Copper, bronze and copper are in a category of what is called red metals. These are mostly metals with a reddish tint in their original form. In this group, only copper is a pure metal. Brass and bronze are alloys. Brass is the product of zinc and copper while bronze is a product of tin and copper. All the three metals have unique characteristics that make them special in their own way. This article will focus on the three metals while outlining their unique properties, potential applications and the available grades of these metals. The text will also cover some comparison aspects when it comes to choosing between the three metals.
What is Copper
Copper is one of the metals that is naturally occurring which is one of the reasons it is found on the periodic table. Copper is one of the metals that are naturally-occurring and can be processed with ease. The metal is combined with other metals and alloys to form its own copper alloys. In the construction industry, copper is a popular metal because of its thermal and electrical conductivity. This makes the metal a vital component in thermal equipment and electrical systems. Copper is also very resistant to different forms of natural and man-made damages. Such damages include corrosion, wear and impact damages. The metal will also maintain its strength after being flexed or formed. This material is very resistant to bacteria and even kills the bacteria that are exposed to its surface. This is what makes the metal a popular choice in the food industry. There are several copper grades available in various industrial applications. You can have copper and aluminum alloy, copper nickel alloy 70 30, 70 30 copper nickel sheet, nickel 718 density alloy and cupro nickel 70 30. In terms of application, you often find that copper offers flexibility in terms of formability, malleability, machinability and conductivity. All these are important factors to consider when sorting through types of alloys and uses of alloys.
What Bronze
When you think about bronze and its alloys, the industrial application of bronze is typically very high. Despite bronze being a metal alloy from copper and tin, you can also find traces of other metals such as nickel, phosphorous, aluminum and manganese in bronze. This is the reason why an alloy such as nickel 718 density alloys is part of both nickel and bronze alloys. In terms of properties, you find that the physical and chemical properties of bronze overlap with those of copper. To start with, bronze is an excellent thermal conductor and is also very resistant to saltwater corrosion. This makes it ideal for outdoor architecture. There are a variety of bronze alloys for industrial applications available in the market. There is the alloy 932 and alloy 954. There is also the nickel 718 density alloy. Bronze alloys such as nickel 718 density alloy and alloy 954 are used in the manufacture of bushings and bearings. They are also used to make springs and electrical connectors.
Selecting the Right Metal Alloy For Your Needs
In the design and manufacturing industry, you need to make sure that you use the right metal or alloy for various industrial applications. Whereas the three metals; copper, brass and bronze have relatively the same features in terms of thermal conductivity, ductility and strength, they are unique in specific applications. You also need to take into consideration the improved version of different metals in the form of alloys. The whole point of alloying metals is so that you can improve the physical and chemical properties of the end product. If you are dealing with metals such as bronze and nickel, an alloy such as nickel 718 density alloys will be an improved product of the two. You need to think about the intended use of the metals you intend to use. Brass for example is a preferred choice as a general utility metal. Brass can be used for decorative purposes because it is aesthetically attractive. Marine tools and metallic equipment on the other hand should be made from metals that are resistant to corrosion. Bronze is the best choice in this case as it is very resistant to salt-water corrosion.