Brass is one of the most versatile materials in the world. Critically, there are numerous types to suit different applications in a variety of environments. You can also choose it in various forms, including tubing. The key thing is to ensure you match the type/alloy with your application. Look at what you need to do to it and how well it will respond. If you need solutions like tube expansion, you should speak to us.

Applications

There are a number of situations where brass is the ideal material for the project. For example, it is great for plumbing and fluid transportation, electrical systems, pneumatics, precision instruments, and decorative or architectural products. It’s a fantastic choice for a full spectrum of uses, from industrial settings to hobby tables and home workshops.

What you need to do here is ensure the brass you choose will work for you. What do you need to do in terms of machining (particularly cutting), bending, and joining? The last thing you want is to select a material that will be difficult and costly to work with.

Cutting

Typically you can use several different techniques to cut brass. This includes hand tools (hacksaws), rotary tube cutters, bandsaws, and even laser cutting. You need to think carefully about the different brasses to see which method best suits them. More importantly consider the thickness. For example, tube cutters and laser cutting is typically best for thin wall tube, whereas a bandsaw is better for thicker walls.

Bending

Brass typically offers good ductility so you can bend it and do things like tube expansion. However, the alloys can differ depending on the level of zinc. It means you need to carefully match the alloy to the application. Ensure it will be ductile enough for your needs or you could have problems like cracking.

It’s also important to consider how you can get the best results with different brasses. Typically you will need to use a tube bender and a mandrel. The latter will support the tube from the inside, preventing kinks and other flaws.

Joining

Finally, you must think carefully about how you will join the brass. Will soldering be required or can you take advantage of press fitting? Will you need mechanical compression fittings? Could tube expansion be an option?

It’s really important to think about the application here and how much strength and stability you need. If it’s brass tube for industrial use, you generally need silver brazing. Soft soldering can be viable for low pressure situations. Press fittings are a good choice for commercial projects with lots of joints.

Aesthetics

Beyond the mechanical side, it’s also necessary to consider the aesthetics of the brass. The colour can differ massively between alloys. For example, some brasses are bright golden yellow while others are darker and duller, sometimes with red and orange tones. Overall there are dozens of options, so matching is important.

Discuss tube expansion and other services with us

If you want the best results, and to avoid issues like rework or wastage, choose the materials you will use for projects very carefully. This includes different types of metal tubing, including brass, steel, aluminium, and more. You need to understand the individual properties and requirements of each one.

Multiform Tubes Engineering is happy to help if you need advice and professional services. Our material knowledge is exceptional. In addition, we have everything we need to adapt tubing in various ways. This includes tube expansion, reduction, bending, beading, and more.

So, get in touch today and tell us about the application and your needs.