EN 12438:2017

Magnesium and magnesium alloys - Magnesium alloys for cast anodes

This European Standard specifies the grades and the corresponding requirements for magnesium alloys for cast anodes.
This European Standard specifies 2 groups of cast magnesium alloy grades by a classification based on chemical composition. The first group deals with magnesium alloy ingots for anodes. The second group deals with magnesium alloy anode castings.
This European Standard specifies chemical composition, designation, testing and inspection documentation.
This European Standard does not cover technical delivery conditions for magnesium alloy anode castings (see EN 1559-1 [3] and EN 1559-5 [4]).

Magnesium und Magnesiumlegierungen - Magnesiumlegierungen für Gussanoden

Diese Europäische Norm legt die Sorten und die zugehörigen Anforderungen der Magnesium-legierungen für Gussanoden fest.
Diese Europäische Norm legt 2 Gruppen von Magnesiumguss-Legierungssorten, nach der Einordnung anhand der chemischen Zusammensetzung, fest. Die erste Gruppe behandelt Blockmetalle aus Magnesium¬legierungen für Anoden. Die zweite Gruppe behandelt Gussanoden aus Magnesiumlegierungen.
Diese Europäische Norm legt die chemische Zusammensetzung, Bezeichnung, Prüfung und Prüfbe-scheinigung fest.
Diese Europäische Norm legt nicht die Technischen Lieferbedingungen für Gussanoden aus Magnesium¬legierungen fest (siehe EN 1559 1 [3] und EN 1559 5 [4]).

Magnésium et alliages de magnésium - Alliages de magnésium pour anodes coulées

La présente Norme européenne spécifie les nuances et les exigences correspondantes des alliages de magnésium pour anodes coulées.
La présente Norme européenne spécifie 2 groupes de nuances d’alliages de magnésium moulé en utilisant une classification basée sur la composition chimique. Le premier groupe concerne les lingots en alliage de magnésium pour anodes. Le second groupe concerne les anodes coulées en alliage de magnésium.
La présente Norme européenne spécifie la composition chimique, la désignation, les essais et la documentation de contrôle.
La présente Norme européenne ne couvre pas les conditions techniques de fourniture des anodes coulées en alliage de magnésium (voir l'EN 1559-1 [3] et l'EN 1559-5 [4]).

Magnezij in magnezijeve zlitine - Magnezijeve zlitine za lite anode

Ta evropski standard določa razrede in ustrezne zahteve za magnezijeve zlitine za lite anode.
Ta evropski standard določa 2 skupini razredov litih magnezijevih zlitin z razvrstitvijo, ki temelji na kemijski sestavi. Prva skupina opisuje ingote magnezijevih zlitin za anode. Druga skupina opisuje ulitke anod iz magnezijevih zlitin.
Ta evropski standard določa kemijsko sestavo, poimenovanje, preskušanje in pregled dokumentacije.
Ta evropski standard ne zajema tehničnih dobavnih pogojev za ulitke anod iz magnezijevih zlitin (glej standarda EN 1559-1 [3] in EN 1559-5 [4]).

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 05-Sep-2017
• ICS: 77.120.20 - Magnesium and magnesium alloys
• ICS: 77.150.10 - Aluminium products
• ICS: 77.150.20 - Magnesium products
• Technical Committee: CEN/TC 190 - Foundry technology
• Drafting Committee: CEN/TC 190/WG 9 - Cast magnesium
• Current Stage: 9093 - Decision to confirm - Review Enquiry
• Start Date: 10-Nov-2022
• Completion Date: 11-Feb-2026
• Ref Project: SIST EN 12438:2017 - Magnesium and magnesium alloys - Magnesium alloys for cast anodes

Relations

• Replaces: EN 12438:1998 - Magnesium and magnesium alloys - Magnesium alloys for cast anodes
• Effective Date: 25-Dec-2013
• Refers: EN ISO 80000-1:2013 - Quantities and units - Part 1: General (ISO 80000-1:2009 + Cor 1:2011)
• Effective Date: 28-Jan-2026
• Refers: EN 10204:2004 - Metallic products - Types of inspection documents
• Effective Date: 28-Jan-2026
• Referred By: EN 1559-5:2017 - Founding - Technical conditions of delivery - Part 5: Additional requirements for magnesium alloy castings
• Effective Date: 28-Jan-2026

Overview

EN 12438:2017 is a European Standard developed by CEN specifying the grades, classifications, and requirements for magnesium alloys for cast anodes. This standard covers two distinct groups: magnesium alloy ingots intended for casting anodes and the magnesium alloy anode castings themselves. EN 12438:2017 outlines requirements based on chemical composition, designations, and offers guidance on testing and inspection documentation. It is broadly referenced for industrial applications where cathodic protection and corrosion resistance are critical.

By providing clear guidelines on the grades and inspection criteria, EN 12438:2017 supports quality assurance and interoperability throughout the European metals industry.

Key Topics

• Material Classification: This standard categorizes magnesium alloys used for cast anodes into two primary groups based on chemical composition:

  • Magnesium alloy ingots for anodes
  • Magnesium alloy anode castings

• Designation and Numbering System: A harmonized numerical and symbolic system for designating magnesium alloys, referencing EN 1754 and following the structure of EN 10027-2.

• Chemical Composition Requirements: Defines permissible levels for key alloying elements (such as aluminum, zinc, manganese) and sets limits for impurities.

• Testing and Inspection: Details standardized methods for chemical analysis, electrochemical testing (electrode potential, mass loss rates), and the documentation required for inspection.

• Sampling Methods: Outlines representative sampling procedures to ensure traceability and accurate results, which supports quality control.

• Packaging and Surface Protection: Provides recommendations for the packaging and surface protection of magnesium alloy products to ensure quality during storage and transport.

