Abstract: Reduced-lead yellow brass alloys are disclosed. The alloys comprise copper; zinc; an amount of bismuth effective to enhance castability of the alloys; and an amount of selenium effective to increase machinability of the alloy. Preferably, the alloys further include an amount of antimony effective to inhibit dezincification of the alloys. In a particularly preferred embodiment, an alloy according to the present invention comprises zinc; copper in an amount ranging from about 62.5% to about 64.0% by weight; tin in an amount ranging from about 0.2% to about 0.4% by weight; iron in an amount ranging from about 0.1% to about 0.3% by weight; nickel in an amount ranging from about 0.15% to about 0.25% by weight; aluminum in an amount ranging from about 0.3% to about 0.6% by weight; bismuth in an amount ranging from about 0.8% to about 1.0% by weight; antimony in an amount ranging from about 0.02% to about 0.04% by weight; and selenium in an amount ranging from about 0.05% to about 0.25% by weight.

Abstract: A low pressure brass or bronze casting apparatus includes a pedestal, a low pressure casting furnace disposed in a spaced relation to the pedestal, a pair of immersion stations located in an equally spaced relation to the pedestal, a pair of arms mounted for rotary motion on the pedestal, a mold manipulator assembly mounted on each of the arms and being disposed for movement into operative engagement with the immersion station and the furnace, one of the arms being independently rotated between the furnace and one of the immersion stations and the other of the arms being independently rotated between the furnace and the other of the immersion stations.