Copper is a widely used material and has been for thousands of years. It is so prevalent, in fact, that it is the third most manufactured metal, after steel and aluminum. Today, the process of copper alloy casting continues to show its many desirable attributes and uses in manufacturing, construction, and residential settings. Copper alloy casting produces parts with an impressive level of versatility, durability, and efficiency. Here are five important benefits to copper alloys and their applications once cast! 

Corrosion Resistance

Perhaps the best known and most valuable quality of copper is this: Typically speaking, copper does not corrode. Copper alloy casting creates parts that have long life spans even in environments with highly caustic chemicals and gasses. This means that copper alloy cast objects are perfectly suited to a number of situations where corrosive materials are present, as they are able to retain their durability for extended periods of time without the need for regular maintenance. Parts made via copper alloy casting are utilized frequently as pipes and valves and are well known for its value especially in the food and beverage industries. 

High Conductivity 

Aside from silver, copper is the best metal for conducting both heat and electricity. For this reason, you find copper alloy used in a wide variety of both residential and industrial settings. Copper alloy casting creates parts commonly used in wiring and electronics, as well as household kitchenware, such as pots and flatware. It’s also important to note that copper’s thermal conductivity actually rises with the surrounding temperature, a quality that is unique from nearly any other metal! This makes copper alloy casting remarkably efficient as a heat exchanger.

Resistance to Biofouling

“Biofouling” refers to the problems that arise from marine organisms growing on submerged materials. Copper is naturally resistant to this and repels algae and barnacles without the need for additional coating. This resistant behavior is in pure copper and high copper alloys, but any amount of copper will convey this benefit. As such, it sees a variety of marine applications. Copper alloy casting is used to make pumps and valves that process seawater, as well as the hulls of ships and propeller blades. 

Strength Retention and Mechanical Versatility

Pure copper is well known for its softness and malleability, meaning that it is typically used more for its conductive qualities than for its durability. However, there are many copper alloys that rival even-tempered steel in terms of their strength and mechanical applications. Gears, bearings, and other machine parts made via copper alloy casting boast impressive impact resistance and shape retention even at extremely low and extremely high temperatures. When compared to other engineering materials, nothing can match copper alloy for its strength and resistance over such a broad range of temperatures. 

 Excellent Machinability and Ease of Fabrication

Almost all copper alloys can be machined easily, making the production of copper alloy cast parts remarkably easy and efficient. Many copper alloys are free-cutting: They produce small chips, manageable chips and pieces that cut down on the risk of them entangling in machinery during production. Furthermore, they produce very low amounts of heat during the machining process, saving on wear and tear to production lines. This means that parts made from copper alloy casting can be machined at incredibly high speeds without sacrificing the quality of the parts themselves!

Compared to other metals such as stainless steel, copper alloys have a much lower impact on machinery, thus saving on maintenance costs. The benefits of copper alloy casting are also clear in the casting process itself: All copper alloys can be easily sand-cast, a casting method that is both easy and highly cost-efficient.

Takeaway

Burnstein von Seelen selects its alloys to fit the unique physical, chemical, and mechanical specifications of each product. Strength, wear resistance, corrosion resistance, weldability, thermal conductivity, electrical conductivity, and other characteristics can be designed to meet your special requirements.

In Addition, all Burnstein von Seelen alloys are prepared from virgin materials.

This makes our metals far superior to commercial copper and copper-base alloys, ensuring top quality for clients. Our metallurgical expertise and inspection processes make for the highest quality metals.