Lead free requirements are becoming more common across many industries, but traditional leaded bronzes have long been valued for anti-friction performance and machinability. Magnolia B-1 was developed to address health and environmental concerns around lead while still targeting the real world needs of bearing applications.
Lead has been identified in numerous studies as a health and environmental concern. Recent actions in California and elsewhere have targeted the removal of lead from a number of products. Regardless of its hazard, lead has been a key component of bronze, imparting anti-friction properties, aiding in machinability, etc. Solving an environmental problem has created a cost and application problem.
Magnolia B-1© reduces the lead contained in bronze to a level that falls below MSDS reporting requirements. Lead in even small amounts is now a cause of concern. On the job, lead present in alloys that are machined becomes airborne, and also remains in the chips generated. Lead is stringently classified as hazardous waste. Magnolia has reduced this toxic lead component in its alloy to less than one-tenth of one percent. Magnolia B-1© replaces lead in part with bismuth, an element so safe it is commonly found in cosmetics and over-the-counter remedies for indigestion.
If you think lead might be a problem, but you’re not ready to make a material specification change, simply have Magnolia furnish your parts completely machined to your blue-prints. This will eliminate your having to deal with airborne metallics, lead-containing chips, etc. Magnolia has spent the time and funds to be a safe producer of leaded alloys. In fact, one of our biggest customer groups is other bronze foundries! Many do not or cannot pour the leaded bronzes Magnolia casts and stocks. Magnolia’s expertise, the ability to recycle our own chips, etc, adds up to savings for you. Our price is very often lower than your true in-house cost, regardless of environmental considerations. With a return rate of less than 1/2 of 1 per cent of material shipped over the last ten years, your quality is assured. Decide to save money and eliminate potential problems. Give us a change to quote your next bronze requirement, and find out for yourself.
If you are evaluating B-1 as an alternative to a leaded bearing bronze, send your application details and we will help you determine fit, availability, and the most cost effective way to supply your part.