The Basics of Nonferrous Metallurgy

Cobalt and Cobalt Alloys

This article provides a comprehensive overview of cobalt-base alloys, focusing on their applications as wear-resistant, corrosion-resistant, and heat-resistant materials. Cobalt demonstrates exceptional utility in applications requiring magnetic properties, corrosion resistance, wear resistance, and elevated-temperature strength. The primary emphasis centers on cobalt-base alloys for wear resistance, representing the largest application area.

Copper Alloys Applications in Electrical Engineering

Copper alloys represent critical materials in electrical engineering applications where pure copper's mechanical properties are insufficient for demanding operating conditions. While pure copper offers the highest electrical conductivity among commercial metals, many electrical applications require enhanced mechanical properties and elevated temperature capabilities while maintaining acceptable conductivity levels.

Copper Alloys for Bearing Applications: Part One

Bronzes represent the most versatile class of bearing materials, providing exceptional performance across diverse industrial applications. This comprehensive analysis examines copper alloys' superior properties for bearing applications, including excellent strength, ductility, hardness, wear resistance, and anti-seizing capabilities. Bearing bronzes demonstrate remarkable ability to conform to surface irregularities, operate effectively in contaminated environments.

Copper Alloys for Bearing Applications: Part Two

Five alloy families are described, with a table of seventeen bearing bronzes, with their UNS alloy designation and standard specifications covering each. Members of each family have similar properties, with differences among family members allowing selection based on economic considerations or on the need to tailor alloys for particular applications.

Copper and Copper Alloy Casting Methods

This article examines six principal methods for producing copper base alloy castings: sand casting and CO₂ process, shell molded casting, die-casting, chill casting, centrifugal casting, and continuous casting. Each method offers distinct advantages in terms of dimensional accuracy, surface finish, mechanical properties, and production costs. Additional specialized techniques include precision investment casting and plaster mould casting.

Copper and Copper Alloy Castings