Creating Beautiful Jewellery Using Bronze Tube, Sheets, and Others

Busts and statues are not the only impressive things you can do with metals like bronze. If you’ve got a preference for metalwork and a knack for the crafts but would prefer to work on smaller, more intimate pieces, you can still use bronze for other endeavours like jewellery making.

There are many advantages to working with bronze when creating jewelleries, foremost of which is its versatility and flexibility. That’s on top of it having a good aesthetic appeal as well. Still, it’s not a material to take lightly, especially in creating your masterpiece. Here are some important things you need to know when working with this material, such as in bronze tube, sheet, or square form so you can make the most out of it.

Why Bronze

Jewellery makers love working with bronze because it can be easily melted and shaped with heat, thanks to its low melting point, it does deliver great strength and durability once it hardens.  It is also versatile enough to be used for casting, much like brass. When you do work with brass, however, it’s crucial that you also familiarize yourself with how it reacts with other materials. Read more from this article: http://bit.ly/2mEzjTE

Environmental Corrosion Risks to Outdoor Structures Made of Bronze Bars

Although bronze bars and other copper alloys are highly valued by artisans and architects for their decent resistance against corrosion, they can still be subject to tarnishing and discoloration. This is especially true for copper-based metals placed outdoors and are constantly exposed. Common types of bronze like architectural bronze, commercial bronze and statuary bronze, for instance, have particularly poor resistance against some elements found naturally in urban settings. Under such conditions, a bronze structure will deteriorate gradually over long periods of time.

If you want your bronze craft to retain its distinctive appeal and hold up against corrosion, you need to be aware of some environmental risks they could face. Be sure to take precautions against these problems.

Urban Pollution

Heavily populated cities have a high concentration of pollutants, especially sulfur compounds, in the atmosphere. With continuous exposure, you can expect bronze to corrode at higher rates. It usually begins with the appearance of patches of light green on horizontal surfaces where rains and water run-off flow through. Over time, the effect spreads over the entire surface, making the metallic construction appear bright green instead of reddish gold.

Bird Droppings

Bird droppings, as well as other animal droppings, are virtually unavoidable for fixed outdoor structures. They not only obscure the appearance and message of your installation, but they unfortunately also tend to be highly acidic in nature. When they accumulate on the surface, they accelerate localized corrosion and deterioration. The bronze will start to turn darker, and without applying special cleaning procedures, the metal will eventually take on a light green color.

Plant Debris

Decaying plant debris such as leaves, cones, needles, twigs, bark, seeds and flowers may create quite a beautiful scene during autumn, but they can cause considerable damage to bronze. This is because the ammonia produced naturally when plants die can darken the metal. In fact, ammonia in chemical form is used by many metal workers to produce an artificial patination on copper, brass and bronze.

The good news is that you can protect bronze statues or architectural structures by applying coating systems and coating additives. Some great examples of basic coatings include nitrocellulose, acrylic, epoxy, silicone, alkyd, urethane, cellulose acetate butyrate, vinyl and polyvinyl fluoride film. Coating systems can make bronze much more resilient against humidity, pollution, sunlight, abrasion, and the regular wear and tear.

Note that coatings differ in terms of resistance they offer against certain elements. It is therefore ideal to ask suppliers, such as Rotax Metals, whether finishes were already applied to the raw material. This way, you can determine if applying coatings or additives to bronze is necessary. Remember as well that protective coatings need to be reapplied once they wear off to preserve bronze.

About Rotax Metals

Founded by Ronald Rosenthal in 1947, Rotax Metals is now a renowned supplier of high quality copper, brass, and bronze products for a variety of industries. We offer an extensive inventory as well as special services. As a family-owned business, we make it our mission to provide great customer service while we assist you with all your metal needs.

Sources:

Protecting Outdoor Bronze Sculptures from Corrosion, CorrosionPedia.com

Clear Organic Finishes For Copper and Copper Alloys, Copper.org

How a Trusted Copper Sheet Supplier can Help Improve Kitchen Designs

If you’re tasked with a kitchen remodelling project that calls for quiet sophistication and elegance, but also with functionality, there’s one easy way to do this: use copper sheets. The reason why many interior designers turn to this as a viable solution for their design needs is that it meets the brief rather well. It’s shiny and glossy, it can elevate the aesthetic appeal of the room with minimal effort, and most of all, it is both easily accessible and affordable.

