Bronze is one of the most important metals ever discovered. In fact, it
is so important that an entire age in history was named after it. An alloy of
copper and tin, bronze is a favorite material for making a wide range of items,
including weapons, farming tools, bells, and even coins. Today, bronze is
wielded for various industrial applications, and for the following good
reasons.
Corrosion
Resistance
Because bronze is an alloy of two non-ferrous metals—meaning it doesn’t
contain iron, which reacts with oxygen to form rust—it naturally resists
corrosion. Instead of forming rust (iron oxide) upon contact with oxygen
molecules, it forms a protective outer layer, called patina. This process,
called passivation, is unique to all non-ferrous metals. As a result, bronze
makes a perfect material option for applications that involve exposure to
oxygen-containing moisture.
Coefficient
of Linear Thermal Expansion
There are many ways to determine a metal’s resistance to heat. One is
determining its coefficient of linear expansion or the length by which it
expands after being exposed to extreme heat. Bronze has a coefficient of linear
expansion of 17.5 to 18. It may look high but it’s actually low that is five
points higher than that of concrete, a material that is virtually unyielding to
heat. In other words, bronze is one of the best materials for applications that
involve exposure to high temperatures.
Wear and
Tear
If you look inside an engine, you will see bearing and gear components
that are made of bronze. While other metals may have the strength to withstand
the speed and pressure required to power engines, very few metals like bronze
can actually sustain minimal wear and tear over time, allowing it to last for
many years with minimal maintenance. Machines with bronze components,
therefore, need constant maintenance and replacement parts.
Machinability
Generally, copper alloys have excellent machinability. This means that
they can be cut easily to suit specific or complex mechanical or structural
designs. Unlike steel, which requires just the right amount of carbon molecules
to allow for machining, bronze remains highly machinable at various mixtures of
copper and tin. It’s no wonder many small machine parts and intricate tubes and
bars are made of bronze.
Ease of
Welding
Unfortunately, not all metals can easily be welded to another metal.
Some even don’t join no matter how you fuse them. Welding is an important
procedure in machine design and construction because it helps connect metals
securely and fast. Instead of smelting or casting them to form one object, you
can simply connect their ends or sides onsite through welding. Bronze is known
for its high weldability. It is easy to braze and solder as well.
Whether you are a machine designer looking for the best metals for your
upcoming projects or an artisan who is fascinated by the beauty of copper
alloys, bronze can be your best bet. You can find high-quality bronze bars, sheets, and
tubes in reputable suppliers like Rotax Metals. It always helps to find a
supplier that has already partnered with successful builders, designers, and
suppliers across North America for many decades.
About
Rotax Metals
When it comes to metals, particularly copper,
brass, and bronze, Rotax Metals is your most reliable supplier. We started our
business in 1948 and since then we’ve provided the highest quality metals for
all kinds of project across North America. We customize machine parts, too. So
whether you are a builder, supplier, or artisan looking for the best copper
alloys, you are most welcome to check out our inventory and find the metals you
need.
Sources:
Infographic:
History of Bronze Timeline, Makin-Metals.com
Coefficients
of Linear Thermal Expansion, EngineeringToolbox.com
Copper
and copper alloys,
Twi-Global.com
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