San-Etsu Metals to Commercialize New Pb-Free Brass Alloy in F2012

Japanese major brass bar maker, San-Etsu Metals plans to commercialize new lead-free brass alloy, which contains carbon as lubricant agent alternate for lead, within fiscal 2012 ending in March 2013. The firm will carry out test production of large size extruded alloy billets and evaluation of secondly processing for sinter forging alloy products in fiscal 2010. As to extruding of sintered alloy powder billets, the firm examines commercialization and investment until fiscal 2013.

San-Etsu Metals announced in fiscal 2005 the firm succeeded in extruded billet development by sintering brass turning scrap directly and applying carbon as a substitute agent for lead. The firm has continued cooperative development with Osaka University to strengthen the alloy. They realized above 550 MPa of tensile strength for the alloy by adding chrome, iron and tin at less than 1%, depositing and rapidly freezing Cr-Fe intermetallic compound.

San-Etsu Metals plans to commercialize three productive methods; melting, sinter forging, and extruding of sintered alloy powder. As to a melting method, the firm will carry out test production of large-size extrusion billet in fiscal 2010, sample shipment in fiscal 2011. As to a sinter forging process, the firm will evaluate secondly processability and start sample shipment in fiscal 2011. The firm aims to introduce sintering equipment and start commercial supply of the alloy for electronic and optical components.

The firm also plans test production of sintered alloy powder extrusion and evaluation of secondly processablity of the extrusion in fiscal 2010. After the sample shipment in fiscal 2012, the firm will decide whether to commercialize the products.