Copper Sheets as Countertops

One of the more common uses of copper sheets in the kitchen is on the countertops. It’s ideal because it is strong enough to withstand all the hard activities to be done on it, as long as you get the right gauge. For your information, the lower the number of the gauge, the thicker the sheet is, which means the stronger it gets, too. Read more from this article: http://bit.ly/2r515O1

Where to Buy Copper Sheets and Other Important Factors to Consider

Copper sheets have such a wide number of possible applications, thanks to its versatility and flexibility. From interior designers to industrial designers, construction contractors and architects, and even craftsmen and artisans, they all recognize how precious a material this is.

Of course, in order to bring to reality whatever it is you may envision to create using this material, the first thing you should do is to know where to buy copper sheets. Without it, then you obviously won’t be able to get started. Your task does not end there, however, because then you have to be able to pick out the right materials for your needs.

Certified Suppliers

If you want to use nothing but good quality materials, then find yourself a trusted and reputable supplier like Rotax Metals. It should also be good for you to build a steady and constant rapport with your supplier so that your transactions will be easier and smoother. Not only that, but these suppliers do sometimes offer promos, and can accommodate bulk orders, making it a whole lot more convenient and efficient for you. Read more from this article: http://bit.ly/2Dhi7gI

The Importance of Having Sheet Metal Suppliers in Interior Design Work

Interior designers have a lot of work cut out for them. Apart from coming up with a bespoke design that will satisfy and appeal to the tastes of the client, they also must ensure that the quality of the materials used for the project will be of good quality. Sometimes, this can even be more challenging than actually coming up with the design itself.

When it comes to interior design projects, the budget can become a sore and contentious part for all parties involved. The vision of the client may be realistic but not viable simply because the budget wouldn’t be able to afford it. There are times though that they will insist on this vision and it’s simply up to the designer to make things happen.

Accommodating Steely Requests

One of the more common requests for interior design projects is the incorporation of more metals in the room. It should be expected too because these shiny, glossy items can certainly elevate the aesthetics of a room very effortlessly. You have to be careful and prudent in its use, though, because it can just as easily mess up the design, as well as inflate the budget. Read more from this article: http://bit.ly/2DkUH7J

Helpful Metal Cleaning Tips to Improve Brass Sales in Artisan Shops

If you’re a seller with brass items on the shelf, or if you are an artisan working with this metal for your creations, it’s ideal that you know how to clean it properly. While brass is very beautiful and versatile, it still needs to be well maintained in order to keep its appearance. Otherwise, it’s going to look old and worn, and may lose its aesthetic appeal.

You can’t just use any regular cleaning materials for it, though. You first should know what is it about brass that makes it change its color and appearance so that you can use the appropriate materials and apply the proper method for handling it.

Brass Composition

Brass is an alloy that is composed of roughly 70% copper and 30 zinc. It is very strong and durable, but at the same time is very malleable and versatile. It can be shaped easily under heat, and can be bent with force. Read more from this article: http://bit.ly/2r0ZetB

Crucial Factors That Will Affect the Bending Process of Square Metal Tubing

No matter the application, square metal tubing requires proper skill and the right machine to get it to bend at just the right angle. Even with modern innovations such as computer-controlled bending dies as well as refined bending techniques and tools, however, the process still relies on a handful of simple variables. Keeping in mind the following factors will help reduce the amount of distortion you see in the bent sections.

Type of Material

Before feeding the tube to any kind of bending machine, make sure that you know your material very well. What is exactly is it made of? Different metals have their own sets of properties that you have to take into account. For instance, copper tubing is softer and much easier to manipulate. Not to mention, alloys made from various types of metals may also behave differently when you put them in the machine. If possible, order your tubes correctly by giving your supplier a list of specifications. You can better predict the outcome this way.

Thickness and Size

When you bend a square metal tube, you are essentially stretching the outside diameter and compressing its inside diameter. This is what causes the distortion on the surface. If you want there to be less noticeable contortion, you might prefer to work with a heavier wall thickness that allows for a tighter bend radius and more stretchability. Similarly, a smaller tube bent to a larger radius will have less chances of developing distortions. Carefully choosing the dimensions of your materials will solve any bending problem before they even arise.

