The Difference Between Brass and Bronze Fittings

Bronze is a durable material with a high internal strength. The total working pressure tolerance of bronze systems depends on the grade of bronze and the strength of the soldered joints. Typical bronze fittings are rated from 200 to 600 PSI, though this can vary depending on the piping thickness and interior diameter.

While both brass and bronze fittings are made of the same metal, the difference between them is in their appearance and corrosion resistance. Bronze is brighter and shinier, and extruded fittings are slightly darker. Forged brass plumbing parts are also prone to distortion when overtightened. As a result, these fittings should only be used for low pressure, and not for impulse or torsion.

There are several alloys of bronze available, each with a slightly different composition. Cartridge brass, for example, contains 30 percent zinc, while naval brass contains up to 39.7% zinc and is used for various marine applications. Bismuth bronze is a bronze alloy composed of 52 parts copper, 30 parts nickel, 12 parts zinc, and five parts lead. These alloys are also good for retaining polish, which is why they are often used as light reflectors.

Copper bronze fittings are a popular choice for marine and industrial applications because of their corrosion resistance. They are made with copper alloys and meet ASTM B-61 and B-62 requirements. Copper and bronze are both reddish ductile metals that are resistant to corrosion. These materials are ideal for marine applications because they do not corrode when exposed to salt water.

Copper bronze is a highly malleable metal and has superior formability and weldability. It is also used in decorative components, and is the perfect material for metal pieces that people touch on a regular basis. Additionally, it has anti-bacterial and anti-microbial properties that make it suitable for marine applications.

Tin bronze is a type of copper alloy that can be used in a variety of applications. It is generally made from copper and one or more other alloy elements. These elements are added to the metal in order to improve its properties and conserve tin. Three basic types of tin bronze alloy exist: low tin bronze, high tin bronze, and alloys with phosphorus. A higher phosphorus content will result in a more fluid alloy and increased mechanical properties.