Is the alloy AA 6060 identical with EN AW-6060?

Yes, the chemical composition of AA 6060 is equivalent to EN AW-6060. There is only one worldwide
registration system for aluminium and aluminium alloys. The international accord is centrally run by the
Aluminum Association of America AA, therefrom also origins the often used prefix AA.
The international registered alloys are listed into the so-called blue "Teal Sheets" In Europe, the identical
composition limits are copied into the European Standard EN 573-3 and the 4-digit numerical
designation system is described in EN 573-1.The only difference concerns the prefixes, whereas the EN
573-1 proposed to use "EN AW-" (AW = Aluminium Wrought) in US the prefix "AA" is commonly used.

How to number and write an aluminium alloy correctly, e.g. EN AW-6060?

Internationally registered alloys are named by a four-digit number. Regardless of the various prefixes
(EN AW, AW, AA), these four-digit alloys can be considered equivalent. The prefix does not change the
chemical composition limits! (For further details on this four-digit number see the next answer)

As example, an alloy named AA 6063, AW-6063, A96063 or simply 6063 without prefix is identical.
In Europe, the relevant European Standard EN 573-1 requires the following writing:

EN AW-xxxx
EN = European Standard
A = Aluminium
W = Wrought

Example: EN AW-6063

In case, you have to add a temper, this shall follow the four-digit number separated by a hyphen
(according EN 515):

EN AW-xxxx-Xxx

Example: EN AW-6063-T6

Please take care on the correct typing of hyphens, blank spaces, etc. You should refrain from using the
old chemical composition system (EN AW-Al MgSi, etc.) as it will disappear in the medium-term.

Where can I find information on the aluminium alloy and chemical composition?

Any aluminium alloy should be registered internationally and obtain a four-digits number. This
registration scheme is supported by so-called Signatories from all over the world and managed by the
AA, USA. The EAA is member in this international registration programme.

The designation and chemical composition of any registered aluminium alloy is presented in an
international registration record also known as "Teal Sheets".

Since the edition 2006, footnote 75 explains the interchangeability of the various prefixes, means, an
alloy named AA 6063, AW-6063, A96063 or simply 6063 without prefix is identical.

Any other aluminium alloy bearing e.g. a company or brand name, is not internationally acknowledged.
Such alloys are not referred to in European Standards either.

What is the difference between the "Teal Sheets" and EN 573-3 "Chemical Composition"?
The chemical composition limits stated in EN 573-3 "Aluminium and aluminium alloys - Chemical
composition and form of wrought products - Part 3: Chemical composition" are identical to the one
shown in the "Teal Sheets".

Actually, EN 573-3 is a copy and paste from the "Teal Sheets", but does not reproduce the full "Teal
Sheets". In EN 573-3 only the alloys used in Europe are copied.

Nowadays, you will find chemical composition tables in Annexes of a number of European aluminium
standards as well. All these limits are copied from the "Teal Sheets". It's the aim to transfer these
Annexes into EN 573-3, once it undergoes revision.

What is the difference between DIN EN 573-1, BS EN 573-1 and NF EN 573-1?

There is no difference, all national standards followed by the prefix "EN" and of the same number are
identical in the content of the standard.

One European Standard = twenty-eight national standards.

After the European Standard EN passed the Formal Vote and publication by CEN, each of the National
Standards Bodies is obliged to adopt the EN as an identical national standard and to withdraw any pre-
existing national standards, which are in conflict with the new EN.

What must be considered, a national cover page might be added in front of the standard's body, in
which deviations or restrictions might be given. Yet, we are not aware of any such situation on
aluminium material standards.

Where to order European Standards EN?

The EAA does not sell or provide European Standards EN, due to copyright issues, however these
standards can be obtained at any National Standards Body. A full list of the contact points is added in
the EAA Guide: How to order aluminium products according to EN Standards (see last clause)

How to participate in standardisation?

The usual route is to contact the National Standards Body NSB, either directly or through your trade
association. Through the NSB, you/ your expert can become involved in a national mirror committee
which is responsible for developing the national position on a particular standard and presenting this
position to the relevant European Standardisation Technical Committee CEN TC. It may also be possible
to become a member of the national delegation to the CEN TC or even to be nominated to serve as an
expert in one of the TC's Working Groups.

All national contacts are listed on the CEN website in the 'Members' section.

How a European Standard is made?

What are the differences between Standards and Regulations?

 Standards
 Recommendations
 Use is voluntary
 Available to the public
 Established by consensus of all
parties concerned
Based on consolidated results of
science, technology and experience
Approved and published by
recognised standardisation body
 Regulations
 Legislation
 Use is mandatory
 Available to the public
 Developed by an authority under
public observation
Provide technical specifications either
directly or by reference, e.g. to
standards
 Adopted by an authority

What are Standards?

Standards are documented voluntary agreements, which establish important criteria for products,
services and processes. Standards help to make sure that products and services are fit for their purpose
and that they are comparable and compatible.
For a standard to be a European standard, it must be adopted by one of the European standards
organisations and be publicly available.

CEN (European Committee for Standardisation) deals with all sectors except the electrotechnology and
telecommunication sectors.

Cenelec (European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardisation) deals with standards in the
electrotechnical field.

ETSI (European Telecommunications Standards Institute) covers the telecommunications field and some
aspects of broadcasting.