The properties of these materials include good conductivity; strength; hardness; ductility; resistance to corrosion, wear and shock; low magnetic permeability; an attractive range of colours together with ease of machining, forming, polishing and plating. Over the years a number of materials have been developed giving combinations of these properties that are optimum for a very wide variety of applications and environments.

High conductivity copper has the highest electrical conductivity of any commercial metal.

Free machining brass sets the machinability standard against which other metals are judged.

Some bronzes and gunmetal offer high strength & hardness to provide wear resistance in applications such as bearings.