Focus on Reducing Lead Content
With the latest EU and REACH legislations, Lead has been added to the SVHC list (substances of very high concern) which limits the amount of lead that can be used in the make-up of other materials and alloys, such as brass, steel and stainless steel.
Typically, lead is added to free-machining alloys to improve the machinability. In simple terms, the addition of lead causes material to chip away more easily when machined. Over the past 20-25 years, tin has been used to replace lead in some alloys, but tin can cause cracking under stress or in extreme temperatures which can be an issue.
Lead is also commonly used in electrical components, such as diodes, chipsets, transistors and power supplies and commonly have more than 0.1% inside them. However, as these parts are not in human contact under normal operation this is accepted under concession.
Going Lead Free?
It has been predicted that after 2026, lead will not be permitted to be used unless it has special authorisation from authorities.
Where materials and alloys do come into contact with humans, such as brass and copper parts for potable water, boilers etc. we are noticing that more customers are choosing lead free materials in preparation for it potentially being completely phased out.
We can offer CNC machined components in lead free brass, lead free aluminium, plastic and composites to meet your requirements
Lead Free Brass
Lead Free Aluminium
Composites
