{"id":3737,"date":"2019-07-11T18:35:10","date_gmt":"2019-07-11T15:35:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/fractory.com\/?p=3737"},"modified":"2024-08-26T16:58:16","modified_gmt":"2024-08-26T13:58:16","slug":"copper-alloys","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fractory.com\/copper-alloys\/","title":{"rendered":"Copper Alloys – Brass, Bronze and Cupronickels"},"content":{"rendered":"
Copper alloys have great material properties<\/a> useful for many applications. Pure copper, however, has been one of the most important metals for the last 6000 years. Comparing it to other metals, its biggest advantages are:<\/p>\n Those properties, including diamagnetism<\/a>, of copper are also present in its alloys. A wide range of alloying elements add further desirable properties. While many copper alloys have suitable characteristics for different applications, they have largely been replaced by aluminium alloys and plastic materials.<\/p>\n The reason for that is copper’s comparatively high price. Of all the different types of metals<\/a>, copper is pretty high up on the price list. Thus, copper also fetches a high price when scrapped. But it’s important to understand copper scrap grading<\/a> fundamentals as not all copper is the same, and the price offer depends largely on its grade.<\/p>\n Despite the notable strength and durability of copper alloys, they are not immune to corrosion. The oxidation of copper<\/a> components in these alloys can lead to colour changes and surface degradation over time, particularly in harsh environments.<\/p>\n Nevertheless, copper alloys, such as brass, bronze and cupronickels, have cemented their places as useful materials in different sectors, including engineering.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adding zinc to copper strengthens the alloy because of zinc’s ability to be dissolved. At the same time, the copper alloy’s plasticity increases, which is an unusual feature.<\/p>\n 10…20% Zn alloys are known as gilding metals<\/a> that are used in the jewellery industry and in the production of heat exchangers. 30% Zn alloys are called cartridge brass<\/strong> for a pretty self-explanatory reason. The upper threshold of zinc in formable brass is around 35%.<\/p>\n Adding other alloying elements can further improve brass’s properties. Sn and Al, for example, increase its corrosion resistance in seawater.\u00a0<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Applications<\/strong>: Jewellery, art, deep drawn parts (cutlery, musical instruments, etc) and ammunition cartridges.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Single phase brasses contain Zn up to 37%. Those are called alpha brasses. Single phase brasses have a homogeneous crystal structure.<\/p>\n Such brasses are softer and have higher ductility. Those qualities make alpha brasses suitable for cold working, drawing, bending, etc.<\/p>\n The aforementioned cartridge brass (70\/30 Cu\/Zn) falls into this category. Because of the suitability for cold drawing, it’s the ideal candidate for producing ammunition shells in large quantities without high energy requirements.<\/p>\n Its resistance to corrosion, compared to brass with higher zinc content, makes single phase brass suitable for producing different types of fasteners<\/a>.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Applications<\/strong>: Heat exchangers, capacitors, parts made by automatic cutting benches, etc.<\/p>\n Double phase brasses, also known as duplex brasses<\/strong>, contain both the \u03b1 and \u03b2 phases. Thus, both alpha grain structure and beta grain structure are present.<\/p>\n Double phase brass is more affordable than single phase brass because of the larger amount of zinc used in it. At the same time, it’s more prone to corrosion. Still, the chemical composition leads to greater strength and hardness. Therefore, double phase brass is suitable for hot forming and casting. Metal extrusion<\/a>, stamping and die casting<\/a> are usable methods with that type of metal.<\/p>\n The most used alpha-beta brasses have a Cu\/Zn relationship of 60\/40. Such brasses are known as Muntz metals<\/a><\/strong>. In order to improve material properties, double phase brasses have more alloying elements. Small amounts of Pb increase the material’s cutting properties. Mn, Sn, Al, Fe and Ni all have a significant impact on material strength.<\/p>\n Mn-containing alpha-beta brasses are known as high-strength brasses. They have great casting qualities but are also used for hot working.<\/p>\n Alpha-beta brasses have a zinc content of up to 45%. Anything above is beta brass but it finds a lot less use.<\/p>\n \n
Brass<\/h2>\n
Single Phase Brass<\/h3>\n
Double Phase Brass<\/h3>\n
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