Brass having improved castability and corrosion resistance

Abstract

Disclosed is a brass having reduced amounts of lead and nickel or not containing them, and having improved castability and corrosion resistance. The brass, comprising Sn in the range of 0.05% to 0.2% by mass, at least one or more elements selected from the group consisting of Sb, As, and P with total amount thereof in the range of 0.05% to 0.32% by mass, Al in the range of 0.1% to 0.5% by mass, Zn in the range of 33.0% to 40.0% by mass, at least one or more elements selected from the group consisting of Pb and Bi with total amount thereof in the range of 0.005% to 0.25% by mass, Ni in the range of 0.5% or less by mass, Si in the range of 0.5% or less by mass, at least one or more elements selected from the group consisting of Fe and B with total amount thereof in the range of 0.0001% to 0.3% by mass, and the balance substantially consisting of Cu and unavoidable impurities, and also an apparent content of Zn in the range of 36% to 41%, is excellent in castability and corrosion resistance.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A brass comprising:
 Sn in the range of 0.05% or more by mass to 0.2% or less by mass,   at least one or more elements selected from the group consisting of Sb, As, and P with total amount thereof in the range of 0.05% or more by mass to 0.32% or less by mass,   Al in the range of 0.1% or more by mass to O.5% or less by mass,   Zn in the range of 33.0% or more by mass to 40.0% or less by mass,   at least one or more elements selected from the group consisting of Pb and Bi with total amount thereof in the range of 0.005% or more by mass to 0.25% or less by mass,   Ni in the range of 0.5% or less by mass,   Si in the range of 0.5% or less by mass,   at least one or more elements selected from the group consisting of Fe and B with total amount thereof in the range of 0.0001% or more by mass to 0.3% or less by mass, and   the balance substantially consisting of Cu and unavoidable impurities; and also   an apparent content of Zn in the range of 36% or more to 41% or less.   
     
     
         2 . The brass according to  claim 1 , wherein ratio of β phase in crystal texture thereof is 15% or less. 
     
     
         3 . The brass according to  claim 2 , wherein the brass is obtained, after casting, by heat treatment carried out in a temperature range of 450° C. to 550° C. and a time range of 30 minutes to 3 hours. 
     
     
         4 . A method for producing the brass according to  claim 1 , wherein the said method comprises, after casting, the heat treatment carried out in a temperature range of 450° C. to 550° C. and a time range of 30 minutes to 3 hours. 
     
     
         5 . A water faucet metal fitting comprising the brass according to  claim 1 . 
     
     
         6 . The water faucet fitting according to  claim 5 , wherein the said water faucet fitting is produced by metal mold casting.