Lead-free machining of brass components for drinking water applications
- 25 November 2020
- Published by: Andreas Janisch
- Category: Machining
Why lead-free machining is becoming increasingly important
To improve machinability in copper alloys such as brass, contain lead. However, this is problematic for drinking water applications for health reasons. The EU Drinking Water Directive therefore passed in 2013 Lead content in drinking water to 10 micrograms per liter limited.
This requires that common materials for Sanitary fittings and screw connections replaced by lead-free alternatives become. There are now some environmentally friendly ones on the market for this purpose Replacement materials:
- Cuphin® (formerly Ecobrass referred to as): A material that can dispense with the addition of lead thanks to a special combination of the alloying elements copper, zinc and silicon. The alloy composition corresponds to CuZn21Si3P. Cuphin has high strength and corrosion resistance.
- Bluebrass® (CuZn42): A lead-free brass material that is suitable for both Sanitary, as well as electrical components such as cable glands are used.
- RG+: A lead-free one Alternative to RG5 gunmetal
Processing challenges
Machining lead-free materials is generally more complex than with previous materials. One Study by RWTH Aachen According to, these materials tend to long chip formation, which makes automatic processing difficult. Through the lack of lubricating effect of lead also occur higher cutting forces and tool temperatures, which in turn has a negative impact on the wear resistance affects.
In order to ensure error-free components and economical processing, you should definitely consult suppliers extensive experience in the field of lead-free machining be resorted to.
Supplier of components made from lead-free copper alloys
In this area we work with one of Germany's leading machining companies with excellent references in the field Plumbing and electrical industry. The components we can supply include:
- Sanitary fittings and screw connections, also as a finished assembly
- Inserts for injection molding applications
- cable glands
We procure batch sizes from approx. 500 pieces to 10 million pieces. Diameters of approx. 10mm to 100mm are preferred.
Last revised on February 23, 2021 by Andreas Janisch