What is Bronze?
Bronze is one of several copper forging alloys. It consists primarily of copper along with additives include tin, aluminum, phosphorus, zinc, silicon, and occasional arsenic.
The additives give the bronze forgings different characteristics. The limitless variation makes bronze one of the most versatile alloys.
Bronze Forging Applications
Some of the typical applications of forged bronze include:
- Fluid systems
- Pump housings
- Musical instruments
- Valves
- Sprinklers
- Fittings
- Piping
- Coins
- Bushings
- Bearings
There are many additional applications for bronze. The critical part of any project is choosing the proper preparation. Forging is a primary means of shaping bronze into useful configurations.
Optimal processing depends on the design intention for use of the bronze part. As an example, annealing, a form of heat treatment, alters the microstructure of a bronze forging, for mechanical or electrical purposes. Higher concentration of copper in bronze alloys, improves electrical conductivity.
The additions of 0.5% to 1% tin increase toughness and strength. Tin also lowers the coefficient of friction (CoE) while maintaining high fatigue resistance due to grain refinement. These characteristics make tin bronze an excellent fit for electrical products, washers, and springs. Phosphorous adds many of the same benefits, though additions as small as 0.01% to 0.35%.
Nickel is another common additive, thanks to its moderate strength and relatively high corrosion resistance. There are many marine applications for nickel bronze as it protects parts from salty seawater and marine biological damage. Some of the other nickel bronze applications include food and beverage equipment, optical equipment, and musical instruments.
Benefits of Bronze Forging
There are a handful of reasons to invest in bronze forging. For instance, the forged material has high dimensional accuracy, high density, and lustrous surface finishes. Some of the other benefits of forging bronze include the following items.
Tensile Strength
Tensile strength measures the maximum stress that materials can withstand during stretching or pulling. Brittle materials, like pure zinc, aluminum, or cast iron, have low tensile strength and crack relatively easily. Bronze, along with copper, brass and other forged alloys, have higher ductility and tensile strength.
Designing with forged bronze is one way to guarantee tensile strength superior to other materials. The forging process ensures proper grain flow, which enhances fatigue resistance. The same approach applies to forging copper and forging brass for increased mechanical properties.
Resistance to Corrosion
Bronze is ideal in industrial settings, particularly those with corrosive chemicals. OEMs specify bronze alloy forgings to address these hostile environments. Additional advantages are self-lubricating, low CoE, and electrical conductivity.
Without any iron content, brass, bronze, and copper alloys are not subject to rusting. A green patina of copper oxide, appears over time, which protects the structure from further damage.
Formability
Similar to other copper alloys, bronze can be forged to fine details and consistency with dimensional tolerances superior to other alloys such as steel. Details in the tooling are more closely captured during forging of bronze and other copper alloys.
Conductivity
With the high concentration of copper, bronze alloys retain elevated and reliable conductivity. Materials such as bronze remain highly desirable to meet these requirements compared to more expensive materials such as silver, or aluminum which is prone to dielectric corrosion.
Bronze Forging Capabilities at Queen City Forging
Queen City Forging has been a leader in world-class forging since 1881. Our decades of experience are evident in our award-winning forging processes, cutting-edge research, and expert personnel. OEM design engineers, OEM design metallurgists, and OEM purchasing agents trust us when they need affordable and high-quality forged bronze components.
Queen City Forging prides itself on an unparalleled commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. We match the right equipment and forging metallurgy to ensure you get the best manufacturing results every time. Whether you want forged bronze, copper, brass, or silicon alloys, we have what you need.
When you need bronze forging, Queen City Forging has you covered. Contact us today for all your bronze needs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
