Overview
EN ISO 3815-1:2005 - Zinc and zinc alloys: Analysis of solid samples by optical emission spectrometry (OES) is a harmonized CEN/ISO method that specifies how to determine the chemical composition of zinc and zinc alloys using optical emission spectrometry. The standard covers sample preparation recommendations, test procedures, calibration strategy, result expression and reporting, and includes informative annexes with commonly used analytical lines, reproducibility data and limits of detection.
Key topics and requirements
- Scope and applicability
- Applies to analysis of zinc and zinc alloys in accordance with ISO 301 and ISO 752 using OES on solid test pieces.
- Sampling and preparation
- Sampling shall follow ISO 20081 (method of sampling).
- Test pieces must be prepared to suit the spectrometer/sample holder and the apparatus’ operation manual.
- Test procedure
- Analysis performed on solid samples by optical emission spectrometry (OES).
- Each test piece is normally tested at least twice; additional tests if heterogeneity or instrument issues are suspected. Producer labs may average multiple test pieces under defined conditions.
- Calibration and reference materials
- Preferred calibration order: Certified Reference Materials (CRM), then Reference Materials (RM), then Internal Reference Materials (IRM).
- IRMs must have composition determined per ISO 752:2004.
- Recalibration at reasonable intervals using reference samples with similar physical/chemical properties.
- Expression and reporting of results
- Results expressed as mass fraction and calculated as the arithmetic mean of valid single results.
- Test report must identify the sample, present test sequence results, laboratory name, date, reference to EN ISO 3815-1:2005 and responsible signature.
- Informative performance data
- Annex A lists common analytical lines (wavelengths) for elements such as Zn, Pb, Cd, Fe, Cu, Sn, Al and Mg.
- Annex B gives example coefficients of variation (reproducibility) for elements at representative concentrations.
- Annex C provides example limits of detection (LOD) for spark OES lines (e.g., Cd 228.8 nm LOD ~0.1 µg/g).
Applications and users
- Quality control and incoming inspection in zinc production and zinc-alloy manufacturing
- Metallurgical laboratories performing composition analysis and certification
- Foundries, diecasters and galvanizers monitoring alloying and impurity levels
- Standards organizations and conformity assessment bodies implementing harmonized testing procedures
Related standards
- ISO 3815-2 (Part 2: analysis by ICP-OES)
- ISO 301 (Zinc alloy ingots intended for casting)
- ISO 752 (Zinc ingots)
- ISO 20081 (method of sampling for zinc and zinc alloys)
EN ISO 3815-1:2005 provides a practical, standardized OES framework for reliable chemical analysis of zinc and zinc alloys, enabling consistent quality control and regulatory compliance across laboratories and industry.