SIST EN 1706:2020/oprA1:2021

Overview

EN 1706:2020/prA1:2020 - issued by CEN - defines the chemical composition limits for aluminium casting alloys and the mechanical properties of separately cast test pieces for those alloys. The standard provides a normative framework for specifying alloy chemistry and verifying mechanical performance of castings across different casting processes. Annex C is included as a practical guide for selecting suitable alloys for a given use or process. The draft amendment A1 updates Table C.1 to clarify casting-process classifications (e.g., permanent mould casting / low pressure die casting and high pressure die casting).

Key topics and requirements

• Chemical composition limits: Specifies allowable element concentrations for aluminium casting alloys (used when ordering or certifying materials).
• Mechanical properties of test pieces: Defines required mechanical characteristics based on separately cast test specimens for each alloy.
• Alloy selection guidance: Annex C offers comparative information to help select alloys based on casting characteristics and mechanical/other properties.
• Casting process classification: Amendment A1 refines the mapping between alloy behaviour and casting processes (permanent mould, low-pressure, high-pressure die casting).
• Use with related standards: Intended to be applied alongside EN 576, EN 1559‑1, EN 1559‑4, EN 1676 and EN ISO 8062‑3 to cover inspection, dimensional tolerances and casting-specific procedures.

Applications

• Specifying material requirements for aluminium cast components across industries such as automotive, transport, consumer products, and general engineering.
• Quality control and incoming material verification in foundries and fabrication plants.
• Supporting procurement and contract specifications where alloy chemistry and mechanical performance must be guaranteed.
• Informing material selection for specific casting processes (permanent mould, low-pressure die casting, high-pressure die casting) using Annex C guidance.

Who uses this standard

• Foundry engineers and metallurgists selecting and producing aluminium castings.
• Design and mechanical engineers specifying material grades for parts.
• Quality assurance, testing laboratories and certification bodies verifying composition and mechanical test results.
• Purchasing and standards teams creating compliant procurement documents.

Related standards

• EN 576 (casting terminology/requirements)
• EN 1559-1, EN 1559-4 (sand moulding and other casting methods)
• EN 1676 (sampling and testing)
• EN ISO 8062-3 (dimensional tolerances for castings)

By aligning alloy chemistry, test-piece mechanical properties and casting-process guidance, EN 1706:2020/prA1:2020 helps ensure consistent, auditable specifications for aluminium casting alloys across European supply chains.