Lead-free copper alloy and a method of manufacture

Abstract

A lead-free copper alloy on the base of Cu—Zn—Sn and a method of manufacture. The copper alloy is built on the base of copper, zinc and tin without toxic additives and consists of: 60 to 70% Cu, 0.5 to 3.5% Sn and the further matrix-active elements: 0.01 to 0.5% Fe and/or Co, 0.01 to 0.5% Ni, 0.01 to 0.5% Mn and/or Si, the remainder Zn and unavoidable impurities. Selectively up to 3% Mg, up to 0.2% P and up to 0.5% Ag, Al, As, Sb, Ti, Zr can be added. The demands for a health-conscious and ecological compatibility are thus naturally met.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A copper alloy (base Cu—Zn—Sn), consisting of (in weight %) 
 60 to 70% Cu,  
 0.5 to 3.5% Sn and the further matrix-active elements:  
 0.01 to 0.5% Fe and/or Co,  
   0 . 01  to 0.5% Ni,  
   0 . 01  to 0.5% Mn and/or Si, and  
 selectively up to 3% Mg,  
 selectively up to 0.2% P,  
 selectively each up to 0.5% Ag, Al, As, Sb, Ti, Zr,  
 the remainder Zn and unavoidable impurities.  
 
     
     
         2 . The copper alloy according to  claim 1 , wherein the alloy includes: 
 60 to 70% Cu,    0.5 to 3.5% Sn,    0.07 to 3% Mg,    0.003 to 0.01% P,    the remainder Zn and unavoidable impurities.    
     
     
         3 . The copper alloy according to  claim 1 , wherein the alloy includes: 
 60 to 70% Cu,    0.5 to 3.5% Sn,    0.07 to 3% Mg,    0.03 to 0.1% P,    the remainder Zn and unavoidable impurities.    
     
     
         4 . The copper alloy according to  claim 1 , wherein the alloy includes: 
 60 to 70% Cu,    1.5 to 2.5% Sn,    0.07 to 3% Mg,    0.03 to 0.1% P,    the remainder Zn and unavoidable impurities.    
     
     
         5 . The copper alloy according to  claim 1 , wherein the alloy includes: 
 60 to 70% Cu,    2.0 to 2.5% Sn,    0.07 to 3% Mg,    0.03 to 0.1% P,    the remainder Zn and unavoidable impurities.    
     
     
         6 . The copper alloy according to  claim 1 , wherein the total content of the further matrix-active elements, including the selectively added elements, is 0.5 to 5%, 
 preferably 0.7 to 1%.    
     
     
         7 . A method of manufacturing a contact, pin or fastening element utilized in electrical engineering and telecommunication in which the improvement comprises a step of manufacturing said contact, pin or fastening element from the copper alloy of  claim 1 .  
     
     
         8 . A method of manufacturing containers utilized for the transport or storage of gases or liquids or for pipes, water fixtures, faucet extensions, pipe joints and valves utilized in sanitation processes in which the improvement comprises a step of manufacturing said container or pipes, water fixtures, faucet extensions, pipe joints and valves from the alloy of  claim 1 .  
     
     
         9 . A method of manufacturing a tensile- or torsion-stressed component in which the improvement comprises a step of manufacturing said tensile- or torsion-stressed component from the alloy of  claim 1 .  
     
     
         10 . A method of manufacturing a recyclable component having a low contaminant emission in which the improvement comprises a step of manufacturing said recyclable component from the alloy of  claim 1 .  
     
     
         11 . A method of manufacturing die-formed parts in which the improvement comprises a step of manufacturing said die-formed parts from the alloy of  claim 1 .  
     
     
         12 . A method of manufacturing sliding bearings in which the improvement comprises a step of manufacturing said sliding bearings from the alloy of  claim 1 .  
     
     
         13 . A method of manufacturing easily millable or punchable bands, sheet metal and plates in which the improvement comprises a step of manufacturing said easily millable or punchable bands, sheet metal and plates from the alloy of  claim 1 .  
     
     
         14 . A method of manufacturing a malleable, rolling or testing alloy in which the improvement comprises a step of manufacturing said malleable, rolling or casting alloy from the alloy of  claim 1 .  
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein said alloy is used in the manufacture of containers utilized in refrigeration engineering.  
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein said alloy is used in the manufacture of screws and nuts.  
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein said easily millable or punchable bands, sheet metal and plates are utilized for decorative purposes or pressed-screen applications.  
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein said alloy is used in the manufacture of keys or engravings.