Dutch version of EN ISO 1461:2022 available as of now

EN ISO 1461:2022, a technical revision of the 2009 edition, was published at the end of last year. As of now, the Dutch translation is also available. The first international version from 1999 was groundbreaking, to say the least. Before that, there were only separate national standards, which meant that it was not always clear to which specification a delivered batch of galvanization had to comply.

EN ISO 1461 specifies the general properties of and test methods for hot-dip galvanized coatings applied by dipping fabricated iron and steel articles (including certain castings) in a zinc melt (containing not more than 2% other metals). Every five years, in accordance with international regulations, a vote is required by all member national committees, asking whether the existing standard can be extended unchanged for five years or whether a revision is needed. In 2019, it was concluded that a change was necessary because of all the feedback on the standard.

Thus, each revision is the result of comments on the content during the application of the standard. In particular, changes have been made to aspects such as appearance, layer thickness and damage repair. These modifications have created more clarity on what is or is not permissible.

Developments in the field of chemical steel compositions also gave reason to adjust the text. The description of the method of layer thickness measurements was not always clear, resulting in occasional discussions that were actually unnecessary. 

The coating thickness table, containing the requirements of coating thicknesses linked to a particular steel section thickness, has remained unchanged. However, because of changing steel alloys and steel fabrications, some comments have been added. For example, steels with a very low silicon content may not be able to meet the layer thickness requirements associated with the relevant steel section thickness. In that case, the values of a lower section thickness are maintained than the required values.

It is also important to note that, for example, head and foot plates on longer profiles no longer need to be included in layer thickness measurements. Often such welded parts are less thick or less reactive during zinc coating. 

For more information on the "new" EN ISO 1461, contact Zinkinfo Benelux (www.zinkinfobenelux.com) or NEN (Royal Dutch Standards Institute, www.nen.nl).