Lead-Free Standard Brass: Types of Lead-Free Brass

What is Lead-Free Brass?

Lead-free brass is a type of brass (a metal alloy made mostly of copper and zinc) that has little to no lead in it.

In leaded brass, lead is often added to make it easier to shape and machine, but because lead can be harmful to humans, especially when it comes into contact with drinking water, lead-free brass was developed. Lead-free brass uses other metals like bismuth, silicon, or phosphorus to replace lead, making it safer for use in things like water pipes, faucets, and valves.

So, lead-free brass does the same job as leaded brass but without the risk of lead contamination, which is especially important in products where safety and health regulations are a concern.

Eco Brass Vs Stainless Steel

Why is Lead-Free Brass Important?

Lead-free brass is important because lead can be dangerous to our health, especially if it gets into drinking water or other things we touch.

In the past, regular brass contained lead to make it easier to shape, but lead can cause serious health problems, especially for children and pregnant women. It can affect brain development and cause other health issues.

Since brass is used in things like water pipes, faucets, and plumbing fixtures, lead-free brass ensures that no harmful lead leaks into the water we drink. This helps keep everyone safe and meets compulsory health regulations that protect people from any medical issues related to lead exposure.

Eco brass turned components

Understanding the Composition of Lead-Free Brass

What Elements are Present in Lead-Free Brass?

Lead-free brass is mostly made up of copper and zinc, just like regular brass, but instead of lead, it uses other elements to replace it. These are the key elements you might find in lead-free brass:

Copper

  • The main element in brass. It gives brass its strength and corrosion resistance.

Zinc

  • The second most important element. It makes brass stronger and helps control its color and hardness.

Bismuth, Silicon, or Phosphorus

  • These are often used to replace lead. They help make the brass easier to shape and work with without being harmful like lead.

Magnesium

  • Magnesium is sometimes added to lead-free brass to enhance its strength and corrosion resistance. It also helps improve the alloy's machinability, making it a viable replacement for lead in certain applications.

Comparison with Traditional Leaded Brass

Leaded-brass has the slight edge on the newer lead free alternative simply because of its machinability. Lead was historically added to brass as it made it easier to work with and it made the brass softer and easier to work with due to lead’s lower melting point.

While the addition of Bismuth or Silicon for example both work as alternatives to lead in this regard, they simply do not offer the same flexibility for those working on manufacturing components as lead mixed brass. Added with the lower costs point of leaded brass, business will also employ leaded brass where it has no possibility of causing adverse effects to humans.

One instance for using leaded brass is water systems such as irrigation systems where the supply of water is not designed for human consumption. Similarly Fire Suppression Systems (i.e Sprinkler systems) would also employ leaded brass components as the water held in those systems are strictly designed to extinguish building fires. The leaded brass is often employed here because of the aforementioned ease of machining, alongside the natural corrosion resistance present in leaded brass. 

While there is no disputing that leaded-brass still has valid application, due to its on average lower price point, and ease of machining compared to the newer alloys. With the research and the development we could at some point in the future see the price of lead-free option becoming equal, or even potentially cheaper than leaded options.

Types of Lead-Free Brass

There are several types of lead-free brass that are designed for various applications while complying with health and environmental regulations. Each type of lead-free brass uses different elements to replace lead while maintaining machinability and corrosion resistance.
Here are the main types:

Silicon Brass (C69300)

  • Composition: Mostly copper and zinc, with silicon added to replace lead.
  • Properties:
    • Highly corrosion-resistant, especially in water applications.
    • Good strength and durability.
    • Silicon makes it easy to machine while being lead-free.
  • Common Uses: Plumbing fixtures, valves, and water supply components (e.g., pipes and faucets).

Bismuth Brass (C89833)

  • Composition: Mostly copper and zinc, with bismuth and sometimes selenium replacing lead.
  • Properties:
    • Bismuth helps make this brass easy to machine, similar to traditional leaded brass.
    • Good corrosion resistance and durability.
  • Common Uses: Plumbing parts, electrical connectors, and fittings.

Phosphor Brass (C68700)

  • Composition: Contains copper, zinc, and phosphorus.
  • Properties: Phosphorus improves machinability and strength.
    • Excellent resistance to corrosion, especially in seawater or marine environments.
  • Common Uses: Marine hardware, desalination equipment, and other applications exposed to seawater.

Tin Brass (C70400)

  • Composition: Primarily copper, zinc, and tin.
  • Properties: Tin gives it high corrosion resistance and strength.
    • Less machinable than other lead-free options but very durable in harsh environments.
  • Common Uses: Plumbing, industrial applications, and heat exchangers.

Nickel Brass (C72500)

  • Composition: Contains copper, zinc, and nickel.
  • Properties: Nickel improves strength, corrosion resistance, and gives it a silver colour.
    • High wear resistance.
  • Common Uses: Decorative applications, marine environments, and valves.

What Industries Benefit the Most from Lead-Free Brass?

Due to it not having the health risks associated with leaded equivalents, lead-free brass is employed in industries where the health of people could be compromised. These would include areas such as HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning) companies, the food and beverage industry, the automotive industry and utility companies just to name a few.

The HVAC industry is an interesting example, as there are instances where leaded brass might still be employed. In installations such as closed-loop heating systems (e.g., radiators), leaded brass fittings might be used due to ease of machining and cost-effectiveness. Since a radiator is a closed-loop system, the water contained in it is not meant for human consumption, making leaded brass a reasonable option in this case without causing health concerns.

Conversely, utilities companies for example, would not be afforded the same option between leaded and non-leaded brass. As there would be significantly more health risks associated with using leaded brass in drinking water. Therefore those within the brass industry have to be mindful of movements in regulation not only within the UK, but wider reaching regulatory bodies, such as Europe's REACH Regulation which look to protect people’s health alongside our environment.

Embracing Lead-Free Alternatives

With consumers continuing to demand safer products, companies must pivot in their material sourcing and consider making the leap to lead-free brass options. In most instances, a lead-free brass alternative exists and can be implemented, performing just as well, if not better, than a leaded brass equivalent.

If you are interested in learning more about our Eco Brass options, please see the linked page. Currie and Warner look forward to partnering with our customers as we transition towards a lead-free future, supporting them every step of the way on their journey towards sustainability.