What is Cast Bronze – Cast Bronze Properties, Applications & Cast Bronze vs Brass

2023.1.31

Bronze casting is a process that creates bronze parts by pouring molten bronze into a hollow mold. Where is cast bronze used and what are its properties? We’ll also compare the cast bronze and brass.

What is Cast Bronze?

Cast bronze is a metal alloy typically made of copper, tin, and sometimes other elements. It is produced by casting molten metal into a mold, allowing it to solidify, and removing the casting from the mold. Cast bronze is known for its hardness, durability, and resistance to corrosion, making it a popular material for a variety of applications such as sculpture, bells, and architectural elements.

 

Properties of Cast Bronze

Cast bronze has several properties, including:

– Strength: Cast bronze is a strong and durable metal, making it ideal for use in heavy-duty applications.

– Corrosion resistance: Cast bronze has good resistance to corrosion, especially when compared to other metals, making it suitable for use in harsh environments.

– Ductility: Cast bronze has good ductility, meaning it can be shaped and molded into complex shapes.

– Hardness: Cast bronze is a hard metal that is resistant to wear and tear, making it ideal for use in high-stress applications.

– Machinability: Cast bronze is relatively easy to machine, making it suitable for use in a variety of manufacturing processes.

– Sound resonance: Cast bronze has good sound resonance properties, making it a popular choice for bells and other musical instruments.

– Aesthetics: Cast bronze has a distinctive appearance, with a warm golden color and a smooth texture, making it a popular choice for decorative applications.

 

Applications of Cast Bronze

Cast bronze is used in various applications such as:

– Sculpture: Cast bronze sculptures are durable and have a distinctive appearance, making them popular for outdoor and indoor display.

– Bells: Cast bronze is a common material for bells due to its good sound resonance properties.

– Architecture: Cast bronze is used for architectural elements such as door handles, hinges, railings, and light fixtures.

– Engineering: Cast bronze is used in engineering components such as bearings, bushings, and gears due to its strength and durability.

– Marine: Cast bronze is used in marine applications such as ship fittings and propellers due to its resistance to corrosion.

– Coins and medals: Cast bronze is used to produce coins, medallions, and other types of commemorative items.

– Musical instruments: Cast bronze is used in the production of cymbals, as well as some brass wind instruments.

Cast Bronze vs Brass

Cast bronze and brass are similar in that they are both metal alloys, but they have some key differences:

– Composition: Cast bronze is typically composed of copper and tin, while brass is made of copper and zinc.

– Strength: Cast bronze is generally stronger than brass and is better suited for heavy-duty applications.

– Corrosion resistance: Cast bronze has better corrosion resistance than brass, especially in harsh environments.

– Ductility: Brass is more ductile than cast bronze and is easier to shape and form.

– Color: Cast bronze has a warm golden color, while brass has a yellowish color.

– Applications: Cast bronze is commonly used for sculptures, bells, and architectural elements, while brass is used for plumbing fixtures, musical instruments, and decorative items.

– Cost: Brass is generally less expensive than cast bronze, due to its lower cost of production.