EN 10243-1:1999

Overview

EN 10243-1:1999 - "Steel die forgings - Tolerances on dimensions - Part 1: Drop and vertical press forgings" is a CEN standard that specifies dimensional tolerances for hot steel forgings produced under hammers and vertical presses. It applies to carbon and alloy steels in the delivery condition and covers forgings up to 250 kg mass or 2 500 mm maximum dimension. Larger or heavier forgings require tolerance limits agreed at enquiry/order.

Key topics

• Scope and application: Dimensional tolerances for steel drop and vertical press forgings (hot forgings in delivery condition).
• Material coverage: Carbon and alloy steels - intended for typical forging shop outputs, not for cold-formed parts.
• Production methods: Forgings made under hammers and vertical presses (drop/hot press processes).
• Size and mass limits: Standard tolerances apply to parts ≤ 250 kg or ≤ 2 500 mm; heavier/larger items are to be negotiated.
• Delivery condition: Tolerances are specified for the as-delivered state of the forging (i.e., before subsequent machining or heat treatment unless otherwise agreed).
• Contractual use: Tolerance classes and acceptance criteria are to be specified at enquiry/order; the standard provides the baseline for commercial and technical agreements.

Applications

Who uses EN 10243-1:1999 and why:

• Forging manufacturers - to define production targets and shop inspection criteria for drop and vertical press forgings.
• Design and manufacturing engineers - to specify realistic tolerances for forged components in drawings and bills of materials.
• Procurement and quality managers - to include standardized tolerance requirements in purchase orders and inspection plans.
• Inspection and test personnel - to verify dimensional compliance against an established European standard.
• Sectors: widely applicable in heavy engineering, automotive, oil & gas, construction, power generation and industrial machinery where hot steel forgings are used.

Benefits:

• Encourages interchangeability and clear commercial terms.
• Reduces disputes by establishing agreed dimensional limits for supply.
• Supports quality control and acceptance procedures in forging supply chains.

Related standards

• Other parts of the EN 10243 series (for further forging types or additional requirements).
• Complementary CEN standards covering material specifications, inspection documentation and heat-treatment/processing requirements (consult national standards bodies for specific references).
• Note: For numeric tolerance tables, inspection methods and contractual clause examples, obtain the full EN 10243-1:1999 document from your national standards body.

For precise tolerance values, annexes and example acceptance criteria, refer to the published standard (EN 10243-1:1999) or purchase the official document from CEN / your national standards organization.