Red metal is a colloquial term used for the common alloys we know as copper, bronze, and brass. They all retain a reddish hue similar to one another, earning them the aforementioned moniker. Although all three metals are similar in color and even share a nickname that supports this similarity, they are all quite different when it comes to composition, qualities, and more. Continue reading to learn more about red metal, and the differences between copper, brass, and bronze.

Copper

Copper is resistant to corrosion, highly durable, malleable, and retains superior thermal and electrical conductivity. These qualities have proven to be highly beneficial and purposeful in several industries, including electrical material and product manufacturing, automotive, and plumbing. Not only is copper corrosion-resistant, it combats bacterial growth. For this reason, it is commonly used for door knobs and other surfaces that are touched frequently.

Bronze

Bronze is an alloy of copper, containing copper, as well as, other materials like tin or aluminum. Other metallic ingredients used in combination with copper to make bronze include arsenic, manganese, phosphorus, and silicone. Bronze is harder than copper but has a duller gold-like color in comparison to the other two red metals. Bronze also has faint rings on its surface, making it easy to tell it apart from copper and brass. It is used to make medals, plaques, musical instruments, hardware like bearings and bushings, and more. Types of bronze include tin or phosphor bronze, aluminum bronze, and silicone bronze.

Brass

Brass is simply an alloy made from copper and zinc. The amount of zinc can vary, creating brass metals that vary in color and other properties. The more zinc there is, the more durable and less ductile the brass will be. Although one of the three red metals, brass can also range in color between yellow and orange, depending on the zinc content. Brass is primarily used to make décor, as it resembles gold, and also in musical instrument manufacturing and design.

Sell Your Scrap Metal for Cash

Do you have extra metal laying around that you want sell for profit? Even junk scrap metal can be sold for cash on the spot! Things like electrical wiring, laptops, stereos, appliances, general electronics, sheet metal, pipes, cars, and more can be traded for fast cash no matter what condition they are in!

Zore’s Recycling

Call Zore’s Recycling at 317-244-0700 for information about copper recycling in Indianapolis, Indiana. For more than 75 years, our company has provided trusted metal recycling services to all the surrounding Hoosier communities and businesses. We pay cash on the spot for scrap metal, including copper, bronze, brass, tin, aluminum, steel, iron, platinum, gold, and more. Call 317-244-0700 and speak with a friendly and knowledgeable company representative about our Indianapolis metal recycling services and current market values.