U.S. patent application number 14/847566 was filed with the patent office on 2015-12-31 for copper-zinc alloy for a plumbing fitting and method for the production thereof.
This patent application is currently assigned to GROHE AG. The applicant listed for this patent is Grohe AG. Invention is credited to Olaf PETZOLDT, Thomas SCHROEDER.
Application Number | 20150376736 14/847566 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 48875640 |
Filed Date | 2015-12-31 |
![](/patent/app/20150376736/US20150376736A1-20151231-D00000.png)
![](/patent/app/20150376736/US20150376736A1-20151231-D00001.png)
United States Patent
Application |
20150376736 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
SCHROEDER; Thomas ; et
al. |
December 31, 2015 |
COPPER-ZINC ALLOY FOR A PLUMBING FITTING AND METHOD FOR THE
PRODUCTION THEREOF
Abstract
A copper-zinc alloy, in particular for providing components for
a plumbing fitting. The alloy comprises (in % by weight): between
63.0 and 64.5% Cu, between 33.8 and 36.8% Zn, between 0.0 and 0.20%
Pb, between 0.2 and 0.7% Al, between 0.04 and 0.14% As, between 0.0
and 0.3% Fe, between 0.0 and 0.3% Sn, between 0.0 and 0.1% Mn, and
residual constituents in respective maximum quantities of 0.02%. A
method for producing a cast component is provided that includes a
copper-zinc alloy of this type. The copper-zinc alloy and the
components produced therewith permit a particularly
environmentally-friendly, cost-effective production of plumbing
fittings.
Inventors: |
SCHROEDER; Thomas; (Menden,
DE) ; PETZOLDT; Olaf; (Wernigerode, DE) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Grohe AG |
Hemer |
|
DE |
|
|
Assignee: |
GROHE AG
Hemer
DE
|
Family ID: |
48875640 |
Appl. No.: |
14/847566 |
Filed: |
September 8, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
PCT/EP2013/002907 |
Sep 27, 2013 |
|
|
|
14847566 |
|
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
420/480 ;
148/553 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E03C 1/04 20130101; C22C
9/04 20130101; E03C 1/021 20130101; C22F 1/08 20130101; F16K 17/00
20130101; F16K 51/00 20130101 |
International
Class: |
C22C 9/04 20060101
C22C009/04; E03C 1/02 20060101 E03C001/02; C22F 1/08 20060101
C22F001/08 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Mar 7, 2013 |
DE |
10 2013 003 817.0 |
Claims
1. A copper-zinc alloy comprising: 63.0 to 64.5 wt % Cu; 33.8 to
36.8 wt % Zn; 0.0 to 0.20 wt % Pb; 0.2 to 0.7 wt % Al; 0.04 to 0.14
wt % As; 0.0 to 0.3 wt % Fe; 0.0 to 0.3 wt % Sn; 0.0 to 0.1 wt %
Mn; and residual constituents in maximum quantities of 0.02%
each.
2. The copper-zinc alloy according to claim 2, wherein: Cu is 63.5
to 63.8 wt %; Zn is 35.2 to 35.6 wt %; Pb is 0.17 to 0.20 wt %; Al
is 0.32 to 0.40 wt %; As is 0.11 to 0.13 wt %; Fe is 0.16 to 0.20
wt %; Sn is 0.0 to 0.20 wt %; and Mn is 0.0 to 0.02 wt %.
3. The copper-zinc alloy according to claim 1, wherein Pb is less
than 0.17 wt %.
4. The copper-zinc alloy according to claim 3, wherein Sn is more
than 0.2 wt %.
5. The copper-zinc alloy according to claim 1, wherein no Si is
included.
6. A use of a copper-zinc alloy according to claim 1 for a plumbing
fitting.
7. A plumbing fitting comprising a housing component, which forms
at least one outer surface or an inner surface for a water channel,
wherein at least the outer surface or the inner surface is formed
with the copper-zinc alloy according to claim 1.
8. A method for producing a cast component from a copper-zinc
alloy, comprising at least the following steps: providing a
copper-zinc alloy according to claim 1; heating the copper-zinc
alloy so that it is present in liquid form; casting the copper-zinc
alloy into a predetermined shape; cooling the copper-zinc alloy so
that it solidifies; heating the solidified copper-zinc alloy to a
temperature from 430.degree. C. to 470.degree. C. for a
predetermined holding time; and cooling the copper-zinc alloy.
