Lead Free Brass Components and Parts – NSF/ANSI 372 Compliant | A1 Metallics
A1 Metallics is a certified manufacturer of lead-free brass components and lead-free brass parts for potable water systems, plumbing fixtures, medical devices, children’s products, and any application where lead contamination is prohibited. Our lead-free brass manufacturing complies with NSF/ANSI 372 (Drinking Water System Components – Lead Content), California AB 1953, and the US Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) requirements for lead-free plumbing products sold in the USA.
As US regulations continue to tighten lead limits in plumbing products—culminating in the Reduction of Lead in Drinking Water Act requiring ≤ 0.25% weighted average lead in wetted surface components—A1 Metallics has proactively invested in lead-free brass machining and fabrication capabilities to serve US customers who need compliant components.
Lead-Free Brass Fittings
Lead-free brass fittings for potable water systems include compression fittings, push-fit fittings, elbow fittings, tee fittings, coupling fittings, union fittings, and adapter fittings. All are machined from NSF/ANSI 61 and NSF/ANSI 372 listed lead-free brass alloys. Our lead-free brass fittings comply with ASSE 1061, ASME A112.18.1, and ASTM F1760 standards used in US residential and commercial plumbing installations. Common sizes range from 1/4″ to 2″ in NPT and compression configurations.
Lead-Free Brass Valves and Valve Bodies
Lead-free brass ball valve bodies, gate valve bodies, check valve bodies, and needle valve bodies are precision machined for use in drinking water distribution systems, hot water heaters, and commercial building water systems. Our lead-free brass valve bodies meet ANSI/NSF 61, AWWA C800, and IAPMO/CSA listed requirements. Available in 1/4″ to 3″ sizes with NPT, press-fit, or compression-end configurations.
Lead-Free Brass Hose Barbs and Pipe Fittings
Lead-free brass hose barb fittings, elbow barbs, tee barbs, and NPT nipples for potable water hose connections in water treatment equipment, RO (reverse osmosis) systems, water dispensers, ice makers, and refrigerator water lines. These comply with NSF/ANSI 372 for the “lead-free” designation required by US federal law since January 2014.
Lead-Free Brass CNC Machined Parts
Custom CNC turned and milled parts in lead-free brass alloys for medical devices, pharmaceutical equipment, laboratory instruments, and children’s toy safety applications. Lead-free brass CNC parts include threaded inserts, valve stems, pump bodies, filter housings, nozzle bodies, and instrument fittings machined to tight tolerances from certified lead-free brass bar stock.
Lead-Free Brass Nuts, Bolts, and Fasteners
Lead-free brass fasteners including hex nuts, hex bolts, studs, and threaded rods for use in potable water valves, water treatment skids, and food-grade applications. Available in metric and UNC/UNF thread forms. Compliant with RoHS Directive and Prop 65 requirements for lead content.
Lead-Free Brass Alloy Grades – International Comparison
| Alloy | UNS (USA) | Trade Name | EN / DIN (Europe) | Lead Content | Standard Compliance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Silicon Bismuth Brass | C69300 | EnviroBrass III | CuZn21Si3P | < 0.09% | NSF/ANSI 61 & 372; SDWA compliant |
| Bismuth Brass | C89550 | SeBiLoy / Eco Brass | — | < 0.09% | NSF/ANSI 372; California AB 1953 |
| Silicon Brass | C87850 | Eco Brass (CA) | — | < 0.09% | NSF/ANSI 61, ASTM B584 |
| Antimony Brass | C85800 | DZR Brass (variant) | CW602N (DZR) | < 0.25% | EN 17885; WRC approved |
| Dezincification Resistant Brass | C36500/C35330 | DZR Brass | CuZn36Pb2As / CW602N | ~1.7% (not fully LF) | WRAS approved (UK); used in Europe |
US Lead-Free Compliance – Key Regulations
- Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA): Federal law requiring ≤ 0.25% weighted average lead in wetted surfaces of fittings, fixtures, and faucets used for potable water (effective January 4, 2014)
- NSF/ANSI 372: Certification standard for lead content in drinking water system components; ≤ 0.25% weighted average lead required
- California AB 1953 (Prop 65): California’s stringent lead-free requirement—≤ 0.25% lead in wetted surfaces of plumbing products; more stringent than federal SDWA
- Vermont Act 193 & Maryland HB 372: State-level lead-free requirements mirroring federal SDWA requirements
- NSF/ANSI 61: Health effects standard for drinking water system materials; chemical leaching limits for lead and other materials in potable water contact
Why Choose A1 Metallics for Lead-Free Brass Parts?
