Bronze
What is Bronze?
Bronze is a metal alloy whose main component is copper and typically tin. It is also known as “vaski” in Finnish. Any copper alloy, except for copper mixed with zinc (which is called brass), is classified as bronze. Bronze can also include other alloying elements such as aluminum, phosphorus, silicon, manganese, lead, and beryllium, resulting in various types of bronze like aluminum bronze, phosphor bronze, tin bronze, and silicon bronze. Bronze has excellent physical properties such as good corrosion resistance, electrical and thermal conductivity, and outstanding mechanical characteristics.
Bronzes have excellent corrosion resistance
Bronze is particularly well-suited for applications requiring high corrosion resistance. This makes it an ideal material for marine environments and chemical applications. For example, tin bronze is highly wear and corrosion resistant, which is why it is widely used in marine and chemical industry equipment. Leaded tin bronze, which can contain up to 30% lead, offers low friction and helps prevent seizing, although its mechanical strength is not as high as that of tin bronze. Leaded tin bronze is specifically used in bearings where surface pressure and rotation speeds are high.
Applications and Suitability of Bronze
The versatility of bronze is evident in its wide range of uses. Due to its workability, castability, excellent electrical and thermal conductivity, strength, and aesthetic qualities, bronze is used across many industries. Various types of bronze are an essential part in manufacturing a wide variety of products, such as:
- Machine and device parts: Gears, shafts, bearings, valves, and pump components.
- Medals and statues: Its attractive appearance and excellent workability make bronze a superb material for artwork.
- Pipe fittings and valves: The corrosion resistance and mechanical properties of bronze make it well-suited for fittings and equipment.
- Electrical components: Good electrical conductivity makes bronze a suitable material for electrical components and wires.
Working with Bronze
Bronze is as versatile to work with as it is to use. It can be cast, forged, machined (machining), and soldered. In addition, bronze is easily recyclable, making it an environmentally friendly choice for industry. Bronze is available in various forms like strips, rods, sheets, and tubes, allowing for a wide range of applications and manufacturing processes.
Special Bronzes for Specific Needs
Various alloying elements can be added to bronze to enhance its properties for particular applications. For instance, aluminum bronze offers greater strength and corrosion resistance in seawater, silicon bronze is known for its good wear resistance and high temperature tolerance, while beryllium bronze combines copper’s excellent electrical and thermal conductivity with outstanding spring and electromagnetic properties.
Summary
Bronze is a versatile and valuable copper alloy that offers a broad range of application possibilities and excellent performance across industries. Its good corrosion resistance, mechanical strength, and electrical conductivity make it suitable for both technical and aesthetic uses. Bronze is easy to process and shape, and its recyclability makes it an environmentally sustainable material. By using different alloying elements, special bronzes can be developed to meet specific modern machine shop and industrial requirements.