Bending Technique

With access to a plethora of machinery, fabricators can bend tubing using more than just one technique. It is important to note that your method of bending is one of the vital elements in controlling distortion. Most tubes today are bent using one of these procedures: ram-type bending, roll bending, compression bending and rotary draw bending. Each process requires the use of different tooling that may include bend dies, clamp blocks, follower blocks, mandrels and wiper dies. Considering the amount of work that needs to be done with specialized equipment, it’s best to have a plan.

Using Lubricants

The bending process puts a lot of friction and pressure between the tooling and the material being bent. Without a lubricant, the tube could get tightly lodged in the machine. This will only increase the distortion on the metal’s surface. Applying non petroleum-based synthetic lubricants internally and externally decreases the friction, allowing the material to flow smoothly and efficiently through the equipment. A good rule of thumb to follow is to put more concentrated lubrication on tubing with thick walls and tighter radii.

Using the latest machines and correctly sourced metal tubing, you can create works of art and marvels of architecture. Find reputable suppliers such as Rotax Metals to get started on your project.

About Rotax Metals

Established in 1947, Rotax Metals has be the preferred supplier of high quality copper, brass and bronze products across numerous industries. We have an extensive inventory of competitively priced products, and we offer a range of special services as well. Our knowledgeable and experienced sales team are more than capable of catering to your needs.

Sources:

Tube and pipe basics: How to achieve the perfect bend, TheFabricator.com

Tips on Bending Tubing With a Pipe Bender, ItStillRuns.com

Brass Suppliers Give Tips on Making Eye-Catching Corporate Signages

Having an exterior building signage is necessary to just about any type of business that aims to distinguish itself from its competitors, especially in today’s tech-reliant world. After all, a physical signage is an important part of overall marketing and branding strategy. You therefore need to make sure that it represents what a particular brand stands for. Reliability, consistency and elegance are all characteristics your clients will want to be associated with their business, and using a material that embodies all of these will help them create a strong first impression with customers.

Brass, for example, is one of the most common materials used for exterior signages due to its durability and distinctive appearance. It’s also very easy to work with, particularly if you keep in mind these tips from reputable brass suppliers.

Choose a Workable Alloy

Brass doesn’t only come in all shapes and sizes, but also in composition. The types of metals used in production of this alloy can affect machinability and resistance to corrosion. If you need to apply a certain method to a brass sheet or plate to create the sign, be sure to inform your supplier. They may be able to recommend an alloy that’s more suited to your needs or offer to fulfill specific application requirements for you.

Prioritize Sign Readability

Readability of a sign takes precedence over any design feature you want to add. If customers can’t decipher what’s written on it, then its fetching reddish tint or gold-like luster won’t make the least bit of difference. When working with brass, two of the most effective methods to cut a pattern on the surface are engraving and etching. Engraving involves using a stylus to draw directly onto brass while etching requires sketching and then applying an acid bath to the material. Your choice in technique will depend on the pattern or text the client wants to use. For a design that requires precise strokes and crisper lines, you might want to go with engraving. If the design calls for broader, deeper lines, etching is the better option.

Consider Element Exposure

Since the signage is going to be placed outside, you have to anticipate how exposure to weather can affect its appearance. Compared to plastic or aluminum plaques, painted backgrounds and other cheap materials at least, brass can hold up fairly well against sun and rain. It will tarnish over time, however, so make sure to remind your client that it would need routine maintenance, especially if they chose brass to match their brand. Wiping down the surface from time to time will allow the sign to retain its color.

An exterior signage holds a lot of value even in a time when digital advertising has drastically changed the marketing game. With the right skills and a trustworthy supplier on your side, you can help businesses attract the attention of their customers.

About Rotax Metals

Rotax Metals is the go-to supplier of copper, brass and bronze products since 1947. We have worked with countless fabricators, architectural designers, artisans and many other professionals in a variety of industries. Our company is also known for its unparalleled dedication to sustainability and environment in our day-to-day operations.

Sources:

A Small-Business Guide to Designing Compelling Signage, Inc.com

3 Design Tips for Creating Signs That Attract Customers, Entrepreneur.com

Invest in Quality Brass for Sale to Produce Creative Arts and Crafts

If you’re a budding artist or hobbyist looking for a material that can help you expand your creativity, why not check out metals like brass? There are plenty of reasons to work with brass, foremost of which is its versatility. It can be easily molded and shaped into various models, but at the same time remains to be one of the strongest materials out there.

