MANY ALLOYS


LOOKING AT COPPER’S


Versatile and cost-effective, copper and its variety of alloys provide a number of benefi ts to both casting designers and purchasers.


AN MCDP STAFF REPORT I


n terms of overall metric tonnage, copper- based alloys accounted for 1.7% of global production and 2.5% of U.S. production, ac- cording to the 2013 Census of World Casting Production (MCDP Jan./Feb. 2015). While a relatively small piece of the industry, copper


and its extensive varieties of alloys off er de- signers and purchasers unique properties that may prove benefi cial. For example, copper-based alloys


off er designers excellent aqueous corrosion resistance and are known for their versatility. Common cast applications for copper alloys include plumbing hardware, bearings, electrical components, ship propel- lers, power plant water impellers, bushing and bearing sleeves, and architectural orna- mentation. T e alloys are easily cast, have a long history of successful use, are readily available from a multitude of sources, can achieve a range of physical and mechanical properties, and are easily machined, brazed, soldered, polished or plated.


Fig. 1. These axial coils were cast in 98% pure copper to improve conductivity.


Mar/Apr 2015 | METAL CASTING DESIGN & PURCHASING | 29


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