Brass vs Bronze vs Muntz Metal
Brass, bronze, and Muntz metal are all metallic alloys commonly used in the design community for entrances, revolving doors, and storefronts. All incorporate copper into their composition. Although very similar, these metals have specific features that you should consider when making a selection. The following information will compare some of the defining and unique characteristics of the two.
Types
Brass
Naval Brass, Alpha Brass, Alpha-Beta Brass, Beta Brass, Gamma Brass, White Brass
Bronze
Commercial Bronze, Silicon Bronze, Phosphor Bronze, Aluminum Bronze, Manganese Bronze, Bearing Bronze, Copper-Nickel
Muntz Metal
Admiralty Metal
Colors
Brass
Muted yellow - similar to gold.
Bronze
Reddish-brown
Muntz Metal
Reddish-yellow naturally -turning red-brown or gray-brown when weathered
Uses
Brass
Doorknobs, door handles, musical instruments, valves, gears, zippers, plumbing, electronics
Bronze
Doors, sculptures, submerged bearings, boat fittings, clips, propellers, bells & cymbals
Muntz Metal
Architectural applications, decorative panels, trim work
Composition
Dawson fabricates brass entrances from commercially available sheet products. The most common are:
Naval Brass (ASTM B21), #464 Naval Brass
Nominally composed of 60% copper, 40% zinc, and a trace of tin
Commercial Bronze (90/10), #220 Commercial Bronze
Nominally composed of 90% copper and 10% zinc
280 Muntz Metal
60% copper, 40% zinc, and a trace of iron,
Benefits
Brass
• higher malleability than bronze
• joining, plating, polishing, and finishing characteristics
• easily machined
Bronze
• tough and durable
• resistant to corrosion
• resistant to metal fatigueMuntz Metal
• resistant to corrosion
• less expensive than brass
Disadvantages
Brass
• typically susceptible to corrosion (except naval brass)
• subject to stress cracking
• requires a good deal of maintenanceBronze
• generally softer and weaker
• more expensiveMuntz Metal
no known disadvantages