Types, Processes and Applications of Brass & Copper Forging

Copper & Brass Forging: Types, Processes and Applications

Introduction

The content of this article contains everything you need to know about copper and brass forging.

You will learn:

What is Copper and Brass Forging?
Types of Copper and Brass Forging
Products Made from Brass Forging
Copper and Brass Used for Forging
And much more …

Chapter 1: What is Copper and Brass Forging?

Copper and brass forging involves molding these metals by deforming them to form complex and detailed shapes. This technique demands exact temperature management and regulation, as copper and brass have melting points ranging from 1675°F to 1981°F (913°C to 1082°C). The metals' excellent ductility and malleability make them perfect candidates for forging processes.

The remarkable properties of copper and brass make them popular choices in forging, allowing them to be shaped into various intricate and elaborate designs. Forged copper and brass products are of exceptional quality, featuring precise dimensional accuracy and a sleek, polished finish that competes with other metalworks in craftsmanship and appeal.

Chapter 2: What are the different types of copper and brass forging?

Various conventional forging techniques are applied to work with copper and brass. The selection of specific methods depends on the alloy in use, as each type of copper and brass exhibits unique properties that affect how it can be forged. The practice of forging these metals dates back thousands of years, with both copper and brass being known well before the advent of the modern calendar.

No matter the forging technique used, each process involves a die or forging tool specifically designed to meet the product’s requirements. Typically, the billet, ingot, or sheet of copper or brass undergoes force application, altering the metal’s grain structure to achieve the desired shape.

Cold Forging

Cold forging modifies the structure of copper or brass at temperatures below their recrystallization point, which is typically near room temperature, by pressing the metal into a die. The die used can be either a closed or open type and consists of two parts: an upper die and a lower die.

Die

The cold forging process starts with creating a die that is precisely shaped to match the desired part. To endure the forging forces, the die is constructed from pre-hardened steel, which is heat-treated to reach the required hardness. The hardening method varies based on the die's complexity; dies with intricate designs or deep cavities need additional toughness to prevent cracking or failure.

For forging copper and brass, dies are typically made from H21, H11, or H13 hot work steel, with a Rockwell hardness ranging from 48 to 52. Durability and strength are crucial for these dies, as they are employed to produce numerous parts in high volumes. Despite the ductility and malleability of copper and brass, substantial force is still needed to achieve the precise shape and complexity of the components.

Forging

The selection of copper and bronze alloys for cold forging is based on their specific composition and properties. This forging method enhances the hardness and ductility of the materials, as well as improves their dimensional precision, toughness, and surface finish. Cold forging involves shaping the metals at room temperature through processes such as impact, stretching, bending, and forming, without applying additional heat to deform them.

In cold forging, a copper or brass ingot, billet, or sheet is positioned in the lower section of a die attached to the anvil of a vertical press. The upper section of the die is connected to the ram. A motor powers the ram, which descends onto the metal, exerting force that molds the metal into the die's shape. This process occurs swiftly, resulting in the rapid formation of new shapes.

Forging processes can be either closed or open. Closed die forging involves two die halves that come together to fully enclose the workpiece. In contrast, open die forging, or smithing, compresses the workpiece between dies with simple shapes like angles or flat surfaces. Unlike closed die forging, the metal is not completely enclosed during open die forging.

Copper and brass are well-suited for cold forging due to their excellent ductility and malleability. Compared to forging steel, iron, or stainless steel, these metals require less force to achieve the desired shape, allowing for the efficient production of high volumes of parts in diverse shapes and sizes.

Hot Forging

In hot forging, the copper or brass billet, ingot, or sheet is heated to a particular temperature so that when compressed by the ram, it fully occupies both halves of the die. This method results in parts with high density, minimal imperfections, and consistent dimensional precision. Like cold forging, hot forged copper and brass also exhibit a smooth, shiny surface finish.

Heating

The heating process involves cutting extruded slugs from ingots into rods of the appropriate length to fit the die cavity. These slugs are then heated to the forging temperature, which ranges from 1350°F to 1700°F (732°C to 927°C). Precise control of the heating process is crucial to ensure the slug is adequately prepared for forging. If the slug is not heated sufficiently, the resulting product may be inadequately formed and exhibit defects.

Forging

Regardless of whether the forging process is cold or hot, it involves applying force to reshape the workpiece. In hot forging, the die is preheated before placing the slug in the lower section of the die to facilitate optimal metal flow. Similar to cold forging, the ram’s downward motion forces the slug to conform to the shape and dimensions of the die.

