Would you like to perform an aluminium or aluminium alloys testing according to ASTM E1251?
Securing ASD industry metal materials through ASTM E1251
In the aerospace, space and defense, the lightness and strength of aluminum alloys are key advantages. The slightest variation in chemical composition (magnesium, copper, silicon, etc.) can affect the mechanical performance and corrosion resistance of your metal parts.
The ASTM E1251 standard is the reference standard for analyzing aluminum and its alloys using spark optical emission spectrometry (OES). It enables fast and extremely accurate verification of grade compliance (2000, 5000, 6000, 7000 series, etc.).
At the FILABlaboratory, we support companies in the aerospace, space and defense industries with the characterization and testing of their materials in accordance with ASTM E1251, with one clear objective: to make your technical and industrial decisions more reliable.
ASTM E1251: a key requirement for aluminium alloys
Aluminium testing by SEO according to ASTM E1251
The ASTM E1251 standard defines a standardized test method for the quantitative chemical testing of aluminum and its alloys. It is particularly well suited to checking purity and measuring the alloying elements that give aluminum its specific properties.
It is specifically used to:
- accurately measure alloying elements (Si, Cu, Mg, Mn, Zn, Li, etc.) and impurities (Fe, Ti, etc.).
- verify compliance of grades with international standards (EN, AA, etc.).
- control the quality of supplies and the stability of foundry processes.
In the aerospace, space and defense industries, compliance with ASTM E1251 tolerances has a direct impact on:
- the strength-to-weight ratio of structures.
- the response to heat treatments (solution heat treatment and aging).
- The long-term reliability of strategic components exposed to fatigue and corrosion stresses.
FILAB, an aluminium testing laboratory meeting the requirements of the aerospace, space and defence industries
Analytical capabilities dedicated to testingaccording to ASTM E1251
Aluminium testing according to ASTM E1251 requires excellent repeatability and calibration specific to lightweight matrices. To meet these requirements, the FILAB laboratory provides its clients with high-performance equipment:
Expert services dedicated to materials
At the FILAB laboratory, testing according to ASTM E1251 are part of a comprehensive materials characterization approach. We do not simply produce results: we help you understand their impact on your materials. Our teams work on:
wrought or cast aluminium alloys
materials subject to stringent safety requirements.
samples from extrusion, forging or additive manufacturing
Why choose FILAB?
- 45 years of expertise in materials analysis and expertise
- Dual expertise in chemistry / materials
- Specialist in metal alloys and critical applications
- Safran approvals, Dassault Aviation and Framatome
- ISO 17025 accreditation for metal alloys
Testing of iron, aluminum, molybdenum, copper, tin, chromium, titanium, lead, nickel, zinc.
Learn moreOur testing services according to ISO and ASTM standards for the aerospace and defense sector
Our testing services according to MIL requirements for ASD
Our additional metallographic testing
Accreditation
This Nadcap accreditation covers in particular:
✔️ Chemical analysis (ICP-OES) of critical metal alloys
(Al, Fe, Ni, Ti)
✔️ Metallography
An international recognition that confirms our commitment to quality and reliability for the most demanding applications, especially in aerospace.
FAQ
It applies to pure aluminium and almost all of its industrial alloys. The technique requires solid samples (billets, casting sprues or finished parts) with a sufficiently flat surface for spark excitation.
It enables the quantification of all the elements commonly found in aluminium: silicon, iron, copper, manganese, magnesium, chromium, nickel, zinc and titanium, as well as more specific elements such as lithium or boron.
ASTM E1251 is based on Optical Emission Spectrometry (OES). By creating a spark under an argon atmosphere, the atoms in the sample are excited and emit light radiation characteristic of their concentration.
E1251 is designed for bulk samples. For powders (additive manufacturing), the sample must be compacted or another method used, such as ICP-OES (ASTM E2353) after dissolution.
To request a quote, you can contact our teams via our contact form, by phone, or by email.
Simply send us your requirements (material type, desired analysis, any applicable standard, urgency, number of samples, etc.). We will then send you a customized technical and pricing proposal within 24–48 hours.
