Common Bronzes of Different Manufacturing Processes and Their Role in Society
Bronze is an alloy of copper, typically composed of copper and either tin or zinc, depending on the type of bronze being produced. It has been used for more than 5,000 years, predominantly for decorative items, tools and weapons. Recent research has shown bronze to have extensive uses today; from the aerospace industry to jewellery and sculptures, the multiple different manufacturing processes for bronze and its unique properties allow for versatile applications. This essay will discuss the different manufacturing processes for bronze, the properties of these variations, what their usual applications are, and the role of bronze in modern society.
There are three main manufacturing processes of bronze. Sand casting is the most traditional method and can produce very intricate, complex shapes, while lost wax or investment casting is relatively fast and is used with smaller repeat jobs. Centrifugal casting is the strongest of all casting techniques, creating a very strong and basically flawless level of cast. Of course, there are other casting techniques as well, but they can be divided into these three main processes.
Now let’s discuss some of the most common bronzes used in industry. The first is aluminum bronze, which is very strong and is often used for aerospace parts and machinery components. Next is phosphor bronze, which is extremely resistant to wear and corrosion and is a common material for making gears, bearings, and springs. Finally, manganese bronze is tough and ductile and is used for marine applications because of its resistance to seawater corrosion. These are just a few of the many different types of bronze used in industry today.
The properties of bronze are what make it such a popular material. Bronze is corrosion and weather-resistant, has low friction coefficients due to its self-lubricating properties, and has excellent machinability. It also has impressive tensile strength and a much higher melting point than brass or copper, making it a good choice for applications where heat resistance is important.
Today, bronze has numerous applications, in almost all industries. As mentioned before, in the aerospace industry it is most commonly used for parts and components, while in the automotive industry it is used to make bearings, bushings, and other parts. In the defence sector, bronze is used to make gun parts, valve bodies and gears. In rings, it is very popular for jewellery due to its unique hue and surprising durability. Other applications for bronze include paneling, lighting fixtures, sculptures and art, and much more.
In conclusion, bronze has been an incredibly important material throughout history and has remained a reliable metal for crafting tools, weaponry, and jewelry. It has numerous applications, in all industries, due to its unique properties; it is resistant to wear and corrosion, machinable, and has high tensile strength. As technology advances and uses for bronze in industry become more varied, the importance of this metal will only become more pronounced. We can see evidence of this being applied today, with bronze being used in such a variety of industries, from mechanical and automotive to aerospace and sculpture. It is clear then, that bronze continues to play an important role in human society.
