The present invention relates to a lead-free,
bismuth-free free-
cutting phosphorous
brass alloy and its method of manufacture. The
alloy comprises: Cu; Zn; 0.59 to 1.6 wt % P; and other elements in the amount of 0.005 to 0.6 wt %, which comprise at least two elements selected from the group consisting of Al, Si, Sb, Sn,
Rare earth element (RE), Ti and B, and the balance being unavoidable impurities. The phosphorous
brass alloy contains a combined wt % of Cu and Zn of between 97.0 wt % and 99.5 wt %, within which the content of Zn is above 40 wt %. Considering the
solid solubility of P in the matrix of
copper will be decreased rapidly with the temperature decrease and form the brittle
intermetallic compounds Cu3P with Cu, the present invention relies upon P to ensure excellent cuttability of the invented alloy. The invented alloy is reasonably priced, and has excellent cuttability,
castability, hot and cold workability, dezincification
corrosion resistance, mechanical properties and
weldability. The phosphorous
brass alloy is a useful alloy for spare parts,
forging and castings that require
cutting, and particularly in
forging and castings for low
pressure die casting that requires
cutting,
grinding,
welding and
electroplating. The phosphorous brass alloy may also be used for faucets, valves and bushings of
water supply systems, and for bar and wire materials that require high
corrosion resistance and compactness.