It’s also a huge plus that it’s actually very accessible and readily available from trusted and reputable suppliers. They also come in ready forms, such as plates, sheets, tubings, and squares, which is why it’s a lot easier for you to mix and match the materials for your creations. Here are some of the things you can do with your brass supply.

Jewelry

Brass can be softened to shape with little heat. You can make earrings, bracelets, or intricate rings out of it. You can also etch or engrave designs on the surface of the material itself, which makes it perfect for bespoke designs. Read more from this article: http://bit.ly/2Ex79R7

Keep Up with Current Interior Design Trends with Copper & Brass Sales

Most homeowners would prefer to redesign their properties periodically. Welcoming the new year, for example, is one such occasion that calls for a reinvention in the home. It’s practically symbolic to having a fresh start, a recharging, an openness for new chances and opportunities.

For interior designers, this also means facing and overcoming new challenges, especially if their clients want a cost-efficient upgrade or improvement to their properties. Fortunately, there are ways to meet the clients’ briefs without breaking their bank or going over their budget unnecessarily.

One of the foremost trends that experts are forecasting for the coming year is the resurgence of everything that is pretty and shiny—in short, metals. Not that interest in them ever went away, but for sure, there’s going to be a lot more demand for brass, copper, silver, and even gold in home interiors. Read more from this article: http://bit.ly/2D3LdzO

Take Advantage of Copper and Brass Sales to Create Hypoallergenic Jewelry

Jewelry making is proving to be one of the most lucrative industries in the U.S. as sales are expected to rise to just over $35 billion by 2019. As the demand for fine jewelry made from precious metals and stones increases, however, jewelers might want to keep in mind people who suffer from metal allergy. When choosing a base metal for a certain piece, it would be better to avoid nickel, cobalt or chromium because these elements are known to be contact allergens. Some people are even allergic to gold due the high prevalence of contact allergy associated with it.

If you are looking for hypoallergenic and economical alternatives to the aforementioned metals, consider copper and its alloys instead. Copper’s antimicrobial properties make it perfect for people who experience skin irritation when wearing certain types of jewelry. Here are some useful tips for when you go looking for supplies of copper and brass sales.

Preserve Its Natural Color

Copper’s gorgeous, reddish hue is what makes it very desirable especially now that the famous “rose gold” tint is used on everything these days. Unfortunately, copper and copper alloys oxidize rather quickly when exposed to the elements. Direct contact to skin and lack of maintenance on the end user’s part also speed up the oxidation process. To preserve its lovely color, you can protect it by sealing it securely and using renaissance wax.

On the other hand, some jewelry makers prefer to mount copper onto a backing made of a different material. For instance, a copper bracelet may be placed on top of a sterling backing so that it doesn’t directly come in contact with the wearer’s skin. Similarly, copper earrings may be designed with colored niobium ear wires because this metal is highly resistant to corrosion and generally safe for people with sensitive skin.

It’s also a good idea to sell copper products along with anti-tarnish tabs or bags. This way, you can advise buyers to keep jewelry in these special containers when they take them off. Give your customers some pointers on how to clean their jewelry to stop oxidation as well.

Give It the Vintage Treatment

If you want to give your pieces that timeless look, you could just let nature take its course, so to speak. To the right buyer, antique and vintage jewelry with a beautiful patina (greenish or bluish discoloration on the surface) are just as valuable as the shiny pieces. The patina even acts as a protective barrier between the skin and the jewelry itself.

Artisans can achieve this effect in several ways, but perhaps the most popular method of patinating copper is using liver of sulfur (LOS). LOS is a mixture of potassium trisulfide and potassium thiosulfate that alters the color of metals. Jewelry pieces are dipped into the solution and then sealed using acrylic resin or craft lacquers. The result is a darkened coloration depending on how long they were submerged into the solution.

Copper and brass are excellent materials to work with no matter how you choose to create your jewelry. Make sure to source them from trusted suppliers, such as Rotax Metals.

About Rotax Metals

Rotax Metals is a leading supplier of copper and bronze alloys in all shapes and sizes. We have been providing high-quality materials to many industries around the world since 1947. Our services also include polishing, metal shearing, waterjet cutting, metal fabrication and more.

