The second most prevalent element in bronze is tin, which is also variable commonly composing between 12% and 40% of the alloy. Read More…
Leading Manufacturers
Metal Associates
Pompton Plains, NJ | 800-838-1978Metal Associates is proficient in ferrous and nonferrous metals and manufactures quality copper in a multitude of shapes, sizes and tempers. Where possible, Metal Associates requires no minimum order requirements and no order quantity is too small.
Commercial Metal Exchange
Warminster, PA | 215-956-0626As a top distributor of copper parts and products, Commercial Metal Exchange has hard to find grades, sizes and tempers for all applications.
Alcobra Metals, Inc.
Spokane, WA | 509-482-4435Alcobra Metals offers the widest selection of specialty metals in the Pacific Northwest, offering stainless steel plate, stainless steel sheets & rounds, titanium, bronze, copper & others. Fabricators from artists to machine shops find specialty alloys, precision cutting & great prices at Alcobra.
Farmer's Copper Ltd.
Texas City, TX | 800-231-9450At Farmer’s Copper we specialize in custom orders, 464 Naval Brass plates & rods, C706 & C715 copper-nickel rods & pipe, B315 alloy 651 seamless silicon bronze pipe, ASTM B466 alloy 706 seamless copper-nickel pipe. With a vast assortment of metal inventory we are able to supply your unique copper alloy needs. Our domestic and international sales departments serve customers 24 hours, 7 days a week.
Metalmen Sales Inc.
Long Island City, NY | 800-767-9494Metalmen is a fully certified, go-to source for nationwide & global distribution of specialty copper. With over 30 years as a metal supply problem solver, let the metal men & women at Metalmen be your custom response supplier of all related services.
Bronze - Commercial Metal ExchangeThe mixture of tin and copper results in bronze, an alloy that is less brittle than tin and iron, but harder and more durable than pure copper. Additionally, bronze is more readily melted and easier to cast or work. Additional elements such as manganese, lead, zinc, silver, phosphorous, arsenic and more may also be added to enhance specific features of special-purpose bronzes. These and other less complex varieties of bronze are available to suit a wide range of industrial applications. Aluminum bronze, which offers high strength and resistance to corrosion, is used to make bearings, valves, and machine components.
Silicon bronze is used for telegraph wires and chemical containers, whereas phosphor bronze is used to make springs. Leaded bronze, a very strong type of bronze, is used in heavy-duty bushings and bearings. Bronze can also be used to cast bells. Other items that contain bronze include gunmetal, coins, castings, engravings, forgings, steam and water fittings, electrical connectors, gears, valves, and more. In general, industrial applications for bronze also take advantage of its good thermal and electrical conductivity, minimal metal-on-metal friction and non-sparking properties.
As aforementioned, bronze is more easily formed than either pure copper or tin. Though slightly less malleable than pure copper, a number of manufacturing methods are commonly employed in the processing of bronze parts and components. Before machining, however, bronze production begins much like that of any alloyed metal with the combination of copper, tin and any additional additives. These elements, often in the more of metal scrap, are weighed and appropriate amounts transported into a furnace, commonly electric. At this point the mixture is heated to temperatures in excess of 1700°F (950°C). Such temperatures allow for the homogenization of the molten materials.
Once this occurs the metal is poured or cast into stock shapes and allowed to cool before further processing. These billets and ingots are then formed as needed into bronze bars, plates, sheets, foils, strips, rods and other stock shapes via hot or cold rolling, extrusion, drawing, cutting or more. With a wide range to choose from, manufacturers select the stock shape most easily incorporated into the design of the final product which may then undergo several secondary processes. Though a lacquer may need to be applied to prevent the formation of patina, the natural dark amber hue of bronze is desirable in many applications and finishing is not often needed even for aesthetic components.