Gunmetal- BS1400 (BSEN1982) - LG2 (CC491K), LG4 (CC492K)

Copper-tin-zinc-lead alloys where all are alloying elements.

Gunmetals are most widely used for combining good corrosion resistance with moderatestrength and good castability. Applications include pumps, valves and fittings wherepressure tightness is the main criteria.

LG4 alloys are recommended for optimum properties in thicker section castings.These alloys are a favourite for making sand castings, which have a good combinationof strength and machinability. Their resistance to most forms of corrosion is excellentand in this respect, they are superior to the brass range.

Fabricast is able to produce Gunmetals and indeed all copper-based alloys from existingpattern equipment or in-house manufactured bespoke patterns.

Brass- BS1400 (BSEN1982) - SCB3 (CC750S), HTB3 (CC762S), HTB1 (CC765S)

Copper-zinc alloys where zinc is the major alloying element. Sand and die-cast brasses -such as SCB3 and DCB3 are low cost, easy to cast, have excellent machinability, withmoderate strength and corrosion resistance in air and freshwater. Applications for thebrasses range include small decorative castings to medium sized engineering components.An important use is for plumbers fittings due to such castings polishing well and beingreadily electroplated.

High tensile brasses - such as HTB1 and HTB3 are more highly alloyed and haveconsiderably higher mechanical properties. HTB1 has good corrosion resistance andfinds many uses in the marine and general engineering sectors. HTB3 is amongst thehardest of the copper alloys; its main use being for wear resistance at slow rubbingspeeds. This material is not recommended for marine use or where conditions are likelyto be corrosive