The recent restrictions on the lead content in drinking water have led to the development of low-lead or lead-free copper-base alloys for plumbing and electrical applications. Alloys with Bi and Se (SeBiLOYs) could replace the lead-containing red and yellow brass alloys commonly used for plumbing applications. The lead-free SeBiLOY III, which is intended as a substitute for leaded yellow brass (C85800), had better mechanical properties as well as improved corrosion resistance. Casting parameters were established in gravity and low-pressure permanent mold (LPPM) casting processes to produce the prototype plumbing fittings. The two alloys exhibited good pressure tightness when tested at 100 psi water pressure. The polishing characteristics were comparable to their leaded counterparts when the iron and boron levels were kept at 0.02 percent and 0.01 percent, respectively. SeBiLOY III was found to be a suitable substitute for leaded yellow brass in permanent mold applications.
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