Brass is a general name for alloys of copper and zinc. The colour varies with the proportions of the ingredients, though, strictly speaking, the term " brass " can be appiied only to those copper and zinc alloys of a decided yellow colour. Ordinary brass is malleable and ductile, especially suitable for casting, and, though harder than copper, melts at a lower temperature than that metal. Unlacquered brass quickly tarnishes under atmospheric action. By one method of making brass, the zinc and other ingredients are plunged into the molten copper. When the whole is in a molten state, it is stirred with hot brass or iron rods to produce a thorough alloy: just previous to pouring, some sodium sulphate or sodium carbonate is thrown on to the metal to bring to the surface any impurities, which may then be skimmed. By another method, copper slips are plunged into liquid zinc until an alloy difficult of fusion is formed, when the rest of the copper is added. When cold, the alloy is broken into pieces and melted under charcoal, zinc or copper being added, if necessary, to give the requisite colour and quality. When at a suitable heat, the metal is poured into moulds.

If the brass is to be made into sheet, it has to undergo a series of annealings and rollings until the desired thinness is attained. Below is given a short table of brass alloys: -