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LOW-LEAD AND LEAD-FREE

Low-lead alloys for regulated applications

We support customers operating in regulated sectors by ensuring materials compliant with international standards and with the regulations applicable to the specific context.

EVOLUTION OF THE CONTEXT

Low-lead alloys, also referred to as lead-free alloys

Lead content in metal alloys is subject to continuously evolving regulatory constraints, with compliance pathways that vary depending on the application sector and the reference market. At the same time, companies are increasingly focused on the use of safer materials and on responsible, sustainable production processes.

In this context, demand for low-lead alloys is growing, introducing additional complexity in forging and machining processes. Reducing lead content affects material behavior, making it necessary to maintain high performance levels even without the traditional effect of lead on ductility and machinability.

The composition of these alloys is therefore engineered to comply with regulatory limits on lead content and to ensure stable performance in both hot forging and subsequent mechanical machining, provided that the production process is properly designed and controlled.

In industry terminology, these solutions are often referred to as lead-free: a commonly used expression that does not indicate the total absence of lead, but rather alloys developed to meet the most stringent limits required by regulations in different reference markets.

IN EUROPE

The European regulatory framework for metal alloys

In the European context, the use of lead in metal alloys is regulated by a structured set of regulations addressing different application areas.

The REACH Regulation governs the use of chemical substances, the RoHS Directive restricts lead content in electrical and electronic equipment, the ELV Directive regulates materials used in the automotive sector, while the Drinking Water Directive (DWD) applies to materials intended for contact with drinking water.

This regulatory framework requires each alloy to be assessed not only based on its metallurgical characteristics, but also according to its application, sector and reference market.

DRINKING WATER AND EUPL

The Drinking Water Directive and constraints in the drinking water sector

The Drinking Water Directive (DWD) is currently the European reference regulation for materials and metal alloys intended for contact with drinking water. The directive establishes that Member States must adopt, by 31 December 2036, the new lead release limit of 5 µg/l.

In parallel, Decision (EU) 2024/367 introduces a key step for the sector: as of 31 December 2026, only materials and alloys included in the European Positive List (EUPL) may be used for applications in contact with drinking water. The EUPL defines in a binding manner which alloys are permitted, progressively replacing systems based on national authorizations.

The modalities and timelines for actual implementation may vary among Member States, depending on national regulations. Some countries, such as Germany, have already adopted more restrictive timelines than those set at European level.

The main alloys currently included in the European Positive List (EUPL) and already used by industry operators are:

- CW509L (DWD-compliant by composition, with lead content ≤ 0.2%)

- CW510L (DWD-compliant by composition, with lead content ≤ 0.2%)

- CW511L (DWD-compliant by composition, with lead content ≤ 0.2%)

- CW727L (DWD-compliant by composition, with a more restrictive lead limit: Pb ≤ 0.1%, depending on the manufacturer specification)

- CW724R (DWD-compliant based on lead release behavior in water)

This regulatory pathway makes alloy selection at the earliest component design stages strategic, in order to ensure continuity of use, regulatory compliance and production stability in the medium to long term.

 

At this link you can find the full text of the Drinking Water Directive (Directive (EU) 2020/2184)

F.A.Q.

Frequently asked questions

In which applications is it necessary to use low-lead alloys?

Low-lead alloys, more commonly referred to as lead-free alloys, are required when a component must comply with stringent limits on lead content, such as valves, fittings and components intended for contact with drinking water and subject to the Drinking Water Directive (DWD). They are also required in HVAC systems, measuring instruments and electrical applications regulated by specific standards such as RoHS.

Gnutti Cirillo supports customers in identifying the most suitable alloy based on operating conditions and the regulatory requirements of the target market.
Which regulations govern lead content in metal alloys?

The main regulatory references include the Drinking Water Directive (DWD) and the 4MS Common Approach for the European context, NSF/ANSI 372 and NSF/ANSI 61 for the US market, and the RoHS Directive for electrical and electronic equipment.

Gnutti Cirillo uses alloys compliant with applicable regulations and provides the necessary documentation to support audits and supplier qualification processes.
Do lead-free alloys ensure good performance in forging and machining?

Yes. With modern low-lead alloys, also referred to as lead-free, it is possible to achieve reliable performance in both hot forging and mechanical machining, despite these alloys being more challenging to process than traditional leaded alloys. Their behavior differs, affecting deformation during forging and chip formation during machining, making it more complex to ensure stability and repeatability of the final result.

For this reason, Gnutti Cirillo specifically optimizes process parameters for each alloy, calibrating tooling, forging conditions and mechanical machining parameters to ensure consistent quality of the finished component.
What are the main challenges when using lead-free alloys?

Reducing lead content alters alloy behavior during deformation and machining, affecting ductility, natural lubrication and chip formation. Achieving high performance therefore requires optimization of dies, temperatures, speeds and process parameters.

Gnutti Cirillo manages these complexities through design, simulation and production control.
Do lead-free alloys offer the same reliability as traditional alloys?

Yes. Alloys referred to as lead-free can guarantee high performance levels when alloy selection, component design and process parameters are properly defined.

Thanks to its material expertise and co-engineering approach, Gnutti Cirillo ensures reliability and consistency even in technically critical applications.
Is full traceability of the alloy used available?

Yes. Each supply is managed through traceability systems that certify origin, composition and compliance with the required regulations.

Gnutti Cirillo guarantees traceability throughout the entire production process, providing the necessary documentation in the event of audits or specific customer requests.
What support does Gnutti Cirillo provide in selecting the most suitable alloy?

We analyze the application, reference regulations, target market, operating conditions and part geometry. Based on these elements, we select the most appropriate alloy and define the most suitable production cycle.

The Gnutti Cirillo technical team supports customers at every stage, from feasibility to production.
PERCHÉ SCEGLIERCI

Competenze solide,
risultati concreti

Una filiera produttiva completa, competenze tecniche avanzate e controllo diretto di ogni fase garantiscono qualità costante, tempi rapidi e una collaborazione solida e duratura con ogni cliente.
Filiera integrata

Gestione interna di ogni fase del processo produttivo.

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Supporto tecnico avanzato

Competenze ingegneristiche e simulazioni di processo

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Capacità produttiva ampia

Dal piccolo componente al pezzo di grandi dimensioni

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Qualità e tracciabilità

Processi certificati e tecnologie di misura evolute

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Flessibilità e tempestività

Risposte rapide e gestione efficiente di ogni progetto

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Riservatezza ed affidabilità

Collaborazioni basate su fiducia e continuità nel lungo periodo

Do you have a project or a specific requirement?

Every component starts from a specific request.
Contact us to assess feasibility or optimize your solution.
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