Tense is the ISRI code for mixed aluminium castings. It covers cast parts in various foundry alloys, such as gearbox and engine covers, pump bodies, housings and brackets. The specification requires the material to be free of iron, dirt, brass, bushings and non-metallic items, with limits on oil and grease. Specific cast items have their own codes, such as Troma for auto wheels and Tarry for pistons.
Why it matters when buying
- Cast scrap is high in silicon and often copper and zinc, so it suits remelting into casting alloys such as ADC12 rather than wrought products.
- Iron inserts, bolts, steel liners and bushings are the main contamination; break a few pieces or use a magnet to check.
- Oil and grease from engine parts cut recovery and add smoke; agree acceptable levels.
- Zinc die castings mixed in by mistake raise zinc in the melt, so sorting quality matters.
Typical uses
Tense is a core input for secondary smelters producing ADC12, LM24 and similar alloy ingots. Clean, sorted Tense usually commands a better rate. See the scrap grades guide.