Aluminum
is among the most widely used metals on the planet, not only because it is
abundant (constituting about eight percent of the Earth’s land mass), but more
importantly because it has many useful properties. While aluminum is typically
utilized in its pure form, it can also be safely alloyed with other metals to
form stronger and more valuable materials.
One
of the popular metals that aluminum is usually alloyed with is bronze. For
decades, aluminum bronze has been an indispensable alloy utilized for a range
of construction and industrial uses. Adding aluminum to the original tin-copper
mixture elevates the potential of regular bronze bars and sheets, making them stronger and
more durable.
Composition
Aluminum
bronzes normally contain between 3% and 12% aluminum, in addition to the
original copper and tin. Other alloying agents such as iron, nickel, manganese,
and silicon are also sometimes added to aluminum bronzes to make them even more
resilient. A wide variety of this alloy with differing compositions are
manufactured to support various applications.
Making the Alloy
There
are three main techniques for making aluminum bronze alloys—solid solution
strengthening, which works by adding atoms of one element to the crystalline
lattice of another element; cold working, the process of strengthening a metal
by changing its shape without the use of heat; and precipitation of an iron
rich phase. To produce even stronger aluminum bronzes, most manufacturers
combine these techniques.
Properties
Both
aluminum and bronze are non-ferrous metals. This means, they are resistant to
oxidation or rusting. Bronze, however, tarnishes very fast as it reacts to
oxygen. By mixing it with aluminum, it overcomes that weakness and maintains a
golden color for much longer. It is also resistant to corrosion, particularly
in atmospheric conditions and at high temperatures. Also, this metal doesn’t
easily react to sulfurous compounds and other exhaust products of combustion,
which makes it effective in applications that involve exposure to noxious
gases.
The
copper component of aluminum bronze is known for its bacteriostatic property.
Aluminum has a little bit of that as well. So when combined, these metals can
turn into a lethal weapon against bacteria and other organisms, including
algae, lichens, barnacles, and mussels. This is why aluminum bronzes are good
for both fresh and salt water functions.
Applications
With
higher corrosion resistance and more excellent mechanical properties, aluminum
bronzes are perfect for manufacturing bearing and machine parts for heavily
loaded applications. These include gun mounting and slides, landing gear parts,
and pickling tank and mild alkali uses. Because it is also resistant to erosion
and cavitation, it is widely used for making propellers and other marine
hardware.
If
you are looking for high-grade aluminum bronze material for your next
industrial or construction project, see to it that you will go to the right
supplier. With the many metal suppliers in North America these days, it can be
difficult to find one that you can trust. You’ll have a better chance though if
you will factor in the number of years the supplier is in operation. Companies
like Rotax Metals that have been around for decades are your best bet.
About Rotax Metals:
Whether
you need bronze, copper, or brass products for your next project, Rotax Metals
is the supplier you should contact. Ever since we started our business over 70
years ago, we’ve never failed to deliver the highest quality metal sheets,
bars, tubes, and rods for all kinds of project. We serve a wide range of
industries from design and construction to industrial development. We also
offer special services, including polishing, metal shearing, waterjet cutting,
and metal fabrication.
Sources:
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