On the Lookout for Bronze Alloys? Know the Types of Alloys First
The thing that most people don’t realise is that bronze is a combination of copper and tin, mixed further with other metals to result in the alloy. There are numerous metals that bronze can be alloyed with, and each of the resultant alloys has specific uses depending on their characteristics. The common feature of these alloys is their strength, which is extremely impressive in every case. If you are interested in knowing what are the alloys of bronze, read on.
Here are the Alloys of Bronze That You Should Know About
- Aluminium Bronze
If you are looking for an alloy that not only has the strength that is common to all bronze alloys but also has exceptional corrosion-resistant qualities, you should go for aluminium bronze. The additives to this alloy are around 6% to 12% aluminium and 6% each of iron and nickel. Aluminium bronze is used in quite a number of important industries, including those that manufacture marine hardware, pumps that have to deal with corrosive liquids and as well as in the manufacture of sleeve bearings.
- Silicon Bronze
Another bronze alloy to have become quite popular across various industries is silicon bronze. Silicon bronze casting manufacturers make this product by mixing copper with silicon and zinc. The content of the latter metal is around 20% while that of the former is about 6%. The commonest use of silicon bronze is in making pumps and different parts of valves.
- Phosphor Bronze
Also known as ‘tin bronze’ due to the fact that this alloy is a result of combining 0.5% to 1% tin and 0.01% to 0.35% phosphorous, phosphor bronze has quite a few impressive characteristics. Other than the fact that it is incredibly strong, the fatigue-resistance on phosphor bronze is also quite commendable. Electrical components, springs, washers and bellows are made from phosphor bronze.
- Nickel Brass
This alloy is also commonly known as nickel silver and is made from copper, tin and nickel. The presence of nickel gives it a silvery appearance, earning it its secondary name. You can find numerous musical instruments being made from nickel bronze, especially guitar strings.
These are the common bronze alloys that you should know about. All of these alloys see widespread use and when you take into consideration the numerous benefits they offer, you can start to understand why.