9. The method according to claim 8, wherein the holding time is in
the range from 40 minutes to 70 minutes.
Description
[0001] This nonprovisional application is a continuation of
International Application No. PCT/EP2013/002907, filed Sep. 27,
2013, and which claims priority to German Patent Application No. 10
2013 003 817.0, filed Mar. 7, 2013, all of which is herein
incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to a copper-zinc alloy (or
brass alloy) for a plumbing fitting as well as a method for the
production thereof. In particular, relates to a cast alloy, with
the aid of which water-conducting components and/or
water-contacting components of a plumbing fixture may be
produced.
[0004] 2. Description of the Background Art
[0005] When producing components of a plumbing fitting, a wide
range of requirements must be taken into account. In general, the
material must be suitable for producing the components of a
plumbing fitting, which may have, in part, a highly complex design.
This applies to good castability or deformability, on the one hand,
as well as to machineability in the event that these components
must be post-processed with the aid of machining methods. It goes
without saying that cost aspects play a key role here.
[0006] The fact that these components are also used for delivering
drinking water must also be taken into account. In this regard,
different legal requirements exist worldwide, which are intended to
ensure a long-lasting use of such components without contaminating
the drinking water, in particular with heavy metals.
[0007] One particularly important requirement in this regard is the
dezincification resistance, which is determined, in particular, by
a material test according to ISO 6509. The material here is
immersed in a 75.degree. C. copper chloride bath (CUCl.sub.2) with
a concentration of 12.7 grams of CuCl.sub.2 to one liter of water
(H.sub.2O) for a period of 24 hours. The depth to which the zinc
ions are discharged is then determined. The shallower this
dezincification depth, the better suited this material is for
delivering drinking water.
[0008] Another requirement is that the different components of a
plumbing fitting may preferably be recycled together. For this
purpose, it is considered to be advantageous that a copper-zinc
alloy of this type has a preferably small concentration of silicon
(Si). It may thus be ensured that the alloy may be mixed with the
standard brass alloys in the standard production process and thus
be recycled.
[0009] Thus, when selecting a suitable material for components of a
plumbing fitting, a large number of different objectives are
present, which also conflict with each other to some extent.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] It is therefore an object of the present invention is to
provide a copper-zinc alloy, which at least partially solves the
problems illustrated at the outset. In particular, a copper-zinc
alloy should be suitable for use in a plumbing fitting.
Furthermore, an advantageous plumbing fitting as well as a method
for the production thereof are to be provided.
[0011] Further scope of applicability of the present invention will
become apparent from the detailed description given hereinafter.
However, it should be understood that the detailed description and
specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the
invention, are given by way of illustration only, since various
changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the
invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from
this detailed description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
[0012] The present invention will become more fully understood from
the detailed description given hereinbelow and the accompanying
drawing which is given by way of illustration only, and thus, is
not limitive of the present invention, and wherein the sole FIGURE
illustrates an example embodiment, showing a cross-sectional view
of an adjustment fitting with sealing of the eccentric receiving
space.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0013] According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the
copper-zinc alloy comprises: [0014] 63.0 to 64.5 wt % copper (Cu),
[0015] 33.8 to 36.8 wt % zinc (Zn), [0016] 0.0 to 0.20 wt % lead
(Pb), [0017] 0.20 to 0.70 wt % aluminum (Al), [0018] 0.04 to 0.14
wt % arsenic (As), [0019] 0.0 to 0.30 wt % iron (Fe), [0020] 0.0 to
0.30 wt % tin (Sn), [0021] 0.0 to 0.10 wt % manganese (Mn),
[0022] and residual constituents in maximum quantities of 0.02 wt %
each.
[0023] Of the residual constituents, nickel should be emphasized in
particular, whose concentration in the alloy is less than 0.02 wt
%.
[0024] It should be emphasized that the specified lead content (Pb)
of this copper-zinc alloy is very small, or that even no lead is
present in the alloy. It should furthermore be noted that the
copper content (Cu) is also low compared to known alloys. It should
likewise be pointed out that the copper-zinc alloy has only a
(negligible) content of silicon (Si). It has surprisingly turned
out that this copper-zinc alloy is more cost-effective, on the one
hand, due to the composition selected herein, and also has an
excellent dezincification resistance, namely to a dezincification
depth of less than 200 .mu.m (micrometers), in particular even less
than 100 .mu.m.
