What is Naval Brass Used For?

Naval brass, as its name suggests, was developed for use in marine applications. It is a copper alloy with a composition that looks something like this: 59% copper, 40% zinc, and 1% tin. Together, these three metals create a highly durable and corrosion-resistant material, making it the perfect option for fresh and saltwater applications. 

This article explores what naval brass is and what it is used for. 

Why The Composition of Naval Brass Matters

The composition of an alloy always gives it a unique set of properties that make it the most successful choice for certain applications. The makeup can impact all sorts of things, including its strength, durability, and malleability. 

For instance, brass is a metal alloy made up of copper and zinc. Naval brass, on the other hand, is a combination of copper and zinc — with the addition of a little tin. It is this small additional material that transforms the composition and makes naval brass great for use in the water. 

So, why is the composition of naval brass so important? 

With the addition of tin, the metal alloy becomes known as naval brass. Unlike other types, it becomes corrosion resistant — a trait that is vital for a metal to work successfully when exposed to wet conditions, including harsh saltwater. The tin also reduces the risk of dezincification, extending the life of the alloy. 

Another important element of this composition is zinc. Having at least 35% zinc within the alloy increases its strength. This plays a role in the machinability of the metal. It is important to note that too much zinc can make the brass more tough to work with and less ideal for various applications. 

Common Naval Brass Applications

With such properties, it is no wonder why naval brass is so popular in so many ways. You can commonly find it in industrial settings as fasteners, fittings, bushings, screws, pins, and bolts. It does well in hot, cold, and wet conditions due to its high tensile strength and ability to handle high temperatures and high pressure. 

Further, it’s no surprise that you will find naval brass used in the manufacturing and building of ships, including those above and below the water. After all, this alloy can be used in producing submarines that can withstand the pressures in deep ocean depths. 

A few additional applications where you may find naval brass include: 

• Propeller shafts

• Welding rods

• Valve stems

• Aircraft turnbuckle barrels

• Condenser plates 

• Cartridge cases for ammunition

Occasionally, naval brass is incorporated into architectural and decorative applications. This includes things like doors, elevators, commercial entryways, and storefronts. 

When used in appropriate applications, you can feel confident of its longevity. 

Is Naval Brass Right For Your Application? 

Naval brass is so important in so many ways, benefitting a large number of different industries. It can be sold in a variety of shapes and sizes, including sheets, tubes, and the most popular option, solid bars that are cut to length. 

If you are interested in naval brass and would like to see if it is a good fit for your project, you need a trusted supplier — one that provides you with high-quality metals and can answer any questions you may have before making your purchase. 

The skilled team at Atlas Bronze is here for you. Order online or contact us today.  

How to Clean Sintered Bronze

There are many different types of metal used across many different applications. 

Some types are made directly of metal whereas others may go through a fabrication or manufacturing process to reach their final state. Sintered bronze is the latter. 

Made of powdered metal, this type of bronze is often found in automobiles, home appliances, and, quite commonly, as bushings and bearings for all types of applications. 

Bronze itself is known to have a long lifespan. The same is true for sintered bronze. So to keep it looking and functioning optimally, you will want to clean it. This article will explain the best way to do that. 

What is Sintered Bronze? 

Sintered bronze is created using a process of fusing metal powders by heating and compacting them. The result is a solid, yet porous, piece of metal that is hard, strong, and very resistant to wear and tear over time. 

You will often find sintered bronze in applications that require specific complex shapes because the exact molds can be used in the powder metallurgy process to yield perfect results. 

Caring for your sintered bronze parts will ensure they deliver the best performance. 

Benefits of Cleaning Sintered Bronze

There are a few benefits to cleaning sintered bronze routinely, such as to: 

• Prevent damage to equipment

• Maintain a high level of production

• Extend the life of your part and your application

• Maintain the right amount of safety

When maintained, sintered bronze can continue to function optimally for a long time — reducing the need for unnecessary expenses. 

Cleaning Sintered Bronze

Thanks to their incredible qualities and longevity, sintered bronze is going to be around for a while — and that means it will need to be cleaned properly. Due to their porous nature, you cannot simply clean the outside of the metal as you are only doing half the job. 

Dirt, debris, and other particles can build up within the metal and contaminate it. Therefore, the most effective method for cleaning sintered bronze is to use ultrasonic cleaning. This involves placing your metal parts in a cleaning solution and using high-frequency sound waves to clean out all the unwanted junk inside the metal. 

Keep in mind that if you do not have access to an ultrasonic cleaner, simply wiping down the sintered bronze with a cleaning solution, rinsing, and then patting dry with a soft cloth can get the job done as well as possible — and is better than not cleaning it at all. 

What type of cleaning solution do you use? Equal parts of warm water and white vinegar work well for ultrasonic cleaning. However, soapy water works well for cleaning the outside of the metal. 

