Brass and bronze: differences, storage, which is better, which lead to overheating of the gasoline or diesel engine

That is why brass, which also has good casting properties, began to be actively used not only for decorative purposes, but also for the manufacture of products, successfully used in various industries.

Comparative characteristics

The basis of bronze and brass, as mentioned above, is the same metal - copper. The difference between these alloys is their chemical composition and, in accordance, in characteristics, which they own. Naturally, that the differences between these copper alloys determine the scope of their application.

Because of that, that bronze is a stronger and more durable material, if you compare it with brass, bells have long been made of this material, sculptural compositions, elements of fences, landscape and interior constructions. That is also important, that many brands of this alloy are characterized by good fluidity in the molten state. This allows you to cast products from them, even in very complex configurations. Adding various chemical elements to the chemical composition of bronze, you can change its color in a fairly wide range, which is also of great importance in the production of decorative products.

This is a watch ring, judging by the color, rather yellow brass (bronze would be red). Scratches easily remain on the surface - also a sign of brass

Brass differs from bronze in higher ductility and, in accordance, less strength and durability, which limits the use of this alloy in many areas. in addition, brass is less resistant to aggressive environments, in particular salty sea water, which does not allow the use of brass products in shipbuilding, where bronze is used very actively and successfully.

There is also a noticeable difference in the color of these alloys and their internal structure. Any experienced specialist can tell, how to distinguish brass from bronze: it is enough to look at the fracture of products from these alloys. Brass at the break has a lighter color and a pronounced fine-grained structure, while bronze is easily identified by the dark brown color of the fracture and the coarse-grained internal structure.

Fracture of the bronze clutch

Summarizing all the above, we can distinguish the following differences between brass and bronze.

1. The main alloying element in bronze is tin, and in brass - zinc. Both alloys are based on one metal - copper.
2. Bronze (even with a classic chemical composition) perfectly resists the influence of aggressive environments, in particular salty sea water. In order to improve the corrosion resistance of brass, additional alloying elements must be introduced into such an alloy.
3. Strength and antifriction characteristics of bronze are also better, than in brass. Such qualities significantly expand the scope of application of bronze alloys, from which not only strong and durable decorative elements are made, but also responsible parts for use in various industries. Brass is more often used for the production of bimetallic elements ("Steel - brass"), demonstrating high resistance to the formation and development of corrosion processes.
4. Bronze products have a dark brown color and large grain at the break, and brass - yellow-gold and fine-grained structure. This difference in color and internal structure is easy to identify, from which alloy the product is made.
5. Bronze, as well as brass, although they are based on such a metal, like copper, are divided into different categories. So, bronze can be tin or tin-free, while brass is two - or multicomponent.

Comparison of properties of brass and bronze

Bronze and brass, the melting point of which is lower, than in copper, can be used to make various products at home. However, for this, naturally, it is necessary to stock up on appropriate equipment and to study well the technology and rules of such technological operation, as casting.

And finally a couple of videos about heat treatment of bronze at home.