The tendency toward hot tearing at abrupt section changes is dramatically reduced compared with leaded red brasses. The piping tendency is high. The tendency for porosity formation is lower than leaded yellow brass. The drossing tendency increases with bismuth content. The fluidity is slightly lower than leaded yellow brass in similar casting conditions.
Grain refinement improves both fluidity and hot tearing resistance.
The EnviroBrass alloys, C89510, C89520 and C89550, were developed to provide the plumbing industry with alloys that will perform as well or better than existing materials while meeting the strict requirements of current federal water quality regulations. Foundry worker exposure to airborne lead is sharply lower, and sand reclamation and disposal costs can be lower. Airborne lead levels in machine shops are reduced when EnviroBrass alloys are used in place of conventional leaded alloys. This is especially the case when machining is performed dry. Worker lead exposures are reduced accordingly.