Definition

Noun: 1. A specific type of brass alloy, composed primarily of copper and zinc (typically containing about 30% zinc), which is valued for its ductility and strength. It is commonly formed into items like cartridges and tubing through mechanical working (wrought).

Usage

• Cartridge brass is named for its historical and primary use in manufacturing firearm cartridge cases, as it has the ideal combination of malleability for forming and strength to contain pressure.
• It is also specified for applications requiring good cold-working properties, such as in the production of tubes, pins, and springs.

Examples

• The ammunition factory switched to a higher grade of cartridge brass to improve reliability.
• Due to its excellent ductility, cartridge brass is often drawn into tubes for plumbing applications.
• A key property of cartridge brass is its ability to be deeply formed without cracking.

Advanced Usage

• In metallurgy, cartridge brass (alloy UNS C26000) is distinguished from other brass alloys, like naval brass or red brass, by its specific zinc content and resulting mechanical properties.
• The term can be used metonymically to refer to the material quality of an object: "The vintage bullet was identified by its distinctive cartridge brass."

Variants and Related Words

• Brass (noun): The broader family of copper-zinc alloys.
• Yellow Brass (noun): A common general term for brass alloys with a zinc content of 20-36%, which includes cartridge brass.
• Cartridge (noun): A case, usually made of brass, that holds a bullet, propellant, and primer.

Synonyms

• Alloy 260 (Technical synonym)
• UNS C26000 (Standardized designation)
• Yellow Brass (General, contextual synonym)

Different Meanings

• The term "cartridge brass" has a highly specific, technical meaning in metallurgy and manufacturing. It does not have common idiomatic or figurative meanings. It refers exclusively to the material itself.

Noun

1. an alloy of copper and zinc (containing about 30% zinc) that is wrought into cartridges or tubing