Essex International, Inc.

Amado Cabo

Horace Pops

An improved ternary brass alloy includes silicon as the additive material. The composition limits of the constituents of the brass are fixed by two factors: (1) the M.sub.s or Martensite transformation temperature, and (2) the brass must be a totally beta phase above 454.degree. C. The composition may be betatized, that is, heated at approximately 800.degree. C. and quenched at a fast rate so that the beta phase is retained in order to provide material having a shape memory effect, a low spring back coefficient and super elastic properties. A continuous betatizing and quenching process may be utilized in the manufacture of strip and sheet products. Alternatively, the composition may be hot worked between 600.degree. and 700.degree. C. and then cold worked to provide a material having a low spring back coefficient.

Wrought brass alloy having a low spring back coefficient and shape

An improved ternary brass alloy includes silicon as the additive material. The composition limits of the constituents of the brass are fixed by two factors: (1) the M.sub.s or Martensite transformation temperature, and (2) the brass must be a totally beta phase above 454.degree.C. The composition may be betatized, that is, heated at approximately 800.degree.C. and quenched at a fast rate so that the beta phase is retained in order to provide material having a shape memory effect, a low spring back coefficient and super elastic properties. A continuous betatizing and quenching process may be utilized in the manufacture of strip and sheet products. Alternatively, the composition may be hot worked between 600.degree. and 700.degree.C. and then cold worked to provide mixed alpha plus beta material having a low spring back coefficient.

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