Sources:

Surgical Steel and Hypoallergenic Metals, Rings-Things.com

Guide to Base Metals in Jewellery Making, CooksonGold.com

How Brass Square Tube Inclusions Can Immediately Improve Your Kitchen Design

Among the most requested projects for interior design is the kitchen. As one of the more important rooms in any home given its functionality, it can have a significant impact on the value not only of the room itself but the house as a whole.

As exciting as it is to go on a full redesign spree, however, many homeowners can’t help but worry about the cost that the project will entail. Refurbishing a full kitchen does not come cheap, after all, especially with all the fittings and appliances that must be taken into consideration. This concern is actually one of the reasons why metals like brass are a popular choice among designers.

With its gold-like appearance, brass can easily improve the aesthetic of any room, making it seem a lot more elegant because of its shine. Here are some other design ideas you can use to maximize the desired sophisticated effect for your client’s kitchen.

Tapware and Other Hardware

Even a simple upgrade of tapware from steel to brass can already deliver an impact. Subtle as it may be, the pop of brass color on the kitchen surface, such as on the sink and countertops, can already brighten up the room.

It’s also versatile enough that it can be mixed and matched with different color palette options. Whether you go for plain white walls or floral wallflower, the brass tapware and joinery can elevate the look and feel of the kitchen. The best part about it: you don’t have to cover everything in brass to achieve this effect.

Shelves

Storage is essential in any kitchen. Some prefer wooden cabinets with glass windows for accent. Meanwhile, there is also the more functional, no-frills option of having open shelves. This is a great way to incorporate brass in your designs, too, particularly by using brass square tube as frames for the shelf structure.

With this, you can come up with a bespoke and sturdy open shelf for the kitchen, perfect for pots, pans, and other kitchen implements. Another plus of going for open shelves is that it allows the materials to be naturally aired out so it’s easier to dry them without having to worry about that dank, musty smell closed cupboards tend to have.

Backsplashes

If you want to have that WOW! effect for anyone walking into your client’s kitchen, you can opt to go for that one time big time application of brass instead of adding them as little, subtle elements throughout the room. One way to do this is to use it as the main backsplash feature.

A wide strip of brass metal sheet just behind the countertops along the wall can make for a very striking feature in any kitchen. It’s shiny, it’s glossy, and gives a simple yet astounding focal point to the kitchen. This is especially advantageous for kitchens that are small and so do not have the space to catch the attention with a striking centrepiece like a very impressive island.

A brass metal sheet backsplash can then be complemented by earth tones or brass accents like candlesticks or flower vases, too.

There are many other ways to feature brass into your interior design plans. Just make sure to get your supplies from reputable sources, such as Rotax Metals.

About Rotax Metals

As a go-to metal supplier in North America, Rotax Metals is dedicated to providing only the highest quality brass, bronze, and copper tubes, sheets, and bars. We have a copious inventory that can support all kinds of project, from home design and construction to industrial machine creation. Whether you are an artisan looking for a shiny metal addition to your design or a plumber looking for durable fittings, we’ve got you covered.

Source:

The Kitchen and Dining Trends to Look Out for in 2018. HuffingtonPost.com. Brass Kitchen.

Top Reasons Why Craftsmen Love Using Brass Tube and Other Brass Types

Any furniture maker worth their salt would know for certain that brass is just about one of the best kinds of metal that they can work with. The natural properties of this particular metal make it such an easy material to work with, making room for better creativity.

Those looking to learn the craft of furniture making would do well to familiarize themselves with brass tube and other brass metal types so they can make the most out of its many possible applications.

Cost Efficient

One of the foremost reasons why brass metal is such a popular choice for craftsmen is that it delivers good value at low cost. The value being referred to here is more of the aesthetic type, though, because it looks a lot like gold. Its monetary value, however, does not meet up to that of actual gold.

While its resale value may not be as significant as gold, however, more people are more likely to choose brass for various applications like bathroom and kitchen fittings, accessories, interior design accents and more. This is because it is more affordable to fill a room with brass-themed furniture rather than filling it up with everything gold. The resulting aesthetic can be the same anyway, especially in terms of sophistication and elegance. 

Craftsmen using brass metals, therefore, can expect to have a much faster turn of inventory on the market. As for the client, they can achieve the elegant aesthetic they want without shelling out too much cash from their own pockets.

Versatility

Another reason why brass works is that it is so versatile; you can literally use it for just about anything. Whether it is a simple curtain rod, a handrail, a kitchen accent, or even custom jewellery, there are just so many applications you can do with brass. You’re also not limited to using round brass tubes because there are also square ones, flat U channels, hexagonal, and more.

