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 includes (in % by weight): between 63.5 and 63.8% Cu, between 35.2 and 35.6 Zn, between 0.17 ans 0.20% Pb, between 0.32 and 0.4% Al, between 0.11 and 0.13% As, between 0.16 and 0.2% Fe, between 0.0 and 0.2% Sn, between 0.0 and 0.2% 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:
 63.5 to 63.8 wt % Cu;   35.2 to 35.6 wt % Zn;   0.17 to 0.20 wt % Pb;   0.32 to 0.40 wt % Al;   0.11 to 0.13 wt % As;   0.16 to 0.20 wt % Fe;   0.0 to 0.20 wt % Sn;   0.0 to 0.02 wt % Mn; and   residual constituents in maximum quantities of 0.02% each.   
     
     
         2 . The copper-zinc alloy according to  claim 1 , wherein no Si is included. 
     
     
         3 . A use of a copper-zinc alloy according to  claim 1  for a plumbing fitting. 
     
     
         4 . A plumbing fitting comprising a housing component, which forms at least one outer surface or comprises 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 . 
     
     
         5 . A method for producing a cast component from a copper-zinc alloy, the method comprising:
 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.   
     
     
         6 . The method according to  claim 5 , wherein the holding time is in the range from 40 minutes to 70 minutes.