Copper and copper alloy foundry practice indicating types of commercial copper alloys, advantages of copper alloys, molding methods, melting practices and other important features.

Some of the commonly used copper base alloys are:

1)      Tin bronze

2)      Leaded tin bronze

3)      Aluminium bronze

4)      Leaded nickel bronze

5)      Red brass

6)      Yellow brass

7)      Silicon brass

8)      Gun metal

Copper alloys possess the following distinct advantages:

a)      Appearance

b)      Electrical and thermal conductivity

c)      Resistance to corrosion

d)     Bearing qualities

Applications:

1)      Electrodes of resistance welding machines

2)      Turbine runners

3)      Water meter housing

4)      Bearing

5)      Gears and corrosion pump

6)      Marine equipment

7)      Plumbing goods

8)      Valves and fittings

9)      Steam pipe fittings

Casting methods:

a)      Sand casting

b)      Permanent mold casting

c)      Die casting

d)     Plaster mold casting

Melting furnaces:

1)      Crucible furnaces (lift out or tilting)

2)      Reverbratory (open flames) furnaces

3)      Induction furnaces

4)      Indirect arc furnaces