Metallurgy Standards: October 2025 Monthly Overview (Part 1)

Looking back at October 2025, the metallurgy sector witnessed a robust pace of standardization, with five significant standards introduced that touched on materials production, powder characterization, corrosion resistance, analytical accuracy, and environmental durability. This first in a two-part monthly overview revisits each standard, distilling technical highlights and exploring the broader trends they signal across the industry. For professionals responsible for product quality, regulatory compliance, or advancing research, this review will help distill what mattered most—and why remaining up to date with these publications remains critical in an evolving field.

Monthly Overview: October 2025

October 2025 saw a particularly active period for metallurgy-related standards. Keeping pace with market demands for higher material purity, advanced testing protocols, and greater operational durability, international committees released documents spanning certified reference material production, powder metallurgy, corrosion-resistant equipment for energy sectors, rare earth analytical techniques, and guidance on preventing steel corrosion in marine concrete structures.

Compared to previous months, standards activity was especially notable for its breadth—standards ranged from recommendations and test methods to highly technical delivery specifications. This suite of publications showcased the industry’s ongoing transition: meeting the complex demands of decarbonizing energy systems, ensuring fitness-for-purpose in specialty materials, supporting data reliability for global trade, and mitigating long-term structural risk in aggressive environments. Collectively, the standards released in October pointed toward a future where quality assurance, reproducibility, and environmental stewardship stand at the forefront of metallurgical practice.

Standards Published This Month

ISO 33408:2025 - Guidance for the Production of Pure Inorganic Substance Certified Reference Materials

Guidance for the production of pure inorganic substance certified reference materials

ISO 33408:2025 provided targeted technical guidance for producing certified reference materials (CRMs) consisting of pure metals or their crystalline salt forms, aligning with ISO 17034’s general competence requirements for reference material producers. Its focus is on solid, pure metal or crystalline salt CRMs, covering both final and candidate materials.

The standard details each step of CRM production, from specifying intended use and measurand to material sourcing, verification of principal chemical species identity, purity assessment, packaging, homogeneity, stability, and documentation. Emphasis is placed on practical aspects including heterogeneity assessment, validation of analytical procedures, traceability of certified values, and ensuring safe storage and handling.

For laboratories, producers, and those involved in calibration or traceability for analytical measurements in metallurgy, ISO 33408:2025 sets a rigorous, harmonized framework—strengthening the integrity of critical reference materials used in quality assurance and high-precision testing.

Key highlights:

• Structured roadmap for production and certification of solid metal/crystalline salt CRMs.
• Emphasis on homogeneity, stability, and metrological traceability.
• Alignment with ISO 17034 and best practices for purity assessment and documentation.

Access the full standard:View ISO 33408:2025 on iTeh Standards

EN ISO 3953:2025 - Metallic Powders – Determination of Tap Density (ISO 3953:2025)

Metallic powders - Determination of tap density (ISO 3953:2025)

Superseding its previous edition, EN ISO 3953:2025 specified a uniform method for determining the tap density of metallic powders, a critical parameter in powder metallurgy and additive manufacturing. Tap density indicates how powders compact under controlled tapping—a key attribute affecting storage, flow, and downstream processing.

The standard sets forth apparatus specifications, preparation procedures, step-wise measurement protocol, requirements for sample handling, and calculation methods for expressing tap density results. By clarifying the procedure, it addresses common sources of variability, enabling operators and laboratories to report comparable, reproducible results—vital in global manufacturing, quality assurance, and R&D.

Applicable to powder producers, quality managers, and technical teams in sintered product and additive manufacturing industries, this update ensures alignment with the latest technological and regulatory demands, supporting ongoing shifts towards digitalized and precision-controlled metal part production.

Key highlights:

• Comprehensive procedure and apparatus specification for tap density testing.
• Clarifies steps for reproducibility: sample handling, tapping, and calculation.
• Vital for powder metallurgy, additive manufacturing, and quality control.

Access the full standard:View EN ISO 3953:2025 on iTeh Standards

EN ISO 13680:2025 - Oil and Gas Industries Including Lower Carbon Energy – Corrosion-Resistant Alloy Seamless Products for Use as Casing, Tubing, Coupling Stock and Accessory Material – Technical Delivery Conditions (ISO 13680:2024)

Oil and gas industries including lower carbon energy - Corrosion-resistant alloy seamless products for use as casing, tubing, coupling stock and accessory material - Technical delivery conditions (ISO 13680:2024)

EN ISO 13680:2025 set out detailed technical delivery conditions for corrosion-resistant alloy (CRA) seamless products used in oil and gas (including renewable/low carbon energy projects). The scope encompasses casing, tubing, coupling stock, and accessory materials across five product groups, detailing both material and process requirements for PSL-1 (basic level) and PSL-2 (enhanced corrosion/cracking resistance).

The standard includes definitive requirements for chemical composition, mechanical properties (tensile, hardness, Charpy V-notch impact), microstructure, surface condition, dimensions/tolerances, control plans, defect tolerance, and traceability. Notably, it builds on or references ISO 15156 and NACE MR0175 for resistance to sour/cracking environments—critical where operational safety and long-term reliability must be assured.

Targeted at manufacturers, procurement specialists, and project engineers in energy extraction and transport, this standard plays a foundational role in supply chain assurance for high-value, high-risk components, and reflects the trend toward durability and sustainable asset management in decarbonizing energy portfolios.

