KITZ Metal Works Launches New Pb-Free Brass Bar, ZC Metal

KITZ group’s brass bar maker, KITZ Metal Works announced on Tuesday the firm started commercial sales of newly developed bismuth-selenium based high corrosion resistant lead-free brass bar, named ZC Metal. ZC Metal represents higher corrosion resistance and durability than conventional lead-free brass bars, which contributes to higher reliability in processing. Demand for lead-free brass bar is expected to increase globally when environmental regulations are strengthened worldwide.

KITZ Metal Works started to sell Bi-Se based lead-free brass bar, named KEEPALOY Series. The firm has supplied KEEPALOY for lead-free valves of the parent company, KITZ, or automotive parts and water taps.

KITZ Metal Works successfully developed new lead-free brass bar, ZC Metal, in cooperation with KITZ. ZC Metal shows high mechanical properties such as high corrosion resistance, high impact resistance and high extendability. ZC Metal’s basic properties are as high as lead containing brass bar, adoptable to both forging and cutting applications. KITZ Metal Works can supply round shaped ZC Metal with 8-75 millimeters diameter and hexagonal shape with 8-70 millimeters diameter. ZC Metal complies with JISH3250 and ASTMB967.

Brass bar makers are focusing on development and sales expansion of lead-free products when regulations on lead containing copper alloy are globally strengthened along with RoHS of EU or water quality criterion of the U.S.A. In 2014, lead usage in water piping components will be severely regulated all over the U.S.A. Thus lead-free brass bar consumption is expected to increase largely in several years.