Shaped parts made of a corrosion-resistant and machinable copper alloy

Abstract

The present invention concerns a copper alloy, its use and a process for the manufacture of mouldings, and the mouldings made therefrom.

1 . Copper alloy suitable for the manufacture of shaped parts by a process comprising at least one hot forming operation, the alloy having the following composition in % by weight:
 Sn: 2 to 6%   Zn: 0 to 5%   S: 0.05 to 0.6%   Pb: less than 0.25   Ni: less than 0.6   Sb: less than 0.2   and optionally phosphorus to a maximum of 0.06% by weight, B to a maximum of 0.03% by weight, Zr to a maximum of 0.03% by weight, and unavoidable impurities, and the balance being Cu.   
     
     
         2 . Use of a copper alloy for the manufacture of shaped parts by a process comprising at least one hot forming operation, the alloy having the following composition in % by weight:
 Sn: 2 to 6%   Zn: 0 to 5%   S: 0.05 to 0.6%   Pb: less than 0.25   Ni: less than 0.6   Sb: less than 0.2   and optionally phosphorus to a maximum of 0.06% by weight, B to a maximum of   
     
     
         0 . 03% by weight, Zr to a maximum of 0.03% by weight, and unavoidable impurities, and the balance being Cu. 
     
     
         3 . Process for the production of shaped parts from a copper alloy, wherein the alloy has the following composition in % by weight:
 Sn: 2 to 6%   Zn 0 to 5%   S: 0.05 to 0.6%   Pb: less than 0.25   Ni: less than 0.6   Sb: less than 0.2   and optionally phosphorus to a maximum of 0.06% by weight, B to a maximum of 0.03% by weight, Zr to a maximum of 0.03% by weight, and unavoidable impurities, and the balance being Cu; said process comprising the steps of:   at least one hot forming operation of the copper alloy to produce a shaped article.   
     
     
         4 . A copper alloy according to  claim 1 , wherein the sum of impurities does not exceed 0.25% by weight. 
     
     
         5 . Copper alloy according to  claim 1 , characterized in that the tin content is 2 to 4% by weight. 
     
     
         6 . Copper alloy according to  claim 1 , characterized in that the zinc content is 0 to 3% by weight. 
     
     
         7 . Copper alloy according to  claim 1 , characterized in that the sulfur content is 0.1 to 0.45 wt. %. 
     
     
         8 . Copper alloy according to  claim 1 , wherein the alloy does not contain elements of the group Al, Si, Sb, Te, Se, C and Bi and/or wherein the alloy does not contain Pb. 
     
     
         9 . A copper alloy according to  claim 1 , wherein the copper alloy is suitable for producing shaped parts by a process further comprising machining after the at least one hot forming, the process further comprising the step of machining after the at least one hot forming; or wherein the use comprises machining following the hot forming. 
     
     
         10 . A shaped article made of the copper alloy according to  claim 1 .