Columbia Metals

✈️ Columbia Metals has an established track record of supplying non-ferrous alloys to a variety of critical industries across the UK and internationally. Among these, the aerospace sector stands out as one of the largest and most dynamic. As a trusted supplier to leading OEMs such as BAE Systems, Meggitt and Safran Landing Systems, we play a vital role in ensuring the aerospace industry thrives. The post-COVID-19 recovery has propelled the aerospace sector into a period of growth, with a surge in backlogged projects now in progress. To meet this increasing demand, Columbia Metals has continued our strategic investment in essential aerospace grades, including AMS4640, BSB23, Alloy 42, PB104 Nibron Special®. Our materials are sourced from globally recognized mills that meet AS9100 or ISO9001 standards, ensuring full traceability with EN10204 3.1 or 3.2 certification. We are also proud holders of the SC21 Bronze Award, which further underpins our commitment to quality in everything we do. According to ADS Group, in 2023 the UK’s aerospace, defence, security and space sectors generated £88.4 billion in turnover – a remarkable 40% growth over the past decade. This thriving sector supports 427,500 direct jobs, up 29% in the same period, and contributes £38.7 billion in exports, reflecting a 32% growth rate. The outlook remains positive, with continued expansion on the horizon. Whether it's next-day delivery for urgent needs or larger consignment orders, Columbia Metals is dedicated to keeping aerospace operations running smoothly. With our comprehensive levels of stock and commitment to service excellence, we look forward to supporting this vibrant sector further in 2025. Get in touch with us on 01234 608888 or at sales@columbiametals.co.uk to see how we can help. #aerospace #copperalloys #nickelalloys #sc21

A very merry Christmas from the whole team at Columbia Metals. It's been a pleasure working with you all during 2024 and we're very grateful for your support. Our offices close on Friday 20 December and reopen on Thursday 2 January 2025.

🎄What kind of jewellery do rabbits wear? 🐰 14 carrot gold!   Costume jewellery is often made from nickel silver – but you may be surprised to know that even though it looks like the real thing, it actually doesn’t contain any silver! The name nickel silver refers to the colour of the material, not its chemical composition, hence the confusion due to its shiny and silvery appearance. Nickel silver dates back to 1636 and the Qing dynasty in China. In the Chinese language it is referred to as ‘paktong’, which translates to ‘white copper’, as the material is made from copper and has a white appearance. It took almost 200 years for nickel silver to find its way to Europe. By 1823 there was competition between producers to see who could make it most silvery in appearance, giving rise to the material we now know as nickel silver. Nickel silver is used for costume jewellery as it’s easy to work with and malleable, meaning it can be used to make very interesting designs, patterns, textures and shapes. It can be easily formed due to its resistance and durability, so these processes do not damage the material. The other benefit is that it looks identical to silver! However, it is cheaper and easier to work with, which allows people to enjoy attractive looking jewellery for a fraction of the price. At Columbia Metals, we stock nickel silver in round bar and sheet so please drop us a line at sales@columbiametals.co.uk or call on 01234 608888 if you’d like to learn more. #nickelsilver #costumejewellery

Phosphor bronze, first produced in Vienna, Austria in 1870, quickly earned a reputation as a durable, corrosion resistant and highly versatile alloy. Among its various grades, PB102 stands out as the most common wrought material, offering unique properties that make it indispensable across many industries. At Columbia Metals, we stock PB102 in round bar from 3/32” to 5” diameter, in addition to hexagon and sheet in various sizes. Also released to CW451K, PB102 is an alloy that combines approximately 5% tin and 0.4% phosphorus. The addition of phosphorus enhances the alloy’s mechanical strength and wear resistance. The tin content provides excellent workability, nearly comparable to aluminium bronze. PB102 boasts a machinability rating of nearly 25% that of CZ121 free-machining brass. It supports various joining methods, including gas, arc, spot, and seam welding, as well as soldering and brazing. This combination of properties makes PB102 versatile enough to be used across a wide range of general engineering applications including marine and chemical hardware, fasteners, switch contacts and bearings. Within the phosphor bronze alloy family a number of other grades are also available. PB1 is a cast material with excellent corrosion resistance and suitable for medium to high load bearings; PB2 has a higher tin and lead content than PB1 and provides greater wear resistance; and SAE660 demonstrates superior resistance to brine and saltwater, making it ideal for marine pump and valve components. If you’re looking for PB102 for your next project, please don’t hesitate to contact our friendly and knowledgeable team. Just call on 01234 608888 or email sales@columbiametals.co.uk. #copperalloys #phosphorbronze #pb102 #cw451k #fasteners

