Engineers' Guide to nickel aluminium bronze launched

The publication aims to give an engineering overview of the properties of the alloys, their specifications and their applications for operators, designers, manufacturers and fabricators. Their corrosion behaviour is explained and guidance is given to obtain optimum service performance. Methods of manufacture, welding and fabrication are described and a list of references and useful publications is provided. The Appendix covers full details of designations, specifications and related composition and mechanical property requirements.

The publication has been written by Ivan Richardson, and reviewed by a group of technical metals and corrosion specialists. Ivan Richardson is an industry specialist in copper alloys. His experience spans all aspects of manufacture, product development, testing and metallurgical investigation. He has worked throughout his career with aluminium bronze alloys, both in their production and application, in various technical, marketing and management roles, primarily at Delta Manganese Bronze and latterly as an international consultant, including work with Copper Alloys Ltd.

Alloys of copper and aluminium are known as aluminium bronze and, together with other alloying additions, produce a range of properties that are beneficial to a diverse range of industries. Of these, the nickel aluminium bronze group of alloys is the most widely used. They have been adapted with time to optimise performance and can provide a combination of properties that offer an economic alternative to other types of alloy systems.

Nickel aluminium bronzes are available in both cast and wrought product forms and have a unique combination of properties including:

• Excellent wear and galling resistance
• High strength
• High corrosion resistance

The author delivered a joint Copper Alloys Ltd/Copper Development Association presentation on nickel aluminium bronze to the audience of marine specialists at the Marine Corrosion Forum, an association meeting for discussion of materials and corrosion matters relevant to the marine, offshore, and associated industries.

The Guide will also form the basis of a presentation at Technical Committee TEG 523X at NACE International's Corrosion 2016 conference this March.

Available to download from www.copperalliance.org.uk/nab, the Guide to Nickel Aluminium Bronze for Engineers can also be requested in hard copy, free-of-charge, from the website.