DIN EN 13445-6:2026-12

Safe design and manufacture of spheroidal graphite cast iron pressure vessels

DIN EN 13445-6:2026-12 specifies requirements for the design and manufacture of unfired pressure vessels made of spheroidal graphite cast iron. It helps manufacturers, designers and inspection bodies select suitable materials, safely design pressure-bearing components and demonstrate their quality. As part of the DIN EN 13445 series of standards, it takes into account the specific properties of ferritic and austenitic spheroidal graphite cast iron as well as the requirements of the European Pressure Equipment Directive 2014/68/EU.

What is DIN EN 13445-6 about?

The standard defines material, design, manufacturing and testing requirements for pressure vessels made of spheroidal graphite cast iron. It applies to vessels and pressure-bearing components with a maximum allowable pressure of up to 100 bar for gases and liquids in groups 1 and 2, and up to 1,000 bar for liquids in group 2.

The focus is on design under static and cyclic loading, fatigue life assessment, and the testing of material and casting properties. The standard also includes requirements for non-destructive testing, hydrostatic testing, marking and technical documentation.

Topics covered

• Design and manufacture of pressure vessels made of spheroidal graphite cast iron
• Ferritic and austenitic cast iron grades
• Allowable pressure and temperature ranges
• Static and cyclic loading
• Wall thickness calculation and strength verification
• Simplified and detailed fatigue assessment
• Analytical and experimental design methods
• Material testing and assessment of graphite structure
• Non-destructive testing and hydrostatic testing
• Marking, traceability and documentation

Practical relevance

Spheroidal graphite cast iron is used for pressure-bearing components that require defined strength, toughness and service properties. DIN EN 13445-6 helps companies coordinate material selection, design and quality verification and address the specific requirements of cast pressure vessels.

The methods for fatigue assessment and verification of pressure resistance are particularly relevant. They enable a traceable assessment of components under varying loads and support the safe design and manufacture of complex cast structures.

Changes compared with DIN EN 13445-6:2021-12

The 2026 edition includes only minor adjustments compared with the previous edition. The changes include:

• Updated normative references in Clause 2 and throughout the document
• Editorial corrections to improve clarity and usability

No significant technical changes compared with the 2021 edition have been indicated.

Target audience

• Manufacturers of unfired pressure vessels
• Foundries and casting manufacturers
• Designers and development engineers
• Materials engineers
• Mechanical and process engineers
• Quality managers and materials testing specialists
• Testing and inspection bodies
• Pressure equipment experts
• Pressure equipment conformity specialists

Conclusion

DIN EN 13445-6:2026-12 provides the key basis for the standards-compliant design and manufacture of pressure vessels made of spheroidal graphite cast iron. With its specific requirements for materials, calculation methods and testing, it supports the safe and traceable design of cast pressure vessels.

This document replaces DIN EN 13445-6:2021-12 .