This is ridiculous when you get stuck between brass and bronze for valve material. But it’s a significant thing to select the right one. In this article, you’ll learn about the differences between brass and bronze valves. So, let’s break it down.

Brass vs. Bronze

You can assume the main difference between brass and bronze valve by their names. Yes, it’s material. So, you must first know about brass and bronze for a better understanding.

Brass is the result of a copper and zinc mixture. Brass is a malleable metal and easy to work with. So, the use of brass in the valve industry is increasing. It comes in a beautiful goldish color. Also, it’s a versatile, corrosion-resistant, and efficient element… even in extremely high temperatures. And its low lead level ensures safe drinking water for you. However, it has weaknesses in salinity and high levels of chlorine media.

On the other hand, bronze is one of the oldest metals and is made with copper and tin. Bronze is malleable and more corrosion-resistant than brass. It offers a good look with its reddish-brown skin. But bronze has a high level of lead, which is not good. 

Both brass and bronze are composite metals. But people get confused about their same-sounding names, similar looks, and similar usage. However, these are individuals who have different strengths and weaknesses that need to be considered when choosing a valve.

Difference Between Brass Valve And Bronze Valve

Here are the differences between the brass valve and the bronze valve:

Material

Brass is an alloy metal of copper and zinc where the copper content is 57% -63% and zinc 35% -40%. Sometimes lead completes the rest. On the other hand, bronze consists of 80%-88% of copper and 10%-12% of tin. Also, other metals like aluminum, nickel, manganese, lead… and non-metals like phosphorus, arsenic, and silicon are sometimes added to bronze. The different combinations of materials add various properties to the valves.

Cost

The issue of cost is vital in this comparison because not all components come at the same price. When you compare brass and bronze, brass is 3-4 times cheaper than bronze. This is because zinc comes at a lower price, making brass more affordable. Also, the smooth surface of brass and its machineable characteristics keep the finishing costs down during valve manufacturing. In contrast, bronze components are expensive… and require extra polish for their rough exterior polishing, which increases the cost.

Color And Interface

Although the main ingredient is copper for brass and bronze, the other elements’ mixture makes the color difference. The primary color of the brass valve is usually pale yellow or similar to gold but dull. And the bronze valves are reddish-brown. However, both types can have other finishes, like chrome plating. You can choose a natural color or different finishes to match the valve interface with your selected theme.

Media And Uses

This is most important when choosing between brass valves or bronze valves. Each type has different strengths and weaknesses for individual applications. For example, the brass valve is the best choice for the plumbing industry and potable water. Also, it does a great job working with natural gas and oils. However, it could cause concern for food and beverage producers.

On the other hand, Bronze valves can mix lead into the drinking water, which is harmful. But if you can use a lead-free bronze valve, it’d be okay. It’s somehow suitable for plumbing and other industrial areas. Since bronze valves have more corrosion resistance in saline environments… it works great in marine fields.

Durability

When it comes to durability, both brass and bronze valves are solid and durable. But brass valves go slightly over the bronze valves. Brass is a tough, more highly resistant, strong, and flexible material than bronze. However, high levels of chlorine and salt can damage the brass, but bronze is better in this situation. So, think of your media first, then choose the valve for better stability.

Metal Mash

Metal mash means how much metal the valve mixes with the media. 2-3% of lead is brass, and 5%+ is in bronze. Since bronze has more information, it spreads more metal in the media. So, brass valves are recommended for potable water. However, some manufacturers use a lead-free material that meets the Clean Water Act lead restrictions. If you got something like that, you could use it.

Heat Endurance

Both brass valves and bronze valves respond well to high temperatures. The melting point of brass is 1710oF (930oC), and for bronze is 1590oF (865oC). So, brass can endure a bit more temperature than bronze. However, brass is more efficient at hot temperatures but not as good at cold temperatures.

Pros And Cons Summary

Above all, we’ve seen everything in detail. Now, here are the pros and cons summary of the brass valve and bronze valve:

Brass Valve

Bronze Valve

Almost no lead is present in the metal.

Also vital, malleable, and durable.

Corrosion-resistant more than the bronze valve.

Best fit for marine fields but is also good in the plumbing industry.

Pros

Very strong, tough, malleable, and Durable.

Best fit for the plumbing sector and drinking water pipeline.

Cheaper in price.

Salt and high chlorine damage it.

The price is higher than the brass valve.

Cons

Not so good for food and beverage.

Less corrosion-resistant than the brass valve.

Higher presence of lead.

The surface is rough.

In The End

Brass and bronze valves are both well. But if you turn the article, you will notice that the brass valve is slightly better than the bronze valve. I hope you found all your answers regarding the difference between the brass and bronze valves. However, deciding based on your media, purpose, and environment would be best. 

Finally, if you’re looking for a highly corrosion-resistant, strong, and durable brass valve at an affordable price, look at our brass valves. We make many types of brass valves for your different applications. Justify and select the suitable one for your needs.