Copper and copper alloys - Master alloys

This European Standard specifies the compositions of copper-based master alloys intended for the manufacture, deoxidation, or desulfurization of cast or wrought alloys, especially those based on copper, supplied in the form of ingots, notched bar, notched slab (waffle plate), granules or broken pieces.
A procedure is included for sampling the master alloys for analysis for verification of conformity to the composition requirements.
A method for the determination of chromium(III)-oxide in chromium-copper master alloy is given in annex A.

Kupfer und Kupferlegierungen - Vorlegierungen

Cuivre et alliages de cuivre - Alliages-mères

Baker in bakrove zlitine – Predzlitine

General Information

Status
Published
Publication Date
11-Feb-2003
ICS
77.120.30 - Copper and copper alloys
Technical Committee
CEN/TC 133 - Copper and copper alloys
Drafting Committee
CEN/TC 133/WG 7 - Ingots and castings
Current Stage
9093 - Decision to confirm - Review Enquiry
Start Date
06-Nov-2025
Completion Date
19-Nov-2025
Directive
97/23/EC - Directive 97/23/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 29 May 1997 on the approximation of the laws of the Member States concerning pressure equipment
Mandate
M/071 - Mandate to CEN for standardization in the field of Pressure equipment
Ref Project
SIST EN 1981:2004 - Copper and copper alloys - Master alloys

Relations

Replaces
EN 1981:1998 - Copper and copper alloys - Master alloys
Effective Date
22-Dec-2008

Overview

EN 1981:2003 - Copper and copper alloys: Master alloys (CEN) specifies composition, product form, sampling and conformity verification for copper‑based master alloys used to manufacture, deoxidize or desulfurize cast and wrought copper alloys. The standard applies to master alloys supplied as ingots, notched bars, notched slabs (waffle plates), granules or broken pieces and includes an analytical procedure (Annex A) for the determination of chromium(III)‑oxide (Cr2O3) in the CuCr10 (CM202E) grade. EN 1981:2003 supersedes EN 1981:1998 and was prepared by CEN/TC 133.

Key topics and requirements

  • Composition specifications: Material grades and their permitted element ranges and impurity limits are given in Table 1. Multiple grades exist for certain master elements to meet varied end‑use requirements.
  • Material designation: Grades are designated by symbol (ISO 1190‑1 style) or EN material number (EN 1412), enabling unambiguous ordering and traceability.
  • Product forms: Acceptable supply forms are defined - ING (ingots), NOB (notched bars), NOS (notched slabs), GRN (granules), BPS (broken pieces).
  • Sampling for analysis:
    • Routine cast sampling: representative samples taken from the furnace/crucible and poured into a clean permanent mould.
    • Dispute sampling: procedure to be agreed between parties if composition is contested.
  • Methods of analysis:
    • Routine methods are at the supplier’s discretion; Annex A provides a normative method for Cr2O3 in CuCr10.
    • Rules for rounding analytical results follow ISO guidance (ISO 31‑0).
  • Quality and documentation:
    • Declaration of conformity can be issued per EN 1655.
    • Inspection documents available per EN 10204 when requested.
  • Marking, labelling and packaging: Each consignment must be labelled with manufacturer mark, material symbol/number and cast numbers; handling/storage instructions and separated casts on request.

Applications and who uses this standard

EN 1981:2003 is intended for:

  • Master alloy producers (to define and control product composition and form)
  • Foundries and casting shops (to select master alloys for deoxidation, desulfurization and alloying)
  • Metallurgists and process engineers (for process specification and quality assurance)
  • Procurement and quality managers (ordering, inspection, and conformity documentation)
  • Analytical laboratories (sampling and Cr2O3 determination in CuCr10)

Practical benefits include consistent alloying performance, improved traceability, reduced metallurgical defects, and clear contractual specifications for supply of copper master alloys.

Related standards

  • EN 1655 - Declarations of conformity for copper and copper alloys.
  • EN 10204 - Types of inspection documents for metallic products.
  • ISO 1190‑1 and EN 1412 (designation systems) are referenced for material naming and numbering.

Frequently Asked Questions

EN 1981:2003 is a standard published by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN). Its full title is "Copper and copper alloys - Master alloys". This standard covers: This European Standard specifies the compositions of copper-based master alloys intended for the manufacture, deoxidation, or desulfurization of cast or wrought alloys, especially those based on copper, supplied in the form of ingots, notched bar, notched slab (waffle plate), granules or broken pieces. A procedure is included for sampling the master alloys for analysis for verification of conformity to the composition requirements. A method for the determination of chromium(III)-oxide in chromium-copper master alloy is given in annex A.

This European Standard specifies the compositions of copper-based master alloys intended for the manufacture, deoxidation, or desulfurization of cast or wrought alloys, especially those based on copper, supplied in the form of ingots, notched bar, notched slab (waffle plate), granules or broken pieces. A procedure is included for sampling the master alloys for analysis for verification of conformity to the composition requirements. A method for the determination of chromium(III)-oxide in chromium-copper master alloy is given in annex A.

EN 1981:2003 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 77.120.30 - Copper and copper alloys. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.

EN 1981:2003 has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to EN 1981:1998. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.

EN 1981:2003 is associated with the following European legislation: EU Directives/Regulations: 97/23/EC; Standardization Mandates: M/071. When a standard is cited in the Official Journal of the European Union, products manufactured in conformity with it benefit from a presumption of conformity with the essential requirements of the corresponding EU directive or regulation.

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Standards Content (Sample)


2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.Baker in bakrove zlitine – PredzlitineKupfer und Kupferlegierungen - VorlegierungenCuivre et alliages de cuivre - Alliages-meresCopper and copper alloys - Master alloys77.120.30Baker in bakrove zlitineCopper and copper alloysICS:Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z:EN 1981:2003SIST EN 1981:2004en01-januar-2004SIST EN 1981:2004SLOVENSKI
STANDARDSIST EN 1981:19991DGRPHãþD

EUROPEAN STANDARDNORME EUROPÉENNEEUROPÄISCHE NORMEN 1981February 2003ICS 77.120.30Supersedes EN 1981:1998English versionCopper and copper alloys - Master alloysCuivre et alliages de cuivre - Alliages-mèresKupfer und Kupferlegierungen - VorlegierungenThis European Standard was approved by CEN on 28 November 2002.CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this EuropeanStandard the status of a national standard without any alteration. Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references concerning such nationalstandards may be obtained on application to the Management Centre or to any CEN member.This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language made by translationunder the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the Management Centre has the same status as the officialversions.CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece,Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and UnitedKingdom.EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATIONCOMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATIONEUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNGManagement Centre: rue de Stassart, 36
B-1050 Brussels© 2003 CENAll rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reservedworldwide for CEN national Members.Ref. No. EN 1981:2003 ESIST EN 1981:2004

Method for determination of chromium(III)-oxide in alloy CuCr10 (CM202E).14Bibliography.15SIST EN 1981:2004
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