Bronze is an alloy of copper and another additional element, which is most often tin, lead, aluminum or silicon. Depending on the percentage of these metals, bronze may have a different color and additional characteristics.
A bit of history
Bronze is actually the first alloy that mankind began to use. In the 3rd millennium BC. e. masters actively used copper for a variety of purposes. Some grades of ore contained a small percentage of tin. When processing this material, people noticed that such copper is denser and harder than ordinary. Thus, this was the birth of a new historical and cultural period, which is now known as the "Bronze Age". Further research led to the discovery of tin, which was specially added to copper to produce a high-quality alloy for the manufacture of tools and jewelry.
The metallurgy of bronze has qualitatively increased the productivity of the most diverse industries that were occupied by mankind at that time. Melting gradually improved, and people began to make special stone forms in which various products could be cast repeatedly. Gradually, closed forms were invented, which made it possible to make weapons and jewelry with a complex design and pattern.
Main characteristics
The widespread use of this material is determined by its basic indicators. Bronze is characterized by such distinctive features as:
- high resistance to corrosion;
- strength;
- high level of electrical and thermal conductivity;
- increased rates of wear resistance;
- low coefficient of the friction process;
- excellent resistance in sea water, in the open air and in various organic solutions;
- high steam resistance;
- ease of handling.
Bronze, the melting point of which is about 930-1100 degrees, has excellent strength and durability. Especially when compared with other similar alloys.
Bronze classification
Despite the fact that the "Bronze Age" is long gone, today several versions of this material are used. The composition of the alloy is divided into the following types:
- tin-free (does not contain tin);
- tin.
The first group additionally includes beryllium, aluminum, lead and silicon-zinc types.
- Beryllium bronze is the most resistant and durable alloy, which in its basic characteristics surpasses even high-quality steel.
- The silicon-zinc form in the molten state is characterized by high flow rates.
- Lead bronze is a type of alloy that has increased resistance and stability.
- Aluminum bronze differs from other types of resistance to chemical irritants and negative environmental influences.
As for the second subspecies of bronze, the tin type is today considered the most common in the industry, despite the fact that other types of alloys surpass it in certain characteristics.
Scopes of use of bronze
The use of this alloy is determined by its basic characteristics. Quite often, various additional components are added to bronze, which in a characteristic way change and complement its features.
As for the tin subspecies of the alloy, it has been used since ancient times. Especially popular were various bronze items - jewelry, figurines, household items, etc.
To increase the resistance of the alloy to corrosion, nickel, zinc, phosphorus and other similar elements are added to it. Most often, such material is used for the manufacture of all kinds of instruments for navigation.
Aluminum and silicon-zinc types are used, as a rule, to create objects of art.
Melting bronze at home
In the modern world, many products are made on the basis of this alloy. In order to make any decoration or product at home, one should take into account factors such as the main characteristics that bronze possesses - the melting point of the material, etc. The following things will be required as auxiliary devices:
- crucible;
- forceps;
- charcoal;
- oven with the support of the required temperature range;
- hearth;
- finished form for the workpiece;
- hook.
Process flow
- Separate pieces of metal are laid in the crucible, and he himself is placed in the furnace. Then a heating regulator is set, and bronze, the melting point of which depends on its constituent elements, begins to change shape.
- After that, the crucible is taken out of the furnace with a hook, and the alloy itself is poured into the prepared form.
- Bronze, the melting point of which is relatively low, allows you to replace the muffle furnace with autogen or a blowtorch.
A similar sequence is suitable for working with other copper alloys. Since, for example, the melting point of bronze and brass is approximately in the same range - 930-1140 and 880-950 degrees, respectively.
Precautionary measures
The melting of metals at home does not mean at all that this can be done simply in a residential building without any restrictions. To cast bronze, you will need a separate room that serves as a workshop, which should be equipped with all the necessary equipment and personal protective equipment for this process. The workshop must be equipped with a working fire extinguisher, and flammable materials and substances cannot be stored in the room itself.
In addition, the melting of bronze is considered quite a traumatic occupation, therefore, the implementation of all necessary stages of this procedure should be carried out only by a trained person.
Special moments
For casting various thin metal products, brass should be preferred, since it melts much more easily than bronze. As for equipment, it is better to make a choice in the direction of crucibles made of ceramics and clay, since they are more suitable for working with this alloy.
Regarding the remelting of ancient bronze, it should be said that with this procedure one must be especially careful, since arsenic can be in its composition.
You should also consider the amount of impurities that bronze has. The melting point of the material, depending on this, can vary significantly. For tin alloy, the indicators are in the range of 900-950 degrees, while for tin alloys, about 950-1080 are needed.
Bronze is an alloy of copper with the addition of various non-ferrous metals. This material is characterized by resistance, hardness and resistance to corrosion. In the past, bronze was used for the manufacture of various tools, jewelry, weapons and sculptures, and now other metals are added to this alloy to obtain special characteristics. Due to this, aluminum bronze is used in the manufacture of various parts of pipelines and aircraft, silicon - in navigation, and phosphoric - for various springs and parts of electrical equipment.