Brass

Definition and Overview

Brass is an alloy whose main components are copper and zinc. Because it offers good workability and moderate strength, it is widely used for metal accessories in apparel. In addition to making use of its yellowish metal color, surface treatments such as plating and painting may also be applied to adjust appearance and corrosion resistance.

In apparel materials and accessories, brass refers to the material of the accessory. It is treated separately from product names such as press fasteners and eyelet washers, as well as from names of surface finishes such as plating and antique processing.

Component Structure and Size Indication

Brass press fasteners are generally made by combining multiple parts such as the head, spring or stud, eyelet eyelet, and washer. However, because the names and configuration of the parts differ depending on the type of hook-and-eye closure, it is important to use the specified combination for the same series.

An eyelet washer is basically made by combining the eyelet body visible on the front side with a washer that is crimped on the back side. Cap and close posts also consist of parts such as the head and leg. Since each part is not necessarily brass, when specifying the material, confirm the material of the entire product and each component part.

Sizes are mainly indicated by the outside diameter of the head for press fasteners and cap and close posts, and by the inside diameter, outside diameter, and compatible textile thickness for eyelet washers. Do not judge by the name alone; check the drawing, actual sample, and specifications of the compatible setting tool before selecting.

• Press fastener: confirm the head outside diameter, compatible textile thickness, and part configuration.
• Eyelet washer: confirm the hole inside diameter, outside diameter, leg length, and whether a washer is included.
• Cap and close post: confirm the head diameter, leg length, and total thickness of the fastening area.

Installation Method

Brass setting accessories are installed using a dedicated setting tool with a hand press or machine press. The basic rule is to use a tool that matches the accessory shape, size, and part configuration, and not to use a tool for a different standard.

When installing, there are methods that punch a hole in the textile and methods that pierce the textile with the part's leg. Perform test setting on scrap pieces in advance, and determine mass-production conditions only after confirming that there is no insufficient crimping, deformation, cracking, surface damage, or faulty opening and closing.

Applications and Points to Note When Selecting

Brass accessories are used in areas where strength and a metal-like design are required, such as outerwear, denim, workwear, and bags. On the other hand, in thin fabrics, highly elastic knits, fuzzy materials, and similar materials, pull-out, fabric tearing, and setting marks are more likely to occur, so consider using interfacing or button seal together.

If the leg is too short relative to the total thickness of the textile, it cannot be crimped sufficiently; if it is too long, the parts may wobble or deform. It is important to measure the actual thickness, including seam allowances, interfacing, and lining, and to conduct strength tests assuming tensile stress and repeated opening and closing.

Brass does not rust with red rust like iron, but discoloration and corrosion may occur due to humidity, sweat, detergent, or storage conditions. For plated products, also confirm the durability of the surface treatment. For products that require needle detection, confirm whether metal detection is possible, and if nickel-free is required, check the specifications of all component parts, including the plating.

Differences from Similar Terms

Metal button is a category that refers to metal buttons in general, and brass is one of the materials used. Press fasteners, eyelet washers, and cap and close posts are product categories that indicate the installation method and application, and besides brass-made products, there are also those made of iron, zinc alloy, resin, and others.

Nickel silver is an alloy whose main components are copper, nickel, and zinc, and its composition differs from brass, which is mainly copper and zinc. In addition, nickel-free is not a material name but a term indicating a specification that takes nickel use into consideration, and cannot be determined simply by the fact that the product is made of brass.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can brass press fasteners be attached to any fabric?

Suitability depends on the fabric thickness, density, stretchiness, and whether interfacing is used. In thin or easily stretched fabrics, tearing or pull-out may occur. Perform setting tests using the actual overlapped thickness, and if necessary, judge while also using reinforcement material or button seal.

Does brass rust?

Brass is not a material that develops red rust like iron, but discoloration and corrosion may occur due to humidity, sweat, detergent, and similar factors. Because appearance changes also differ depending on whether there is surface plating or painting, confirm durability according to the product's washing conditions and usage environment.

If it is made of brass, is it nickel-free?

Even if it is made of brass, nickel may be used in the plating, undercoat treatment, or component parts such as springs. If nickel-free is required, it is necessary to check the supplier's specification information for all parts that make up the product, not just the visible surface.