EN 4216:2007

Overview

EN 4216:2007 is a CEN aerospace material standard that defines requirements for the investment‑cast steel FE‑CM3801 (GX5CrNiCuNb16‑4) for aerospace use. It covers castings with a maximum section diameter (De) of ≤ 50 mm delivered in a homogenized, solution‑treated and precipitation‑hardened condition, and specifies a minimum tensile strength of Rm ≥ 900 MPa. The standard was prepared by ASD‑STAN and links to established aerospace material rules and test methods.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Material designation: FE‑CM3801 (commercial designation GX5CrNiCuNb16‑4) - a chromium‑nickel‑copper‑niobium alloy optimized for precipitation hardening and high strength.
• Form and production: Investment casting (lost‑wax) from remelting stock (see EN 3484 and EN 2103‑3 for remelting and casting specifications). Melting method: air melted.
• Dimensional limit: Castings with De ≤ 50 mm (larger sections require agreement between purchaser and manufacturer).
• Heat treatment: Delivery condition is homogenized, solution treated and precipitation hardened. Typical cycle given:
  • Homogenize: 1 150 °C for 1 h 30 min (AC or OQ)
  • Solution treatment: 1 040 °C for ≥ 30 min (AC or OQ), cool to ≤ 20 °C
  • Precipitation age: 590 °C for 1 h 30 min (AC)
• Mechanical properties: Minimum tensile strength Rm ≥ 900 MPa and proof stress Rp0.2 ≥ 830 MPa in the delivery condition. Elongation and reduction of area requirements are specified (typical A ≥ 6–8%, Z ≥ 15% depending on test piece).
• Microstructure and quality: Delta ferrite content limited (≤ 15 %); hardness and non‑destructive/defect inspections referenced to EN 2103‑3 and EN 4436 for ferrite measurement. Welding repair, dimensional and marking inspections follow EN 2103‑3 rules.
• Testing: Test-piece and inspection procedures reference EN 2103‑3; one chemical analysis per batch and mechanical testing on samples cut from the casting or separately cast samples.

Applications and users

• Intended use: High‑strength aerospace components produced by investment casting where compact geometry (De ≤ 50 mm) and precipitation‑hardened performance are required-examples include small structural fittings, actuator components, and high‑stress parts in aircraft systems.
• Who uses this standard: Materials engineers, casting foundries, aerospace OEMs and suppliers, procurement and quality assurance teams, and certification bodies specifying or approving cast high‑strength steels for aerospace applications.

Related standards

• EN 2103‑3 - Technical specifications for remelting stock and castings (pre‑production/production)
• EN 3484 - Remelting stock specification for similar steels
• EN 4436 - Test method for δ‑ferrite determination
• EN 4258 - Organization of aerospace metallic materials standards
• EN 4500‑5 - Rules for drafting/presentation of steel material standards

Keywords: EN 4216:2007, FE‑CM3801, GX5CrNiCuNb16‑4, aerospace steel, investment casting, precipitation hardened, homogenized, solution treated, Rm ≥ 900 MPa, CEN.