EN 4590:2005
(Main)Aerospace series - Retainers, spring, sheet metal, for self-locking barrel nuts, in corrosion resisting steel, passivated
Aerospace series - Retainers, spring, sheet metal, for self-locking barrel nuts, in corrosion resisting steel, passivated
This standard specifies the characteristics of sheet metal spring retainers in corrosion resisting steel, passivated, for use with self-locking barrel nuts EN 4591.
Luft- und Raumfahrt - Blechsicherungfedern für selbstsichernde Tonnenmuttern, aus korrosionsbestätigem Stahl, passiviert
Diese Norm legt die Eigenschaften von Blechsicherungsfedern, aus korrosionsbeständigem Stahl, passiviert, für selbstsichernde Tonnenmuttern nach EN 4591 fest.
Série aérospatiale - Ressorts de retenue en tôle pour écrous à portées cylindrique, à freinage interne, en acier résistant à la corrosion, passivés
Aeronavtika – Pločevinaste varovalne vzmeti za samonaravnalne sodčkaste matice, iz korozijsko odpornega jekla, pasivirane
General Information
- Status
- Published
- Publication Date
- 06-Dec-2005
- Withdrawal Date
- 29-Jun-2006
- Technical Committee
- ASD-STAN - Aerospace
- Drafting Committee
- ASD-STAN/D 3 - Mechanical
- Current Stage
- 6060 - Definitive text made available (DAV) - Publishing
- Start Date
- 07-Dec-2005
- Completion Date
- 07-Dec-2005
Relations
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
Overview
EN 4590:2005 is a European aerospace standard that specifies the characteristics of sheet metal spring retainers made from corrosion resisting steel, passivated, intended for use with self-locking barrel nuts (EN 4591). Prepared under AECMA (now ASD) and adopted by CEN, the standard defines configuration, dimensions, materials, surface treatment, marking and technical requirements for retainers used in aerospace fastener assemblies.
Key topics and requirements
- Scope and purpose: Retainers are spring, sheet-metal components that secure self-locking barrel nuts in aerospace structures; the standard covers their physical and material characteristics.
- Dimensions and configuration: Defines dimension series and masses (diameter codes such as 060 → 240) with corresponding geometric limits; dimensions are specified in millimetres and apply after surface treatment (see ISO 12280).
- Tolerances: Form and positional tolerances are specified in accordance with ISO 8788.
- Materials: Acceptable base materials reference EN 2540 (steel FE‑PM3902 X7CrNiAl17‑7) or EN 3638 (heat resisting alloy FE‑PA2601) as applicable.
- Surface treatment: Passivation and decontamination requirements follow EN 2516; retainers must be supplied in the passivated condition.
- Types and function: Two principal retainer variants:
- Index type (Code A) - locates in the host hole to prevent rotation/vertical movement.
- Clearance type (Code B) - used where nut access is available or where through-hole is undesirable; requires specified push‑out force when installed (values listed by diameter code).
- Marking and designation: Marking follows EN 2424 (style N). Example designation format: “RETAINER EN4590A060” (optional code I9005 may be inserted).
- Quality and approval: Manufacturer approval and product qualification reference aerospace quality standards EN 9100 and EN 9133.
- Normative references: ISO 5858, ISO 8788, ISO 12280, EN 2516, EN 2540, EN 3638, EN 4591, EN 2424, EN 9100, EN 9133.
Applications
- Aerospace OEM and Tier suppliers specifying or procuring spring retainers for barrel-nut fasteners.
- Mechanical designers and structural engineers who need compliant retention hardware for airframe, engine or service panels.
- Fastener manufacturers, quality assurance and procurement teams using the standard for acceptance criteria, marking and supplier qualification.
- Maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) organizations ensuring replacement retainers meet original specification.
Related standards
- EN 4591 - Self-locking barrel nuts (companion nut standard)
- EN 2516 - Passivation of corrosion resisting steels
- ISO 12280, ISO 5858, ISO 8788 - dimensional, procurement and tolerance references
- EN 9100 / EN 9133 - aerospace quality and qualification procedures
Keywords: EN 4590, aerospace retainers, spring sheet metal retainers, self-locking barrel nuts, corrosion resisting steel, passivated, fastener standards, EN 4591.
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Frequently Asked Questions
EN 4590:2005 is a standard published by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN). Its full title is "Aerospace series - Retainers, spring, sheet metal, for self-locking barrel nuts, in corrosion resisting steel, passivated". This standard covers: This standard specifies the characteristics of sheet metal spring retainers in corrosion resisting steel, passivated, for use with self-locking barrel nuts EN 4591.
This standard specifies the characteristics of sheet metal spring retainers in corrosion resisting steel, passivated, for use with self-locking barrel nuts EN 4591.
EN 4590:2005 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 49.030.30 - Nuts. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
EN 4590:2005 has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to EN 2424:2008, EN 3638:2025, EN 9133:2018, EN 9100:2018, EN ISO 15792-1:2008, EN 2516:2023, EN 4591:2005. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.
EN 4590:2005 is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.
Standards Content (Sample)
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.þNDVWHLuft- und Raumfahrt - Blechsicherungfedern für selbstsichernde Tonnenmuttern, aus korrosionsbestätigem Stahl, passiviertSérie aérospatiale - Ressorts de retenue en tôle pour écrous a portées cylindrique, a freinage interne, en acier résistant a la corrosion, passivésAerospace series - Retainers, spring, sheet metal, for self-locking barrel nuts, in corrosion resisting steel, passivated49.030.30MaticeNutsICS:Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z:EN 4590:2005SIST EN 4590:2006en01-september-2006SIST EN 4590:2006SLOVENSKI
STANDARD
EUROPEAN STANDARDNORME EUROPÉENNEEUROPÄISCHE NORMEN 4590December 2005ICS 49.030.30 English VersionAerospace series - Retainers, spring, sheet metal, for self-locking barrel nuts, in corrosion resisting steel, passivatedSérie aérospatiale - Ressorts de retenue en tôle pourécrous à portées cylindrique, à freinage interne, en acierrésistant à la corrosion, passivésLuft- und Raumfahrt - Blechsicherungsfedern fürselbstsichernde Tonnenmuttern, auskorrosionsbeständigem Stahl, passiviertThis European Standard was approved by CEN on 26 October 2005.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 Central Secretariat 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 Central Secretariat has the same status as the officialversions.CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France,Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia,Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and United Kingdom.EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATIONCOMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATIONEUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNGManagement Centre: rue de Stassart, 36
B-1050 Brussels© 2005 CENAll rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reservedworldwide for CEN national Members.Ref. No. EN 4590:2005: ESIST EN 4590:2006
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