Definition

Noun: 1. A specific type of brass alloy: An alloy consisting primarily of copper and zinc, where the zinc content is less than approximately 37%. It has a single-phase, face-centered cubic crystal structure (the alpha phase), which makes it highly ductile and suitable for cold working processes like bending, drawing, and stamping.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Cartridge cases are often made from alpha brass because it can be deeply drawn without cracking.
  • The excellent ductility of alpha brass makes it the preferred material for intricate architectural grilles.
  • Compared to other brass types, alpha brass is easier to shape at room temperature.

Advanced Usage

• Technical Context: In metallurgy, "alpha brass" specifically refers to the microstructure of the alloy. Its single-phase structure is key to its mechanical properties.
  • The metallurgist confirmed the sample was alpha brass by examining its uniform grain structure under the microscope.

Variants and Related Words

• Brass (n): The broader family of copper-zinc alloys.
• Alpha-beta brass / Duplex brass (n): A two-phase brass with higher zinc content (typically 37-45% zinc), which is stronger but less ductile than alpha brass and is used for hot working.
• Cartridge brass (n): A common type of alpha brass containing about 30% zinc, historically used for making ammunition cartridges.
• Gilding metal (n): A form of alpha brass with a low zinc content (typically 5-15%), used for decorative applications and ammunition jackets.

Synonyms

• Single-phase brass
• Cold-working brass

Notes on Different Meanings

• The term "alpha" in "alpha brass" is a technical metallurgical designation for the crystal phase and should not be confused with other uses of "alpha" (e.g., the first letter of the Greek alphabet, a dominant animal in a group, a version of software).

Noun

1. an alloy of brass and zinc; used mainly for cold working