Copper Based Alloys

An alloy of copper and other metals such as tin (around 12% of the composition), aluminium, manganese, zinc and silicon, and is typically a yellow/brown colour; the melting point will vary depending on the alloying elements but is usually around 950^oC.

Bronze has been used for thousands of years to cast metal objects such as weaponry, jewellery and artwork, but in modern times, these alloys are used for many applications such as bushes, bearings, gears, boat propellers and other marine applications.

Generally an alloy of copper and zinc (which can vary between a few percentages to 40%) and is typically a bright yellow or red brown colour; its melting point will vary depending on the alloying elements but tends to be between 900 ^oC and 940^oC. Brass is a general term that can encompass many different grades, and one of the most popular is nickel silver, created from copper, nickel and zinc – its colour is not as brassy, but silvery instead.

Brass alloys can be used to produce musical instruments, plumbing components, decorative valves, locks and tools for non-sparking applications (such as explosive environments).

These two also tend to be combined. This is because the resulting alloy is strong and highly resistant to corrosion, mainly marine. The strongest alloy made from copper is beryllium-copper, which has many properties similar to high strength alloy steels, only with more resistance to corrosion over time.