Due to the malleability and ductility of copper and brass, typically only a single stroke of the ram is needed to achieve the desired shape, unlike steel or iron, which may require multiple strokes. This efficiency in shaping complex and intricate designs eliminates the need for a series of progressive dies. Consequently, a higher volume of parts can be produced, ranging from 100 to 1200 per hour, with an average rate between 200 and 600 parts per hour.

As the ram applies force, the grain structure of copper and brass is altered to ensure uniform density and excellent physical and mechanical properties. The intrinsic properties and lighter weight of copper and brass make them ideal choices for various applications, making parts forged from these metals highly desirable.

Trimming

The copper or brass slug used in forging is typically slightly larger than the volume needed to fully fill the die cavity. The die halves are designed with channels, or gutters, that allow excess metal to escape as flash, which must be trimmed off during the finishing process. Dies are carefully engineered to minimize the amount of flash and prevent any damage to the forged component.

The thickness of the flash depends on factors such as the ram's pressure, the amount of excess metal, the slug's temperature, and the die's temperature. While trimming is the standard method for removing flash, parts with precise outer dimensions may require more meticulous trimming, a process known as shaving.

Rolled Ring Forging

Rolled ring forging is a specialized forging technique often used alongside cold forging. This method involves shaping rings with the help of rollers, a mandrel, and applied force. It is particularly well-suited for producing smooth and evenly symmetrical rings from copper and brass.

Cold Forging

First, the copper or brass stock is cut to the required size and weight, then upset to decrease its height and increase its diameter to match the intended ring size. This initial shaping is done using open cold forging. To form the necessary ring shape, the round workpiece is then pierced through the center.

Proper preparation of the workpiece is crucial for achieving the desired dimensions of the final rolled ring. Just as with other forging processes, the characteristics of the copper or brass are key, as the workpiece must be sufficiently malleable to form the donut shape effectively.

Forging

The rolled ring forging process involves a coordinated mechanism that shapes the ring to the required height and thickness. This system includes a drive roller that rotates the ring during shaping, while the pierced hole is positioned over an idler roller. The idler roller, working in conjunction with the drive roller, reduces the ring's thickness as it rotates. Additionally, two axial rollers, positioned opposite the drive roller, regulate the ring's height. Each component is precisely designed to adjust the workpiece to achieve the final ring dimensions.

Before being fed into the rolled ring forging setup, the donut-shaped workpiece is heated to just below its recrystallization temperature to enhance its ductility and malleability. As the donut rotates driven by the drive roller, the drive roller and idler roller work together to reduce its thickness while expanding its diameter. The dimensions of the finished ring are programmed into the forming mechanism to ensure that the deformation remains within specified design limits.

Given the properties of copper and brass, the rolled ring forging process is carried out in slow, controlled stages to ensure precise and accurate deformation.

Rollers for the Rolled Ring Forging Process

Warm Forging

Warm forging is often employed for working with alloyed steel as an alternative to cold forging. It is also used for forging copper and brass, providing a middle ground between cold and hot forging. In warm forging, the metal is heated to a temperature slightly above room temperature but lower than that used in hot forging.

This technique enhances tool longevity, accommodates a broad range of part tolerances, and can improve surface finishes. By precisely controlling the temperature, warm forging achieves tight tolerances and reduces issues like shrinkage that are common in hot forging. This precision reduces the need for secondary finishing processes, such as flash removal. Additionally, warm forging increases the ductility of copper and brass, allowing for greater deformation without sacrificing quality.

Warm forging is often termed precision forging due to its ability to produce high-quality parts. It requires less forming force compared to cold forging and can create intricate and complex shapes. The success of warm forging relies on meticulous control of the deformation temperature and the heating equipment used.

Chapter 3: What are the different types of brass used for forging?

When people think of brass, they often assume it is solely an alloy of copper and zinc. However, brass is actually a diverse group of alloys that include various metals combined with copper and zinc. Each type of brass has its own unique composition and can be processed through hot forging to create items such as plumbing fittings, knobs, handles, and more.

Throughout its extensive history, from ancient Mesopotamia to the present day, brass has been modified and adapted to meet various needs. Different types of brass have been developed for specific applications. Brass was among the earliest metals to be forged using anvils and hammers.

Alpha Brass (CuZn)

Alpha brass is a single-phase alloy composed of 55% to 65% copper and 35% to 45% zinc. Renowned for its high ductility, it can be cold worked and is valued for its excellent corrosion resistance, making it suitable for drawing applications. Cold working alpha brass increases its hardness. Enhancing its mechanical properties can be achieved by adding elements like iron, aluminum, or silicon. A notable feature of alpha brass is its attractive appearance, which makes it particularly suitable for architectural and decorative applications.