🎬 He may look like an actor from the Golden Age of Hollywood, but this picture actually depicts Dr Floyd Firestone, an acoustical physicist at the University of Michigan. Firestone is credited with applying for a 1940 patent for a "flaw detecting device and measuring instrument," thus setting the stage for the development of ultrasonic testing. 📖 Our latest blog post explores what ultrasonic testing is and how it contributes to safety and performance in the world of precision engineering. 👉🏼 Click here to have a read: https://lnkd.in/eEMhSw7G #ultrasonictesting #ndt #copperalloys #nickelalloys

Colsibro® is the offshore industry's secret weapon against corrosion. Its copper-nickel-silicon composition creates an impenetrable barrier that resists saltwater, chemicals and the relentless pounding of the ocean. When failure is not an option, engineers and fabricators trust Colsibro® to keep critical components and infrastructure performing flawlessly, even in the most punishing offshore conditions. Colsibro® is a trademark alloy of Columbia Metals and is stocked in solid round bar from 3/16” to 5.1/2” diameter. In the offshore industry, it is primarily used for fasteners, choke stems, down-hole tooling, cryogenic storage tanks and pump bodies. Colsibro® not only makes waves for marine applications but finds application as a key material within the motorsport industry, where it is used for gears, end buses and – most commonly – for valve guides and valve seats. Find out more about Colsibro® here: https://lnkd.in/e83-Tsv5 To check current availability and get a quotation, just give us a ring on 01234 608888 or email us at sales@columbiametals.co.uk #copperalloys #colsibro #offshore #marine #motorsport

We have just taken delivery of several sizes of stock of Def Stan 02-835, confirming our position as one of the UK’s leading stockholders of this copper-nickel alloy. Def Stan 02-835 is used primarily in marine, defence and offshore applications thanks to its inherent corrosion resistance, high strength and toughness. Our stock range of Def Stan 02-835 now extends from 1/2" to 5.1/2” diameter so whatever your requirement, you can rely on Columbia Metals to support you. Remember, you can get in touch at sales@columbiametals.co.uk or call us on 01234 608888. #copperalloys #835 #marine #defence #offshore

Corrosion-resistant alloys do just what their name suggests: they withstand the impact of harsh environments, offering protection and durability.   When people think "corrosion," rust usually comes to mind. That reddish-brown iron oxide that forms on steel is not just an eyesore – it weakens the metal, making it less reliable over time. But corrosion is a challenging phenomenon, appearing in many forms across metals and environments. It’s all about the reaction of metal with its surroundings, whether that's air, moisture, or other chemicals.   At Columbia Metals, we offer a range of materials specifically designed to resist corrosion in various conditions. Our copper and nickel-based alloys excel in demanding environments, providing durability and peace of mind.   Copper-based alloys won’t rust thanks to their low iron content. Instead, they form a natural, protective patina – an attractive green layer that, unlike rust, won’t flake off. This feature is often desirable in architectural designs.   With added elements like chromium, our nickel alloys take corrosion resistance even further, particularly under high temperatures.   Our range of stock includes copper, brass, copper nickel, titanium, nickel alloys and stainless steels - all known for their performance and reliability. Please contact us at sales@columbiametals.co.uk if we can help with your material enquiries. #copperalloys #nickelalloys #corrosionresistance

📃 Our latest blog post discusses how two copper alloy stalwarts, Nibron Special® and Toughmet®, are transforming high-performance engineering, offering a perfect balance of strength, corrosion resistance and electrical conductivity. 👉 Read more here: https://lnkd.in/ewkFVvYu

Alex Maughan of Maughan & Co has spent years hand-forging belt buckles and knows the importance of choosing the right metal. Though he has traditionally worked with 304 stainless steel, Alex has embraced Coldur-A® – a silicon bronze offered exclusively by Columbia Metals – for its unique aesthetic and performance. “This bronze has particularly rosy colour to it which I really like,” says Alex. “It’s not far away from rose gold, when other bronzes that I’ve used in the past tend to be a yellower tone.” The forging process begins with solid round bars, which Alex shapes into the rectangular profile needed for his belt buckles. After chamfering the corners, the bar is heated and hammered into shape. Unlike other bronzes that tend to crack or crumble when overheated, Coldur-A® offers a much broader working temperature range. “The wider range gives me more control over the forging process and reduces the risk of errors,” Alex explains. “It was a real joy to work with.” Coldur-A® is prized for its strength, corrosion resistance, and workability, making it a favourite among designers, artists and blacksmiths. It can be hot worked up to 870°C and cold-formed with ease, allowing metalsmiths like Alex to bring their designs to life with precision and confidence. Maughan & Co continues to craft custom belt buckles, offering options in both 304 stainless steel and Coldur-A®, all handmade to order in their Scottish forge. Columbia Metals is an industry leader in the supply of Coldur-A® with stock ranging from 1/4" to 2” diameter in solid round bar. We also stock the alloy in half hard condition in sheet form. For further information on the use of Coldur-A® in forged belt buckles, read our case study here: https://lnkd.in/efF_v5jp