| Analysis | Mechanical_Properties | Applications | Machineability_and_Weldability | Heat_Treating | Tolerances | Speedy Metals items |
Brass tube a free machining brass, is produced from a combination of copper and zinc, has the highest machinability of all copper alloys, and is the standard against which all the others are compared to. Brass tube, known for i’s strength and resistance to corrosion with properties closely resembling that of steel, is one of the most popular copper alloys used today. Brass tube can be precision machined easily. Although ductile in its softened state, brass tube is a strong material to work with and maintains its strength even under some of the most demanding conditions. Brass tube forms a thin protective "patina", which, unlike steel and iron, will not rust when exposed to the atmosphere. Brass tube is also valued for its high polished finish.
Conforms to ASTM B135 (alloy 260 & 330), AMS 4555B, MIL-T-6945 Comp II & Comp III
* 360=100%
Brass tube has a wide range of applications, such as support sleeves, couplings, bushings, connectors, fittings, circuit board relays, electronic components, switches, valve stems and valve components, pump shafts, brackets, frames, fixtures, ornamental works, decorative rods, hand and foot rails, stemware and racks, cabinet hardware, decorative structurals and supports and used extensively in the musical instrument, electrical equipment, plumbing, central heating, seawater lines and desalination fields
Brass tube is the highest rated (100%) of the copper alloys and is the standard in which all other copper alloys are compared. Brass tube has just fair hot forming capabilities and very poor cold forming characteristics. Welding is not recommended, although Brass tube has low to fair soldering and brazing capabilities. Brass tube has poor butt-welding characteristics.
FORGING
The recommended hot working temperature for Brass tube is 1300°-1450°F.
ANNEALING
The annealing temperature of Brass tube is 800°-1100°F.
Most brass tube conforms to dimensional tolerances as per ASTM B251, as outlined below.
Wall thickness tolerances for brass tubes - maximum deviation at any point. The following tolerances are plus and minus (+/-) from nominal.
| Wall Tolerance |
Outside Diameter |
||||
| Wall Thickness | Over 1/32 to 1/8" incl (+/-") | Over 1/8 to 5/8" incl (+/-") | Over 5/8 to 1" incl (+/-") | Over 1 to 2" incl (+/-") | Over 2 to 4" incl (+/-") |
| up to 0.017 incl | .002 | 0.001 | 0.002 | 0.002 | 0.002 |
| over 0.017 to 0.024 incl | .003 | 0.0025 | 0.003 | 0.003 | 0.003 |
| over 0.024 to 0.034 incl | .003 | 0.0035 | 0.004 | 0.004 | 0.004 |
| over 0.034 to 0.057 incl | 0.005 | 0.006 | 0.006 | 0.006 | |
| over 0.057 to 0.082 incl | 0.009 | 0.008 | 0.008 | 0.01 | |
| over 0.082 to 0.119 incl | 0.012 | 0.0125 | 0.01 | 0.0125 | |
Diameter Tolerance
| Specified O.D. | Tolerance(+/-") |
| up to 1/8" incl | 0.0020 |
| over 1/8 to 5/8" incl | 0.0020 |
| over 5/8 to 1" incl | 0.0025 |
| over 1 to 2" incl | 0.0030 |
| over 2 to 3" incl | 0.0040 |
| over 3 to 4" incl | 0.0050 |
| over 4 to 5" incl | 0.006 |