Lead-free brass machining is part of L. & M. Precision’s services

L. & M. uses lead-free ECO BRASS as a material.

L. & M. Precision Products Inc. is a leading producer of custom precision-machined components made from various materials, like stainless steel, aluminum, copper alloys, and titanium. Another material: ECO BRASS^® (C69300), a high-performance, lead-free* silicon brass popular with manufacturers requiring a brass alternative for potable-water applications.

A sustainable material that is 100 per cent recyclable, ECO BRASS is the perfect environmentally friendly substitute for traditional leaded brass.

New standards in 2024

Effective Jan. 1, 2024, the NSF 61-allowable lead leachate standard will decrease from five to one microgram (µg) for endpoint devices and from three to ½ a µg for components. Testing confirms that ECO BRASS will comply with these revised standards.

Due to AD1953 and S3874 restrictions on lead content in potable water fittings, manufacturers can no longer use leaded brass alloys, as per legislation that originated in California and has spread across the continent. Disinfection treatments and varying water quality damage the corrosion resistance of many recently introduced lead-free replacement brasses. Businesses require a fully recyclable alloy that is dynamic enough to use in multiple applications that demand top performance and corrosion resistance.

ECO BRASS fills the bill, with industry-proven performance since 2000. It contains about 76 per cent copper, 21 per cent zinc, three per cent silicon, and 0.1 per cent phosphorous. The silicon strengthens the alloy and protects it from stress corrosion cracking caused by ammonia, amine, and sulfate compounds. Phosphorous stops the brass matrix from losing its zinc selectively when in contact with water conditions that can cause dezincification. This makes the alloy perfect for potable water.

Therefore, ECO BRASS is the foremost lead-free alloy in the screw-machine sector. It is machinable, corrosion-resistant, forgeable, and castable. Most alloys excel in one of these areas, but ECO BRASS claims all these strengths. It is superior to standard leaded alloys in manufacturing components, environmental effect, human health effects, energy consumption, and sustainability, according to an independent study by UCLA and Virginia Tech. This is one way L. & M. is continuously improving its processes to stay consistent with best practices.

To learn more, contact L. & M.

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