Alpha Beta Brass (CuZn40)

Alpha-beta, or duplex brass, contains 37% to 45% zinc and features a mixed alpha and beta grain structure. This balanced composition results in a very hard brass with low ductility but exceptional strength. Although alpha-beta brass is more affordable than alpha brass due to its higher zinc content, it is more prone to corrosion.

To tailor alpha-beta brass for various applications, it is alloyed with different elements. Adding tin improves its corrosion resistance, while iron further enhances this property and increases toughness. Other elements such as arsenic and lead can also be incorporated to modify the mechanical and physical properties of alpha-beta brass as needed.

While alpha-beta brass is challenging to work with at room temperature, it becomes more manageable at elevated temperatures. It can be extruded into bars or hot forged using closed dies to create complex shapes. However, careful control of the cooling rate is essential to ensure the brass achieves a single-phase alpha structure.

Beta Brass (CuZn15)

Beta brass features a high zinc content, up to 50%, combined with 50% copper. Among the three main types of brass, beta brass is the hardest and strongest, making it well-suited for applications that require high strength, such as fasteners. However, its hardness and strength also reduce its workability and ductility.

Due to its durability and resistance to wear, beta brass is often selected for applications demanding robustness. It is typically cast and hot worked to achieve the desired properties. The elevated zinc content of beta brass gives it a bright, less gold-like appearance compared to other brass types.

Leaded Brass (CuZn39Pb3)

Leaded brass was developed to enhance the machinability of brass by incorporating a small amount of lead, typically ranging from 1% to 3%. This addition not only improves machinability by acting as a chip breaker and lubricant but also provides excellent corrosion resistance. Leaded brass is particularly well-suited for use with Swiss screw machines due to these properties.

The term "leaded brass" encompasses various types of brass with differing lead content, ranging from low to high, with up to 3.5% lead possible. In the microstructure of leaded brass, lead is distributed along the grain boundaries. The visual appearance of lead in leaded brass can vary depending on the zinc content in the alloy.

Naval Brass (CuZn40Sn1)

Naval brass consists of 60% copper, 39% zinc, and a small amount of tin. The addition of tin enhances its resistance to dezincification, a process where zinc is depleted, leaving behind copper. Naval brass is a high-strength, corrosion-resistant alloy used extensively in marine applications, including the construction of boats and sea vessels. Its durability makes it suitable for ship propeller shafts, fittings, and turnbuckles. Naval brass is categorized as alpha-beta or duplex brass and offers greater strength and hardness compared to beta or alpha brass.

Naval brass was developed specifically for saltwater environments, addressing the issue of dezincification that affects other brass alloys when exposed to saltwater. To overcome this problem, various alloys were tested with alpha-beta brass. The combination of tin and a small amount of lead proved effective, leading to the creation of naval brass.

Red Brass (CuZn15)

Red brass, known for its reddish hue, contains a high copper content ranging from 78% to 96%, with the balance being zinc. It is sometimes called gunmetal brass or 85-5-5-5 brass due to its specific composition. This alloy is favored for plumbing and piping applications due to its remarkable durability, resistance to dezincification, and resistance to cracking. Its superior corrosion resistance makes it ideal for use in underground potable water service lines.

Similar to other brass varieties, red brass is well-suited for casting due to its strength and machinability. Its distinctive reddish color also makes it a popular choice for decorative applications and hardware.

White Brass (CuMnZnAlPb)

White brass is an alloy that includes small amounts of magnesium, aluminum, and lead, in addition to copper and zinc. These additional metals contribute to its distinctive white, silvery appearance and enhance its resistance to corrosion and wear. Often referred to as Dutch metal or German silver, white brass is commonly used in making jewelry and small musical instruments. It is a highly fluid metal with a lower melting point compared to other brass alloys.

The popularity of white brass for various applications stems from its cost-effectiveness compared to other brass types. Its attractive appearance makes it suitable for manufacturing items such as door knockers, cabinet knobs, handles, and fittings. Additionally, its ease of forming and shaping makes it a favored material for creating intricate and complex jewelry designs.

Yellow Brass (CuZn33)

Yellow brass contains between 20% and 38% zinc, which gives it its characteristic yellowish hue. Often known as cartridge brass due to its widespread use in ammunition casings, yellow brass is favored for its ability to be cold worked and shaped. This property allows for the recycling and reloading of brass cartridges by gun owners.

