Frequently Asked Questions About Bronze Plates
What are metal plates?
Metal plates are when metals and alloys are formed into flat plates with a certain degree of thickness. With the right company, such as Atlas Bronze, you can order these flat plates in just the right size for your application.
What is the difference between a sheet and a plate?
The terms sheet and plate are used to refer to the thickness of the metal. To be more specific, sheet metal is always generally less than 3mm thick where metal plates are thicker than 3mm - and usually even greater than 6mm. Keep in mind that these are just average measurements. Specific numbers can depend on the application, the type of metal, etc.
What is bronze commonly used for?
Bronze is used in many different applications. It has been used for things like hardware mounts, furniture trim, ceiling or wall panels, automobile parts, electrical contacts, bearings (thanks to its friction properties), ship propellers, musical instruments, engine parts, pumps, and more.
It can be used in many industries, including the marine industry due to its high corrosion resistance, its ability to naturally lubricate itself, and high strength. Bronze holds up well in both saltwater and freshwater.
What is a bronze bridge plate?
Bridge plates are designed to work well for structures - like bridges - in which bearing movement is slow and not constant. In other words, bridges only open at certain times of the day or when a large boat is coming through so bridge plates will work well.
The metal that is used for this type of application has to be high-quality and able to resist rust, corrosion, and other weather-related factors. Bronze bridge plates are a great option due to their qualities.
What is corrosion? Can bronze corrode?
Corrosion is the process of deterioration of a metal’s properties as it is exposed to certain environmental factors over time. For bronze, it is water and humidity. Typically there is a sealant or layer of protection that keeps the bronze free from corrosion. If the integrity of that sealed barrier is jeopardized, corrosion will happen.
Although it is not impossible for bronze to corrode, it is highly resistant. Bronze disease, which is a form of corrosion that affects bronze, appears in green along the surface of the metal. This can appear as a powdery texture or a wax-like film. If left untreated, it will continue to corrode and destroy the metal.
What if I have questions about bronze plates?
If you have questions about bronze plates, our knowledge staff at Atlas Bronze is here for you. We can help you find exactly what you need for your application or project. You can reach us at (800) 478-0887.
