LIXIL has been granted a patent for a copper alloy with specific mass fractions of copper, aluminum, lead, iron, tin, boron, arsenic, and zinc. The patent also includes the use of this alloy in additive manufacturing processes and the production of sanitary fittings. The alloy is predominantly formed with BETA phase and may contain contaminants in limited amounts. GlobalData’s report on LIXIL gives a 360-degree view of the company including its patenting strategy. Buy the report here.
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According to GlobalData’s company profile on LIXIL, Intelligent closestool was a key innovation area identified from patents. LIXIL's grant share as of September 2023 was 48%. Grant share is based on the ratio of number of grants to total number of patents.
Copper alloy for additive manufacturing process and sanitary fittings
A recently granted patent (Publication Number: US11767577B2) discloses a copper alloy that is predominantly formed with BETA phase. The alloy consists of 46% to 53.5% copper (Cu), 0% to 1.0% aluminum (Al), 0% to 1.40% lead (Pb), 0% to 0.2% iron (Fe), 0% to 0.4% tin (Sn), more than 0% to 0.0002% boron (B), 0% to 0.2% arsenic (As), zinc, and at least one contaminant limited individually to a maximum of 0.02%. The contaminant can be elements such as phosphorus (P), manganese (Mn), bismuth (Bi), chromium (Cr), sulphur (S), magnesium (Mg), and antimony (Sb).
The patent also describes a method for producing a sanitary fitting using the copper alloy. The housing of the sanitary fitting is manufactured through a casting process or an additive manufacturing process. The copper alloy used in the housing has a melting temperature below 930°C.
This copper alloy offers several advantages in the production of sanitary fittings. The BETA phase formation in the alloy provides enhanced mechanical properties and corrosion resistance. The alloy composition allows for flexibility in adjusting the mass fractions of different elements, including the contaminants, to meet specific requirements. The inclusion of zinc helps improve the alloy's strength and hardness.
The method of manufacturing the housing using either a casting process or an additive manufacturing process provides versatility and cost-effectiveness. The low melting temperature of the copper alloy simplifies the manufacturing process and reduces energy consumption.
Sanitary fittings made with this copper alloy can find applications in various industries, including plumbing, healthcare, and food processing. The alloy's corrosion resistance makes it suitable for use in environments with exposure to water or chemicals. The mechanical properties of the alloy ensure durability and longevity of the fittings.
Overall, this granted patent introduces a copper alloy composition and a method for producing sanitary fittings using this alloy. The alloy's unique composition and BETA phase formation offer improved mechanical properties and corrosion resistance. The manufacturing method provides flexibility and cost-effectiveness. This innovation has the potential to enhance the performance and lifespan of sanitary fittings in various industries.
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GlobalData Patent Analytics tracks bibliographic data, legal events data, point in time patent ownerships, and backward and forward citations from global patenting offices. Textual analysis and official patent classifications are used to group patents into key thematic areas and link them to specific companies across the world’s largest industries.
