Phosphor bronze is a strong copper alloy with tin and phosphorus. It is used in springs, bolts, ship propellers, dental bridges, and musical instruments due to its resistance to deformation, corrosion, and chemicals. It is also used in industrial machinery and electrical systems for its high conductivity.
Phosphor bronze is a copper alloy consisting primarily of copper with a significant proportion of tin and a smaller proportion of phosphorus. This type of bronze is strong, has a fine grain, and is easily molded into a variety of shapes. The many advantages of phosphor bronze over other metals have led to its use in springs, bolts and ship propellers. Dental bridges, guitar strings, and many other instruments may also include some phosphor bronze elements.
Springs are often made from phosphor bronze because the alloy can withstand repetitive motion and hold its shape. Large springs used in industrial machinery are often made from phosphor bronze because they are also more resistant to deformation than non-alloy components. These characteristics also encourage the use of phosphor bronze to make structural components such as fasteners.
Bolts are often made from phosphor bronze, because they can be expected to last without breaking. Industrial uses of such bolts include fasteners for machines, structures and within electrical systems due to their high conductivity. Industrial machinery that regularly handles chemicals can also benefit from using this bronze, because it is also resistant to many chemicals.
The resistance to corrosion means that phosphor bronze can be especially useful for making ship propellers. The combination of metals and phosphorus often increases the resistance of copper to water, salt and chemicals. The seagoing vessel industry often uses this alloy to improve product quality, although less expensive metals are also often used. Constant exposure can break down metal over time, especially under harsher conditions, but much more slowly than it would with many other metals.
Dental bridges also benefit from this characteristic corrosion resistance. Although many dental bridges have to be customized, some parts can be manufactured on an industrial scale. Used to provide the foundation for dental implants, dental bridges made with this alloy will generally retain their shape over time. Phosphor bronze can be used to make partial or full implants and could be used to create tooth holders made from materials such as ceramics.
Guitar strings are often wound in phosphor bronze wire to provide resistance to corrosion, which can muffle the sound produced. Many industrial guitar string manufacturers use this alloy for most of their products. The resistance to the moisture and oils associated with routine playing also makes it useful for wind instruments such as trumpets, rhythmic instruments such as cymbals, and many other instruments that include metal components.
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