The History of Bear Creek Bronze
See how the Bear Creek Bronze product line emerged, from a foundry producing castings for automotive and electrical industries, to producing beautiful hand finished Solid Cast Metal Tiles, Cabinet Hardware, Switch and Outlet Covers, House Numbers, Address Plaques, and Custom Items for your home or business. We now produce the Bear Creek Bronze product line in Bronze, Copper, White Bronze, Yellow Brass, and Aluminum. For further questions about National Aluminum Brass Foundry or our history, please contact us toll free at 877-838-BEAR (2327) or info@bearcreekbronze.com.
In 1921, the doors of National Aluminum Brass Foundry, Inc. opened and a rich legacy of producing some of the finest sand castings in the industry began. Since our beginnings, the foundry has manufactured aluminum, brass, and bronze castings primarily for the automotive and electrical industries.
In the year 2000, a desire within the company emerged to shift the focus from manufacturing components solely for industrial markets, to designing and casting decorative elements for residential and commercial applications. Thus, the Bear Creek Bronze product line was created. Proudly manufactured in Independence, Missouri, the Bear Creek Bronze collection presents endless possibilities in creativity and design.
How Bear Creek Bronze Products Are Made
See how the Bear Creek Bronze product line is created from molten metal into beautiful Solid Cast Metal Tile, Cabinet Hardware, Switch and Outlet Covers, House Numbers, Address Plaques, and Custom Items in Bronze, Copper, White Bronze, Yellow Brass, and Aluminum. Also, how they are finished by hand in four unique finishes: Burnished, Polished, Brushed, or Oil Rubbed Bronze. For further questions about National Aluminum Brass Foundry or how Bear Creek Bronze Products are made, please contact us toll free at 877-838-BEAR (2327) or info@bearcreekbronze.com
Manufacturing Process
National Aluminum Brass Foundry has been in the sand-cast industry for over 85 years. We utilize the same over-all principles instilled thousands of years ago, but with the advances of modern technology.
First molds are produced with specifically prepared sand, clay and water. Metal is then heated in electric furnaces to temperatures exceeding 2000 degrees Fahrenheit, and poured into these molds. After the cooling time required for solidification, the molds are shaken apart revealing the hidden Bear Creek Bronze castings within. The sand from the mold then travels back to the sand silo for retention and renewed for use again. After the castings are out of the mold they then undergo a shot-blast operation prepping them for the next operation which is to remove them from the gating system by means of a large band-saw. The gating system metal is recycled to be used once again. The Bear Creek Bronze castings are then sorted and inspected prior to the grinding operation which removes any flash from the perimeters.
Finishing Process
Bear Creek Bronze products are ground by hand then placed in a shot blast machine to blend the grind marks. Following this process, the hardware along with special polishing media and water are loaded into a large tumbling machine to achieve a beautiful burnished surface.
Next, the hardware is placed in a heated centrifuge for drying. Once these operations are complete we then either apply a brushed, polished or oil rubbed bronze finish by hand. When machining is required, we perform the operations without the use of cutting fluids or lubricants to prevent discoloration. Our products are produced without clear-coat or lacquer of any kind in order to allow the natural process of aging to occur. With the exception of Lacquered items such as address plaques, house numbers or any of our products in our rich oil rubbed bronze.
The Unique Character of Bear Creek Bronze
Bear Creek Bronze creates unique Solid Cast Metal Tile, Cabinet Hardware, Switch and Outlet Covers, House Numbers, Address Plaques, and Custom Items in Bronze, Copper, White Bronze, Yellow Brass, and Aluminum. Due to the hand finished nature of the Bear Creek Bronze product line, no two items are alike and bring a unique look to your space. For further questions, please contact us toll free at 877-838-BEAR (2327) or info@bearcreekbronze.com
Due to their artistic touch, those at Bear Creek Bronze take pride in producing unique solid metal decorative tile and hardware that provides eternal elegance. Ensuring no two products are exactly alike, slight variations in each item are expected and appreciated. As diverse as those acquiring our products, the artisans of Bear Creek Bronze create a high quality finished product that graces the fine homes across America and beyond.
Bear Creek Bronze tiles are available in five alloys: bronze, copper, white bronze, yellow brass, or aluminum. With the exception of our oil rubbed bronze tiles, our tiles are manufactured without clear coat or lacquer to allow the natural process of aging. To increase variety we offer four finishes: burnished, polished, brushed, or our rich oil rubbed bronze finish.
Great for kitchen, bathroom, fireplace accents, entryways and outdoor settings such as patios, walkways, fire-pits or even pool areas. Our knobs and pulls have an ergonomic and unique hand cast quality to them with an authentic feel and weight not found in other products.
To see how our products can accentuate areas such as bathrooms, kitchens or outdoor settings, please take a look at our Photo Gallery.