Yellow brass is also notable for its workability, as it can be soldered, brazed, and welded with relative ease. While it is corrosion-resistant and offers decent strength, it is not as strong as some other brass alloys. Its attractive appearance makes it suitable for decorative applications. Additionally, yellow brass is commonly used for pipe fittings and musical instruments due to its ease of joining and versatility.

The brass alloys discussed here represent just a fraction of the wide variety available. Since its introduction, brass has been continually developed and refined, becoming a vital material in numerous industries. Its use in plumbing has particularly revolutionized reliable and durable methods for water and waste transport.

Leading Manufacturers and Suppliers

Chapter 4: What are the different types of copper used for forging?

Copper, along with brass and bronze, is one of the earliest metals utilized by humans for various purposes. Its inherent ductility and malleability make it highly versatile, allowing it to be shaped and formed for a wide range of applications. Initially, copper was used to create tools, with ancient methods such as anvils and hammers being employed for shaping. These traditional forging techniques have continued to be relevant throughout the centuries.

Forging is preferred for manufacturing copper components due to its ability to produce high-precision parts through controlled deformation. The process requires relatively little force, which minimizes distortion and warping, resulting in outstanding dimensional accuracy and tight tolerances.

High Copper Alloys

High copper alloys consist of more than 94% copper, with small amounts of silver and tin. This alloy is renowned for its exceptional strength and durability. The high copper content provides excellent corrosion resistance, which contributes to its widespread use. Like other copper alloys, high copper exhibits superb conductivity and is easily forged. Additional elements such as zinc, nickel, iron, and aluminum can be incorporated to enhance its properties, yet the alloy's high conductivity remains a key characteristic.

Leaded Copper

Leaded copper primarily consists of copper alloyed with lead, along with small amounts of zinc, aluminum, tin, and nickel. The inclusion of lead enhances the alloy's strength and improves its forging characteristics. The excellent machinability of leaded copper makes it particularly suitable for producing precise and accurate shapes. However, due to its lead content, leaded copper is not suitable for applications involving food.

Leaded coppers are categorized into low lead alloys, also known as machining alloys, and high lead alloys. The process of alloying lead with copper is straightforward due to lead's compatibility with various metals. Like copper, lead is malleable and possesses electrical conductivity, which contributes to the alloy's useful properties.

Copper Nickel (CuNi)

Copper-nickel alloys are primarily forged for use in saltwater environments due to their exceptional corrosion resistance. With nickel content ranging from 10% to 30%, these alloys are ideal for marine applications. A common application is seawater piping, as copper-nickel resists the accumulation of barnacles. Additionally, copper-nickel alloys are used in seawater desalination systems, water treatment facilities, and firefighting equipment. Their reliability, strength, and dependability contribute to their broad usage.

Copper-nickel alloys maintain their shape and durability even at temperatures up to 750°F (400°C). One of the key advantages of copper-nickel is its lightweight nature, which is particularly valuable in applications where both strength and weight are crucial considerations.

Nickel Silver

Nickel silver is an alloy of copper, nickel, and zinc that is often used for making coins, jewelry, and decorative items. Despite its resemblance to sterling silver, it is commonly known as German silver because it does not contain any actual silver. Nickel silver boasts moderate to high strength and good corrosion resistance, making it suitable for applications such as food handling equipment, optical and photographic devices, and musical instruments.

Nickel silver typically contains 7% to 20% nickel and 14% to 46% zinc. Alloys with higher zinc content resemble high zinc brass alloys. Nickel dissolves easily in copper, while zinc's solubility is more limited. Alloys with around 32% zinc exhibit both alpha and beta phases and solidify across a broad temperature range. Despite its silver-like appearance, nickel silver is known for its exceptional resistance to tarnishing and corrosion, earning it the nickname "anti-tarnish alloy."

Tellurium Copper (TeCu)

Tellurium copper is a type of tellurium bronze known for its excellent conductivity and superior machinability. The addition of tellurium, typically ranging from 0.5% to 0.75%, significantly enhances the material's machinability, often referred to as free cutting. While tellurium improves the ease with which the copper can be machined, it does not compromise its conductivity or hot working capabilities. The machinability of tellurium copper is comparable to that of brass.

Tellurium copper is widely utilized in various fields including welding, plumbing, and electrical applications. Its ease of forging, combined with good electrical and thermal conductivity, and exceptional machinability, makes it highly versatile. These attributes contribute to its suitability for a broad range of industrial and commercial uses.

Chapter 5: What are some common uses for copper and brass forged products?

The forging process produces robust and durable products by ensuring complete density through deformation. Copper and brass forged components are widely used because of their excellent thermal and electrical conductivity, as well as their capacity to accept plating effectively.

