5 Types of Bronze Alloys

Copper Bronze Recycling

Copper Bronze Recycling 317-244-0700

Bronze is not a pure metal, but rather, a metal alloy. This is because it contains various metals and alloys. It is mostly comprised of copper, but also retains a few other common metal constituents. Generally, tin is added in, but alloys like aluminum, arsenic, manganese, phosphorous, and silicon are sometimes used as well. This means there are various versions of bronze alloys, all of which retaining separate attributes and properties. But the collective property among them all is strength. When these metal constituents are added to copper, it makes it much stronger. This is why bronze is a common metal used in the construction of musical instruments, sculptures, medals, and several industrial applications (i.e. bearings, bushings, etc.). Continue reading to learn the 5 common types of bronze alloys and the qualities they possess.

Common Variations of Bronze:

1. Aluminum Bronze

Aluminum bronze has superior strength and corrosive-resistant qualities. It contains several additives to achieve this level of performance, anywhere 6% to 12% of aluminum, and at the most, 6% iron and 6% nickel. You will see aluminum bronze in few industries, but common applications include the manufacturing of marine hardware, sleeve bearings, and pumps that transport corrosive fluids.

2. Phosphor Bronze

Phosphor bronze is also called “tin bronze” because it generally contains between 0.5% to 1% tin and between 0.01% and 0.35% phosphorous. This combinations gives the metal alloy incredible strength, but also fine grain, durability, high fatigue resistance, and a low coefficient of friction. The anti-corrosive and strength qualities are thanks to the tin content, while the rest is a result of sufficient phosphorous levels. It is most commonly used to manufacture anti-corrosive equipment, as well as, electrical components, washers, springs, bellows, and more.

3. Nickel Brass

Also known as “nickel silver”, nickel brass is a metal alloy made up of copper, tin, and you guess it, nickel. The nickel content renders the metal a silver color, while the copper and tin provide tensile strength and corrosive-resistant qualities. For these reasons, it is used often to make musical instruments, optical equipment, food and beverage equipment, and more.

4. Silicon Bronze

Also called “red silicon bronze”, silicon bronze contains copper, but also silicon and zinc. Most often, it has a zinc content of 20%, and a silicon content no greater than 6%. The most common application is the manufacturing of pumps and valves parts.

5. Copper Nickel

Copper nickel has a high content of nickel, giving it its name. However, the actual amount of nickel can range greatly. The nickel content can be as low as 2%, or as high as 30%! And like the other bronze alloys, it is strong and corrosive-resistant. But it also has high thermal stability, making it useful in the manufacturing of electronic components, marine equipment, ship hulls, and more.

Recycle Scrap Metal for Cash!

Metal Recycling Company

Indianapolis Metal Recycling 317-244-0700

If you have scrap metal laying around, sell it to Zore’s Recycling for cash on the spot! We accept all metals and metal commodities, including sheet metal, piping, electrical wiring, motorized vehicles, auto parts, construction equipment, major appliances, power tools, watercrafts, and more. We are the scrap metal recycling center Hoosiers trust. Call 317-244-0700 for a free offer for your scrap metal in Indianapolis, Indiana.

What are Red Metals?

Indianapolis Copper Recycling 317-244-0700

Indianapolis Copper Recycling 317-244-0700

Red metal is a colloquial term used for the common alloys we know as copper, bronze, and brass. They all retain a reddish hue similar to one another, earning them the aforementioned moniker. Although all three metals are similar in color and even share a nickname that supports this similarity, they are all quite different when it comes to composition, qualities, and more. Continue reading to learn more about red metal, and the differences between copper, brass, and bronze.

Copper

Copper is resistant to corrosion, highly durable, malleable, and retains superior thermal and electrical conductivity. These qualities have proven to be highly beneficial and purposeful in several industries, including electrical material and product manufacturing, automotive, and plumbing. Not only is copper corrosion-resistant, it combats bacterial growth. For this reason, it is commonly used for door knobs and other surfaces that are touched frequently.

Bronze

Bronze is an alloy of copper, containing copper, as well as, other materials like tin or aluminum. Other metallic ingredients used in combination with copper to make bronze include arsenic, manganese, phosphorus, and silicone. Bronze is harder than copper but has a duller gold-like color in comparison to the other two red metals. Bronze also has faint rings on its surface, making it easy to tell it apart from copper and brass. It is used to make medals, plaques, musical instruments, hardware like bearings and bushings, and more. Types of bronze include tin or phosphor bronze, aluminum bronze, and silicone bronze.

Brass

Brass is simply an alloy made from copper and zinc. The amount of zinc can vary, creating brass metals that vary in color and other properties. The more zinc there is, the more durable and less ductile the brass will be. Although one of the three red metals, brass can also range in color between yellow and orange, depending on the zinc content. Brass is primarily used to make décor, as it resembles gold, and also in musical instrument manufacturing and design.

Sell Your Scrap Metal for Cash

Do you have extra metal laying around that you want sell for profit? Even junk scrap metal can be sold for cash on the spot! Things like electrical wiring, laptops, stereos, appliances, general electronics, sheet metal, pipes, cars, and more can be traded for fast cash no matter what condition they are in!

Zore’s Recycling

Indianapolis Metal Recycling 317-244-0700

Indianapolis Metal Recycling 317-244-0700

Call Zore’s Recycling at 317-244-0700 for information about copper recycling in Indianapolis, Indiana. For more than 75 years, our company has provided trusted metal recycling services to all the surrounding Hoosier communities and businesses. We pay cash on the spot for scrap metal, including copper, bronze, brass, tin, aluminum, steel, iron, platinum, gold, and more. Call 317-244-0700 and speak with a friendly and knowledgeable company representative about our Indianapolis metal recycling services and current market values.