ISO 197-1:1983

Overview

ISO 197-1:1983 - "Copper and copper alloys - Terms and definitions - Part 1: Materials" is an international standard that defines the vocabulary and classification used across the copper industry. It establishes clear, internationally agreed terms for forms of copper, copper alloys, refining methods and general metallurgical concepts. The standard supports consistent material descriptions for manufacturing, trade, customs classification and standards development.

Key topics

• General terminology: Definitions for fundamental terms such as alloy, alloying element, impurity, master alloy, wrought alloy, casting alloy, heat‑treatable and non‑heat‑treatable.
• Unrefined copper: Specific terms and forms (for example copper matte, black copper, blister copper, cement copper) and their descriptions.
• Refined copper: Types (notably oxygen‑free copper, tough‑pitch copper, deoxidized/phosphorus‑deoxidized copper) and minimum composition thresholds - the standard cites a minimum copper content of 99.85% (m/m) for refined coppers.
• Refining methods: Defined processes such as chemical refining, electrolytic refining, electro‑winning, and fire refining.
• Copper alloys classification: Categorization and definitions for major alloy families - brasses (copper‑zinc), bronzes (copper‑tin), nickel‑silver (copper‑nickel‑zinc), copper‑nickel, copper‑aluminium, and special copper alloys (e.g., CuBe, CuSiMn, CuNiSi).
• Annex - dividing line: An annex provides a table of limiting element contents used to determine whether a material is classified as copper or a copper alloy. This table is intended as a classification principle (for use in case of doubt), not as a procurement or testing specification.

Applications and users

Who benefits from ISO 197-1:1983:

• Metallurgists and materials engineers - for correct terminology in specifications and reports.
• Manufacturers and foundries - to classify feedstocks and finished products.
• Quality and testing laboratories - to ensure consistent material identification and communication.
• Customs authorities and trade professionals - supports Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System (Harmonized System) classification (work coordinated with the Customs Co‑operation Council).
• Standards developers and procurement teams - to write unambiguous product standards and purchase requirements.

Practical uses:

• Standardizing material descriptions in technical documentation and contracts.
• Guiding classification of copper products for tariffs and trade.
• Clarifying refining process terminology in process control and supplier communications.

Related standards

• Developed by ISO/TC 26 (Copper and copper alloys); the document replaced the earlier ISO/TR 197/1-1976 and supports harmonization with the CCC/Harmonized System.