Compare Composition, Properties and Applications – Learn Which Alloy Suits Your Project
Brass and bronze are two of the most widely used copper-based alloys in the world. You’ll find them in musical instruments, plumbing, sculpture, heavy machinery, and architecture.
Yet, despite their similarities, there are key differences between brass and bronze. These distinctions affect how and where each alloy is used.
If you’re choosing between the two – whether for manufacturing, recycling, or resale – this guide will help.
Whether you’re clearing out old fixtures or machinery, scrap metal in London can be turned into profit with the right partner.
1. Composition brass vs bronze
Brass is a mix of copper and zinc. The copper-to-zinc ratio can vary, creating types of brass with different hardness and colour.
Bronze, on the other hand, is primarily copper mixed with tin, but can also include aluminium, nickel, or zinc. These added elements make bronze tougher and more resistant to corrosion.
2. Colour
Brass has a bright yellow-gold appearance, sometimes mistaken for gold. Its tone varies with zinc content.
Bronze has a warm, reddish-brown shade that darkens with oxidation over time.
3. Physical Properties
Brass is softer and more malleable. It’s ideal for items that require shaping, such as musical instruments and fittings.
Bronze is harder and more durable. It resists wear and is often used in high-stress applications like valves or gears.
4. Corrosion Resistance
Brass, due to its zinc content, is more prone to tarnishing and corrosion, especially if exposed to moisture or chemicals.
Bronze offers better corrosion resistance than brass. It performs well in moist or marine environments and forms a protective patina over time.
5. Applications
Common Brass Uses:
- Musical instruments – trumpets, saxophones, trombones
- Plumbing fittings – corrosion-resistant and easy to work with
- Decorative items – lamps, doorknobs, handles
- Electrical connectors – good conductivity and durability
These brass applications combine form and function, especially where aesthetics and conductivity matter.
Common Bronze Uses:
- Heavy-duty machine parts – bushings, gears, valves
- Sculpture and art – holds fine detail and develops a patina
- Architectural features – plaques, handrails, accents
- Bearings and bushings – due to self-lubricating and wear-resistant qualities
Bronze applications are ideal where strength, resistance, and heritage value are essential.
Another significant difference between brass and bronze lies in their resistance to corrosion. Brass is more susceptible to corrosion than bronze due to its higher zinc content. It can tarnish and develop a patina over time when exposed to air, moisture, and certain chemicals. In contrast, bronze has better corrosion resistance, making it suitable for environments where it gets in contact with humidity and water like the outdoors and submerged bearings.
Recycle Brass and Bronze in London with Metal Scrap Ltd
We make it easy to recycle brass and bronze in London – from collection to competitive payouts. Whether you’re clearing out old fittings, machinery, or musical instruments, both brass and bronze have resale value.
At Metal Scrap Ltd in London, we help businesses and households recycle these alloys easily. We offer fair pricing and fast scrap metal collection across Greater London. For homeowners and builders, brass recycling in London helps reduce waste and generate extra income. Our brass recycling London service includes free pickup and accurate weighing.
Follow us on Facebook to check brass and bronze prices, or book a free collection today.