Its malleability is a big factor in why it is such a preferred material for furniture makers and other craftsmen. Under controlled heat, it can be molded into different design patterns that can improve aesthetic appeal. Maintenance is also huge plus for it because it does not need all that much in order to retain its gold-like shine. Just a regular soap and water to get out the dirt will do, while giving it a good scrub for polish should be enough too.

Accessibility

Unlike precious metals like gold, brass is one of the most accessible in the market. There are plenty of reliable and trustworthy suppliers that craftsmen and artists can go to, such as Rotax Metals. As much as possible, it is advisable that you buy materials in bulk so that it can be more cost-efficient for you rather than buying materials piecemeal. Doing so should also help you continue with your work uninterrupted because you’ll have enough supply on hand.

As brass is highly common and versatile, it is also very easy to mix and match it with other metal types, such as copper or aluminum, which makes it a lot more fun for the craftsman to work with.

If you’re interested in turning art out of metal, consider learning about the peculiarities of the brass metal so that you can use it to its full potential. You can also consider purchasing brass metal products from top suppliers like Rotax Metals.

About Rotax Metals

Rotax Metals is a one-stop shop for all your metal supply needs. Whether you need decorative tubes, bars, and sheets for your interior design project or bathroom fittings for your plumbing business, we’ve got you covered. We specialize in copper alloys, including brass and bronze. We believe that these metals are extremely valuable to various industries. If you are interested in purchasing supplies for your own metal supply business, get in touch with us.

Sources:

Brass Alloys and Their Applications. TheBalance.com.

What is Brass Tubing and What are Its Common Uses? SelfGrowth.com.

Choosing Materials for Craft Jewellery with Metals Like Brass Tubing

Some hobbies can transition easily into a successful business venture, such as arts and crafts. Specifically, jewellery making is something that you can turn into a lucrative activity by selling your creations at retail, whether online or in person. If you’re seriously considering making this shift from hobbyist to actual jewellery maker, one of the most important things you should know about firstly is the kind of material that you’ll be working with.

Metals for Jewellery

Jewellery pieces can be so versatile that you can use just about any kind of material for it. The more precious the stones and metals for it, though, mean the higher value of the item. A common requirement for using metals in craft jewellery is that its properties should allow it to be flexible while also being sturdy. It should also be wearable, which means that its components will not prove harmful to the wearer’s health as much as possible. The stronger the material is, the better an investment the piece becomes, too, so longevity of the product is definitely something to look at.

Aluminum

Among the most common metals used for jewelleries is aluminium, thanks to its lightweight characteristic. It is also highly malleable, which makes it great for adding in design details, whether through engraving or sculpting. It is also not prone to tarnishing unlike other kinds of metal and can be easily cleaned and maintained simply by washing it with hand soap and water. Many jewellery makers prefer aluminium also because it is nickel-free, and so is safe to wear even for those with allergies.

Brass

Brass is a standout choice for many jewellers because of its similar appearance to gold. It can be sophisticated and elegant without costing as much. It’s also highly versatile and malleable, making it easy to mold and shape into various designs. They usually come in different forms, like brass tubing and squares, among others. As long as it is properly cared for, too, it can possibly last a long time. It helps that finished brass does not tarnish like silver does, which makes its maintenance a whole lot easier. Aside from that, it only needs soap and water to be cleaned. Another option for maintenance is ketchup. Apparently, the acid in tomatoes make for a very good cleaning agent against tarnish on brass.

Copper

Similar to brass, copper is a bright, shiny metal that tends to look like gold, albeit with a reddish hue. Also soft and easily malleable, copper is best distinguished through its green patina that occurs upon oxidation. Some consider this patina as part of this metal’s aesthetic, although for jewellery, it could make it look less appealing. Unlike the previous metals, copper requires a bit more for its maintenance, such as a water-vinegar-salt mixture to get it clean.

Silver

There are two choices you can go for when working with silver: fine and sterling. Fine silver is pure silver up to 99.9%, while sterling is at 92.5% purity. Most jewellers prefer sterling silver because it is a lot stronger than fine silver, which means it can be used with other accents like pendants. Fine silver, on the other hand, can be so fine that it bends easily making it difficult to incorporate with other elements.

