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Tags: aluminium, barrier function, recycling, lightweighting, corrosion resistance, properties
Is the alloy AA 6060 identical with EN AW6060?
Yes, the chemical composition of AA 6060 is equivalent to EN AW6060. There is only one worldwide registration system for aluminium and
aluminium alloys. The international accord is centrally run by the Aluminum Association of America AA, therefrom also origins the often used prefix
AA.
The international registered alloys are listed into the socalled blue "Teal Sheets" In Europe, the identical composition limits are copied into the
European Standard EN 5733 and the 4digit numerical designation system is described in EN 5731.The only difference concerns the prefixes,
whereas the EN 5731 proposed to use "EN AW" (AW = Aluminium Wrought) in US the prefix "AA" is commonly used.
How to number and write an aluminium alloy correctly, e.g. EN AW6060?
Internationally registered alloys are named by a fourdigit number. Regardless of the various prefixes (EN AW, AW, AA), these fourdigit alloys can
be considered equivalent. The prefix does not change the chemical composition limits! (For further details on this fourdigit number see the next
answer)
As example, an alloy named AA 6063, AW6063, A96063 or simply 6063 without prefix is identical.
In Europe, the relevant European Standard EN 5731 requires the following writing:
EN AWxxxx
EN = European Standard
A = Aluminium
W = Wrought
Example: EN AW6063
In case, you have to add a temper, this shall follow the fourdigit number separated by a hyphen (according EN 515):
EN AWxxxxXxx
Example: EN AW6063T6
Please take care on the correct typing of hyphens, blank spaces, etc. You should refrain from using the old chemical composition system (EN AWAl
MgSi, etc.) as it will disappear in the mediumterm.
Where can I find information on the aluminium alloy and chemical composition?
Any aluminium alloy should be registered internationally and obtain a fourdigits number. This registration scheme is supported by socalled
Signatories from all over the world and managed by the AA, USA. The EAA is member in this international registration programme.
The designation and chemical composition of any registered aluminium alloy is presented in an international registration record also known as "Teal
Sheets".
Since the edition 2006, footnote 75 explains the interchangeability of the various prefixes, means, an alloy named AA 6063, AW6063, A96063 or
simply 6063 without prefix is identical.
Any other aluminium alloy bearing e.g. a company or brand name, is not internationally acknowledged. Such alloys are not referred to in European
Standards either.
What is the difference between the "Teal Sheets" and EN 5733 "Chemical Composition"?
The chemical composition limits stated in EN 5733 "Aluminium and aluminium alloys Chemical composition and form of wrought products Part 3:
Chemical composition" are identical to the one shown in the "Teal Sheets".
Actually, EN 5733 is a copy and paste from the "Teal Sheets", but does not reproduce the full "Teal Sheets". In EN 5733 only the alloys used in Europe
are copied.
Nowadays, you will find chemical composition tables in Annexes of a number of European aluminium standards as well. All these limits are copied from
the "Teal Sheets". It's the aim to transfer these Annexes into EN 5733, once it undergoes revision.
What is the difference between DIN EN 5731, BS EN 5731 and NF EN 5731?
There is no difference, all national standards followed by the prefix "EN" and of the same number are identical in the content of the standard.
One European Standard = twentyeight national standards.
After the European Standard EN passed the Formal Vote and publication by CEN, each of the National Standards Bodies is obliged to adopt the EN as
an identical national standard and to withdraw any preexisting national standards, which are in conflict with the new EN.
What must be considered, a national cover page might be added in front of the standard's body, in which deviations or restrictions might be given.
Yet, we are not aware of any such situation on aluminium material standards.
Where to order European Standards EN?
The EAA does not sell or provide European Standards EN, due to copyright issues, however these standards can be
obtained at any National Standards Body. A full list of the contact points is added in the EAA Guide: How to order aluminium
products according to EN Standards (see last clause)
How to participate in standardisation?
The usual route is to contact the National Standards Body NSB, either directly or through your trade association. Through the NSB, you/ your expert
can become involved in a national mirror committee which is responsible for developing the national position on a particular standard and presenting
this position to the relevant European Standardisation Technical Committee CEN TC. It may also be possible to become a member of the national
delegation to the CEN TC or even to be nominated to serve as an expert in one of the TC's Working Groups.
All national contacts are listed on the CEN website in the 'Members' section.
How a European Standard is made?
What are the differences between Standards and Regulations?
Standards Regulations
Recommendations Legislation
Use is voluntary Use is mandatory
Available to the public Available to the public
Established by consensus of all parties concerned Developed by an authority under public observation
Based on consolidated results of science, Provide technical specifications either directly or by
technology and experience reference, e.g. to standards
Approved and published by recognised
Adopted by an authority
standardisation body
What are Standards?
Standards are documented voluntary agreements, which establish important criteria for products, services and processes. Standards help to make
sure that products and services are fit for their purpose and that they are comparable and compatible.
For a standard to be a European standard, it must be adopted by one of the European standards organisations and be publicly available.
CEN (European Committee for Standardisation) deals with all sectors except the electrotechnology and telecommunication sectors.
Cenelec (European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardisation) deals with standards in the electrotechnical field.
ETSI (European Telecommunications Standards Institute) covers the telecommunications field and some aspects of broadcasting.