Abstract: A friction element has a base element on which a coating is applied by thermal spraying of a copper alloy. The copper alloy contains 27 to 35 wt % zinc, 4 to 6 wt % aluminum, 2 to 4 wt % nickel, 0.5 to 2 wt % titanium, and copper as the remainder, with random contaminants. The copper alloy is applied onto a base element by thermal spraying, and requires only a finish treatment by stamping to achieve good tribological properties and wear resistance that are comparable to molybdenum coatings. Alternative copper-zinc alloys can have, in particular, manganese, iron, and lead constituents.