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Abstract

Reduced-lead yellow brass alloys are disclosed. The alloys comprise copper; zinc; an amount of bismuth effective to enhance castability of the alloys; and an amount of selenium effective to increase machinability of the alloy. Preferably, the alloys further include an amount of antimony effective to inhibit dezincification of the alloys. In a particularly preferred embodiment, an alloy according to the present invention comprises zinc; copper in an amount ranging from about 62.5% to about 64.0% by weight; tin in an amount ranging from about 0.2% to about 0.4% by weight; iron in an amount ranging from about 0.1% to about 0.3% by weight; nickel in an amount ranging from about 0.15% to about 0.25% by weight; aluminum in an amount ranging from about 0.3% to about 0.6% by weight; bismuth in an amount ranging from about 0.8% to about 1.0% by weight; antimony in an amount ranging from about 0.02% to about 0.04% by weight; and selenium in an amount ranging from about 0.05% to about 0.25% by weight. The disclosed alloys exhibit excellent castability, machinability, and polishability, and, when used in decorative plumbing fixtures, will not dezincify nor leach lead into potable water.

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First Claim