< COPPER ZINCS (BRASSES)
NICKEL SILVER (CAST ALLOYS C97300-800, WROUGHT ALLOYS NS101/4/6) GERMAN SILVER
One of the more unlikely copper/zinc alloys is nickel silver. Containing no silver at all and little more than 18% nickel, nickel silver is one of those alloys that is principally of interest to artists and designers because of the visual effect provided by it’s polished finish (NICKEL BRONZES and ALUMINIUM BRONZES are also notable in this respect).
Whilst not commonly used as a cast alloy (C97300-800 cast grades), nickel silver in it’s wrought form is excellent for making highly polished fabrications, including bases for sculpture and general architectural detail. Commonly available sections formed in nickel silver are generally limited to sheet and round bar stock.
Nickel silver alloys with a higher nickel content (NS 106) have a white-silver appearance, whilst those containing less nickel (NS104 at 12%, and NS 101 at 10%) have a gold like lustre. The (related), alloy known as GERMAN SILVER is composed of approximately 20% each nickel and zinc, the remaining 60% being mainly of copper. Nickel silvers are typified by their strength and corrosion resistance, this means designs formed in these materials are suitable for use as structural elements and display out of doors. Works formed in nickel silver are also very resistant to tarnishing.
Nickel silver is usually joined by brazing or soldering, though it can also be TIG welded in either AC mode (using an ARGON shield) or DC mode (HELIUM shield). A suitable filler for welding is available in the form of a type C14 or C15 (BRASS) rod.
ALUMINIUM BRONZE >
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