Self-Lubricating Sintered Bronze

Many sintered bronze applications use self-lubricating parts. This is often because the powdered metal is porous enough to hold oil and continuously lubricate on its own. If you find that your cleaning process has left your metal dry, you can always add the oil or grease of your choice. 

For most applications, oil works well. For heavy-duty applications, grease may be a better-suited option. Whichever you choose, simply apply it evenly to the surface.

Find Sintered Bronze at Atlas Bronze

At Atlas Bronze, we offer all types of metals to meet the needs of our customers and their projects — including sintered bronze. We can help you find what you are looking for and answer any questions you may have along the way. 

Contact us today. 

An Insight into the Bronze Recycling Process and Its Benefits

Bronze is a commonly used alloy today. While it has been generally made from copper and about 10 to 12% tin, the latter may be replaced with metals like zinc, aluminum, or manganese. It is corrosion-resistant with high tensile strength and great machinability. It is also more affordable too. 

Bronze may be used as the ideal metal for bearings, architectural design, tools, pipes and plumbing, clocks and watches, musical instruments, and more — but what happens when this metal is no longer needed? Can bronze be recycled? What are the benefits of doing so? Let’s take a closer look. 

The Bronze Recycling Process

Bronze can be 100% recycled to create a new, high-quality metal that can be used to create new, high-quality products. Below is an overview of the process. 

• Collection

• Sorting

• Shredding

• Melting

• Purifying

• Solidifying

The metal is first collected by a reputable metal recycling facility. This is often thanks to individuals and businesses dropping off metals, including bronze, that they no longer need rather than just throwing them away. 

The bronze will be sorted from all other metals and will be processed through machinery that will squish it together and then cut it into smaller, more workable sizes before being shredded. 

Getting the bronze into these small pieces makes it much easier to melt it — which is the next step in the process. With the help of a large furnace, the bronze is melted down using the right amount of heat. The time it takes to do this will vary based on the size of the material. 

Next up is the purification process. There are different ways of doing this and each recycling facility will have its own method. The idea behind it is to purify the metal, removing any contaminants so the new products get the purest form of the alloy. 

 

Once again, it is returned to its solid state and sold off to manufacturing companies or dealers to be reused again. 

Benefits of Bronze Recycling

• Reduce our usage of raw materials

• Reduce the cost of production

• Reduce the amount of energy used in the process

There are many benefits to recycling bronze — as well as metal in general. For instance, by re-using the raw material it reduces our consumption of this finite resource as it is needed for new products. This eco-friendly way of doing things also reduces the amount of metals we are extracting from natural land areas.  

What’s more, the cost of production will then be minimized and the energy used to get through the process will be reduced, too. This means that bronze recycling can significantly lower the overall environmental impact of the manufacturing process. 

What Happens if Bronze is Not Recycled? 

Now that you understand the importance of recycling bronze, what is the danger if you don’t? Should you even be concerned? 

By choosing not to recycle your bronze, you are wasting a very valuable resource — a finite resource. Remember, a bronze alloy is made up of more than one metal. That means you are risking the loss of each of the metals and the waste of energy used to extract them. 

Perhaps the biggest concern of not recycling bronze is the impact it will have on climate change in the years ahead. 

Where Can Bronze Be Recycled? 

Bronze can be recycled nearly everywhere. Search for local recycling areas or scrap metal locations within your community. Many will not only allow you to easily and conveniently drop off your bronze for recycling, but they will usually pay you for doing so. 

Getting paid to do something good makes it even more worthwhile. 

Learn More About Bronze From Atlas Bronze

If you want to learn more about bronze, then you need to go to the bronze experts. Whether you are looking to purchase bronze or any other metal alloy for your project, Atlas Bronze has just what you need. 

Contact us today at (800) 478-0887. Or shop online.

A Guide to Understanding Bronze Alloys and Their Applications

Bronze is a timeless metal alloy that has left its mark throughout history. It has been used in the creation of tools, machines, weapons, art, technology, and so much more. And it is still a huge part of our world today. 

The thing about bronze, however, is that it comes in many different compositions. While it is primarily copper and tin, other metals can be included in it, creating a new set of unique properties. 

Its ability to adapt in so many situations is perhaps why it is such a widely-sought metal yesterday and today. 

Here is a closer look at bronze alloys and where you can find them. 

Why Bronze? 

There are many reasons why bronze can be found in so many different applications from artwork to technology and so much more — such as marine, antimicrobial, and industrial applications. Bronze is often used as component parts like bearings and bushings, gears, gibs, nuts, piston rings, pins, and fasteners. 

It is its incredible properties that make it shine, including: 

• Strength. Bronze does well under heavy and harsh conditions. This makes it a great option for applications that require durability. 

• Hardness. Its high hardness level means it maintains a long lifespan without needing to be replaced due to wear and tear. 

• Melting Point. Bronze has a high melting point making it perfect for high-heat situations. 

