Aluminium analysis according to EN 14242 in the laboratory

In the metallurgical industry, controlling chemical composition is critical for aluminium metallurgy professionals. Variations in alloying element or impurity content can affect mechanical properties, castability, machinability, corrosion resistance, and the compliance of received material. Aluminium analysis provides an objective assessment of the composition of a metal, ingot, part, chip, or production sample.

Depending on the grade and industrial requirements, metallurgical analysis may target the main alloying elements and undesirable elements. Elements such as silicon, iron, copper, manganese, magnesium, chromium, nickel, zinc, titanium, lead, or tin may be included in the analytical programme where relevant. The elements to be tested, expected limits, and decision thresholds are defined with Filab laboratory before analysis.

Analysis by ICP-OES is suitable for inspecting raw materials, ingots, semi-finished products, and aluminium parts. It helps verify whether a batch matches the expected composition, compare suppliers, monitor production, or confirm the consistency of a declared grade. It can also complement examinations carried out as part of materials characterisation.

Filab laboratory uses ICP-OES for the elemental analysis of aluminum alloys in accordance with the principle of EN 14242. After controlled dissolution of the sample, the solution is introduced into a plasma, where the elements emit characteristic spectral lines. The measured intensity is used to determine their content through appropriate calibration and analytical processing.

The analysis according to EN 14242 is based on optical emission spectrometry with inductively coupled plasma, or ICP-OES. This method determines the concentrations of chemical elements in aluminium or an aluminium alloy after preparation and dissolution adapted to the matrix. Filab laboratory develops the service according to your objective: incoming inspection, grade verification, production monitoring, investigation of a non-conformity, or comparison between several batches.

Filab laboratory also supports you with the following services:

• Metallurgical analysis by C/S/N/O according to ASTM E1019
• Nickel superalloy analysis by ICP-MS according to E2823
• Material analysis according to AMS 2249
• Material analysis according to AMS 2269
• Material analysis according to AMS 2248
• Material analysis according to AMS 2259
• Material analysis according to ASTM E2994
• Analysis of titanium and alloys according to ASTM E2371
• Analysis of aluminium according to ASTM E3047 by Spark-AES
• Analysis of steels according to ASTM E3515 by ICP-AES

The quality of the result depends on the representativeness of the sample and its preparation. Filab laboratory assesses the form received—whether a solid product, chips, powder, metal waste, or finished part—in order to define the operations required before measurement. For melting and metal material control challenges, discover the services provided by the molten metal analysis laboratory.

In the event of fracture, forming defects, corrosion problems, or deviations in service behaviour, chemical composition is an essential parameter in the investigation. Filab laboratory can combine composition analysis with metallographic observations or surface examinations, depending on the issue. Consult the capabilities of the TEM analysis laboratory for transmission electron microscopy investigations.

The results are interpreted in light of the information provided: alloy reference, internal requirements, specification limits, batch history and production context. This approach provides directly actionable data to determine compliance, guide material sorting or continue an investigation. Filab laboratory discusses the quantities to be supplied, sampling conditions and priority elements in advance.

Provide the nature of the sample, the presumed grade, the elements to be measured, the expected criteria and the context of your request. Specify the purpose of the inspection, whether it concerns an incoming inspection, production monitoring or expert assessment. Ask Filab laboratory about the shipping arrangements and the quantity of material required in order to define an analysis programme suited to your needs.