The eZee alloy family represents a new generation of lead‑free brass alloys that are powerful, cost‑effective and future‑oriented. They are ideal for demanding industrial applications, while retaining the well‑proven advantages of traditional brass materials.
Key Benefits at a Glance
eZee materials offer a modern, safe and sustainable solution that paves the way to a lead‑free future in brass alloys
eZeebrass is a lead‑free standard brass alloy that meets current regulatory demands and excels in both machinability and processing performance. Its optimized composition produces short, automatically manageable chips, enabling economically efficient processes in industrial manufacturing.
eZeebrass transfers the proven advantages of traditional brass grades such as CW614N and CW617N into the realm of modern, lead‑free alloys. The addition of magnesium forms brittle Cu₂Mg phases, providing a reliable chip‑breaking effect. At the same time, the microstructure remains familiar and dependable, comparable to standard brass alloys. This combination makes eZeebrass especially suitable for fully automated machining processes, where controlled chip form and uniform cutting behavior are critical.
More details: eZeebrass brochure.
Although eZeebrass is a newly developed lead‑free alloy, its mechanical property profile remains familiar. Strength and hardness are slightly higher than in CW614N/CW617N, yet they can still be adjusted through cold forming and heat treatment to suit specific applications. The lower density improves material efficiency and can reduce component weight without sacrificing performance.
Typical microstructure of α and β solid solution and homogeneously distributed Cu2Mg precipitates
eZeebrass shows excellent hot forming behavior and is an ideal lead‑free substitute for CW617N. The β‑phase in the microstructure ensures very good die filling and crack‑free flash formation at moderate forming forces. Optimal forging temperatures are between 700 °C and 750 °C, and the alloy retains its superior machinability even after hot forming.
Thanks to a newly developed chip-breaking mechanism, eZeebrass produces short, easily manageable chips during machining and processing. As a result, eZeebrass delivers results of the highest quality - not only environmentally but also economically.
eZeedzr combines maximum dezincification resistance with excellent machinability and favorable forging properties. Like eZeebrass, it uses magnesium to create fine precipitates that act as effective chip breakers to simplify processing.
To achieve high dezincification resistance, the copper content has been raised to the level of proven alloys such as CW602N, and established inhibitors like phosphorus and arsenic enhance corrosion resistance according to ISO 6509.
When the microstructure is properly adjusted, eZeedzr successfully passes the standardized dezincification test ISO 6509. With appropriate heat treatment, it also meets the stress corrosion cracking test ISO 6957, ensuring reliable performance in demanding applications.
eZeedzr exhibits excellent forging properties from 700 °C onwards. Optimal microstructure is reached between 720 °C and 760 °C. To secure dezincification resistance after hot forming, a dedicated heat treatment is required, resulting in reliable and durable components.
eZeecrimp unites lead‑free composition, high electrical conductivity and excellent cold formability. A higher copper content compared to eZeebrass improves formability, while magnesium enhances machinability and retains electrical conductivity.
The electrical conductivity of eZeecrimp matches that of standard brass alloys and exceeds the established benchmark of 22 % IACS for electronics and connector applications. This makes the alloy superior to many silicon‑alloyed brass materials in electrical and electronic applications. Even highly crimped components show no visible cracking, ensuring high process reliability and component durability.
Detailed mechanical, physical and thermal properties, along with corrosion resistance data for all three eZee alloys, are available in the brochure and individual data sheets at the top of the page or via the Downloads section.
For questions on material selection, processing or application, our experts are available by phone or email.
The eZee alloy family conserves valuable resources as modern, fully recyclable copper alloys integrated into established copper recycling systems. Recycling copper not only saves raw materials but also substantial amounts of energy compared to primary metal production.
In contrast to primary metal production, energy‑intensive steps like ore mining, processing and long‑distance transportation are eliminated. Remelting scrap material requires only a fraction of the energy needed to extract metal from ore. This gives the eZee materials a superior energy balance and sustainability profile compared to many other metals and polymers.
Support sustainable circular economy practices by keeping eZee materials separated by alloy type throughout all recycling stages — from component removal to final material recovery. This actively contributes to resource conservation and improved environmental performance.
