Released on February 10, 2010

An ASTM International committee recently approved a new standard that provides an outline for how to do business when selling and purchasing squeeze, thixocast or rheocast parts.

The standard, written for casting designers, purchasers, producers and technical societies, was approved by the International Committee B07 on Light Metals and Alloys and developed by Subcommittee B07.01 on Aluminum Alloy Ingots and Castings.

According to Brian Cochran, president, Brian P. Cochran and Associates LLC, Wabash, Ind., and chairman of B07.01, the standard (B969, “Specification for Aluminum-Alloy Castings Produced by the Squeeze Casting, Thixocast and Rheocast Semi-Solid Casting Processes”) defines responsibilities for producers and purchasers, the type of testing to be conducted on parts and how it is to be conducted.

Cochran said B07.01 invites interested parties to help develop other standards for metal matrix composites and lost foam castings. The subcommittee is particularly interested in input from casting producers.

ASTM International is an international standards developer. Its standards are accepted and used in research and development, product testing, quality systems and commercial transactions.