Applications range from decorative architectural features for the simpler alloys to highly stressed

engineering components and those requiring a high degree of corrosion resistance. They have many
marine uses including propellers and those where water speeds are high. Most have good wear resistance
and some are used for the manufacture of non-sparking tools.
Specialist publications giving more details on the availability, properties, corrosion resistance and
applications of the aluminium bronzes are available from Copper Development Association.

2.8. Copper-nickels - copper-nickel alloys where nickel is the major alloying

element
These recent introductions are intended chiefly for marine castings where service conditions are
exceptionally severe, for instance where there are high water speeds with high turbulence or shielded
areas provide conditions likely to allow selective attack with other alloys or where inspection or servicing
is very infrequent. Uses are for valves, pumps, pipe fittings and the like rather than for marine propellers.
The low volume of production and the high cost of the alloys inevitably result in rather high cost castings.

2.9. Available Coppers and Copper Alloys

The available coppers and copper alloys are listed in Table 2.1 which gives their approximate
compositions, densities and specified minimum mechanical properties together with examples of typical
applications, more details of which may be found in the sections referenced.
The alloy designations used include those in BS 1400:1985 and in addition the abbreviated nominal
chemical composition already used in ISO and many European National standards and forthcoming CEN
standards. Other alloys which are commonly available in Europe and likely to be included in the European
Standard are identified by their nominal chemical compositions. A numbering system for these materials
will shortly be introduced; allocated numbers may be inserted in the table when available.
The compositions and minimum properties are for general information only. For actual 'minimum' values,
reference should be made to the latest edition of the appropriate standard. 'Typical' values, often
significantly higher than minima, are very dependant on variables such as section thickness and casting
techniques, reference to a specialist is needed to check design considerations relating to individual
products.
DZR 1 and 2 relate to dezincification resistant diecasting brasses which are covered at present by the BS
Draft for Development, DD 187. Materials with similar properties will be included in CEN specifications.
Abbreviations used in Table 2.1:
Sand Sand casting
Die Permanent mould casting – usually gravity diecasting, but may also include chill casting
PDC Pressure diecasting
Cent Centrifugal casting
Cont Continuous casting