Brass Wire Mesh
Brass is an alloy composed of copper and zinc, with various brass alloys created by altering the proportions of these two metals. Its anti-sparking property makes brass wire mesh an excellent choice for use in sensitive, combustible areas. Brass wire mesh has a bright, gold-like appearance and is relatively resistant to tarnishing, although it will gradually develop a greenish-brown patina over time. This patina can be darkened or preserved with a clear coat by skilled metal finishers. As with all metals, achieving a specific color or finish on Brass is an art form that should be entrusted to experienced professionals.
The zinc content in brass wire mesh enhances its abrasion resistance and tensile strength, making it harder than its copper counterpart. This makes brass wire mesh ideal for filtration and separation applications, as well as for fabricating discs where electrical conductivity is not a primary concern. Industrial-grade Brass wire mesh typically has a golden yellow color, which adds to its appeal for architectural, decorative, and artistic uses.
The benefits of brass wire mesh are numerous. Its anti-sparking properties make it safe for use in combustible environments, while its resistance to tarnishing ensures a long-lasting, attractive appearance. The added strength and hardness provided by zinc make it suitable for demanding industrial applications, and its unique golden color enhances its aesthetic appeal for decorative purposes. Whether for practical or artistic uses, brass wire mesh offers a versatile and durable solution.
| Brass Chemical Composition (by Percentage) |
| Copper [Cu] | Iron [Fe] | Lead [Pb] | Zinc [Zn] | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Min/Max | 84.0 - 86.0% | < 0.05% | < 0.05% | Balance |
| Nominals | 85% | - | - | 15% |
Brass Wire mesh in Architectural applications:
Brass wire is drawn bright and exhibits a gold like color. Brass has a subtle contrast woven together with Stainless Steel. Considered a “Living Finish”, the natural color change does occur quickly and depending on the environmental conditions, the end color will vary. In general, under exterior conditions in the presence of salt, moisture, and sunlight, Brass will transition from bright to shades of green, then brown patina. Because of the enormous range of Brass’s natural colors experienced through weathering, there are a number of coatings or chemicals that can be used to either speed up or slow down the process. Finishing brass to the desired color is an art and should be done through consulting an experienced metal finisher.
Considerations when specifying Brass wire mesh for Architectural applications:
When Banker Wire weaves a wire mesh out of brass wire, the brass wire starts out “Bright” but is considered “Bare”. This means that the brass wire will almost immediately be susceptible to color changes due to tarnishing. Banker Wire cannot guarantee the color consistency by the time it arrives to its final installation point. A chemical or physical removal of the tarnish will be required prior to a clear coat application if the desired final “Bright” finish is to be maintained.
Typical brass alloys available in wire mesh: C230 Brass (Red Brass), C260 Brass (Cartridge Brass), C270 Brass (Yellow Brass)
Brass, Bronze, and Copper all contain some percentage of copper content. The reactive nature of copper towards oxygen and moisture puts this group of alloys in an ever changing state of oxidation that we know as “Tarnish”. The timing and degree of this tarnish will vary and is dependent upon the situation of both handling of the material and the environment in which this material is located. There are ways to preserve the original sheen of the metal.
Other Raw Materials
Plain Steel
Copper
Bronze
Stainless Steel
Aluminum
Weathering Steel
Galvanized
Architectural Projects Featuring Brass Mesh
Frye Boots Display, NYC Store
22 Bishopsgate
American Express Centurion Lounge
Astra at The St. Regis
BEIRUT CAFÉ
Kuwait Ceiling Feature
Want to see our patterns in person?