[0025] The copper-zinc alloy specified here is, in particular, a
so-called cast alloy.
[0026] In an exemplary embodiment, the copper-zinc alloy has the
following, more precisely specified alloy elements: [0027] 63.0 to
64.5 wt % copper (Cu), [0028] 33.8 to 36.8 wt % zinc (Zn), [0029]
0.017 to 0.20 wt % lead (Pb), [0030] 0.20 to 0.70 wt % aluminum
(Al), [0031] 0.04 to 0.14 wt % arsenic (As), [0032] 0.0 to 0.30 wt
% iron (Fe), [0033] 0.0 to 0.30 wt % tin (Sn), [0034] 0.0 to 0.10
wt % manganese (Mn),
[0035] and residual constituents in maximum quantities of 0.02 wt %
each.
[0036] The copper-zinc alloy exceptionally preferably has the
following, more precisely specified alloy elements: [0037] 63.0 to
63.8 wt % Cu, [0038] 35.2 to 35.6 wt % Zn, [0039] 0.17 to 0.20 wt %
Pb, [0040] 0.32 to 0.40 wt % Al, [0041] 0.11 to 0.13 wt % As,
[0042] 0.16 to 0.20 wt % Fe, [0043] 0.0 to 0.20 wt % Sn, [0044] 0.0
to 0.02 wt % Mn,
[0045] and residual constituents in maximum quantities of 0.02 wt %
each.
[0046] With regard to the lead concentration (Pb), it should be
noted that this concentration causes an adequate improvement in the
machineability of the cast alloy. It is furthermore known that lead
has a positive effect on the dezincification resistance. It was
determined that, in the specified range, a noteworthy
grain-refining effect exists.
[0047] The grain refinement causes the concentration of the less
acid-resistant beta brass contained in the brass to be distributed
in the dezincification-resistant alpha brass matrix in a fine and
isolated, island-shaped manner. It is preferred for the lead
concentration to be in a partial range which is close to the upper
limit, for example in a range from 0.19 to 0.2 wt %.
[0048] The aluminum (Al) increases the strength of the alpha phase
and the beta phase, in particular due to solid-solution hardening,
without significantly influencing the hot workability. It
furthermore improves the resistance to erosion corrosion as well as
the tarnish and weather resistance. Aluminum also increases the
strength in order to achieve a high surface quality, especially in
cast products.
[0049] In test series, aluminum demonstrated a negative effect on
the dezincification resistance. A relatively small aluminum
concentration induces a more limited formation of the less
acid-resistant beta brass proportionate to surface area. The beta
brass solid solution concentration reduced in this way is better
distributed in the dezincification-resistant alpha brass matrix in
an isolated island-shaped manner. Above the specified upper limit,
the dezincification resistance values deteriorated significantly.
If the specified lower limit fails to be reached, the physically
and economically positive effects of the aluminum are no long
extensively used. The aluminum content described for the
composition additionally ensures an adequate mold-filling behavior
(flowability) of the casting material made of the described
copper-zinc alloys. The specified aluminum content furthermore
increases the corrosion resistance in slightly alkaline waters and
therefore, as a corrosion inhibitor, helps increase the service
life.
[0050] In the small amounts specified here, arsenic (As) promotes
the fact that the copper zinc alloy having the standard (alpha)
phase does not undergo significant zincification. In test series,
arsenic also had a positive effect on the characteristic of
dezincification resistance. The increased arsenic concentration,
compared to the conventional standard brass, causes a lesser
formation of the less acid-resistant beta brass proportionate to
surface area. One explanation for the positive effects of arsenic
on dezincification resistance may be its action as an inhibitor
with respect to the chemical attack of the acids used in the
dezincification test. The upper limit of 0.14 wt %, or in
particular 0.13 wt %, was also selected, in particular, by taking
into account the target parameters mentioned at the outset. The
lower limit of 0.04 wt %, or in particular 0.11 wt %, is the result
of test series. A significant deterioration of the dezincification
resistance occurred below this limit. It is preferred for the
arsenic concentration to be in a partial range which is close to
the upper limit, for example in a range from 0.12 to 0.13 wt %.
