Copper Alloy Castability
Property of copper materials to fill liquid molds and avoid solidification-related cracks. Bronzes and brasses exhibit specific casting differences in this regard.
Copper materials are not all the same – depending on the alloy (brass, bronze, nickel silver), melting behavior and weldability change significantly. Additions like zinc or tin make the material more castable, but they can cause trouble when welding because they evaporate when heated or lead to cracks. When welding copper alloys, pay attention to a clean, steady heat input and don't let the part cool down too quickly. With brass, you must be especially careful that the zinc doesn't burn off – you'll notice this by the white smoke. Basically: first identify the material precisely, then choose the right filler, and when in doubt, work with lower heat.