Bronze castings originated centuries ago in areas as diverse as Greece, Africa and Asia. Americans didn't have the technology to cast bronze until the mid-nineteenth century. Bronze is a copper alloy that contains smaller amounts of metals like tin and lead. Brass castings are used in the widest variety of applications including high-speed bearings and bushings, electrical contact parts, low pressure valves and even propeller hubs.
Brass and bronze castings are also used in hardware production and fine arts like bronze sculpture. Whatever the application, consider the following when shopping for brass or bronze products:
1. Companies with large selections
2. A cheap bronze or brass casting from a company with on-site manufacturing facilities
3. Custom-made castings for hard-to-fit applications
Know which brass castings you'll need regularly for fast service and shipping
If you already know what you need from a company that works in casting brass or bronze, look for companies that offer a large selection of dies for brass castings in stock. And, in-stock products also mean faster shipping. Make sure you know which type of bronze alloy you need -- leaded, tin or aluminum -- as they are not all the same.
Find brass casting at its cheapest through companies with casting machines and facilities
Some brass casting companies might have machines, like trim presses, that can reduce labor costs. Companies that have onsite facilities and equipment could also save you money that would normally be spent for outsourcing.
Turn to a custom bronze casting service for specific applications
Custom bronze casting information can be found online in just a few clicks. If you need a custom alloy casting for an application for which you cannot find a ready-made cast, look for companies that offer high-quality castings as well as help in design implementation. These custom design companies can also make copper parts, like drawer pulls or other decorative items, that are for non-industrial use.
- If you're interested in starting a brass or bronze casting business, be sure to join metal casting forums and groups. They can prove to be a wealth of information on techniques, machinery and setting bronze casting prices.