Red Brass, also known as Gunmetal, is a type an alloy of copper, zinc and tin (88% copper, 8-10% zinc, tin and 2-4%). Red Brass was originally used for making guns but steel took over that job. Red brass is used to produce pipes, valves and plumbing fixtures is used to make steam and hydraulic castings, valves, gears, statues and various small objects, such as buttons.
Red Brass is resistant to corrosion from steam and salt water due to the higher percentage of tin. Red Brass is considered to offer a good mixture of corrosion resistance, strength and ease of casting and machining.
Red Brass melts at 1832 degrees F (1000C).
