Copper alloy for e.g. spectacle parts contains nickel and zinc for excellent mechanical properties and corrosion resistance

摘要

The alloy contains by weight 41 to 48% nickel, 21 to 27% zinc and the balance copper, It is used in the making of spectacles as wire or bar for making the arms of the glasses, the wire frames, the joints, the connection points between the frames and the nose piece supports. The alloy also contains 0 to 2%, preferably 0.1 to 2% manganese; 0 to 2%, preferably 0.1 to 2% tin, not more than 2%, preferably 0.5 to 1.5% lead and the concentration of other impurities in the alloy is less than 1%. Preferably, the alloy contains 42% nickel, 25% zinc, the rest (about 33%) being copper. The alloy is made into wire or bars by wire-drawing or lamination. An independent claim is made for a metal element forming part of a pair of spectacles, made using an alloy as described above. A further INDEPENDENT CLAIM is made for a method of fabricating such a metal element, by wire-drawing or laminating the alloy to make wire or bar shapes for the arms of the glasses, the wire frames, the joints, the connection points between the frames and the nose piece supports. An independent claim is made for using this alloy, in particular containing 0.5 to 1.5% lead, in the area of bolt-cutting. A further INDEPENDENT CLAIM is therefore made for use of the alloy to make the nuts and bolts for fabricating musical instruments, in particular clarinet keys; for fabricating telephone equipment, in particular the bases for antennae; in the chemical, petrochemical, nuclear industries for making bolts, washers, screws; and in the food industry for making parts of a bottling machine.