Copper-based Bronze Casting at Riverside
Bronze is composed principally of copper (Cu) alloyed with varying amounts of tin (Zn) Copper gives bronze its toughness and high malleability, while adding tin produces a much harder metal that readily ‘runs’ into molds to allow precise, complex castings.
High strength bronzes have been developed with the addition of aluminum, manganese or silicon for greater tensile or yield strength and enhanced corrosion resistance. Alloys with up to 11% aluminum achieve resistance to corrosion and tarnishing, often comparable to stainless steel, along with a high fatigue limit and good performance in high heat conditions. Manganese and silicon produce bronzes with very high tensile strength and excellent stress resistance.
The copper-based alloys most commonly used in casting at Riverside include:
Additional key properties of bronze alloys include:
- excellent load capacity and antifriction qualities for use in springs, bearings, bushings
- high resistance many chemicals and corrosion (especially seawater corrosion)
- excellent resistance to metal fatigue (better than steel)
- high conductivity for heat and electricity
- good machining characteristics and deep-drawing qualities
- characteristic resonance desirable for casting of bells and cymbals
- expands slightly as it sets; captures very fine details for precision parts and statuary
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