Over the years a number of materials have been developed giving combinations of properties that are optimum for a very wide variety of applications.  

Characteristics of Copper Alloys

• Good conductivity
• High strength
• Hardness
• Ductility
• Resistance to corrosion, wear & shock
• Low magnetic permeability
• Ease of machining, forming, polishing & plating
• Attractive range of colours

Copper forms alloys more freely than most metals and with a wide range of alloying elements. Zinc, tin, nickel and aluminium are the most common alloying additions and produce alloying types shown below.

• Brass: Copper + zinc
• Bronze: Copper + tin
• Phosphor bronze: Copper + tin & phosphorus 
• Aluminium bronze: Copper + aluminium
• Gunmetal: Copper + tin & zinc
• Copper nickel: Copper + nickel