Bronze

Advantages: Bronze is an alloy consisting mainly of copper but the addition of other metals (usually tin)
produces an alloy much harder than plain copper. Bronze resists corrosion and metal fatigue better, and
conducts heat and electricity, better than most steels.

Disadvantages: Bronzes are generally softer, weaker and more expensive than steel.

Applications: Bronze is widely used for springs, bearings, bushings, automobile transmission pilot bearings
and is particularly common in the bearings of small electric motors.
Carbon Steel

Advantages: Carbon steel’s main alloying constituent is carbon. Low carbon steel is the most common and
cost effective form. It contains around 0.05–0.320% carbon and is malleable and ductile. Medium carbon steel
contains between 0.30–0.59% carbon and balances ductility and strength with good wear resistance. High-
carbon steel has 0.6–0.99% carbon content and is exceptionally strong, while ultra high carbon steel contains
1.0–2.0% carbon and can be tempered to great hardness.

Disadvantages: Low-carbon steels suffer from yield-point runout and mild steel has a relatively low tensile
strength.

Applications: Medium carbon is used for large parts, forging and automotive components. High-carbon steel
is used for springs and high-strength wires. Ultra high carbon steel is used for special purposes like knives,
axles or punches.