Section 9 Steel castings for container corner fittings

9.1.1 This Section gives the requirements for cast steel corner fittings used in the fabrication of freight and tank containers. The fittings are also to comply with the requirements of the latest edition of International Standard ISO 1161.

9.1.2 The castings are to be made in foundries approved by LR. These foundries are also to be specially approved for the manufacture of container corner castings. In order to comply with these requirements, the manufacturer is required to verify that the casting soundness, mechanical properties, weldability and dimensional tolerances required by this Section and the manufacturing specification are met.

9.1.3 Castings may be released on the basis of an LR survey or, alternatively, the manufacturer may be approved by means of a Quality Assurance Scheme as detailed in Ch 1, 2 Approval and survey requirements.

9.2.1 Chemical analysis is to be carried out on each cast.

9.2.2 The chemical composition of the ladle samples is to comply with recognised National Standards and be within the limits given in Table 4.9.1 Chemical composition of steel castings for container corner fittings.

9.2.3 The carbon equivalent

must not exceed 0,45 per cent.

9.3.1 Castings are to be supplied either :

1. normalised; or

2. water or oil quenched and tempered at a temperature of not less than 550°C.

9.4.1 At least one tensile test is to be made on each batch of castings, using separately cast test bars which are to be from the same cast and heat treatment lot as the castings they represent.

9.4.2 The results of the tensile tests are to comply with the following:

When required by design, Charpy V-notch impact testing at temperatures lower than −40 °C may be required.

9.5.1 A visual check for defects shall be carried out on the exterior and interior surfaces of each fitting. All defective fittings shall be destroyed.

9.5.2 Ultrasonic or radiographic testing is to be carried out, in accordance with the appropriate requirements of Ch 4, 1.8 Volumetric Non-Destructive Examination 1.8.1 to Ch 4, 1.8 Volumetric Non-Destructive Examination 1.8.11 respectively, on at least one casting from each cast or from every 400 castings, whichever is the lesser. If defects are found, all fittings in the batch shall be tested. All defective fittings shall be destroyed.

9.6.1 Minor defects may be removed by grinding provided that the allowable minus tolerance is not exceeded.

9.6.2 Welding repair is not permitted.

9.7.1 Each casting is to be clearly marked by the manufacturer with at least the following:

1. manufacturer's name or trade mark,

2. cast number or identification number which will enable the full history of the casting to be traced.

9.7.2 Where the casting has been inspected and found acceptable it is to be marked with the Surveyor's personal stamp.

9.7.3 The markings may be stamped or cast on the inner surface of the casting.

9.8.1 For each consignment an LR certificate, see Ch 1, 3.1 General, is to be issued for castings made under LR survey or alternatively a manufacturer’s certificate is to be issued containing at least the following:

1. Purchaser's name and order number.

2. Grade of steel.

3. Drawing and/or specification number.

4. Cast number and chemical composition.

5. Details of the heat treatment.

6. Number and weight of the castings.

7. Results of inspections and mechanical tests.

See (Ch 1, 3.1 General), for manufacturers approved under a Quality Assurance Scheme.