The research aimed at assessing the influence of alloying elements, such as Al, Si, Ni, Pb and Bi on the chosen alloys of Cu-Zn. Microstructures were examined with the use of optical and scanning microscopy with X-ray microanalysis. The properties of the received alloys were determined with regard to changes in the mechanical parameters, namely R m , A 5 , HB, also, machinability changes were assessed as well as proclivity to hot fracturing of Cu-Zn alloys with additives of lead and bismuth. The results indicate the possibility of obtaining very high mechanical properties: R m up to 700 MPa, hardness within the range of 130-180 HB and A 5 from 3 to 30%. Also, in the case of the researched alloys, the machining and hot fracturing results look promising. StreszczeniePodjęte badania miały na celu określenie oddziaływania dodatków stopowych, takich jak: Al, Si, Ni, Pb i Bi w wybranych stopach Cu-Zn. Przeprowadzono badania mikrostruktur z wykorzystaniem mikroskopii świetlnej oraz mikroskopii skaningowej z mikroanalizą rentgenowską. Określono właściwości otrzymanych stopów pod względem zmian takich parametrów mechanicznych jak: R m , A 5 , HB oraz poddano ocenie zmiany skrawalności i skłonności do pęknięć na gorąco stopów Cu-Zn z dodatkami ołowiu i bizmutu.Otrzymane wyniki wskazują na możliwości uzyskania stopów o bardzo wysokich właściwościach mechanicznych, takich jak: wytrzymałość na rozciąganie do 700 MPa, twardość w zakresie 130-180 HB oraz wydłużenie w zakresie 3-30%. Korzystnie przedstawiają się również wyniki oceny skrawalności oraz pęknięć na gorąco. Słowa kluczowe: stopy Cu-Zn, właściwości mechaniczne, właściwości technologiczne, dodatki stopowe

Many traces of copper metallurgy, such as slag and other copper melts, can be found in the area of Lower Silesia. The tested material mainly consists of copper slag with different content of copper melts, being a semi product. The copper metallurgy remains, discovered during the research, undergo specialistic analyses, which will help better characterise the findings as well as contribute to documenting metallurgical processes in the historical bloomeries in Lower Silesia, and moreover to prepare further research in this field. The material coming from the area of Miedzianka, being the oldest and the longest working exploitation centre of copper ores and pollymetalic ores, is of special significance for the research. Mining activity in the area of Miedzianka took place as early as the beginning of the 14 th century, the first record from 1311 (Cuprifodina in montubus) is the oldest information concerning copper mining in Poland.

The casting workshop in Grzybiany is one of the most important archaeological sites in regards to casting technology from the Bronze and Early Iron Ages. During the "Grzybiany. Osada nadjeziorna z epoki brązu i żelaza" [Grzybiany. Lakeside settlement from the Bronze and Early Iron Ages] research, the structure of casting moulds was analyzed as well as the chemical composition and microstructure of one of the more-interesting metal artefacts found within the workshop. Based on this, geometric visualization was performed with the help of computer-modeling methods. For scientific, experimental, and educational purposes, reconstruction of a zoomorphic pendant was performed using the lost-wax method. Wax models injected into a matrix were used, along with fired ceramic (gypsum) moulds and a specially prepared modeling alloy that corresponds to the original material. In this way, a true replica of the original was obtained: technologically, structurally and chemically.Studies of production technology of the casting workshop dated back to the Bronze and Early Iron Age help to increase the knowledge of the mould-preparing technology and the alloys used. Modern tools and computer programs aid in the research of old technologies and help disseminate the results.