, meant to serve very different purposes. What works for crafting brass tubing that might serve decorative purposes just might not be the right grade for nautical use or to shape into a musical instrument with exceptional acoustical qualities.
When a 360 Brass Bar Makes Sense
Brass classified as “360” is also known as “free machining brass.” It has a machinability rating of 100, which means it delivers superior characteristics in a number of high-speed machining applications. This type of brass is easy to cut, easy to shape and is very easy to solder. It is, however, not necessarily the best choice for use when exposure to the elements is a concern. Naval grade brass would be the superior selection here. A 360 grade brass might also not be the best choice for use when the finished product is meant to be formed.
A 360 brass bar is an excellent choice, however, for such applications as:
- Building hardware
- Creating lock bodies
- Manufacturing faucet components
- For use in architectural designs and interior design schemes
- For use in artistic projects and other pursuits where flexibility and appearances matter.
Ordering Brass
Brass bars, rods and coils can be picked up in a number of locations, but one of the best options is to order directly from a manufacturer or supplier. The reason for this is simple: when you go to the source you can count on quality and you may even be able to customize your order to fit your specific needs.
Manufacturers and direct suppliers often have a variety of 360 brass bar products available for immediate delivery in varying weights. The options may include square, flat or round bars and even large diameter billets.
