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.

What is claimed is: 
     
         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° C. to 470° 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.