Overview
ISO 17615:2007 - "Aluminium and aluminium alloys - Alloyed ingots for remelting - Specifications" defines requirements for alloyed aluminium ingots intended for remelting. The standard specifies classifications and designations, production conditions, required properties, identification marking and documentation. It does not address radioactivity and notes that certain elements (e.g., Pb, Hg, Cr6, Cd) may be subject to external restrictions.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Scope and definitions: Clear terms for ingots, melts, heats, bundles and alloying elements to ensure consistent communication between supplier and purchaser.
- Chemical composition: Composition limits and alloy designations are given (see Table 1). The standard requires that alloys meet specified mass-fraction limits and allows purchaser-specified limits for additional elements by agreement.
- Production & quality control: Supplier responsibility for manufacturing processes and pre-shipment inspections; producer must notify purchasers of changes affecting quality.
- Sampling and analysis: Representative sampling from the melt (at least beginning and end of each melt unless agreed otherwise), traceability of melt numbers, and use of internationally accepted analytical methods with verified accuracy.
- Acceptance criteria & quality: Ingots should be reasonably free from surface contamination, inclusions and gas porosity; shrinkage defects must be handled safely (drying/preheating required).
- Marking & documentation: Mandatory marking (producer ID, alloy designation, melt number, mass) and comprehensive delivery documents including chemical analysis results and unit masses.
- Packaging & handling: Bundles should originate from a single heat and be packaged to withstand handling; warning labels for explosion risk from wet ingots.
- Dispute resolution: Procedures for complaints, referee laboratory testing and arbitration.
Applications and who uses it
ISO 17615 is practical for organizations involved in the aluminium remelting and casting supply chain:
- Foundries and remelters specifying alloyed ingots for remelting
- Aluminium producers and ingot suppliers managing quality control and traceability
- Scrap processors and recyclers who produce remelt feedstock
- Procurement, QA/QC managers, metallurgists and testing laboratories verifying chemical composition and documentation
- OEMs and casting shops requiring documented alloy designation and consistent feedstock for cast products
Related standards
ISO 17615 was prepared by ISO/TC 79 (Light metals). It is commonly used alongside ISO methods and other standards covering sampling, analytical testing and alloy designation practices.
Keywords: ISO 17615, aluminium alloyed ingots, remelting specifications, chemical composition limits, ingot marking, sampling procedures, quality control, foundries, metal recycling.
