Common Items Made of Copper

 

Just like colors and patterns, metals seem to go in and out of fashion with some degree of regularity—and right now, copper is definitely having a moment. Copper jewelry and fixtures are everywhere these days, but regardless of the current trends, copper is timeless. It’s used in a number of common items that we use everyday, whether we’re at work, at home, or on-the-go.

 

Understanding Copper

Copper items are rarely made from pure copper. Instead, copper ore is mined from the earth, then it is concentrated, smelted, and refined. When the copper is 99.95 to 99.99 percent pure, it can either be used as-is in manufacturing, or, as is most often the case, it can be combined with other metals to form copper alloys. By adding other metals to copper, we can introduce new properties and form an alloy that is stronger, a different color, more resistant to heat, etc. There are currently over 400 copper alloys in existence!

Copper and copper alloys are used for a wide range of applications, but the Copper Development Association divides these applications into four key areas: electrical, construction, transportation, and other. Only 3 percent of copper falls into the other category, so the copper you see around you in your home, workplace, or community is really only the tip of the iceberg.

Common Items Made of Copper

Perhaps one of the reasons copper has been so popular as of late is because it’s antimicrobial. Face masks have copper linings and copper keychains that allow people to open doors or push buttons without touching them directly have become a common accessory since the COVID-19 pandemic. Copper water bottles, jugs, and cups are used not only for their antibacterial properties, but also as a dietary source of this important trace mineral.

Copper is highly conductive, corrosion-resistant, ductile, and malleable, which is why it’s used in electrical wiring and for other electronic applications like circuit boards, microchips, electrodes, and vacuum tubes. The telecommunications industry depends on copper wires for LAN internet lines, and copper tubing is used in water and heating systems around the globe.

The household uses of copper aren’t just behind the scenes in wires and plumbing, though. Copper alloys are commonly used in door knobs, handles, and faucets. It’s used as an architectural metal and in sculptures. Copper cookware has been used for centuries and is still commonly used today; pennies are plated with copper, musical instruments are manufactured with it, and copper pins and gears are used in clocks and watches.

When you get in your car to drive somewhere, there’s copper in its electronic components and radiator. Hybrid and electric cars use even more copper than conventional cars. Copper is also used in trains, trolleys, airplanes, and boats.

In other words, no matter where you are or what transportation you take to get there, you are surrounded by copper! Without this metal, many of the modern technologies and conveniences we take for granted wouldn’t be possible.

Contact Atlas Bronze

Are you considering using copper for a project? Our knowledgeable sales staff at Atlas Bronze can help you decide if copper is the best choice for your application. Contact us at 1-800-478-0887 or email sales@atlasbronze.com to learn more or request a quote.

What Are Flange Bearings?

 

The purpose of a bearing is to reduce friction between moving parts. They get their name from the fact

that they bear force and load, but there are a number of different types of bearings and each type

accomplishes this in different ways. By using bearings in the manufacturing of machinery, the need for

maintenance is reduced because parts don’t wear out as quickly as if they were coming into direct

contact with each other. One common type of bearing we manufacture at Atlas Bronze is the flange

bearing.

Defining a Flange Bearing

Flange bearings are a very simple type of bearing that has a lip (or flange) on one end. Also known as

flanged bearings, these bearings are mounted with two, three, or four bolts. Because they are

mounted, they have more stability, giving them the ability to support heavy loads when the shaft axis

is perpendicular to the mounting surface. The flange holds the bearing securely in place, preventing it

from falling, shifting, or slipping even when axial push or load are being applied. 

Without a flange, the bearing would likely become displaced, causing the machinery to stop or

malfunction. Flange bearings allow for smooth operations.

Uses for Flange Bearings

Flange bearings are used for many industrial applications, including conveyors, textile manufacturing,

food processing, HVAC belt drives, airport baggage handling systems, combines, and hay balers.

They are also commonly used in cars, trucks, and other vehicles; because engines are a high

vibration environment, flange bearings are ideal because they are bolted in place. In addition, flange

bearings are able to withstand the higher temperatures of engines that cause thermal expansion that

could potentially displace other types of bearings.

In short, any application that involves high vibration, heat, or large axial loads are applications where

flange bearings might be a good fit.

Flange Bearing Types

Flange bearings are typically three inches in diameter or less and their shape depends on how many

bolts are used to mount them. A flange bearing with four bolts is used in heavy duty applications and

the flange is usually round or square. Three-bolt flange bearings have a flange shaped like a triangle,

while flange bearings with two bolts are usually a diamond shape.

Flange bearings are made with a wide range of materials, including plastic, composite material, steel,

bronze, metal-polymer, and other metals and metal alloys. There are flanged plain bearings, flanged

ball bearings, flanged roller bearings, and flared needle roller bearings.

You may choose to use oil-impregnated flange bearings, which reduce the need for maintenance and

lubrication because they release oil from small pores when they are in use and then reabsorb the oil

into the pores when at rest. There are other types of flange bearings that require occasional

lubrication to remain in working condition.

Learn More About Atlas Bronze Flange Bearings

To find out more about Atlas Bronze flange bearings, contact us at 1-800-478-0887 to speak to one of

our sales representatives about our selection. Our team of experts will guide you through the process

of choosing the right flange bearing for your application.