BRONZE ROD

The term bronze is used in modern usage for all alloys of copper except copper nickel, copper, beryllium and copper-zinc brass alloy. Brass is an alloy of copper with zinc. Brass containing 10% zinc is called commercial bronze. Bronze is harder than copper, melts more easily and pours into a mold more easily. Some bronzes are harder than iron. This type of bronze is used in the manufacture of gun barrels and machine bearings. Silicon, aluminum and tin bronze are the most abundant elements. As the ratio of these metals increases, the hardness and resistance of the alloy increase. However, its brightness is reduced. Other important elements that can be found in small amounts in bronze are manganese, iron, lead and phosphorus. Phosphor bronze is used in the construction of pumps, valves and bushings. One of the areas where bronze is used a lot is the manufacture of coins.