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Bronze Etching
Bronze chemical etching is a great process for robust, metal-on-metal contact parts. Bronze is a ductile alloy primarily composed of Copper and Tin, bronze can also integrate elements like Aluminum, Manganese, Nickel, Zinc, Arsenic, Phosphorous, and Silicon. These additions result in a spectrum of bronze alloys that enhance hardness compared to Copper alone or possess other beneficial properties such as stiffness, ductility, and machinability.
Our expertise in bronze has driven over fifty years of innovation in metal component manufacturing. Discover how Fotofab’s rapid prototyping services can accelerate the development of your acid-etched bronze components.
Benefits of Chemical Etching Bronze
Fotofab’s etching process tailors bronze etched parts to meet the demands of both indoor and outdoor environments. Utilizing a strong caustic chemical, our method intricately etches into unprotected parts of the metal surface, crafting designs aligned with your project’s exacting specifications.
Key advantages include:
Bronze is a red metal that looks similar to Brass and Copper. It’s harder than Copper, more fusible, and easier to cast. Other characteristics of Bronze include:
Precise and accurate:
Our etching process allows for the creation of complex designs with high precision, suitable for custom bronze parts that require intricate details.
Consistency:
Achieve uniformity across multiple parts, ensuring each piece meets quality standards for industrial applications.
Efficiency:
Chemical etching minimizes material waste, making it an eco-friendly and cost-effective option for manufacturing bronze components.
Burr-Free and Stress-Free Surfaces:
Photochemical etching does not cause any burrs or stress on the bronze surface, preserving the metal’s properties (unlike other metal cutting processes like stamping or laser cutting)
Characteristics of Bronze
Bronze is a red metal that looks similar to Brass and Copper. It’s harder than Copper, more fusible, and easier to cast.
Other characteristics of Bronze include:
Extremely malleable and durable
Corrosion, weather, and heat resistant
Good thermal and electrical conductivity
Low friction and non-sparking
Applications of Acid Etched Bronze
Bronze’s low metal-on-metal friction is instrumental for a variety of applications, prominently featured across Fotofab’s core industries:
Aerospace & Defense:
Custom bronze parts such as precision-grade bearings and clips are vital for aerospace components, ensuring reliability and performance in critical environments.
Electronics:
Phosphorous bronze, known for its good electrical conductivity, is perfect for creating electrical connectors and springs found in various electronic devices.
Maritime Engineering:
The alloy’s resistance to seawater makes it ideal for ship propellers and submerged bearings, highlighting bronze’s indispensability in marine applications.
Medical Devices:
The non-sparking quality of bronze is crucial for creating safe, durable tools used in combustible environments, including medical settings that demand the highest safety standards.
Architectural & Design:
Acid etched bronze finds its place in decorative hardware, offering both aesthetic appeal and functional durability for rails, frames, and furniture components.
Other Factors
- Modern bronze is 88% Copper and 12% Tin
- Bronze is characterized by its dull-Gold color and has faint rings on its surface
- Bronze typically oxidizes only superficially; once a Copper oxide layer is formed, the underlying metal is protected from further corrosion
- The melting point of Bronze varies depending on the ratio of the alloy components
- Bronze is usually nonmagnetic, but certain alloys containing iron or nickel may have magnetic properties
Different Types of Bronze Alloys
Understanding the variety of bronze alloys is key to selecting the right material for your project. Fotofab chemically etches a range of bronze alloys, each with unique properties:
Phosphor Bronze (Tin Bronze):
This is primarily an alloy of copper (Cu) and tin (Sn), with phosphorus (P) added to improve its strength and wear resistance. Known for its strength and fine grain structure, phosphor bronze is predominantly used in the manufacture of electrical connectors, switches, and springs. Its superior fatigue resistance makes it an ideal choice for components in smartphones, aerospace avionics, and complex telecommunications equipment, offering reliability in critical applications.
Aluminum Bronze:
This alloy consists mainly of copper (Cu) and aluminum (Al). It integrates aluminum to enhance its strength and corrosion resistance, characteristics essential for applications subjected to high stress and corrosive environments. Aluminum bronze is preferred for components in aerospace, defense, and undersea equipment, where durability and longevity are paramount.
Silicon Bronze:
This is an alloy of copper, with silicon (Si). Renowned for its increased strength and exceptional corrosion resistance, silicon bronze is particularly suited for applications in marine environments and for architectural elements. Its resilience against saltwater makes it a top choice for marine hardware, while its aesthetic appeal is appreciated in custom architectural projects.
Nickel Silver (Nickel Brass):
Despite its name, nickel silver does not contain silver but is an alloy of copper, nickel (Ni), and often zinc (Zn). With its distinctive color, this alloy is not only valued for its decorative qualities but also for its use in the production of musical instruments and precision-engineered components. The unique blend of nickel, copper, and zinc provides a visually appealing finish alongside functional durability, making it popular in both artistic and technical applications.
Cupronickel (Copper Nickel):
As the name suggests, this alloy is primarily made of copper and nickel. Cupronickel stands out for its superior resistance to corrosion in saltwater environments, making it indispensable for marine hardware, as well as in desalination plants. Its application extends to cooling circuits, heat exchangers, and sheathing for boat hulls, emphasizing its versatility in combating marine conditions.
Leveraging Bronze’s Versatility with Fotofab
With bronze being a material of choice for countless applications, Fotofab’s advanced etching capabilities ensure reduced costs, faster production speeds, and high-precision parts.
Contact our precision etching experts today to see how we can incorporate bronze etching solutions into your next project.
Available Metals
Explore Metals We Chemically Etch
Here at Fotofab, we provide photochemical machining (chemical etching, acid etching) services for a wide range of metals and alloys.
Certifications
Fotofab is committed to quality.
