Brass vs. Stainless Steel: Which Is Best for My Project?
When it comes to polished metal alloys, two of the most commonly used worldwide are brass and stainless steel. Both alloys have played integral roles in architecture, manufacturing, and more. Despite their apparent differences, choosing between brass and stainless steel for various projects can often present a challenging decision. Brass vs. Stainless Steel: Compositional Properties Let's start by examining the composition of both metals. Stainless steel, at its core, is an alloy of iron, carbon, and chromium. Unlike ordinary steel, which consists solely of iron and carbon, stainless steel gains its "stainless" properties from chromium, which enhances strength and corrosion resistance. Stainless steel encompasses various specific alloys, including 304, 316, and 430, each containing varying amounts of chromium along with additional metals like nickel or molybdenum. In contrast, brass is primarily composed of copper and zinc, typically in a 2:1 rat...