Plumbing

Brass is a staple material in plumbing, used in everything from pipes and fittings to faucets and handles. It has long been the preferred choice for creating secure, leak-proof, and stable plumbing systems. The durability and reliability of brass have made it the standard alloy for high-quality plumbing applications over the years.

Doorknobs and Handles

The durability and aesthetic qualities of copper and brass make them excellent choices for manufacturing doorknobs and handles. Their natural antibacterial properties add an extra benefit, helping to maintain a healthier environment in both homes and offices.

Bushings

Due to their moldability and flexibility, copper and brass are excellent materials for producing bushings. They do not adhere to steel and can accommodate various wall thicknesses, flanges, sinters, or cylinders. Copper and brass bushings are commonly utilized in applications such as water pumps and electric motors.

Gears

Brass gears are typically forged from yellow brass due to its excellent machinability. While other brass alloys are also used for their strength, they may be harder to machine. Copper and brass are favored for gear manufacturing because of their corrosion resistance and non-magnetic properties. The copper content not only facilitates the forging process but also imparts antimicrobial qualities to the gears. Forged copper and brass gears, such as spur gears and gear racks, are commonly used in low-load applications like instrument drive systems.

The examples of copper and brass products mentioned above represent just a fraction of the numerous parts and components that benefit from the strength and durability of forged copper and brass. The ductility, formability, and versatility of these metals make forged copper and brass crucial to a wide range of applications.

Chapter 6: What are the differences between forging and casting?

Casting and forging are distinct metalworking techniques used to create high-quality parts and components, each with unique characteristics and properties. The key difference between the two lies in their methods: forging involves applying force to shape the metal, while casting does not rely on such force.

Forging

Forging involves shaping a workpiece using a die, applying pressure and force, and manipulating temperatures. In this process, a billet, ingot, or metal sheet is pressed into a die by a ram. Forging can be categorized based on temperature, processing methods, and materials used. Throughout the forging process, thermal and mechanical energy are applied to the metal, whether it's an ingot, billet, or sheet. Importantly, the metal remains solid throughout the entire shaping and forming process.

Casting

In casting, metal is heated in a furnace until it reaches a molten state. The specific melting process depends on the type of metal being used. For metals like copper and brass, which have relatively low melting points, the energy required for heating is less intensive. Once molten, the metal is poured into a hollow mold where it cools and solidifies to form the desired component or part.

Grain Flow

The primary and crucial difference between casting and forging copper and brass lies in the grain flow. During forging, pressure and force are applied to copper and brass billets, shaping them into the desired form. This process may require multiple applications of force, but throughout, the grain structures of the metals remain continuous and unbroken. This preservation of the grain structure contributes to the strength and durability of the forged components.

In contrast, casting disrupts the grain structure of copper and brass, which can lead to reduced strength once the metal solidifies. This factor must be carefully considered when designing and planning the manufacture of copper and brass parts.

Forging alters the microstructure of copper and brass, redistributing alloy concentrations and increasing density by eliminating voids. Unlike casting, forging enhances the mechanical properties of the metals, allowing them to withstand higher stress levels and minimizing potential failure. Although forging typically produces less complex shapes compared to casting, it can still create a variety of forms that offer the durability, reliability, and strength required for industrial applications.

Metal Forging vs. Metal Casting
	Metal Forging	Metal Casting
Structural Integrity	Far superior in strength. Material predictability.	Products are porous and susceptible to breakage.
Tolerance	Less complex geometries.	High level of detail for tight tolerances.
Product Size	Limited in terms of the size and thickness of the metal.	Compatible with a wide range of sizes.
Material Selection	Limited alloy selection.	Any type of metal can be used
Secondary Operations	Secondary operations to refine and finish product to exact specifications.	Few secondary operations
Cost	Cost effective for medium to large production runs.	Cost is dependent on the type of casting

Conclusion

Copper and brass forging is the deformation of the metals for the purpose of manufacturing complex and intricate shapes.
The wide use of copper and brass for forging is due to their exceptional properties. They can be forged into several shapes, which can include complex and intricate ones. The products from forging copper and brass are of the highest quality with excellent dimensional tolerances and bright smooth finishes that compare favorably with other metal worked products.
Most of the typical forging methods are used to work copper and brass. The methods chosen are dependent on the type of copper and brass since each alloy has different characteristics and properties that influence how they can be forged.
Each form of brass can be forged using hot forging to form plumbing fittings, knobs, handles, and other forms.
The initial process for shaping copper, like brass and bronze, was an anvil and hammer. Over the centuries, this type of processing continues to be used in the form of forging.