Mining and Metals

Shaping the Future of Aluminium

From sleek car bodies to durable building façades and protective food packaging, aluminium alloys are the hidden strength behind modern life. CEN/TC 132 'Aluminium and aluminium alloys' develops the European standards that ensure these products are safe, high-performing, and ready for the demands of industry and society.

Why It Matters

Aluminium alloys, with aluminium as the main element by mass but containing other alloying elements (and under 99% aluminium content) combine lightweight, mechanical strength, and durability. They are used in critical applications where performance cannot be left to chance. Without these European standards, quality would vary, safety could be compromised, and trade across borders would face costly barriers. CEN/TC 132 provides the technical foundation for trust, ensuring that every unwrought, wrought, and cast product meets the same rigorous requirements across Europe.

CEN/TC 132 at a Glance

• Scope: Standards for unwrought, wrought, and cast aluminium products
• Covers: Designations, terminology, material specifications, and aluminium-specific testing methods
• Industries Served: Automotive, transportation, construction, packaging, mechanical engineering, energy
• Benefit: Guaranteed quality, enhanced safety, sustainability, and seamless European market compatibility
• Impact: Stronger products, safer use, smoother trade, and a foundation for innovation in aluminium applications.

Setting the Standard for Copper Excellence

From the wiring that powers our cities to the components that keep transport and telecommunications running, copper alloys are essential to modern infrastructure. CEN/TC 133 develops the European standards that ensure these materials deliver unmatched performance, reliability, and safety.

Why It Matters

Copper alloys combine electrical conductivity, corrosion resistance, and mechanical strength, making them indispensable in sectors such as building construction, telecommunications, transport, and electrical equipment. Whether in high-voltage cables, precision components, or architectural features, their performance must meet the highest expectations. Without harmonized standards, quality could fluctuate, safety could be compromised, and international trade could face unnecessary obstacles.

CEN/TC 133 'Copper and copper alloys' provides a unified framework for unwrought, wrought, and cast copper products – covering designations, terminology, specifications, and testing methods – ensuring trust and consistency across Europe’s copper industry. This work also directly supports compliance with the Pressure Equipment Directive (PED), helping manufacturers meet essential safety and performance requirements for pressure-related applications.

CEN/TC 133 at a Glance

• Scope: Standards for unwrought, wrought, and cast copper and copper alloy products
• Covers: Designations, terminology, material specifications, and testing methods
• Industries Served: Building construction, telecommunications, transport, electrical equipment, engineering, energy
• Benefit: Consistent quality, improved safety, PED compliance, and market compatibility across Europe
• Impact: Reliable infrastructure, high-performance products, smoother trade, and innovation in copper applications

CEN/TC 459/SC 5 'Steels for heat treatment, alloy steels, free-cutting steels and stainless steels' standardizes technical delivery conditions for steels for heat treatment and alloy steels including free-cutting, bright, stainless, heat-resisting, valve and tool steels used mainly in the engineering and automotive industry.

For further information on CEN/TC 459/SC 5, please contact Casper Van Herzele (cvanherzele@cencenelec.eu).