Copper alloy casting is a multiple step process that includes melting the metal into molten, pouring the molten into a mold and cooling it back to a solid. Casting has both artistic and industrial uses, and is a preferred method for fabricating custom pieces.

Copper and copper-based alloys are used for their conductive properties in many industries, including transportation, industrial machinery and the military. Artists are drawn to the metal because of it's rich color. Bronze is metal compound containing copper and at least one other element, often tin. When searching for copper alloy casting services, consider the following:

1. Choose a casting method that uses the correct mold for your applications.

2. Consider ordering custom copper castings.

3. Purchase your own molds if your business has a metal melting furnace.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Use a permanent mold for copper casting

If you need several identical parts, consider ordering from a company that uses permanent molds during the copper alloy casting process. Permanent mold casting uses the same mold for each casting, so there won't be any discrepancies among the parts. Permanent mold castings also tend to be less brittle and offer better conductivity than other casting methods.

I recommend: Order permanent mold copper castings from Burnstein von Seelen. The company pours the molten metal into water-chilled molds, which creates a durable fine dense grain structure. Aurora Metals Division casts copper based alloys using permanent mold casting applications.

Buy copper alloy castings made with sand molds

Casting copper using molds made from sand, also called sand casting, is one of the oldest forms of metal casting. Sand casting is typically the least expensive of the casting methods, and is especially advantageous to businesses needing a quick turnaround after submitting the order. Sand casting also produces little waste because any unused sand can be used in another mold.

I recommend: Whether you need power distribution switches, furnace covers or valve parts, K Castings manufactures high-conductivity copper-based alloy castings. The company's capabilities range from commercial green sand to resin-bonded hard sands. For emergency sand castings, contact United Bronze of Pittsburgh. The industrial copper casting company ships emergency castings within 24 hours.

Order a custom industrial copper alloy casting

Whether you need a specialty part or a decorative piece, ordering a custom copper alloy casting ensures you get exactly what you need. Custom copper alloy casting services includes drawing your concept and designing the mold.

I recommend: Industrial Ferguson Foundry offers custom copper-based castings in sizes ranging from ounces to 400 lb. The company is capable of fabricating both decorative and industrial castings. National Bronze & Metals is a custom manufacturer of industrial applications, including electrical conductors, coaxial cables, wave guides, transistor components and microwave tubes.

Purchase copper alloy casting molds

Ordering copper alloy casting molds is ideal for businesses that keep a metal melting furnace in house, but don't have the budget or manpower to fabricate their own molds. Purchasing molds of parts you regularly manufacture is generally more cost-effective than ordering castings.

I recommend: Order water-cooled continuous casting molds from Zak. The company also offers repairing, welding, painting, sandblasting nondestructive test services. Johnson Brass & Machine Foundry offers custom continuous casting and copper casting molds.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  When copper casting with sand molds, the metal has a rough, grainy texture. This doesn't affect the casting's function, but it's not aesthetically pleasing. If the casting will be visible, consider using a finishing service to smooth out the surface.