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Types of Metal That Are Corrosion Resistant or Don’t Rust

Rusting and corrosion are undesirable effects that can ruin a metal’s ability to perform optimally for the intended application. When working with environments exposed to moisture, chemicals, and other corrosive substances, it’s important to select metal materials that are resistant to corrosion and rust. 

At Sequoia Brass and Copper, we are a domestic supplier with decades of experience serving the metal fabrication industries in North America. We are a service-oriented company, committed to offering the highest quality materials and customer service. As part of our product catalog, we offer a range of corrosion- and rust-resistance materials, including copper, brass, and bronze.

What Causes Metals to Corrode? 

Metal corrosion is a natural process that gradually deteriorates metal materials via an electrochemical reaction. This reaction begins on the metal’s surface and involves the exchange of electrons between the metal and the corroding agent, such as oxygen or water. Corrosion of metals can occur due to exposure to environmental elements such as humidity and condensation. The metal reacts with the hydrogen and oxygen in the water, causing it to oxidize. 

What Causes Metals to Rust? 

Rust is the result of corrosion, which is caused by metal oxidation. During oxidation, the metal wears away and develops a visible red or brownish substance (rust) on the surface. If a metal susceptible to corrosion is uncoated, its lifespan is significantly shorter than one with the proper protective coating.

Rust must be treated; otherwise, it can completely corrode a metal into a dry oxide powder. The most common environmental elements that lead to rust include chemicals, salt, moisture, and air.

Metals That Are Corrosion Resistant

At Sequoia Brass and Copper, we offer the following types of corrosion-resistant metals:

Copper

Copper is excellent in applications requiring the conduction of heat and electricity. The material exhibits relative corrosion resistance properties, making it ideal for various metal fabrication applications. Sequoia Brass and Copper specializes in Oxygen-Free copper, and we maintain a significant inventory of all copper products at our warehouse in Hayward, California. We carry copper in various stock sizes, ensuring you get the material you need with competitive prices and shipping rates.

Brass

Composed of copper and zinc, brass is commonly used for electric components, musical instruments, automotive parts, architectural structures, and more. This corrosion-resistant metal features a low melting point and can be easily cast. To meet a range of needs, we carry brass in various stock sizes and forms, including tube, plate, rod, sheet, bar, and pipe.  

Bronze

Bronze is created by alloying copper and tin in varying amounts. This metal is harder than brass and provides durable, sturdy, and corrosion-resistant performance. These desirable properties make it a common choice in industries such as automotive, industrial, architectural, and agricultural. Additionally, it is non-sparking and produces minimal friction, making it suitable for producing weapons, tools, and bells. At Sequoia Brass and Copper, we can provide bronze materials in cored bar and solid bar forms, with various stock sizes available.

Other Corrosion Resistant Metal Examples

In addition to the materials listed above, other examples of corrosion-resistant metals include: 

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is a mixture of elements, and most have some iron traces, making it oxidize quickly to form rust. However, many stainless steel alloys have chromium which oxidizes to form chromium oxide on the metal surface. This protective layer is corrosion-resistant and hinders oxygen from reaching the underlying steel. Stainless steel also has other elements, such as molybdenum and nickel, which increases its rust resistance. 

Aluminum Alloy

Aluminum is ideal for manufacturing automotive and aircraft parts due to its lightweight and corrosion-resistance properties. The material doesn’t contain iron, meaning it won’t rust. Additionally, it oxidizes when exposed to water, which causes an aluminum oxide film to form on the surface. This film prevents further corrosion and protects the metal underneath. 

Galvanized Steel

Although galvanized steel will eventually rust, the process takes a relatively long time. Galvanized steel is a type of carbon steel that has undergone galvanizing or has been coated with zinc. The zinc coating hinders oxygen and water from reaching the underlying steel, thus offering advanced corrosion protection. 

Source Your Corrosion-Resistant Materials from Sequoia Brass and Copper

To ensure you get the right corrosion-resistant materials for your metal fabrication needs, partner with Sequoia Brass and Copper. We have a large inventory of copper, brass, and bronze metals that are available in various shapes and sizes to meet your particular requirement. With a dedication to quality materials and customer service, we can provide you with the metal products you need at competitive prices. 

For more information about our corrosion-resistant metals, or to get started on your order, request a quote today. You can also reach our team at (510) 887-5525.