SIST EN 611-1:1998

Overview

EN 611-1:1995 (CEN) - also published as SIST EN 611-1:1998 in Slovenia - is the European standard that defines the chemical composition requirements for pewter (tin) alloys intended for the manufacture of pewterware. This Part 1 standard covers pewter in common supply forms (ingots, sheets and blanks) and also specifies the chemical composition of solders used to join pewterware, including solders intended for items that may reasonably come into contact with foodstuffs.

Keywords: EN 611-1, pewter, tin alloys, pewterware, chemical composition, solders, food contact, CEN standard.

Key Topics

• Scope and applicability: Composition requirements apply to pewter alloys as supplied for manufacturing (ingots, sheets, blanks).
• Alloy composition: Specifies acceptable chemical constituents and limits for pewter alloys used in pewterware production (tin-based alloys).
• Solder specifications: Defines chemical composition requirements for solders used to join pewter items, separately addressing solders for food-contact pewterware and for non-food applications.
• Material designation and labelling: Helps manufacturers and suppliers consistently identify and declare alloy types and solder types for compliance and traceability.
• Conformity and testing: Implies the need for chemical analysis and quality control to verify that supplied materials meet the standard’s composition requirements.

Applications

This standard is directly applicable to:

• Pewterware manufacturers who select alloys and solders for production of tableware, decorative objects and utility items.
• Metal suppliers and foundries that produce or distribute tin alloys in ingot, sheet and blank forms.
• Solder manufacturers that formulate and supply joining materials for pewter assembly, especially for food-contact items.
• Quality assurance and testing laboratories performing chemical analyses to confirm compliance with EN 611-1.
• Regulatory bodies and product conformity assessors concerned with material safety for articles intended to contact food.
• Restorers and conservators specifying appropriate replacement alloys and solders for repair of historic pewterware.

Practical value

Adoption of EN 611-1 supports consistent material quality, safer food-contact pewterware, clear supplier specifications, and reduced risk of non-compliance in manufacturing and trade. It helps purchasers and manufacturers choose appropriate tin alloys and solders for intended use.

Related standards

• Other parts of the EN 611 series and national adoptions (e.g., SIST EN 611-1) may address complementary topics such as product requirements, testing methods or alternative alloys - consult CEN publications and national standards bodies for the full series and updates.