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IS 209:1992 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for zinc ingots - specification. This standard covers the requirements and methods of test for virgin zinc in the form of ingots. It is primarily utilized by metallurgists, procurement teams, and manufacturers to verify the purity and chemical composition of zinc intended for processes like hot-dip galvanizing, die-casting, alloy production, and dry battery manufacturing.
Specifies the requirements for different grades of zinc ingots for various industrial uses.
Overview
Status
Current
Usage level
Specialized
Domain
Materials Science — Aluminium and Non-Ferrous Metals
! Ensure the correct grade is selected for the specific application; Zn 99.995 (Special High Grade) is highly recommended for die-casting to avoid intergranular corrosion, whereas lower grades like Zn 98.50 may be acceptable for standard hot-dip galvanizing.
! Visual inspection is required before chemical sampling to ensure the ingots are clean and free from slag, dross, dirt, and other foreign inclusions.
Both specify chemical composition requirements for various grades of zinc ingots (slabs) used in galvanizing, die casting, and alloying.
ISO 752:2004International Organization for Standardization (ISO)
HighCurrent
Zinc ingots
Both standards specify chemical compositions and define grades for zinc ingots intended for various industrial uses.
EN 1179:2003European Committee for Standardization (CEN)
HighCurrent
Zinc and zinc alloys - Primary zinc
Both classify primary zinc by grades based on chemical composition for use in galvanizing, alloys, and general industry.
JIS H 2107:2022Japanese Industrial Standards Committee (JISC), Japan
MediumCurrent
Zinc ingots
Provides specifications for quality and grades of zinc ingots, with a strong focus on grades similar to SHG and HG.
Key Differences
≠IS 209:1992 specifies three primary grades (SHG, HG, PW), whereas modern international standards like ASTM B6 and EN 1179 define a larger number of grades, including specialized ones for continuous galvanizing (e.g., CGG).
≠The lowest purity grade in IS 209, Prime Western (PW) at 98.0% min Zinc, has been largely phased out or redefined in current international standards. For example, the PW grade was removed from ASTM B6, and the closest ISO 752 equivalent (Z5) requires a higher purity of 98.5% Zinc.
≠IS 209:1992 is a significantly older standard than its international counterparts (e.g., ASTM B6 was reaffirmed in 2023). The international standards reflect more recent market demands and production capabilities.
≠IS 209 specifies mandatory color-coding for marking each grade of ingot (e.g., two red stripes for SHG), while standards like ASTM B6 are less prescriptive, allowing for marking by agreement between producer and purchaser.
Key Similarities
≈The fundamental basis for classification in both IS 209 and its international equivalents is the chemical composition, specifically the maximum allowable limits for impurities like Lead, Cadmium, and Iron.
≈The chemical requirements for the highest purity grade, Special High Grade (SHG) at 99.995% Zn, are nearly identical across IS 209, ISO 752 (Grade Z1), and the LME contract grade referenced by ASTM B6, indicating a global consensus.
≈All standards cover zinc in ingot form intended for subsequent use in major applications like hot-dip galvanizing, die casting alloy production, and brass manufacturing.
≈The core concepts of Special High Grade (SHG) and High Grade (HG) zinc as distinct purity tiers are common to IS 209 and all major international standards, forming the backbone of the zinc trade.
Parameter Comparison
Parameter
IS Value
International
Source
Zinc Purity (Min), Special High Grade
99.995%
99.995% (Grade Z1)
ISO 752:2004
Lead (Pb) Limit, Special High Grade (99.995%)
0.003% max
0.003% max
ISO 752:2004
Cadmium (Cd) Limit, Special High Grade (99.995%)
0.003% max
0.003% max
ASTM B6 - 18(2023)
Iron (Fe) Limit, Special High Grade (99.995%)
0.002% max
0.002% max
ISO 752:2004
Zinc Purity (Min), Lowest Grade
98.0% (Prime Western)
98.5% (Grade Z5)
ISO 752:2004
Lead (Pb) Limit, Lowest Grade
1.50% max (Prime Western)
1.2% max (Grade Z5)
ISO 752:2004
Total Impurities, High Grade (HG)
0.05% max
0.05% max (Total of Pb, Cd, Fe, Sn, Al, Cu)
ASTM B6 - 18(2023)
⚠ Verify details from original standards before use
Key Values5
Quick Reference Values
Zn 99.995 (Special High Grade) minimum zinc content99.995%