Muntz metal

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Muntz metal is a form of alpha-beta brass with about 40% zinc and 60% copper. It was discovered by George Fredrick Muntz, who ran a metal foundry in Birmingham in the United Kingdom. It was patented in 1832. Its original use was as a replacement for the copper lining placed on the bottom of boats as it maintained the anti-fouling abilities of the pure form. As it cost around a two-thirds that of pure copper and had identical properties for this application it became the material of choice and Muntz made his fortune.

Muntz metal is still the term this form of brass is known by. It is a form of brass that must be worked hot and is used for machine parts that must be corrosion-resistant.