When you are planning a project that requires metal parts, choosing the right material is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. Two metals that often come up in engineering and manufacturing are copper and brass. Both materials have a long history in industry, but they behave very differently. In this guide, we explain the key differences between Copper and Brass so you can make an informed sourcing decision.
Copper is a pure metal known for its reddish‑brown color and excellent performance in electrical and heat applications. It is one of the oldest metals used by humans, valued for being easy to work with and highly conductive.
Brass is a Copper Brass alloy, meaning it is made by mixing copper with zinc. The amount of zinc in brass can change its strength, color, and performance. Brass often looks bright yellow or gold and is widely used when a balance of strength and cost is needed.
Understanding the difference between Copper Brass materials is essential when you are choosing metal for tubing, fittings, rods, or machined parts.
Electrical and Thermal Performance
One of the biggest differences between copper and brass is how well they conduct electricity and heat.
Copper is one of the best electrical conductors used in industry. It offers nearly 100% of the standard reference for conductivity, which makes it ideal for electrical wiring, motors, and power components.
Brass, being a Copper Brass alloy, has significantly lower electrical conductivity. Depending on the alloy, it often performs at only about 25‑40% of pure copper’s conductivity.
If electrical performance is a priority, copper is almost always the better choice.
Heat moves well through copper too. This makes copper great for heat exchangers, radiators, and thermal equipment. Brass does conduct heat, but not as efficiently as copper.
Strength and Machinability
When it comes to strength and machinability, copper and brass behave differently.
Copper is softer and more malleable. That means it is easy to bend and form, but it isn’t as strong under heavy loads.
Brass is stronger and harder than pure copper because the zinc in the alloy strengthens the metal. This makes brass well‑suited for fittings, gears, valves, and mechanical components.
Brass also wins when it comes to machining. Brass machines cleanly, cuts easily, and causes less tool wear during production. That often means faster machining times and lower manufacturing costs.
Corrosion Resistance
Both copper and brass resist corrosion, but they do so in different ways.
Copper naturally forms a protective layer of patina over time when exposed to the air, which helps protect it from further corrosion.
Brass resists tarnishing and holds up well in many environments. However, in certain conditions (especially saltwater), brass may experience dezincification, where zinc is removed from the metal, weakening it.
For outdoor or harsh environments, copper’s corrosion resistance makes it a strong contender. If your application involves moisture or chemicals, you should carefully evaluate the specific brass alloy you plan to use.
Visual appearance matters in many projects.
Copper has a rich reddish tone that can develop a unique patina over time.
Brass typically appears golden‑yellow, which makes it popular for decorative hardware, musical instruments, and architectural details.
If your design needs both function and form, brass’s color offers a strong aesthetic advantage.
Cost often plays a major role in material decisions. Raw material prices vary with market conditions, but copper is generally more expensive than brass.
Copper typically sells for higher prices because it is a pure metal and has high demand in electrical and industrial applications.
Brass, which contains less copper, is usually priced lower. The zinc alloying lowers raw material cost and keeps prices more stable.
For high‑volume manufacturing, choosing brass can lower material costs and machining time. However, if your application requires the performance that only copper can provide, then the higher cost might be justified by the performance benefits.
Here are some examples of how these materials are commonly used:
Copper is great for:
Electrical wiring and circuits
Power generation components
Heat exchangers and cooling systems
Plumbing systems requiring corrosion resistance
Brass is ideal for:
Valves, fittings, and connectors
Decorative hardware and fixtures
Musical instruments
Mechanical parts where strength and machinability matter
Choosing between Copper Brass materials depends on your project needs:
Pick copper when electrical and thermal performance are critical and budget allows for higher raw material cost.
Choose brass when mechanical strength, ease of machining, aesthetics, and cost efficiency matter most.
Both metals have valuable strengths. Understanding how they differ in performance, price, and application helps you make smarter sourcing decisions for your manufacturing and engineering projects.