• Ductility. With a high ductility, it can be manipulated to create any type of shape for any form of artistic expression, architecture, or any other application. 

• Conductivity. Bronze has a high thermal conductivity. 

• Corrosion-Resistance. This metal alloy is very resistant to corrosion, even when placed in salt water. It’s no surprise that it often finds its place in marine applications. 

Types of Bronze Alloys

While bronze is a metal alloy that has a composition of mostly copper and tin, various other elements are often added to the mix to create different properties. A few common bronze alloys are: 

• Aluminum bronze

• Manganese bronze

• Silicon bronze

• Phosphor bronze

• Nickel silver

Let’s take a closer look at each.                                 

Aluminum Bronze

Copper, tin, and aluminum create the alloy aluminum bronze. It is even more strong and corrosion- and tarnish-resistant than regular bronze. It is often used in water due to its capabilities, especially in marine applications, water pumps, and the oil industry. It is also a great option for gears, bearings, propellers, valves, and the like. 

Manganese Bronze

By adding manganese to bronze, it is very resistant to corrosion which is why it is one of the most ideal options for saltwater applications like boat propellers. This alloy is shock-resistant and is less likely to break than it is to deform. Many heavy-duty applications make use of manganese bronze, such as gears, valves, fittings, shafts, brackets, and more. 

Silicon Bronze

Another type of bronze, silicon bronze has a composition of copper, zinc, and silicon. It is strong and corrosion-resistant while remaining aesthetically pleasing. What’s more is that it is self-lubricating, too. This alloy is often used for bushings, bearings, valves, and pumps in various applications.  

Phosphor Bronze

This bronze is a combination of copper, tin, and phosphorus. The addition of the latter boosts its hardness, making it less likely to succumb to wear and tear. It is a popular option for electrical applications, such as connectors, as well as springs, washers, and bellows.  

Nickel Silver

While its name doesn’t specify bronze, nickel silver is still a bronze. It is made up of copper, tin, and, of course, nickel. This gives it a silver color, hence its name. You can find nickel silver used in all types of applications, including zippers and keys, musical instruments, heating coils, and even silverware. It is also commonly used as valves, fittings, and rings in turbines. 

Need a Bronze Alloy For Your Application? 

Atlas Bronze offers many different bronze alloys to meet the needs of your application. If you aren’t sure what would be the best option or you have questions, contact us today. Our knowledgeable and experienced staff will help you find exactly what you need. 

What Oil Is Best For Bronze Bushings?

 

Choosing the right bushing for your application is so important. After all, everything you do going forward will rest on the fact that you chose the perfect part. This means making sure that your bushing is made of the most ideal metal and that it is just the right size, too. But did you know that selecting the right bushing is only half the battle? For your bronze bushing to continue to be effective in your application, it has to be properly cared for and maintained. And this means ensuring that they are properly lubricated.

The Importance of Lubricating Bronze Bushings

Bushings are components that are designed to reduce the friction between two surfaces — and bronze is one of the best metals to do this. Bronze bushings are strong and can maintain their shape even after heavy use. They even work well at high temperatures without deforming or breaking. This is why you will find them in all types of applications across many different industries. Lubricating them, however, is necessary for the bushings to continue to operate optimally. They are dependent on this to work effectively as the lubrication:

• Prevents corrosion
• Reduces friction
• Improves overall function
• Minimizes wear
  

Without it, you will find that your bushings are not functioning as intended. They will begin to wear down — and may even become damaged. This will reduce their performance and may even cause the application to fail, leaving you with a costly situation.

How to Lubricate Bronze Bushings

Many turn to oil to lubricate their bronze bushings while many others insist on using grease. Both are effective options for keeping the bushing lubricated. It is up to you to choose the best option for your application based on the load, speed, and temperature. For many everyday uses, any light machine oil should work. However, for heavy-duty applications, sometimes grease is the best option. To effectively lubricate your bronze bushing, you will want to apply it evenly to the surface, ensuring that all areas are covered.

When Should You Lubricate Bronze Bushings?

Regular inspection of your bushings is important for maintaining them. Any signs of wear should be addressed before it leads to a bigger issue. The frequency at which you should lubricate your bronze bushing will depend on the application. Those who see heavier use will require attention more frequently — and this is why routine inspections are so important.

Oil-Impregnated Bronze Bushings

Self-lubricating bronze bushings may be a better solution for those who are not interested in this part of maintenance. Known as oil-impregnated bushings, the oil is infused into the metal. Then, as it works, the oil comes through the pores and coats the surface for optimal function. No further lubrication is necessary. Many find these to be an ideal solution.

Find Bronze Bushings at Atlas Bronze

If bronze bushings are a good fit for your application, then knowing where to find them is key. At Atlas Bronze, we offer a long list of bushings that can provide you with the perfect fit. To learn more about them or if you aren’t sure about what you need, our team of experts is here for you. Contact us today at (800) 478-0887.