Overview
ISO 1190-1:1982 - "Copper and copper alloys - Code of designation - Part 1: Designation of materials" defines an international system for naming copper and copper-alloy materials based on their chemical composition limits. The standard requires the prefix "ISO" for designations and uses international chemical symbols to identify the base metal (Cu) and major alloying elements. Cast alloys are differentiated by a leading G prefix and additional casting-mode prefixes where applicable.
Keywords: ISO 1190-1, copper alloys designation, copper and copper alloys standard, material designation system, chemical composition limits.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Composition-based designations: Material names are founded on chemical composition limits rather than proprietary trade names or process routes.
- Prefixing and symbols: All designations must be preceded by the sigla ISO; international chemical symbols (e.g., Cu, Zn, Ni) identify the base and alloying elements.
- Numeric and alphabetic coding:
- Major alloying elements are indicated by chemical symbols followed by numbers (preferably integers) representing nominal content when about 1% or more.
- Unalloyed coppers use the base symbol (Cu) followed by uppercase letters indicating the copper type (e.g., CU-ETP style formats).
- Order and notation rules:
- Addition elements are listed in decreasing nominal content; if contents are equal, list alphabetically.
- In some alloy types the principal alloying element may be listed first even if its nominal percentage is lower (examples given in the standard).
- For specified ranges, the rounded mean is used in the designation; when only a minimum is specified, the nearest even integer is normally used.
- Casting identification: Cast alloys carry the prefix G to distinguish foundry products from wrought alloys; additional prefixes indicate casting modes (for example, sand casting, centrifugal casting, continuous casting, die casting).
- Approval process: Adoption or modification of designations is coordinated through ISO/TC 26 (Copper and copper alloys).
Applications and users
ISO 1190-1 is practical for:
- Materials engineers and metallurgists specifying copper grades by composition
- Foundries and metal producers labeling cast copper alloys
- Procurement teams and designers ensuring consistent alloy identification across international supply chains
- Test laboratories, certification bodies, and standards committees harmonizing material data and compliance documents
Using ISO 1190-1 helps avoid ambiguity between wrought and cast materials, streamlines technical communication, and supports international trade in copper and copper-alloy products.
Related standards
- Work under ISO/TC 26 (Copper and copper alloys) covers additional parts and related guidance; ISO 1190-1 supersedes earlier ISO/R recommendations for alloy designation. For full conformity, consult other ISO materials-designation standards and the relevant parts of the ISO 1190 series.
