In general terms, Bronze is an extremely hard metal!
Bronze is a fascinating alloy that has been used by humans for thousands of years. It is primarily composed of copper, but its unique properties are derived from the addition of various other elements that give bronze increased strength, elasticity and resistance to wear and corrosion, making it a valuable material for a variety of applications.
Ideal for tough conditions in which wear and tear, or where durability are key factors, Bronze alloys come in a variety of compositions, each designed for a particular use. And here at P&P Non-Ferrous we stock Aluminium Bronze, Phosphor Bronze and Leaded Bronze in hollow bar, square bar, hexagonal bar and round bar variants.
While all three alloys are types of Bronze, they have different compositions and are tailored for specific applications based on their unique properties. In this article, we will explore the different types of bronze in detail, examining their composition, properties and uses in a bit of analysis below:
Aluminum Bronze
Aluminum bronze is a type of bronze alloy that contains copper as the base metal, along with aluminum as the main alloying element. Other elements such as iron, nickel, manganese and silicon may also be present in varying amounts.
Aluminum bronze exhibits high strength, excellent corrosion resistance and good wear resistance. It is often used in applications requiring high mechanical strength and resistance to corrosion, such as marine applications, chemical processing equipment and aerospace components.
Phosphor Bronze
Phosphor bronze is a bronze alloy that contains copper as the base metal, with tin as the primary alloying element. Phosphorus is added in small amounts to improve the alloy's wear resistance.
Phosphor bronze is known for its excellent spring properties, corrosion resistance and good electrical conductivity. It is commonly used in applications such as electrical connectors, springs and musical instruments.
Leaded Bronze
Leaded bronze, or leaded gunmetal, typically contains copper as the base metal, along with lead as the main alloying element. Other elements such as tin may also be present.
Leaded bronze is valued for its superior machinability, good wear resistance and self-lubricating properties. It is often used in applications such as bearings, bushings, and other components where ease of machining and reduced friction are important.
In summary, while all three alloys are types of bronze, they have different compositions and are tailored for specific applications based on their unique properties. Aluminum bronze is chosen for its strength and corrosion resistance, phosphor bronze for its spring properties and electrical conductivity, and leaded bronze for its machinability and self-lubricating characteristics. The selection between them depends on the specific requirements of the intended use.
At P&P Non-Ferrous, we keep all three bronze alloys in stock to cover a wide range of applications. Why not give us a try with your next job and call us to discuss your requirements.