For our internal specifications, we have kept our own references, which are coming from various standards and names (NFA, BS, DIN, Air, QQN, AMS, SAE, ASTM, etc…).

The evolution de notre system will be the denomination of each alloy as per the American classification UNS (Unified Numbering System), which collaborates with SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers, Inc) and ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials).

We have choosen the American normative system as per the two classifications UNS and ASTM ; this system has the advantage to be agreed in all the user countries, and to be respected and understood by the whole metal manufacturers in the world.

(Unified Numbering System)

Collects all known metals or alloys, as per a chemical value which is definitely fixed, and which allocates a number to each of them. This number (generally five figures) is preceded by a letter which classifies it in a precise class, whith its derived alloys.
For the metals we sale, they are the following letters :

Aluminium and alloys	A
Copper and alloys	C
Nickel and alloys	N
Titanium and alloys	R
Zirconium and alloys	R
Iron-base superalloys	S

For information, other numbers are following :

Rare earths	E
Cast irons	F
Carbon and alloy steels	G
High alloy steels	H
Cast steels	J
Miscellaneous steels	K
Low melting alloys	L
Miscellaneous nonferrous alloys	M
Precious metals	P
Refractory metals and alloys	R
Tool steels	T
Welding filler metals	W
Zinc and allloys	Z

(American Society for Testing and Materials)

Collects all metals or alloys classified by specific category of shape, of use, or of processing type. It collects all tests and possible controls applicable to the determination of the health of each metal.

Main classifications also are preceded by a letter, alloting the register to an alloy category.

ASTM A	For ferrous metals
ASTM B	For nonferrous metals
ASTM E	For miscellaneous subjects (tests)
ASTM F	For specific applications
ASTM G	For destructive and corrosion tests

Then, inside each category one number specifies the type of distinction, for example ASTM B166 means : B for nonferrous alloy register, and number 166 specifies it concerns bars or threads in the alloys designated by their UNS number.

Examples:

In each category, all metals or alloys will be named by their UNS number.

If a customer wants a metal as per ASTM B564 UNS N10276, he will receive a nickel alloy (N10276, usual name : C276) as obtained by forging B564 ; if the same customer wants ASTM B574 + B564 UNS N10276, he will receive the same alloy (N10276, or C276), but this will be in conformity with the double application of bars (B574) and forged pieces (B564) : mechanical values will be those including both specifications.