Brass Castings
Brass castings combine good corrosion resistance, machinability and appearance, making them ideal for plumbing fittings, valves, marine hardware and decorative parts. They are produced by sand, gravity die, pressure die or lost-wax casting.
What it is
Brass is a copper-zinc alloy; casting brasses (for example CuZn39Pb1, LG-type, DZR brass) are formulated for fluidity and machinability. Dezincification-resistant (DZR) brass is used where water chemistry could leach zinc.
Castings are finish machined and can be polished, nickel plated or chrome plated for appearance.
Typical applications
- Plumbing fittings and valves
- Gas and water meter bodies
- Marine and door hardware
- Electrical fittings
- Decorative components
Suitable materials
- Leaded casting brass
- DZR (dezincification-resistant) brass
- High-tensile brass (manganese bronze)
- Low-lead brass for drinking water
Points to consider
- Use DZR or low-lead brass for drinking-water applications where required.
- Leaded brasses machine best but lead content may be restricted.
- Decorative parts need defect-free surfaces; state cosmetic faces.
- Gravity die casting suits medium volumes of fittings.
Frequently asked questions
What is DZR brass?
Dezincification-resistant brass, formulated so zinc isn't leached out by aggressive water, used in plumbing fittings.
Can brass castings be chrome plated?
Yes. Polished brass castings plate well with nickel and chrome for decorative finishes.
Is brass good for valves?
Yes. Brass casts well, machines easily and resists corrosion, making it standard for small valves and fittings.