When working on a construction project, it’s important to choose the right materials for the job. That’s why the experts at Mid Pacific Steel, in Honolulu, HI, encourage their clients to learn the difference between copper and brass. Both these metals are useful, but they serve unique purposes, and selecting the right one is easier when you understand their differences.

Below, they share some information to help tell the two apart:

Copper

Copper, like many metals, is available in a variety of different grades, including unalloyed grades. It’s resistant to corrosion, making it a useful material for pipes and other items regularly exposed to water. It’s commonly used in the manufacturing of wires because it’s a reliable conductor of electricity. It’s versatile because it can be welded and polished, allowing you to alter its shape and appearance to fit your needs.

Brass

Brass is primarily an alloy. Technically, it’s copper with zinc added to it. The amount of zinc plays a major role in determining the shape, color and other physical qualities of the brass. Unlike copper, which is used in many practical construction applications, brass serves a much more decorative purpose. It’s also a popular material in the manufacturing of many everyday items, including door handles, jewelry and zippers.

Their Differences

The primary difference between the two is simple: copper is a durable material used in manufacturing the essential components of a structure; brass, while not quite as strong, is a more practical option for items that are either decorative or unlikely to suffer major damage.

To learn more about the differences between these two metals, get in touch with the experts at Mid Pacific Steel, offering steel sales and related metal services to clients in all of Oahu, HI. For more information, call (808) 839-0606, or send them an email.