What is ISO 11971 about?
ISO 11971 covers the acceptance criteria for the visual testing of the surface of steel and iron castings. Acceptance levels utilize Bureau de Normalization des Industries de la Fonderie (BNIF) and Steel.
Castings Research and Trade Association (SCRATA) or Casting Technology International (CTI) reference comparators for the visual determination of surface roughness and surface discontinuities described as follows:
- Surface roughness
- Thermal dressing
- Mechanical dressing
- Non-metallic inclusions
- Gas porosity
- Fusion discontinuities
- Expansion discontinuities
- Metal inserts
Who is ISO 11971 for?
ISO 11971 on visual testing of surface quality is relevant to:
- Iron and steel manufacturer
- Quality controller
- Supplier and customer of steel and iron castings
Why should you use ISO 11971?
Visual inspection is the oldest and most basic method of inspection. In its simplest form, visual inspection is the process of examining a component or piece of equipment using one's naked eye to look for flaws.
ISO 11971 guides the user in visual inspection of steel and iron castings by providing information on the test method, Acceptance criteria, BNIF and SCRATA surface roughness and dressing comparators.
ISO 11971 provides guidelines and methods of visual testing given by Bureau de Normalization des Industries de la Fonderie (BNIF) and Steel Castings Research and Trade Association (SCRATA) or Casting Technology International (CTI)
As a buyer of ISO 11971, you can ensure the quality as it helps the user to perform visual testing on steel and iron castings. ISO 11971 assist the user in maintaining the quality of the product and helps him to build consumer trust and confidence in the product.
What’s changed since the last update?
BS ISO 11971:2020 supersedes BS ISO 11971:2008, which is withdrawn
The main changes compared to the previous edition are as follows:
- “Normative References” added as new Clause 2 and “Terms and Definitions” added as new Clause 3, subsequent Clauses were renumbered
- Correction in Test Methods Clause 5 (previously Clause 3) regarding the use of SCRATA comparators for iron castings
- Table 3 and Table 4 on Optional roughness acceptance levels and Optional surface-discontinuity acceptance levels in the previous edition were moved to new Annex A

