Stampings #4978641

Brass, an alloy of copper and zinc, can be used to make a wide variety of metal stampings. The bright gold-like appearance of brass, and its resistance to tarnishing, makes it an ideal candidate for metal stampings that are designed for decorative purposes or where the cosmetic appearance of the stamping is important. Brass metal stampings are often used in applications where low friction is required; since brass is softer than many other metals, metal stampings made from it can be utilized in situations where it is important that no sparks be struck. Brass metal stampings are often used in plumbing, hardware, fastener, and electrical applications. Brass metal stampings are most commonly made from the 260 brass alloy, also known as cartridge brass, since it possesses the optimum combination of strength and ductility, while keeping the high form-ability properties of copper. Depending on the requirements of the brass metal stamping, the 260 brass alloy is available in a wide range of tempers from soft to spring (8#s hard). Brass metal stampings can also be made from tin coated brass or tin coated after forming to increase electrical conductivity and solder-ability.

Copper metal stampings are made from one of the earliest metals to be used by humans. Evidence of the use of copper and its alloys, brass and bronze, date back thousands of years. Copper is widely used in making metal stampings because it is resistant to corrosion, has superior electrical and thermal conductivity, and is strong, yet easily formed. Copper metal stampings can also be welded or brazed. Copper metal stampings are used in electrical and electronic products, industrial machinery and equipment, and many consumer products. Examples of copper metal stampings are heat sinks, bus bar, switches, relays, terminals, and contacts. Copper metal stampings are frequently made from CDA 110 copper, which is called electrolytic tough pitch (ETP) copper, because of its high electrical conductivity. CDA 110 copper is available in a range of tempers, from soft to spring (8#s hard), which make it suitable for a wide variety of metal stamping applications.

Beryllium copper stampings are made fromcopper that has be alloyed with 0.5 to 3% beryllium. Beryllium copper, with its high ductility, can be stamped and formed into complex metal stampings with tight tolerances. Metal stampings made from beryllium copper offer high strength, are non-magnetic and non-sparking, and have good electrical conductivity. Beryllium copper stampings can be precipitation hardened to very high strength levels foruse in applications where they are subjected to repeated stresses and strains. Beryllium copper stampings can be welded and are also resistant to non-oxidizing acids, abrasive wear and galling. Beryllium copper metal stampings make excellent electrical contacts and connectors and are frequently used in the electrical and electronic component and aerospace industries. Beryllium copper is more expensive than ordinary copper alloys, but metal stampings made from this material, especially when heat treated; offer better dimensional stability, and fatigue and corrosion resistance.