SIST EN 13920-7:2004

Overview

SIST EN 13920-7:2004 is a European standard developed by the CEN Technical Committee TC 132, which focuses on aluminium and aluminium alloys scrap. Part 7 of this series specifically addresses scrap consisting of aluminium castings. This standard defines the essential characteristics, chemical composition, and metal yield requirements for aluminium casting scrap, whether in entire or fragmented pieces. It aims to ensure consistent quality and facilitate recycling processes by providing clear specifications for scrap suppliers and purchasers across Europe.

Key Topics

• Scope and Definition
  SIST EN 13920-7:2004 covers aluminium scrap derived from castings, which includes:

  • Production scrap from foundries such as rejected cast pieces and risings
  • Collected castings from dismantled equipment like vehicles, household appliances, and industrial machinery
  • Selected whole castings, for example pistons and wheels

• Characteristics Requirements
  The scrap must meet specific physical parameters:

  • Maximum piece size: 600 x 600 x 400 mm
  • Volatile substances not exceeding 2% by mass
  • Non-metallic foreign materials max 2% by mass
  • Foreign metallic materials max 2% by mass
  • Pieces smaller than 5 cm limited to 5% by mass

• Chemical Composition
  The chemical composition requirements are critical to ensure scrap compatibility with recycling alloys. For mixed casting scrap, general limits include:

  • Silicon (Si): up to 13.5%
  • Iron (Fe): up to 1.1%
  • Copper (Cu), Manganese (Mn), Magnesium (Mg), Nickel (Ni), Zinc (Zn), Titanium (Ti), Lead (Pb), Tin (Sn), and others have regulated maximum percentages
  • Aluminium content is calculated as the remainder after accounting for other elements.

  Custom compositions aligned with registered casting alloys may be agreed upon between supplier and purchaser.

• Metal Yield
  The standard demands a minimum metal yield of 90%, which reflects the efficiency of recycling scrap into usable aluminium metal. Higher foreign material contents negatively affect this yield.

• Quality Control and Compliance
  Procedures for sampling, testing, non-conformity treatment, and arbitration are standardized according to EN 13920-1 to ensure consistent assessment and resolution of issues.

Applications

SIST EN 13920-7:2004 is essential for industries involved in aluminium recycling and foundry operations. Its practical applications include:

• Foundry Production Scrap Management
  Ensures scrap from casting production is classified and assessed for recycling potential, improving resource utilization and minimizing waste.

• End-of-Life Product Recycling
  Facilitates the collection and processing of castings from dismantled vehicles, household appliances, and industrial machinery, promoting circular economy practices.

• Supply Chain Standardization
  Enables scrap suppliers and recyclers to communicate clearly on scrap quality, composition, and handling instructions, reducing disputes and increasing transaction transparency.

• Environmental Compliance and Efficiency
  Standardized scrap specifications reduce contamination risks, enhance metal recovery rates, and support sustainable recycling processes.

Related Standards

EN 13920-7 is part of a comprehensive European Standard series on aluminium scrap management:

• EN 13920-1:2003 – General Requirements, Sampling, and Tests for Aluminium Scrap
• EN 13920-2 to EN 13920-16 – Cover various scrap types including unalloyed aluminium, wrought alloys, wire and cable scrap, beverage cans, radiators, turnings, and post-consumer packaging
• prEN 12258-3:2000 – Aluminium and Aluminium Alloys – Terms and Definitions – Scrap Part

Together, these standards provide a full framework for the classification, handling, and recycling of aluminium scrap to ensure quality, safety, and interoperability across the European aluminium industry.

By adhering to SIST EN 13920-7:2004, organizations can optimize their aluminium scrap operations with defined quality parameters, improve resource efficiency, and contribute effectively to aluminium recycling and sustainability goals. This standard guides the proper classification and treatment of cast aluminium scrap, a critical feedstock in the circular economy of non-ferrous metals.