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Lead-Free,
Environmentally Friendly Brass Alloy |
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It has been known for some time that lead is harmful
to the human body. Recent epidemiological research finds
that even exposure to low-level concentrations of lead
over long periods of time can badly affect the
development of infant intelligence and it is said there
is some effect on hormonal development. As a result
government agencies and private industry are making
efforts to reduce lead in our environment. |
Typical copper
alloys used in the production of brass rod, brass
forging and bronze casting contain several percentage
points of lead to improve machinability. Unfortunately
lead content results in environmental problems such as
lead leaching into the drinking water, lead dust during
machining and casting, and disposal of lead-contaminated
foundry sand. Hence it has long been desired to develop
lead-free brass alloys that do not harm humans or the
environment. |
ECO BRASS provides good machinability without the lead
by adding silicon to the copper-zinc alloy. Silicon,
unlike lead, is harmless to humans and rich in
resources.
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Alloys
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Chemical Composition (wt%)
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Cu
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Si
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Pb
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Sn
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Fe
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Zn
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EcoBrass
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75.5
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3.0
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0.1 max
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-
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-
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Rem
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C3604
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59.0
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-
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3.0
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0.2
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0.2
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Rem
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CAC406
(BC6)
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85.5
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-
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5.0
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5.0
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-
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Rem
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