During design, it is important to ensure that alloys being specified are readily available. Just because an alloy is listed in standards does not mean that it is currently manufactured. As an example, it was desired to change from copper to a brass for tanks in instant hot water heaters to reduce cost. In hot water dezincification is very likely with a brass, so a 70/30 arsenical brass to British Standard CZ126 or UNS C26100 was selected. Unfortunately, this is only available as pipe and tubing and not as sheet, which was required to make the heater. Copper-nickel was more expensive than copper, so no material change was made.

It is important to check availability before writing specifications to avoid costly delays.