The switch to lead-free cast alloys is gaining momentum. Under a new federal law, the wetted surface of plumbing fixtures that carry drinking water cannot contain more than a weighted average of 0.25% lead. The current federal law allows as much as 8% lead.

"Lead-free plumbing," according to Representative Anna Eshoo (D-CA), who wrote the companion bill in the House, "will be the standard across the nation, because it is the law." The federal bill was based on California's A.B. 1953 from 2006, which required manufacturers to phase out potential lead exposure from materials in drinking water plumbing by January 2010. Another similar state law, Vermont's S. 152, also went into effect in January 2010.

The new federal law goes into effect in January 2014, but many of the leading brass foundries have already begun developing and marketing lead-free products that comply. If you need assistance making the transition to "lead-free," or have questions, contact The Federal Metal Company. The company has been at the forefront of this issue for the past 20 years.

The Federal Metal Company offers an array of alternatives to traditional leaded brass alloys. From the development of the Federalloy group of alloys in 1993 to continued leadership with other bismuth brasses and silicon brass and bronze, we supply foundries that pour lead-free castings and assist engineers that require lead-free castings. Our technical staff excels at helping customers select a lead-free alternative to leaded brass alloys, and developing procedures in the foundry to produce quality castings.

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We are active in several industry associations, including American Foundrymen's Society (AFS), American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), American Water Works Association (AWWA), and Copper Development Association (CDA). We hold board positions for each of these groups; we do not just attend the meetings. This involvement keeps the company up to date with the changing regulatory environment, along with the needs of manufacturers.

The Federal Metal Company produces not only Federalloy but also the full range of bismuth brasses and silicon brasses and specialty alloys. There are millions of pounds of lead-free castings in service today that were produced by our company, and we know of no quality issues. Choose a partner experienced in the successful transition to lead-free brass castings.