Bismuth segregation and crack formation on a free lead yellow brass tap

In the present work, the effect of Bi in the lead free yellow brass alloy is studied, due to a crack formation during the solidification process. Visual inspections, optical microscopy (OM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM/EDS) studies were carried out, also simulations in ProCast v.2008 were made in order to determine the failure analysis. Results showed that the crack is localized in the last solidification zone, which lead a hot tearing formation and observing a high Bi concentration in such zone.

► An analysis of a permanent mold casting process parameters was made for a yellow brass free lead.
► The crack formation corresponds to one region last in solidify.
► To avoid this failure, process parameters were change.