What is BS EN 1981 – Copper alloys about?

BS EN 1981 is a European standard that discusses the master alloys in copper and copper alloys. Copper and Copper alloys are some of the most versatile engineering materials available.

BS EN 1981 specifies the compositions of copper-based master alloys intended for the manufacture, deoxidation, or desulfurization of cast or wrought alloys, especially those based on copper, supplied in the form of ingots, notched bar, notched slab (waffle plate), granules or broken pieces.

A procedure is included for sampling the master alloys for analysis for verification of conformity to the composition requirements.

Who is BS EN 1981 – Copper alloys for?

BS EN 1981 on copper-based mater alloys applies to:

Manufacturer of master alloys

Master alloys for gold and silver
Quality testing personnel

Why should you use BS EN 1981 – Copper alloys?

Master alloy is an alloy intended to add one or more elements to a melt. A master alloy often provides the solution, as it dissolves much quicker at lower temperatures, saving valuable energy and production time.

BS EN 1981 provides you with a standardised pattern of designation from which a rapid and unequivocal description of a product is conveyed in communication. It provides mutual comprehension at the international level regarding products that meet the requirements of the relevant European Standard. The product’s designation to BS EN 1981 consists of:

Denomination (Copper master alloy)
Material designation, either symbol or number
Material form (the following designations shall be used as appropriate: ING for ingots, NOB for notched bars, NOS for notched slabs, GRN for granules and BPS for broken pieces)

With BS EN 1981 you can be ensured that the products consistently meet and exceed quality assurance targets.

What’s changed since the last update?

BS EN 1981:2003 supersedes BS EN 1981:1998 which is withdrawn. It includes:

Subclause 5 h) added
Compositions of the materials in Table 1 partially amended
CuMn20 (CM208E) and CuTi28 (CM235E) deleted
CuCo10 (CM237E), CuLi2 (CM123C), CuMg10 (CM238E), CuNi50 (CM239E), CuSi30(A) (CM240E), CuSi30(B) (CM241E), CuTi30 (CM244E), CuZr50(B) (CM242E), CuZr50(C) (CM243E) added.

BS EN 1981:2003

Copper and copper alloys. Master alloys

Current, Under Review

Published:

20 Feb 2003