What are inserts? Engineers use them to hold fasteners securely and reinforce joints. The popular variety is stainless steel inserts, but it is not required in all applications. There are other alternatives also available. One such variant is Brass inserts. They meet all performance needs and bring cost benefits also.
Many people are not sure about brass inserts. It is because they do not know the comparison between the two.
Experts in this area like Venus Enterprise can give a detailed understanding of brass inserts versus steel inserts. Based on your needs, they can tell which one is right in your application area.
Brass Inserts
Brass inserts bring a few significant advantages over stainless steel. Therefore, they are preferred in industrial and agricultural applications. Brass inserts also resist corrosion, but they may react differently to different corrosive agents.
Some advantages of brass inserts are as follows.
- Brass inserts are useful for industrial/residential hot-water systems or cold-water systems. They are also perfect for carrying potable water. They can withstand even in a marine environment. It has been proven that brass inserts have given incredible performance in seawater with moderate currents.
- Brass inserts have shown good performance in cryogenic applications also. They have been successfully used as an alternative to 300 Series stainless steel also.
- Brass inserts can tolerate exposure to mild alkaline solutions, but they are not suitable for conditions where hydroxides or cyanides are used.
- Brass inserts can resist corrosion in nonoxidizing acids, but they are not effective in oxidizing agents.
- Brass inserts show good strength. In fact, they even cross the tensile strength of low-carbon steel. It is possible to plate them with nickel so that you get an attractive silver finish and the tarnishing is reduced. Nickel offers a hard-wearing surface. It secures bearings, gears, and plumbing fixtures.
A profound brass insert manufacturer offers top-class brass inserts that will give utmost performance and optimal results. Brass inserts are popular in many applications.
Stainless Steel Inserts
300 Series and austenitic stainless steels are quite popular. They are commonly used steel alloys for manufacturing inserts. In highly aggressive marine applications, some specific grade steel inserts are more durable than brass.
Some commonly used steel contains additional sulfur. Therefore, it is more machinable as compared to other 300 series stainless steel materials.
A common stainless steel is 303 because it contains extra sulfur. Therefore, this is considered better than other series of stainless steel.
Because of sulfur, it has relatively less resistance to corrosion. Steel is typically stronger than brass.
Some grades of stainless steel are 302, 304, and 316. They are approved by the FDA for food contact so you can choose it for food and beverage applications. However, 303 stainless steel is not right for use in contact with food.
Stainless steel withstands higher temperatures as compared to brass. They are used in fewer applications.
Which insert is right for your application? It depends on your application. The fitting manufacturer will choose the right type of insert based on application details.
