Brass vs Bronze

Brass and bronze are both copper alloys that are easy to confuse. Brass is copper and zinc; bronze is copper and tin. That difference shapes their strength, color, and best uses.

Property undefined undefined
Main alloy Copper + zinc Copper + tin
Color Bright yellow-gold Reddish-brown
Hardness Softer Harder
Corrosion resistance Good Excellent, marine grade
Machinability Excellent Good
Friction / wear Higher Low, good for bearings
Typical use Fittings, plumbing, decorative Bearings, bushings, marine

Which should you choose

Choose brass when you want easy machining, a bright appearance, or plumbing and electrical fittings.

Choose bronze when you need hardness, low friction, and strong corrosion resistance, such as bearings, bushings, and saltwater hardware.

Zinc versus tin. Brass (copper plus zinc) machines beautifully and looks gold. Bronze (copper plus tin) is harder, slipperier, and more corrosion-resistant.

Compare data sheets: Brass and Bronze.

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