The rise of the environmental movement and a growing concern with the effect certain metals have on it and our own physical well-being have impacted on certain industries. One issue researchers have considered is the amount of lead present in certain products. While we may no longer use lead-based powder or lead pipes, lead has not truly been expunged from our lives. Lead is still a strong component of many smaller devices including bushings and bearings. Their use in water bearing pipes has resulted in a decision to legislate lead free fittings, replacing many items with lead free bronze or other copper alloys.
Lead Free
Many copper alloys contain a certain percentage of lead. The addition is specific and deliberate. By adding lead to bronze or brass, foundries can produce a metal that promotes machinability. It improves the bronze’s ability to perform as an internal lubricant, therefore reducing friction and improving machinability, while having no effect on the specific properties of the actual bronze.
Overall bronzed lead such as the popular C932 provides bronze with the ability to reduce friction ensuring the machine operator can machine the parts at a higher rate of speed resulting in decreased cycle times. If a lead free bronze is to replace the leaded version, it needs to be able to provide similar characteristics. The replacements include a variety of different bronze alloys. Among them are:
* C89835 Bismuth Tin Bronze
* C89325
* C89831
* C89833
* C89844
* C95400 Aluminum Bronze
* C90300 High Tin Bronze
Lead Free Bronze
While the term “lead free” is ensuring companies remove the lead out of components and products in certain vulnerable sectors, not everything is lead free. In fact, lead free bronze still contains a certain percentage of lead within it. However, innovative companies are working with the latest research and technology to discover and replace lead with viable alternatives – ones that provide those desirable properties without the negative ones.
If you are wondering whether Lead Free Bronze bushings or bearings are right for your high precision products, contact the experts at a reputable, reliable and innovative bronze foundry and machine shop.