- NSF/ANSI 372 Compliant Material: All lead-free brass raw material sourced with material test certificates confirming lead content ≤ 0.09%
- Dedicated Lead-Free Manufacturing Cell: Separate tooling, machines, and raw material storage prevent cross-contamination with leaded brass
- California AB 1953 Expertise: Regular supplier to California-based plumbing companies and water utility equipment manufacturers
- US Regulatory Documentation: We provide NSF/ANSI 372 declarations, RoHS declarations, Prop 65 compliance statements, and material test reports with every shipment
- ISO 9001:2015 Certified Quality System
- Competitive Pricing: Lead-free brass parts at India-based factory pricing with significant savings vs US sources
Frequently Asked Questions – Lead-Free Brass
Q1: What does “lead-free brass” mean in the USA?
In the USA, “lead-free” for plumbing components means the weighted average lead content of the wetted surfaces is ≤ 0.25%, as defined by the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) and NSF/ANSI 372. This replaced the previous 8% lead limit and is often called “California compliant” or “AB 1953 compliant” since California was first to enact this stricter standard.
Q2: Is lead-free brass harder to machine than standard brass?
Yes. Lead serves as a chip-breaking lubricant in free-cutting brass (C36000). Lead-free brass alloys like C69300 are somewhat harder to machine and have reduced machinability ratings (approximately 60–70% vs 100% for C36000). However, with proper tooling selection and cutting parameters, lead-free brass can be machined to the same precision and surface finish as standard brass. A1 Metallics has optimized our machining processes for lead-free alloys.
Q3: Can C69300 lead-free brass be used for all applications that standard brass handles?
C69300 (EnviroBrass III) and C87850 are suitable for most potable water, plumbing, and HVAC applications. They have similar corrosion resistance to standard brass and good mechanical properties. For electrical applications requiring maximum conductivity, standard ETP copper or tin bronze is still preferred. For structural or high-strength applications, other alloy families may be more appropriate.
Q4: Do you provide NSF certification documentation for lead-free brass parts?
We provide raw material certificates confirming lead content, RoHS declarations of conformity, and NSF/ANSI 372 compliance declarations. For products requiring NSF product certification (where the finished product is listed in the NSF database), this is a process the product manufacturer must pursue with NSF. A1 Metallics supplies parts that meet the material requirements for NSF certification.
Q5: What is the price difference between lead-free brass and standard brass parts?
Lead-free brass alloys (C69300, C87850) typically cost 20–40% more per kg than standard free-cutting brass (C36000) due to higher raw material cost and slightly higher machining costs. However, the regulatory compliance and liability protection they offer in the US market makes the premium worthwhile for potable water applications.
Q6: Which US states require lead-free brass for ALL plumbing products (not just potable water)?
The federal SDWA and NSF/ANSI 372 apply specifically to “end-use devices” for potable water. California AB 1953, Vermont Act 193, and Maryland HB 372 all mandate the ≤ 0.25% lead standard for products sold in those states. For non-potable water applications (irrigation, fire sprinkler, HVAC), standard brass may still be used, though many manufacturers use lead-free brass across their entire product line for simplicity.
Request a Quote for Lead-Free Brass Parts
A1 Metallics is your trusted partner for lead-free brass components compliant with US federal and state drinking water safety regulations. Whether you need lead-free fittings, valve bodies, machined parts, or fasteners, we have the material expertise, manufacturing capability, and compliance documentation to support your US market requirements. Contact us for a quote within 24 hours.
