Info-Authority: Bronze

Bronze is a type of metal or alloy that uses copper and tin. Various proportions and ratios of copper and tin may be used. Sometimes the alloy includes traces of other metals, such as antimony, phosphorous, or other compounds. Bronze is usually comprised of 60 percent copper and 40 percent tin. Commercial bronze is 90 percent copper and 10 percent tin, and used for making screws and wires; tin is sometimes excluded from the mix. Appropriately, tools, swords, spears and shields made of bronze were first used during the Bronze Age (c.3500-1200 B.C.).

Characteristics of Bronze

Bronze weapons and tools were harder and more durable than the stone and copper models that preceded them. Bronze is less brittle than iron, and does not oxidize. Bronze was also stronger than the iron produced at the time, and it would be many thousands of years before the first quality pieces of steel would be produced. While technically superior to their iron counterparts, the Bronze Age gave way to the Iron Age sometime around 1200 B.C. Archeologists believe this may have been caused by shortages in supplies of tin used to make the bronze alloy.

Brass is fairly similar to bronze, but uses zinc as its principal additive. Bronze is much harder. Brass has more of a yellowish appearance, much like gold, but is often mistakenly called bronze. Due to brass's resistance to tarnishing, it is frequently made into railings and decorations.

Bronze Usage

Today, bronze is popular in making coins, medals, steam fittings, gunmetal, bells, cymbals, and musical instruments like saxophones. Other uses depend on the alloys employed. Aluminum bronze has high strength and corrosion resistance, and is used in bearings, valve seats, and machine parts. Silicon alloys were developed in the 1900s, and are commonly used for cast metal sculpture and moldings. Lead bronze is in heavy duty bushings and bearings. Some alloys are known for being used in ship hardware, due to their resistance to salt-water.

In competition, a bronze medal is given for winning third place. Also, any artwork made by a bronze alloy can be referred to as “a bronze.”

By Doug Vanisky




	Bronze Bronze is a type of metal or alloy that uses copper and tin. Various proportions and ratios of copper and tin may be used. Sometimes the alloy includes traces of other metals, such as antimony, phosphorous, or other compounds. Bronze is usually comprised of 60 percent copper and 40 percent tin. Commercial bronze is 90 percent copper and 10 percent tin, and used for making screws and wires; tin is sometimes excluded from the mix. Appropriately, tools, swords, spears and shields made of bronze were first used during the Bronze Age (c.3500-1200 B.C.). Characteristics of Bronze Bronze weapons and tools were harder and more durable than the stone and copper models that preceded them. Bronze is less brittle than iron, and does not oxidize. Bronze was also stronger than the iron produced at the time, and it would be many thousands of years before the first quality pieces of steel would be produced. While technically superior to their iron counterparts, the Bronze Age gave way to the Iron Age sometime around 1200 B.C. Archeologists believe this may have been caused by shortages in supplies of tin used to make the bronze alloy. Brass is fairly similar to bronze, but uses zinc as its principal additive. Bronze is much harder. Brass has more of a yellowish appearance, much like gold, but is often mistakenly called bronze. Due to brass's resistance to tarnishing, it is frequently made into railings and decorations. Bronze Usage Today, bronze is popular in making coins, medals, steam fittings, gunmetal, bells, cymbals, and musical instruments like saxophones. Other uses depend on the alloys employed. Aluminum bronze has high strength and corrosion resistance, and is used in bearings, valve seats, and machine parts. Silicon alloys were developed in the 1900s, and are commonly used for cast metal sculpture and moldings. Lead bronze is in heavy duty bushings and bearings. Some alloys are known for being used in ship hardware, due to their resistance to salt-water. In competition, a bronze medal is given for winning third place. Also, any artwork made by a bronze alloy can be referred to as “a bronze.” By Doug Vanisky Related Links: Wikipedia - Bronze Wikipedia definition of bronze.