A Primer on Copper and Copper Alloys

Copper (and its alloys) is one of the most common metals you'll find anywhere in manufacturing. Commonly relied upon in electrical applications, or forged to meet certain mechanical specifications, practically every industry has some use for the benefits of copper.

The Properties of Copper

Copper has an extremely valuable characteristics of conductivity and formability and its many variations have several different colors, which is why it's so popular in decorative arts. Copper and its alloys can also be manufactured in several different ways. For instance a copper extrusion manufacturer can create bars and shapes from copper, while other manufacturers can either roll copper into sheets or have it cast for either components or for decorative purposes.

Copper Alloys

While "bronze" is typically the word used to describe an alloy made up of copper and tin, there are several types of alloys that bear the name despite have little or no tin. Often this is because they retain the weathered and natural look of bronze. When copper is alloyed with zinc the result is brass, which also has several architectural and decorative uses.

Discoloration

Copper, brass, and bronze are all resistant to corrosion, giving each of them an unlimited lifespan. After a time, however, they will develop a patina composed of a durable oxide film. Far from being negative, many people prefer the greenish hue that develops. The Statue of Liberty, for instance, was once a dull grown before it evolved into the blue-green color you see today.

Readily Recyclable

With the ever-increasing emphasis on reducing waste, copper, brass, and bronze are ideally suited to modern environmental concerns. All copper-based alloys can be recycled to create new products. In fact, many green initiatives (LEEDS, for example) require products to be recyclable, and to contain a certain percentage of recycled materials within them. While some virgin material is included to maintain a copper alloy's proper chemical composition, very little copper ever has to be deposited into a landfill.

Cost-Effectiveness

Considered on its own, the costs of copper, brass and bronze may seem relatively expensive compared to alternative materials. However, once you consider the value of scrap copper, the expenses associated with copper are actually pretty low when you take into account its strength, and its resistance to wear and corrosion.

Whether you require parts from a copper extrusion manufacturer or your needs are for architectural decorations, copper and copper alloys come with endless possibilities.