Bronze and brass are both copper alloys, but they solve different problems. One excels at reducing friction, while the other is ideal for applications requiring high levels of conductivity. They also differ in corrosion resistance, wear, machining time, and cost. Understanding how each metal performs under various service conditions can help you meet performance targets…

Many metals are used in their pure powder form in the manufacturing of various products. There are many grades of iron powder, as they are categorized based on their purity, grain size, density, and the manufacturing method. So the iron powder will be modified to fit into the application.  Iron Powder Properties  Iron powder is…

Many manufacturers require pure metals in a range of different shapes to add as additives when making products. These metals provide different properties to the products, such as hardening metals, providing corrosion resistance, or reduces oxidation. Silicon is one metal found in a wide range of industries due to its versatility and cost-effectiveness. Pure silicon…

For the last several months, metal markets have remained tough to predict because of the pandemic’s various impacts on demand and supply and the overall economic climate. Still, prudent businesses must base forecasts upon the best information they have available. Take a look at this year’s copper market and business developments to gain perspective on…

Are you looking for an alternative to lead-based alloys? Many companies are moving away from lead and copper and tin alloys due to the regulations and toxicity associated with the heavy metal, and that often means choosing bismuth. The good news is that bismuth has a relatively low melting point, and it’s durable and malleable…

Copper is a commercial metal that is used throughout the world due to its mechanical and structural properties. This metal offers excellent thermal and electrical conductivity. Also, it resists corrosion as its malleability and ductility allows the metal to be easily worked and fabricated. There are different grades of metal based on its purity levels….

When working with commercial and industrial manufacturing operations, many companies use specific metals in their applications due to their inherent capabilities. One of the most common metals used is copper, as Belmont Metals offers copper metal, copper alloys, and copper-master alloys such as beryllium copper, lithium copper and zirconium copper to manufacturers, jewelers, artists, and…

During the final phase of the manufacturing process, many products and components are coated with a paint to create a more aesthetically-pleasing appearance as well as to seal over the material to improve corrosion and stain resistance. When talking about most painting applications, people are aware of both oil-based and water-based paints. Yet metallic paints…

The beauty and rarity of gold is well-known. It’s treasured by jewelers due to its brilliant color and historians who are in search of antique coins. For everyday applications, gold is found throughout our lives in smart phones, laptops and other electronics as this metal is crafted into gold-plated circuit boards. Applications will use gold…

Are you experimenting with 3D metal printing? Current industry trends say that 3D metal printing will overtake casting by 2020, according to Spotlight Metal, and it’s already being used for small batches of products and parts. If you’re on the forefront of this new manufacturing process or thinking about it, you’re probably interested in the…

Whether creating prototypes for application components, precision gears, or jewelry, more manufacturers are turning to the capabilities provided by 3D metal printing. Also called additive manufacturing, this process relies on technology that uses a metal powder in a layering process to produce the three-dimensional part. There are several methods used in the 3-D metal printing…

Throughout industrial and manufacturing operations, you’ll find copper metals used in both equipment and finished products. Pure copper has incredible thermal and conducive properties. It also provides exceptional corrosion resistance. So you’ll often find it in electrical applications and electronic products. In addition, pure copper is very soft and malleable, making it ideal for numerous…

Brass and bronze are used in a range of applications, such as component parts for factories, end products for commercial retailers, and creating jewelry for the public. Brass alloys consist of the base metal of copper with varying amounts of zinc added, while bronze contains copper with aluminum, tin, magnesium and other materials. Yet how…

If you are debating the best form or metal to use for your manufacturing business, you may be surprised to learn that powdered metals have just as many uses as their metal alloy counterparts. In fact, adding a powdered metal to your master alloy can increase certain desirable properties and decrease certain undesirable properties. Our…

Lead-free and low-lead alloys keep up with plumbing industry regulations Copper faucets, sinks and appliances have a lustrous color that helps create a warm atmosphere, making a house feel like a home. Copper and its alloys also are functional and durable. They resist corrosion and require little maintenance, which makes red metals an ideal choice…

Powdered metals help engineers produce parts cost-effectively What is the best way to make a 3-D part out of metal? It depends. There are a number of considerations involved, including time and money. To create parts, manufacturers can choose either a subtractive or an additive manufacturing process. Subtractive manufacturing involves taking a block of material…

Master alloys help copper shine Red metals have played an important role in many cultures, including those of the ancient Egyptians and Romans, who crafted tools, cookware, dishes, mirrors and razors out of copper. Modern uses for copper include electrical, heating/cooling applications, fluid handling and plumbing applications, as well as an increasing demand for the…