For a material to be magnetic, it must be able to generate a magnet field. Therefore, it can get magnetized when exposed to an external magnetic field. In this guide, we will discuss brass about its magnetic properties.
Is Brass Magnetic?
Brass in its pure form does not qualify to be a magnetic material. This is mainly because the two elements (copper and zinc) that make brass don’t possess any magnetic properties. Therefore, brass itself does not exhibit magnetic properties under normal conditions.
In cases where brass is alloyed or impurified with magnetic elements such as iron or nickel, it acquires magnetic properties. Brass can also acquire temporary magnetism when exposed to a strong magnetic field.
How Molecular Structure Affects Brass Magnetism
Generally, the magnetic properties of a material are determined by its molecular or atomic structure. A material is magnetic when its electron shells are not filled. When loose electrons are available to create an electron field, it is considered magnetic.
Brass is not magnetic because its molecular structure is made up of copper and zinc. Their electron shells are filled and don’t have any loose electrons. When traces of other materials like iron are added to the brass alloy, the loose electrons alloy brass to be temporarily magnetic.
In summary, the molecular structure of brass prevents it from being attracted to external magnetic fields, making it non-magnetic.
Factors Affecting Brass Magnetic Properties
Although brass is non-magnetic, there are a few things that may influence these properties as discussed below.
Composition
As we have mentioned earlier, both copper and zinc are non-magnetic. However, when there are traces of elements such as iron, brass may gain magnetic properties.
Processing Brass
Another factor that can influence the magnetic behavior of brass is how it has been processed during manufacturing. During the cooling process, rapid cooling may create a microstructure that enables magnetic properties.
Impurities in Brass
Brass alloy may contain impurities that are magnetic such as nickel and cobalt. These impurities can change the magnetic properties of brass making it magnetic.
Temperature
Adverse temperature changes may interfere with the magnetic domains within the brass alloy. This kind of interference may affect the general magnetic properties of brass.
Is Brass Diamagnetic or Paramagnetic Properties
Diamagnetic materials are those that form temporary magnetic fields when exposed to external magnetic fields. Well, brass is a diamagnetic material since it can create magnetism which ends after a short period outside the magnetic field.
Paramagnetic materials, on the other hand, are those that are weakly attracted to magnets. They lose magnetic properties immediately after the magnetic field is removed. Brass is not paramagnetic and does acquire these properties when exposed to magnetic fields.
Can you Magnetize Brass
Naturally, brass is a non-magnetic material and does not possess any magnetic properties. However, there are a few procedures that can be used to create weak and temporary magnetic properties in brass.
Electromagnets: Brass can acquire temporary magnetism when exposed to a strong electromagnetic field. The electromagnet forces the electrons in brass to realign creating a weak magnetic field that vanishes when the electromagnet is removed.
Alloying: Iron and nickel are some of the elements that can be used to boost the magnetic properties of brass. All you need to do is add these elements during the production stage.
Special treatments: You can also achieve magnetic properties in brass by special treatments like annealing processes or subjecting it to very low temperatures.
Uses of Brass Due to its’s Non-magnetic Properties
Musical Instruments
Brass being non-magnetic in nature cannot interfere with sound from musical instruments. Hence it is suitable for making tubas, horns, trumpets trombones, etc.
Plumbing and Piping: Brass is also suitable for making connectors, fittings, valves, and various plumbing components. Manufacturers use it because of its non-magnetic properties, durability, and malleability.
Electrical Components: Since brass is non-magnetic, resistant to corrosion, and has good conductivity properties, it can be used for electrical components. Brass is utilized in making terminals, connectors, and switches.
Fasteners and Hardware: Some of the components made using brass include bolts, screws, hinges, and nuts. This is possible because brass is non-magnetic and suits applications that don’t require magnetism.
Clocks and Watches: Almost all watches and clocks are made using brass because it is durable, easy to machine and is non-magnetic.
FAQs
The answers here should be brief and to the point
Can Magnet Stick on Brass?
Brass being an alloy between copper and zinc, which are non-magnetic in nature, doesn’t possess any magnet properties. Therefore, brass cannot be attracted to a magnet unless under special conditions like alloying using magnetic materials.
Which Brass is Magnetic?
Brass is generally non-magnetic and it can only acquire weak magnetic properties when alloyed with magnetic materials like iron or nickel. Also, plated brass also may show some extent of magnetism. You should note that in both cases, the magnetic properties are very weak and temporary.
More resources:
Sheet Metal Brass Fabrication – Source: KDMSTEEL
Brass Magnetism – Source: KDMFAB
Magnetic Properties of Brass – Source: BEMAGNET
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