Gold

Highly valuable as compared to other metal types, gold is a foremost choice among jewellery makers for its natural beauty and versatility. Real gold is also very easy to maintain because it does not tarnish or corrode. It is advisable to mix it with other metals when possible, however, because pure gold, like fine silver, is on the softer side, which can affect its durability as a jewel piece. Mixing it with other metals will affect its karat though (higher karat means higher purity while lower karat but stronger metal).

About Rotax Metals

Rotax Metals is a premier metal supplier in North America. We’ve been supplying high-quality copper alloys to the world since 1948. We pride ourselves in our vast network of sources and a team of highly experienced metallurgists. Whether you need brass, bronze, or copper tubes, bars, or sheets, we surely have ample supplies in store for you. We serve individuals and businesses looking for the highest quality metals for their projects.

Sources:

Hardware Store Jewelry: 10 Ways to Use Tubing and Pipe in Jewelry Making. What is the Best Jewelery Metal? eBay.com.

Industrial Benefits of Bronze Bars, Tubes, and Sheets—The Properties that Set Bronze Apart

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

Top Considerations for Round and Square Metal Tubing Selection

Metal tubes are among the most widely used yet least regarded objects on the planet. You can find them in your home, at the workplace, in the subway, or even in your car. They convey hot water from your heater and cool air from your air conditioner into your home. When you are going up or down the stairs, they keep you from falling off the side. They have a plethora of uses and yet you probably know very little about them, particularly how they are manufactured.

What Metal Tubes Are Usually Made Of

There are many metals that can be used to produce tubes, each of which is chosen for specific industrial applications. The most common of them are the stainless and non-ferrous metals, such as copper, brass, bronze, and aluminum. These metals not only exhibit properties common to non-ferrous metals, such as corrosion resistance and toughness, but they have other highly beneficial characteristics, including superior strength and high thermal and electrical conductivity, which makes them a perfect round or square metal tubing material.

How Their Dimensions Are Decided

Metal tubes come is a range of sizes to suit different applications. Their dimensions include inside diameter, outside diameter, and wall thickness. Manufacturers base their choice of material, design, and production technique on the tube’s purpose and the kinds of fluid that it will be used to transport. Tubes that are meant to convey corrosive fluids are usually made of corrosion-resistant metal and with a thick wall. 

Methods of Construction

There are three ways metal tubes are constructed—extrusion, welding, and welding and drawing (W&D). Metal tubes constructed via extrusion often exhibit seamless features, while welded ones have a visible patch on one side as they were originally sheets rolled to form conduits. W&D, on the other hand, are welded and precisely sized by drawing through a die.

Commercially Available Shapes

Most tubes that are made for conveying fluids have circular diameter. This is because such purpose requires even strength distribution in all directions. As the demand for tubing in other industries grew, manufacturers began introducing tubes of other shapes into the market. You can now find oval, rectangular, and square tubing offered by top suppliers like Rotax Metals.

Testing Their Performance

Of course, it is crucial to ensure that metal tubes meet the demands of the industries they will be used for. As such, different tests are conducted to measure each product’s quality and performance. When offered to buyers, commercial metal tubes usually come with certain performance specifications, including pressure rating, maximum vacuum, minimum bend radius, and temperature range so that buyers can find the most suitable tubes for their projects.

Choosing the Best Finish

To improve the durability and corrosion resistance of a metal tube, it is normally polished or covered with a finishing layer. Depending on the tube’s purpose, the manufacturer can galvanize, paint, or plate it either inside or outside. Meanwhile, if the buyer wants a bright finish, the manufacturer can simply polish or pickle the tube’s surface.

With these considerations, it is easier to choose the best metal tubing for your projects. All you have to worry about is the likelihood of choosing poor-quality products. This is where reputable companies like Rotax Metals come in. Having been in the business for over seven decades, they can surely measure up to your expectations.

About Rotax Metals

Rotax Metals is your one-stop shop for high-quality metals. Whether you need copper, brass, or bronze fittings and pipes for your plumbing or customized tubing for your interior design, we’ve got you covered. We serve countless professionals and material suppliers across North America, and for over seven decades we’ve never failed them.

Sources:

4 Types of Copper Piping, TheBalance.com

Metal Tubes Information, GlobalSpec.com

Why Your Builder Chose Solid Brass Plumbing Fixtures, Copper.org