Investment casting with bronze alloys is an excellent choice for many parts and applications. Bronze alloys typically consist of tin, copper, phosphorus, zinc and sometimes small amounts of other elements. The required characteristics and properties determine the precise proportions of components. Dating back almost 5,000 years, early Asian smiths were likely the discoverers of the many uses of bronze. Bronze is often an excellent choice for valve seats, bearings, springs, machine parts, telegraph wires, heavy–duty bushings and bearings, chemical containers and numerous other applications.
