Bronselegeringer

Bronselegeringer are copper-based alloys in which tin is the principal alloying element. The best-known bronze is copper-tin (Cu-Sn). Tin content is typically around 10–12 percent, but other elements are often added to create specialized bronzes with a range of properties. The addition of tin increases hardness, strength, and wear resistance relative to pure copper, while maintaining ductility and reasonable corrosion resistance. Bronze alloys generally offer better hardness and bearing performance than brass (copper-zinc) and have good castability, making them suitable for complex shapes, gears, bearings, and sculptures.

Common bronze families include:

- Tin bronze (Cu-Sn): general-purpose bronze with good corrosion resistance.

- Aluminum bronze (Cu-Al): high strength and hardness with excellent wear and seawater resistance, used for bearings and gears.

- Silicon bronze (Cu-Si): good corrosion resistance and weldability, used in electrical, architectural, and casting applications.

- Phosphor bronze (Cu-P-Sn): enhanced wear resistance and fatigue strength; widely used for springs and electrical components.

- Nickel bronzes (Cu-Ni): improved high-temperature strength and corrosion resistance.

Production and treatment vary: bronzes are melted with their alloying elements and can be cast or wrought. Many bronzes cannot be hardened by standard heat treatment, but strength can be increased through cold working or specialized aging strategies in certain variants. Bronze has played a central historical role since the Bronze Age, providing tools, weapons, coins, and artwork with superior hardness compared with pure copper. Today it remains important in bearings, marine hardware, gears, springs, and decorative arts.