Silicon Bronze Everdur (CDA 873) and Why It’s Popular for Art Casting and Jewelry Applications

No matter what type of jewelry you produce, you need materials that look good and stand the test of time. CDA 873, better known as Silicon Bronze Everdur, combines copper and silicon with other substances, creating a durable alloy that resists corrosion better than pure metals. Here’s why you should consider incorporating this material into jewelry or works of art.

Silicon Bronze Everdur Properties

Every metal has a unique set of physical and chemical properties. Alloys allow you to maximize the benefits of individual metals, increasing the quality of every item you produce. Silicon bronze Everdur is no exception.

These are just a few of the characteristics that make CDA 873 ideal for art casting and jewelry production:

  • Strength: Silicon Bronze Everdur has a tensile strength of 55,000 pounds per square inch, so you can stretch, bend, and pull the material without worrying about it breaking.
  • Corrosion resistance: Bronze resists corrosion better than pure copper does, but you can increase the corrosion resistance even more by combining bronze with silicon. CDA 873 resists acids, alkalis, fresh water, salt water, and organic chemicals.
  • Malleability: Malleability is the property that allows you to hammer a metal into thin sheets without destroying it. Silicon Bronze Everdur is highly malleable, giving you the freedom to create intricate shapes without damaging the metal.
  • Color: Silicon Bronze Everdur has a warm bronze color, making it an attractive addition to jewelry, figurines, sculptures, and other items. It also accepts many patinas, giving you more control over the look of the finished product.

Applications in Art Casting and Jewelry

As previously stated, CDA 873 is an ideal alloy for art casting and jewelry production. However, it’s important to understand how CDA 873’s properties can be leveraged for these different applications.

Art Casting

Due to its strength, resilience, and ability to resist corrosion, Silicon Bronze Everdur is one of the most popular materials used in art casting. It doesn’t produce much waste during the smelting process, reducing the risk that impurities will settle into a finished work of art.

Silicon Bronze Everdur also has a pouring range of 1,900 degrees Fahrenheit to 2,250 degrees Fahrenheit, so it melts faster than other metals when you’re ready to pour it into a cast.

Additionally, CDA 873 turns green, brown, blue, or black when exposed to certain acids. This makes it ideal for adding a patina to sculptures, figurines, and other art pieces to create an aged appearance without the wait.

Jewelry Production

Silicon Bronze Everdur is also an excellent choice for jewelry production. The warm bronze color goes well with natural stones and other metals, making it easier to create custom pieces that delight even the most discerning buyers.

CDA 873 is also ideal for producing intricate pieces, as it holds up well to pulling, hammering, and other jewelry-making techniques. Best of all, this alloy has a high level of wearability, making it ideal for everything from everyday jewelry to special-occasion pieces.

Incorporate Silicon Bronze Everdur Into Your Production Process

Overall, Silicon Bronze Everdur is one of the best materials for art casting and jewelry making. Whether you’re producing outdoor sculptures, filigree earrings, or something in between, you can rely on CDA 873 to look good and last for years.

Belmont Metals provides silicon bronze in a multitude of forms. Reach out to our team to learn which is best for your needs.