MATERIAL DATA SHEET

Brass Hardware/Fittings, various configurations (Specified by product dimensions)

Alloy
mineral › Metallic › Alloy
brasscopper-alloyantimicrobialarchitecturalplumbingmarineDZRrecyclablenon-ferrousAS2345
ATLAS CODE
MIN-MET-ALY-001
Brass Hardware/Fittings, various configurations (Specified by product dimensions)
Category mineral
Material Family Metallic
Regulatory Status A1
Density
8470 kg/m³
Carbon (A1-A5)
2.5 kgCO₂e
Fire Class
A1
Lifespan
50 yrs
Description

Brass is a substitutional alloy of copper and zinc, extensively used in Australian construction for hardware, fittings, and architectural applications. Available in various grades including free-machining brass (C360/C385), dezincification-resistant brass (C352), and architectural brass (C260/70-30), each optimised for specific applications. The material combines aesthetic appeal with functional properties including natural antimicrobial action, good strength-to-weight ratio, and excellent formability. Australian specifications typically require compliance with AS 2345 for dezincification resistance in water contact applications.

Primary Sectors
[Healthcare][Industrial]
Typical Uses
  • Door hardware and architectural fittings
  • Plumbing fixtures and valves (AS/NZS 3500 compliant)
  • Marine hardware (DZR grades)
  • Electrical terminals and connectors
  • Fasteners and threaded components
  • Healthcare antimicrobial touch surfaces
  • Decorative architectural elements
  • Lock cylinders and security hardware
  • Window and cabinet hardware
  • Industrial valve components
Recycled Content 70
Renewable Content 0
Recyclability 90
Embodied Carbon 2.5 kgCO₂e
Embodied Energy 45 MJ/kg
EPD Available Yes
Advantages
Excellent antimicrobial properties (EPA registered)Superior machinability (100 rating for C360)Good corrosion resistance in atmospheric conditionsAesthetically appealing golden colourNon-ferromagnetic for easy recyclingHigh electrical and thermal conductivityGood strength with maintained ductilityExcellent cold forming properties90%+ recyclability without property degradationLower cost than bronze alternatives
Cautions
Susceptible to dezincification in marine environmentsStress corrosion cracking risk with ammonia exposureTarnishing requires regular maintenanceLead content concerns in older alloysLower strength than steel alternativesGalvanic corrosion risk with dissimilar metalsTemperature limitations for high-zinc alloysColour changes with heat exposureNot suitable for structural applicationsHigher cost than steel fittings
CLAD MATERIALS ATLAS PAGE 1 OF 4
TECHNICAL DATA: PERFORMANCE PROPERTIES MIN-MET-ALY-001
Density (Dry) 8470 kg/m³
Specific Gravity 8.47
Porosity 0 %
Water Absorption 0 %
Hardness 80
Surface Roughness 0.8 μm
UV Resistance Excellent
Chemical Resistance Good
pH Tolerance 5.5-8.5
Compressive Strength 400 MPa
Tensile Strength 470 MPa
Flexural Strength 350 MPa
Shear Strength 260 MPa
Elastic Modulus 110000 GPa
Yield Strength 360 MPa
Impact Resistance 45 J/m
Bearing Capacity 550 kN/m²
Poisson's Ratio 0.31
Creep Resistance Moderate
Abrasion Resistance Good
Thermal Conductivity 115 W/mK
Thermal Resistance 0.0087 m²K/W
Specific Heat Capacity 380 J/kgK
Thermal Expansion 20.5 μm/m·K
Melting Point 930 °C
Sound Transmission Class (STC) 35
Noise Reduction Coeff. (NRC) 0.02
Optical
Light Transmittance 0 %
Light Reflectance (LRV) 65 %
Solar Reflectance (SRI) 78

Brass has been used since ancient times, with early alloys produced by smelting copper with calamine (zinc ore). Industrial production began in the 18th century with direct zinc alloying. In Australia, brass became prominent in the late 1800s for marine and architectural applications. The development of dezincification-resistant alloys in the 1960s, incorporating arsenic inhibitors, revolutionised plumbing applications. Modern Australian standards (AS 2345) ensure fitness for purpose in our unique climate conditions. Recent EPA antimicrobial registration (2008) has renewed interest in brass for healthcare applications, particularly relevant post-COVID-19.

CLAD MATERIALS ATLAS PAGE 2 OF 4
SAFETY, ECOLOGY & INSTALLATION MIN-MET-ALY-001
Flame Spread Index 0
Smoke Developed Index 0
Combustibility Class A1
Fire Resistance Rating Non-combustible hours
Heat Release Rate 0 kW/m²
Toxicity of Combustion None
Embodied Carbon (A1-A3) 2.5 kgCO₂e/kg
Embodied Energy 45 MJ/kg
Water Footprint 85 L/kg
EPD Available Yes
Recycled Content 70%
Renewable Content 0%
LEED Points 2
Circular Economy Score 8.5 /100
VOC Emissions 0 g/L
Skill Level Intermediate
Crew Size 1
Installation Time 0.5 hr/m²
Curing Time 0 hours
Setting Time 0 min
Temperature Range -20 to 40 °C
Humidity Range 0-100 %
Required Tools
Standard hand toolsDrill with HSS bitsThread taps for brassTorque wrench for critical jointsPipe wrenches for plumbing
Certifications Required
Plumbing license (water applications)WaterMark certification (AS/NZS 3718)
Weather Limitations
No restrictions for installationAvoid galvanic coupling in marine environments
CLAD MATERIALS ATLAS PAGE 3 OF 4
COMMERCIAL, LOGISTICS & REGULATORY MIN-MET-ALY-001
Material Cost 12-25
Installation Cost 80-150
Annual Maintenance 50
Lifecycle Cost (50yr) 450
Market Availability Excellent
Lead Time 1-3 weeks weeks
Design Life 50 years
Warranty Period 10 years
Maintenance Interval 12 months
Service Temp Range -200 to 150 °C
Freeze/Thaw Resistance Excellent
Dimensional Stability Excellent
Certifications Held
WaterMark (AS/NZS 3718)AS 2345 Dezincification resistantEPA Antimicrobial Registration (US)ISO 14001 (manufacturer dependent)Lead-free compliance (NSF/ANSI 372)AS/NZS 4020 (drinking water contact)
Fire Code Compliance
AS 1530.1 Non-combustibleAS 1530.3 Class 0 spread of flame
Standards Compliance
NCC 2022 compliantBCA Volume One & TwoAS/NZS 3500 Plumbing CodeASTM B16 (Free-Cutting Brass Rod)ASTM B36 (Brass Plate & Sheet)ASTM B124 (Copper-Zinc Alloy Forgings)ISO 426-1 (Wrought copper-zinc alloys)ISO 6509 (Corrosion of metals)EN 12164 (Brass rod for machining)EN 1652 (Brass plate and sheet)

DISCLAIMER: This specification document is generated from the CLAD Materials Atlas Database. Information is for general guidance only and does not constitute professional engineering advice. Values are typical and may vary by batch, manufacturer, and production run. Verify suitability for specific project applications independently.

ID: MIN-MET-ALY-001 Schema: v3.0
CLAD MATERIALS ATLAS PAGE 4 OF 4