[0051] The proposed iron content (Fe) supports, in particular, a
grain refinement, due to primarily precipitated iron crystals, and
thus improves the mechanical properties of the components. In test
series, iron had a positive effect on the characteristic of
dezincification resistance. This may be explained by the proven
grain-refining effect. The grain refinement causes the iron
concentration of the less acid-resistant beta brass contained in
the brass to be distributed in the dezincification-resistant alpha
brass matrix in a fine and isolated, island-shaped manner. The
upper limit of 0.3 wt %, or in particular 0.2 wt %, was set because
higher iron values may induce the formation of hard inclusions. The
explanation therefor lies in the relatively high melting point of
iron. Hard inclusions result in surface defects which are not
accepted for surface-mounted fittings. The preferred lower limit of
0.16 wt % is the result of test series. A significant deterioration
with regard to dezincification resistance occurred below this
limit. It is preferred for the iron concentration to be in a
partial range from 0.16 wt % to 0.24 wt %, particularly preferably
from 0.18 wt % to 0.20 wt %.
[0052] The tin content (Sn) increases the corrosion resistance (by
forming a cover layer), in particular in single-phase (alpha)
copper-zinc alloys, and improves, in particular, the strength
and/or antifriction properties. The upper limit of 0.3 wt %, in
particular 0.2 wt %, was set because, no positive effects on the
corrosion resistance could be established beyond this level. The
lower limit of 0.0 wt % is the result of test series and the fact
that, depending on the input material, very little or no tin may be
contained therein. It has furthermore been shown that the addition
of tin has a positive influence on the workability of workpieces
made from the alloy. It is therefore advantageous if the tin
content is at least 0.1 wt %.
[0053] The manganese content proposed here improves the mechanical
properties and corrosion resistance, in particular, to weather
influences or moisture. The upper limit of 0.1 wt %, in particular
0.02 wt %, was set to avoid any problems involving hard inclusions
that may occur. This limit was also set on the basis of the content
that experience has shown will set in during melting.
[0054] In addition, residual constituents may also be provided, it
being possible for these constituents to comprise specific alloy
elements as well as (unavoidable) impurities. Each of these
residual constituents is permitted with a maximum content of 0.02
wt %. The total quantity of all residual constituents should not
exceed, in particular, the value of 0.2 wt %.
[0055] Of the residual constituents, nickel (Ni) should be
emphasized, in particular. A nickel content of less than 0.02 wt %
makes it possible to minimize a leaching of nickel into the water
that is in contact with a workpiece manufactured from the
alloy.
[0056] It is clear that the copper-zinc alloy having the content
ranges specified here should be selected in such a way that the
total quantity of the alloy constituents results in 100 wt %.
[0057] According to exemplary embodiment with respect to the
specification of an alloy specified above, which has a
concentration of 0.17 to 0.2 wt % Pb, the following composition is
proposed for the copper-zinc alloy: [0058] 63.0 to 64.5 wt % Cu,
[0059] 33.8 to 36.8 wt % Zn, [0060] less than 0.17 wt % Pb, [0061]
0.2 to 0.7 wt % Al, [0062] 0.04 to 0.14 wt % As, [0063] 0.0 to 0.3
wt % Fe, [0064] 0.0 to 0.3 wt % Sn, [0065] 0.0 to 0.1 wt % Mn,
[0066] and residual constituents in maximum quantities of 0.02%
each.
[0067] The copper-zinc alloy particularly preferably has the
following composition according to the other design variant: [0068]
63.0 to 64.5 wt % Cu, [0069] 33.8 to 36.8 wt % Zn, [0070] less than
0.17 wt % Pb, [0071] 0.2 to 0.7 wt % Al, [0072] 0.04 to 0.14 wt %
As, [0073] 0.0 to 0.3 wt % Fe, [0074] more than 0.2 wt % to a
maximum of 0.3 wt % Sn, [0075] 0.0 to 0.1 wt % Mn,
[0076] and residual constituents in maximum quantities of 0.02%
each.
[0077] With regard to the constituents Cu, Zn, Al, As, Fe, Sn and
Mn, the relationships described above for the alloy having 0.17 to
0.2 wt % Pb also apply to this alloy, which has less than 0.17 wt %
Pb.
[0078] The Pb concentration (as described above) serves the purpose
of achieving a grain refinement of the copper-zinc alloy and, in
particular, of improving the machineability of the alloy as well as
improving the workability of workpieces made from the alloy.
