Thanks to its decorative features and many other properties, bronze has become popular. It is very difficult even for connoisseurs to name all the impurities and additives that are present in bronze alloys. This article will focus on bronze and its marking.
What supplements are available
Bronze is an alloy of non-ferrous metals, which are based on copper, and it determines the main part of its characteristic features. Man began to use metal in ancient times. This fact is confirmed by excavations of archaeologists. At first they began to use bronze, which was based on tin. This category includes bell alloy. Knowing the marking of bronze, you can understand what chemicals are in it.
As part of bronze, tin can replace other metals, for example, such as:
- Zinc or silicon. Thanks to these elements, bronze products are resistant to abrasion, and the fluidity of the metal becomes much less. This is important when performing casting operations.
- Beryllium. The element is able to give the metal high strength.
- Aluminum. The element allows bronze to become more stable, has an anti-corrosion property.
- Lead. The alloy can also become resistant to corrosion processes.
In any bronze, the base is copper. Many masters who know the marking of bronze can confirm this.
What is the chemical composition of bronze?
In addition to dividing bronze metals by chemical composition, there is a classification according to processing technology:
- Foundries. Basically, a bronze alloy is made by casting.
- Deformable. Various products are cast, which subsequently undergo deformation.
In modern industry, a large amount of bronze is produced, which differs not only in chemical composition, but also in characteristics. Also, bronze marking is important in determining the scope of the alloy. Most masters can easily determine which brand it belongs to. But, unfortunately, not many can do this without knowing the appropriate markings. Deciphering the markings of bronze is the most reliable way to determine the composition. It is presented in the form of numeric or alphabetic values.
Alloys that have passed the marking of bronze in accordance with GOST with all the requirements meet all the necessary characteristics and find application in a wide variety of fields. Some masters do not use tables to determine the composition of the alloy, they only need to know the designation.
What does the marker designation look like on bronze?
In order to determine which alloy lies in front of you, just look at the marking of bronze. Bronze is abbreviated as "br." After this reduction, there are other elements (signs) that show what is included in the composition.
How are all added substances indicated?
For bronze metals, the amount of copper is not indicated in the marking. But there are numbers that display the percentage of other elements. Therefore, in order to find out how much copper is present in the alloy, it is necessary to calculate its content by percentage.
The properties of marked bronze must be known to the master. The use of the alloy depends on what is in its composition and what are the properties of this metal.
What brands are available and where are they used?
Of course, the introduction of other elements into the bronze is carried out to improve its properties. With a large amount of tin in the composition, the ductility of the alloy increases, and it becomes less brittle. But many masters say that beryllium makes bronze more plastic and strong. Many bronze alloys are superior in strength to most high-strength metals. Many begin to subject the alloy of bronze with beryllium to hardening so that it acquires high strength and elasticity. From this alloy, springs, membranes and springs can be made. Masters found use of bronze marked Br. KMts 3-1 in mechanical engineering.
What properties does bronze have and where is it used?
Of bronze alloys, the chemical composition of which includes aluminum, products with high strength and corrosion resistance are made. This alloy can be used in all conditions and even at high humidity. If you make a product that will be subjected to heavy use or strong impact, it is recommended to pour lead into the bronze alloy. Bearings are made of such metal.
Classification of bronze by marking suggests that there are alloys that differ in properties. This mainly depends on the amount and type of chemical in the alloy.
What are the characteristics of bronze metals, which are not based on tin?
Bronze metal, which contains zinc and silicon, has excellent melt flow. Thanks to this, experienced craftsmen make complex small parts from it. The main feature is that during mechanical actions sparks will not occur on it. This condition is quite important for many masters.
The latest type of bronze alloys are alloys that include nickel and aluminum. They have a fairly high anti-corrosion property.
Marked bronze with various alloys does not have the property of magnetism, so it is used for the manufacture of various products for electrical purposes.
How are bronze metals made?
For a long time making bronze only tools have changed, but the essence remains the same. For the manufacture of alloy, it is recommended to use coal to prevent early oxidation of metals.
The melting process, after which bronze is obtained, is performed in the following sequence:
- It is recommended that the container with raw materials be placed in the oven, preheated to the recommended temperature.
- In order for the metal to not be able to oxidize after melting, it is recommended to add coal to it.
- It is recommended to wait until it melts well and add copper (phosphorous), which will play the most important role as an acidity catalyst.
- After the alloy is aged, for some time it is necessary to add binding and alloying elements, they are also called ligatures. Further, it is desirable to mix the alloy well.
- Before spilling metal, copper (phosphorous) must be added again. In this case, it reduces the activity of oxidation processes.
It is required to carefully monitor at all stages the temperature in the furnace and, most importantly, the temperature of the alloy itself. It is also advisable to monitor the amount of addition of all chemical elements to the alloy.
Marking of bronzes and brass is made for convenience. By the way, brass is marked much more often than other alloys.
Masters of bronze with marking are used in areas of different specializations. Mainly produce parts for vehicles.
Artificial and natural patination
Many people wonder why old bronze metal products do not look as usual, but have a green and white hue. This color appears during the formation of a small film, which is called "patina". It is formed due to the content of various chemical elements in bronze.
This film is of carbonate and oxide origin, it is a kind of protective layer. The film allows you to make the product "noble."
In the modern world, there are some developments, thanks to high technology, with their help you can remove the surface layers of patina from bronze products. Also, some craftsmen can perform patination artificially. This allows you to give a vintage look to the product. This procedure is carried out using various means, the basis of which must necessarily include sulfur. After it has been applied, it is recommended to heat the product to the required temperature.
Positive aspects of bronze alloys
Due to its properties, bronze has practically no negative sides. It can only be praised constantly. Metal can be changed at any time and add the desired property by adding a chemical element.
Diversity is the best quality of metal. Different types of alloys are used in completely different industries, because with the addition of a substance you can get any excellent feature.
This metal can be used several times in a row, because it can transfer many repeated melts.
The molten material is quite safe. Beryllium is the most dangerous substance, but in the manufacture of metals, as well as their alloys, it becomes practically non-toxic.
Bronze is resistant to corrosion.
The main feature of many alloys is elasticity. The material is used to make springs that are highly resistant, and will also be durable in use.
If we consider the shortcomings, it will be the price of bronze alloys. Since copper and tin, although common in the world, are expensive.
Another disadvantage is the small heat transfer. But even this was directed in the right direction, they began to make products for bathrooms from bronze.
I would like to say that at the present time the areas of application of bronze, marking and properties are quite diverse. This is due to the different needs of industries.