What is BS EN 1706 about?
BS EN 1706 specifies the chemical composition limits for aluminium casting alloys and the mechanical properties of separately cast test pieces for these alloys.
Annexe C on Comparison of casting characteristics, mechanical and other properties are included as a guide to the selection of alloys for a specific use or process.
BS EN 1706 is intended to be used in conjunction with EN 576, EN 1559-1, EN 1559-4, EN 1676 and EN ISO 8062-3.
Who is BS EN 1706 for?
BS EN 1706 on aluminium and aluminium alloys is relevant to:
- Those who do casting in engineering
- Those who do casting in automotive and aerospace gearing
- Those who do investment casting
Why should you use BS EN 1706?
BS EN 1706 provides information on chemical composition limits of aluminium casting alloys, casting process designations, Samples for chemical analysis and the mechanical properties.
BS EN 1706 provides particularly important guidance given that most UK aluminium is recycled. In addition, use of BS EN 1706:
- Creates a level playing field between castors and producers and designers
- Aids the creation of better products
- Increases trust, giving end-users confidence in products
- Enables entry to new markets and facilitates trade
- Manages risk
BS EN 1706:2020+A1:2021 can contribute towards users achieving UN Sustainable Development Goal 9 on industry, innovation and infrastructure because it promotes resilient infrastructure. It also contributes to Goal 12 on responsible consumption and production because it supports aluminium recycling.
What’s changed since the last update?
BS EN 1706:2020+A1:2021 supersedes BS EN 1706:2020, which is withdrawn.
The standard was extensively rewritten to bring it up to date with current methodologies. In comparison with the 2010 standard, the following significant changes were made:
- Normative reference BS EN 10002-1 was replaced by BS EN ISO 6892-1, Terms and definitions were updated
- In Table 1 on the Chemical composition of aluminium castings: Two alloys were deleted and six added, The maximum limit for the lead was reduced to 0.29 %, Footnotes were added and modified. The chemical composition limits of the alloys EN AC-43000 [EN AC-Al Si10Mg], EN AC43300 [EN AC-Al Si9Mg] and EN AC-51300 [EN AC-almg5] were modified
- In Table 2 on Mechanical properties of sand cast alloys for separately cast test pieces: Two alloys were deleted and three added, A new footnote was added, The mechanical properties of the already existing alloys EN AC-42100 [EN AC-Al Si7Mg0,3], EN AC-43300 [EN AC-Al Si9Mg] and EN AC-71100 [EN AC-Al Zn10Si8Mg] were modified
- In Table 3 on a chill cast or low-pressure die-cast alloys for separately cast Test pieces: Two alloys were deleted and two added, The mechanical properties of the already existing alloys EN AC-46200 [EN AC-Al Si8Cu3], EN AC-43300 [EN AC-Al Si9Mg] and EN AC-71100 [EN AC-Al Zn10Si8Mg] were modified
- In Annex A table A.1: One alloy was deleted and three added, The mechanical properties of the already existing alloys EN AC-43500 [EN AC-Al Si10MnMg], EN AC-46000 [EN AC-Al Si9Cu3(Fe)] and EN AC-71100 [EN AC-Al Zn10Si8Mg] were modified