[0079] It has surprisingly turned out that the material may also be
produced with a lead content of less than 0.17 wt %. It is
preferably preferred for the lead content to be even smaller than
0.169 wt % or even smaller than 0.165 wt % and is exceptionally
preferably even below 0.1 wt %. According to the RoHS electronic
regulation (Directive 2002/95/EC of the European Parliament and of
the Council dated Jan. 27, 2003 on limiting the use of certain
hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment) and
various national requirements (e.g., in Sweden), a material is
considered to be lead-free if the lead content thereof is less than
0.1 wt %. If necessary, the lead content may be, in particular, at
least 0.07 wt %.
[0080] The tin content is particularly important to the design
variant of the alloy having a reduced lead content. The preferred
composition of the other design variant of the alloy having less
than 0.17 wt % lead therefore has a tin content of more than 0.2 wt
%. The tin content improves the corrosion resistance and
machineability of the alloy. The reduced lead content of less than
0.17 wt % compared to the design variant having a lead content of
0.17 wt % to 0.2 wt %, may be at least partially compensated for by
an increased tin content, comparatively good results being
achievable with regard to the addressed properties or effects of
the alloy. The tin content is therefore preferably more than 0.2 wt
%. The tin content is particularly preferably even more than 0.21
wt %.
[0081] For both of the alloys described here, the leaching of lead
into water that is in contact with workpieces produced from the
alloy drops significantly below the predetermined limit values for
lead leaching in the approval test for alloys (leaching test
according to DIN EN 15664-1 for material approval--so-called
Positive List of the 4 Member States). In this test, a material is
placed in a solution, the solution acting upon the material for a
predetermined (comparatively long) period of time. This period may
be, for example, 26 weeks. The amount of alloy constituents that
the workpiece has released into the solution is subsequently
measured.
[0082] Tests are known for the dezincification resistance of alloys
for brass plumbing fittings, in which the alloy is introduced into
a solution for a predetermined period of time, and the depth to
which a dezincification of the material has taken place is tested.
One example of this is the test according to GSO 481.1.110
(Australian Standard 2345-2006). In this test, a sample of the
alloy is stored in a test solution containing copper chloride at a
temperature of 75.degree. C. for 24 hours. Grindings are then
prepared, and the dezincification depth is optically measured under
the microscope. The dezincification depth may be an average of no
more than 100 .mu.m (micrometers) at 25 measuring points on the
sample. These requirements apply to both the specified alloys
having a lead content of 0.17 wt % to 0.2 wt % as well as to the
alloys having a lead content of less than 0.17 wt %.
[0083] According to an embodiment, it is proposed that the
copper-zinc alloy contains no silicon (Si).
[0084] In addition to cost advantages, this results in the fact
that this silicon-free alloy may possibly be recycled together with
other copper-zinc alloys after use. Due to the fact that the alloy
is silicon-free, effects caused by hard inclusions and local
precipitates, in particular, are avoidable, which may occur during
melting of the alloy.
[0085] The proposed copper-zinc alloy is used, in particular, for a
plumbing fitting. In particular, in this area, water-conducting
components and/or components exposed to water, may be provided with
a copper-zinc alloy of this type. The components may be, in
particular, cast components. Examples of components of this type
are housing components, rings, sleeves and the like.
[0086] Accordingly, it is also proposed that a plumbing fitting,
which includes a housing component that forms at least one outer
surface or which comprises an inner surface for a water channel, is
designed in such a way that at least the outer surface or the inner
surface is formed with the aid of the copper-zinc alloy. The
surfaces of the housing component which are moistened by water
and/or which conduct water are addressed hereby. It is also
possible that the outer surface as well as the inner surface of the
housing component are formed with the aid of the copper-zinc alloy,
for example, if the housing component is cast as a single piece.
Irrespective thereof, it is possible to also provide a protective
layer on the outer surface and/or the inner surface, in particular
with regard to the visual design and/or the additional improvement
of the corrosion protection.
[0087] A method is furthermore proposed for producing a cast
component from a copper-zinc alloy, comprising at least the
following steps: [0088] providing a copper-zinc alloy according to
the invention, [0089] heating the copper-zinc alloy so that it is
present in liquid form, [0090] casting the copper-zinc alloy into a
predetermined shape, [0091] cooling the copper-zinc alloy so that
it solidifies, [0092] heating the solidified copper-zinc alloy to a
temperature from 430.degree. C. to 470.degree. C. for a
predetermined holding time, [0093] cooling the copper-zinc
alloy.
