SIST EN 2438:2009

Overview

SIST EN 2438:2009 is a European standard developed by CEN that specifies the requirements for aerospace-grade steel FE-PL2102, also known as 35NiCr6. This standard covers bars with a diameter (De) up to 40 mm and tensile strength (Rm) ranging from 900 MPa to 1,100 MPa. It ensures that these high-performance steel bars meet stringent quality and mechanical property criteria essential for aerospace applications.

The standard is part of the aerospace series of metallic material standards, harmonized under EN 4258 and aligned with the aerospace industry's requirements for steel materials used in critical components.

Key Topics

• Material Specification: Defines chemical composition limits of steel FE-PL2102 (35NiCr6), focusing on elements such as Carbon, Silicon, Manganese, Phosphorus, Sulfur, Chromium, Molybdenum, and Nickel to maintain high strength and durability.

• Mechanical Properties:

  • Tensile strength (Rm): 900 MPa ≤ Rm ≤ 1,100 MPa
  • Proof stress (Rp0.2): ≥ 750 MPa
  • Elongation (A%): ≥ 14%
  • Hardness: 269 ≤ HB ≤ 331 (Brinell hardness scale)
  • Impact strength (KV): Minimum 40 Joules at ambient temperature

• Dimensions and Form: Bars with a maximum diameter of 40 mm (De ≤ 40 mm).

• Heat Treatment: The steel is supplied in softened or hardened and tempered conditions, typically through oil quenching at 840 - 860 °C followed by tempering at ≥ 550 °C for optimized mechanical performance.

• Testing and Inspection: Conforming to detailed testing protocols for dimensional accuracy, mechanical tests (tensile, impact, hardness), marking, and heat treatment verification stated in the normative references, especially EN 4700-2 for technical specifications of bars.

• Compliance and Traceability: The standard mandates strict adherence to quality assurance procedures, including marking and inspection to ensure traceability and conformity to aerospace industry requirements.

Applications

• Aerospace Components: SIST EN 2438:2009 steel bars are primarily intended for manufacturing structural and mechanical components within aerospace systems requiring high tensile strength and toughness.

• Precision Mechanical Parts: Suitable for critical parts exposed to dynamic loads and harsh operating environments where fatigue resistance and dimensional stability are paramount.

• Manufacturing of Aerospace Fasteners and Shafts: Due to its favorable mechanical characteristics, FE-PL2102 steel is ideal for producing axles, gears, and fasteners critical to aircraft performance and safety.

• General Engineering: Though mainly aerospace-oriented, the steel can also be used for high-performance applications in defense and automotive industries where strength-to-weight ratio and reliability are critical.

Related Standards

• EN 4258: Aerospace series - Metallic materials - General organization of standardization, detailing the overall framework for aerospace material standards in Europe.

• EN 4500-5: Aerospace series - Metallic materials - Rules for drafting and presentation of material standards - Part 5: Specific rules for steels, which underpins the preparation of EN 2438.

• EN 4700-2: Aerospace series - Steel and heat resisting alloys - Wrought products - Technical specification - Part 2: Bar and section. This standard is crucial for defining testing methods and technical requirements applicable to steel bars per EN 2438.

• ASD-STAN Guidelines: As EN 2438 was prepared under the Aerospace and Defence Industries Association of Europe (ASD-STAN), the standard aligns with sector-specific quality assurance and technical protocols relevant to aerospace manufacturing.

This standard SIST EN 2438:2009 is essential for companies in the aerospace supply chain focusing on materials engineering and component manufacturing. By adopting this robust framework, manufacturers ensure compliance with high-performance material demands, thereby achieving safety, reliability, and superior quality in aerospace engineering designs.