Metal Glossary


Gilding Metals

Alpha Brasses with 80% to 90% Copper content and no other alloying constituents apart from Zinc. They have good ductility and are easily brazed or enamelled. They are used for decorative purposes such as jewellery and architectural hardware.


Gunmetal

A Casting Bronze alloy of Copper with Tin (10%) and Zinc (2%). Historically it was used to cast cannons so it is sometimes called Admiralty Gun Metal. It has excellent corrosion resistance in seawater and steam. Leaded Gunmetal containing slightly less Tin, more Zinc and up to 7% Lead is a very useful plain bearing metal.