Applications

The guidelines set out in EN 12438:2017 are essential for industries utilizing magnesium alloys for cast anodes. Typical applications include:

• Cathodic Protection Systems: Magnesium alloy cast anodes are widely used for protecting steel structures (e.g., pipelines, storage tanks, marine vessels) from corrosion through sacrificial anode systems.
• Water Treatment Facilities: Specialized magnesium anodes are used in potable water systems to ensure compliance with safety and performance requirements.
• Industrial Equipment Manufacturing: Cast magnesium anodes are essential components in equipment exposed to corrosive environments, particularly in the oil, gas, and marine sectors.
• OEM Supply Chains: The standard facilitates consistent specification and procurement of magnesium alloy anodes across manufacturers and suppliers.

By adhering to EN 12438:2017, organizations ensure product reliability, regulatory compliance, and extend the service life of protected assets.

Related Standards

To fully implement EN 12438:2017, it is important to consider its relationship with other key standards:

• EN 1754: Designation system for magnesium alloy anodes, ingots, and castings - material symbols and numbers.
• EN 10027-2: Standard for the numerical designation system for metals and alloys.
• EN 1559-1: General technical delivery conditions for castings.
• EN 1559-5: Additional technical delivery conditions for magnesium alloy castings.
• EN 10204: Specification for types of inspection documents for metallic products.
• EN ISO 80000-1: Quantities and units - general rules for rounding and presentation of results.

By referencing these related standards, stakeholders can align their quality systems and technical requirements, supporting seamless integration within the European and global supply chain for magnesium alloy materials.

Keywords: EN 12438:2017, magnesium alloys, cast anodes, CEN standards, chemical composition, cathodic protection, magnesium alloy ingots, material designation, inspection documentation, corrosion protection, European Standard.

Standards Content (Sample)

2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.Magnezij in magnezijeve zlitine - Magnezijeve zlitine za lite anodeMagnesium und Magnesiumlegierungen - Magnesiumlegierungen für GussanodenMagnésium et alliages de magnésium - Alliages de magnésium pour anodes couléesMagnesium and magnesium alloys - Magnesium alloys for cast anodes77.120.20Magnezij in magnezijeve zlitineMagnesium and magnesium alloysICS:Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z:EN 12438:2017SIST EN 12438:2017en01-november-2017SIST EN 12438:2017SLOVENSKI
STANDARDSIST EN 12438:20001DGRPHãþD

EUROPEAN STANDARD NORME EUROPÉENNE EUROPÄISCHE NORM
EN 12438
September
t r s y ICS
y yä s t rä t râ
y yä s w rä t r Supersedes EN
s t v u zã s { { zEnglish Version
Magnesium and magnesium alloys æ Magnesium alloys for cast anodes Magnésium et alliages de magnésium æ Alliages de magnésium pour anodes coulées
Magnesium und Magnesiumlegierungen æ Magnesiumlegierungen für Gussanoden This European Standard was approved by CEN on
t July
t r s yä
egulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this European Standard the status of a national standard without any alterationä Upætoædate lists and bibliographical references concerning such national standards may be obtained on application to the CENæCENELEC Management Centre or to any CEN memberä
translation under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the CENæCENELEC Management Centre has the same status as the official versionsä
CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austriaá Belgiumá Bulgariaá Croatiaá Cyprusá Czech Republicá Denmarká Estoniaá Finlandá Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedoniaá Franceá Germanyá Greeceá Hungaryá Icelandá Irelandá Italyá Latviaá Lithuaniaá Luxembourgá Maltaá Netherlandsá Norwayá Polandá Portugalá Romaniaá Serbiaá Slovakiaá Sloveniaá Spainá Swedená Switzerlandá Turkey and United Kingdomä
EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG
CEN-CENELEC Management Centre:
Avenue Marnix 17,
B-1000 Brussels
t r s y CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved worldwide for CEN national Membersä Refä Noä EN
s t v u zã t r s y ESIST EN 12438:2017

Test method for the determination of the electrode potential of galvanic anodes . 10 Annex B (normative)
Test method for the determination of the rate of mass loss of galvanic anodes . 12 Annex C (informative)
Comparison of the designations of magnesium alloy ingots for cast anodes and magnesium alloy cast anodes according to this standard and its previous version . 16 Annex D (informative)
Significant technical changes between this European Standard and the previous edition . 17 Bibliography . 18 SIST EN 12438:2017

According to the CEN-CENELEC Internal Regulations, the national standards organisations of the following countries are bound to implement this European Standard: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey and the United Kingdom.
Element Mg Al Zn Mn Si Fe Cu Ni Others (each)
Symbol Number
MgAlZn EN-MBMgAl3Zn1 3.5212 min. Rem. 2,6 0,7 0,20 – – – – – max. – 3,5 1,4 1,0 0,30 0,01 0,05 0,001 0,05 EN-MBMgAl6Zn1 3.5213 min. Rem. 5,6 0,7 0,20 – – – – – max. – 6,5 1,4 1,0 0,30 0,01 0,05 0,001 0,05 EN-MBMgAl6Zn3 3.5214 min. Rem. 5,1 2,1 0,20 – – – – – max. – 7,0 4,0 1,0 0,30 0,01 0,05 0,001 0,05 MgMn EN-MBMgMn1 3.5230 min. Rem. – – 0,50 – – – – – max. – 0,01 0,05 1,3 0,05 0,02 0,02 0,001 0,05 EN-MBMgMn2 3.5231 min. Rem. – – 1,20 – – – – – max. – 0,01 0,05 2,5 0,05 0,02 0,02 0,001 0,05 NOTE The material designation is in accordance with EN 1754 [1]. SIST EN 12438:2017
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