[0094] In particular, a casting method is specified hereby, wherein
the cast component is subsequently subjected to another heat
treatment.
[0095] The holding time is exceptionally preferably in a range from
40 minutes to 70 minutes, exceptionally preferably in a range from
50 minutes to 65 minutes.
[0096] Using the subsequent heat treatment proposed herein, a
structural change, in particular, is achieved, in which a large
part of the beta brass present in the cast part is transformed into
dezincification-resistant alpha brass. The described heat treatment
is advantageous, in particular, if the specified copper-zinc alloy
having less than 0.17 wt % Pb is used. Due to the described heat
treatment, a grain refinement of the copper-zinc alloy may be
achieved, in particular, which results in an improved
machineability and an improved dezincification resistance. The
described heat treatment therefore facilitates a reduction in the
lead content while maintaining the same machineability and
dezincification resistance.
[0097] To illustrate the invention, three examples of specific
copper-zinc alloys are specified below. The materials CuZn21Si3P
and MS63 are also discussed as comparison examples, on the basis of
which the differences from the copper-zinc alloy according to the
invention are illustrated.
Exemplary Embodiment 1
[0098] 63.60 wt % Cu; 35.50 wt % Zn; 0.177 wt % Pb;
[0099] 0.382 wt % Al; 0.128 wt % As; 0.187 wt % Fe;
[0100] 0.017 wt % Sn; 0.001 wt % Mn;
[0101] 0.008 wt % residual constituents
Exemplary Embodiment 2
[0102] 63.29 wt % Cu; 35.57 wt % Zn; 0.168 wt % Pb;
[0103] 0.459 wt % Al; 0.135 wt % As; 0.163 wt % Fe;
[0104] 0.212 wt % Sn; 0.001 wt % Mn;
[0105] 0.002 wt % residual constituents
Exemplary Embodiment 3
[0106] 63.38 wt % Cu; 35.51 wt % Zn; 0.148 wt % Pb;
[0107] 0.433 wt % Al; 0.125 wt % As; 0.164 wt % Fe;
[0108] 0.239 wt % Sn; 0.001 wt % Mn;
[0109] The specified examples are characterized by an excellent
dezincification resistance, a composition being simultaneously
present, which may be easily recycled with other brass components.
In particular, the copper-zinc alloy according to exemplary
embodiment 2 is suitable to be further processed using the
described method for producing a cast component. Due to the
described heat treatment, properties of the cast component may be
achieved, in which it was previously assumed that these properties
were achievable only with the aid of increased lead contents above
0.2 wt %, particularly with regard to the machineability and the
dezincification resistance properties of the cast component.
[0110] Comparison Materials:
[0111] CuZn21Si3P:
[0112] This alloy has a very high copper content (approximately 76
wt %) and is therefore very expensive. The equally high silicon
content of approximately 4 wt % results in enormous problems when
mixed with conventional alloys; in particular, the danger of
inclusion-comprising silicon oxide arises. The recyclable material
must therefore be strictly separated, and only input materials of
one type may be used. In practice, a foundry must used either
separate furnaces or crucible melting furnaces which have removable
inserts for mixtures of CuZn21Si3P and other materials.
[0113] MS 63:
[0114] This brass has a lead content of up to 1.6 wt % and may
therefore not be classified as lead-free brass.
[0115] One preferred area of application, to which the invention
is, however, not to be limited, is illustrated in the attached FIG.
1. The FIGURE shows a housing component 2, formed in a single
piece, for a plumbing fitting. Housing component 2 forms an outer
surface 3, which is visible, for example, to the operator. Housing
component 2 furthermore forms an inner surface 4, with the aid of
which water channel 5 is formed. Housing component 2 is
exceptionally preferably a cast component made of the copper-zinc
alloy according to the invention.
[0116] The copper-zinc alloy as well as components produced
therewith allow a particularly environmentally friendly and
cost-effective provision of plumbing fittings. In particular, the
copper-zinc alloy and the cast component produced from the
copper-zinc alloy meet all of the currently known hygiene
requirements, in particular with regard to heavy metal content and
heavy metal leaching, corrosion resistance and dezincification
resistance.
[0117] The invention being thus described, it will be obvious that
the same may be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be
regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention,
and all such modifications as would be obvious to one skilled in
the art are to be included within the scope of the following
claims.
* * * * *