Components of brass

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Brass is an alloy made primarily of copper and zinc, with small amounts of other metals such as lead or tin added for specific properties. The composition of brass can vary depending on the intended use, but the most common components of brass include:

1. Copper (Cu): The primary component of brass, typically making up about 60-70% of the alloy. Copper provides strength and durability to brass.

2. Zinc (Zn): The second most abundant component in brass, typically making up about 30-40% of the alloy. Zinc helps to improve the hardness and machinability of brass.

3. Other metals: Small amounts of other metals such as lead or tin may be added to brass to enhance specific properties. For example, lead can improve the machinability of brass, while tin can improve its corrosion resistance.

4. Impurities: Trace amounts of other elements may be present in brass as impurities, depending on the source of the raw materials. These impurities can affect the properties of the brass alloy but are typically present in small quantities.