Key highlights:

• Wide application: covers all main forms of CRA alloy tubular products for hydrocarbon and lower-carbon energy sectors.
• Two product specification levels with optional enhanced resistance criteria.
• References industry-critical hydrogen sulfide (H2S) resistance standards (ISO 15156, NACE MR0175).

Access the full standard:View EN ISO 13680:2025 on iTeh Standards

ISO 24548:2025 - Rare Earth – Determination of Moisture Content in Rare Earth Products – Gravimetric Method

Rare earth - Determination of moisture content in rare earth products - Gravimetric method

ISO 24548:2025 introduced a standardized gravimetric method for quantifying moisture content in rare earth solid concentrates, oxides (excluding lanthanum and neodymium oxides), and fluorides—a critical parameter for both trade and analytical laboratory workflows. The standard defines measurement ranges, apparatus, sample preparation, calculation, and reporting, clarifying procedures for improved precision and minimizing disputes.

Moisture content determination is foundational to accurate assessment of chemical composition and physical properties, impacting pricing, processing, and downstream product performance. Excluded materials (such as those highly reactive with atmospheric moisture) are acknowledged, with methodological notes for their handling.

Primary users include rare earth refiners, traders, analysts, and research labs, reinforcing traceability and harmonization of results used in both regulatory compliance and international commerce in these high-value materials.

Key highlights:

• Gravimetric test method for moisture in rare earth concentrates, oxides, and fluorides.
• Specifies applicable ranges, apparatus, and reportable results.
• Does not apply to lanthanum/neodymium oxides—guidance for alternative handling provided.

Access the full standard:View ISO 24548:2025 on iTeh Standards

ISO/TR 22861:2025 - Guidance on Marine Environment Zonation for Steel Corrosion Embedded in Concrete

Guidance on marine environment zonation for steel corrosion embedded in concrete

This technical report established a methodology for dividing exposure zones for reinforced concrete structures in marine environments, with a particular emphasis on identifying the risks and intensity of environmental action (e.g., chloride-induced corrosion) on embedded steel. The procedural framework includes investigation, test specimen fabrication, exposure measurement, and zone determination.

Key components include distinction of vertical/horizontal platforms and exposure points, integration of environmental data such as tidal levels and distance from coastline, and guidance for experimental and estimation-based approaches. Annexes provide practical case studies for zone assessment based on corrosion potential, ionic concentration, and resistivity measurements.

ISO/TR 22861:2025 is particularly valuable for civil engineers, corrosion professionals, and asset owners designing concrete infrastructure exposed to marine hazards—enabling more precise durability assessment, targeted protection measures, and effective asset management for cost and safety optimization.

Key highlights:

• Comprehensive procedure for zoning marine-exposed concrete based on environmental action.
• Supports site-specific durability assessment, asset management, and corrosion prevention design.
• Includes case studies and guidance for both experimental and estimation-based approaches.

Access the full standard:View ISO/TR 22861:2025 on iTeh Standards

Common Themes and Industry Trends

A retrospective analysis of October 2025’s metallurgy standards reveals several unifying themes:

• Quality Assurance and Traceability: Both reference material (ISO 33408) and gravimetric analysis (ISO 24548) standards reinforce the sector’s focus on data reliability and traceability, crucial for global trade and regulatory compliance.
• Performance and Durability in Demanding Environments: EN ISO 13680 and ISO/TR 22861 address the durability of high-performance alloys and steel in energy infrastructure and marine environments, reflecting the drive for sustainable asset life cycles and safety.
• Measurement Precision and Standardization: The tap density method (EN ISO 3953) and gravimetric analysis (ISO 24548) address the need for reproducible, harmonized methodologies underlining material consistency and comparability.
• Environmental Considerations: Marine exposure zoning and corrosion guidance (ISO/TR 22861) point to a growing trend toward integrating environmental and sustainability concerns into standard practice, especially for infrastructure longevity.
• Sector Cross-Pollination: Several documents, especially EN ISO 13680, bridge traditional metallurgy with energy transition requirements, showing how metallurgical innovation increasingly serves diverse sectors such as oil and gas, renewables, and advanced manufacturing.

Compliance and Implementation Considerations

For industry organizations impacted by these standards, several actionable priorities emerged this month:

1. Perform Standards Mapping: Benchmark current operational, testing, and procurement practices against the latest standards, especially where revised or new requirements may impact production lines, laboratory accreditation, or supply chain relationships.
2. Update Quality Management Systems: Integrate new guidance on reference material production, powder testing, and moisture analysis into documented procedures, supporting ongoing accreditation and audit readiness.
3. Review Procurement Specifications: For entities sourcing corrosion-resistant alloys or powders, reference the latest delivery and specification standards to mitigate procurement risk and ensure supplier compliance.
4. Enhance Training and Reporting: Ensure that technical, laboratory, and compliance staff receive targeted training on new or updated methodology. Consistent reporting practices, as reinforced by the standards, will minimize stakeholder disputes and streamline regulatory submissions.
5. Monitor Environmental and Asset Durability: Asset owners, especially in marine or corrosive environments, should apply the new zonation methodologies for design, maintenance, and protection decision-making to minimize lifecycle costs and risk.

Implementation Timeline:

• Newly published standards typically become effective upon publication but may allow transition periods for compliance. Refer to referenced standards for transitional arrangements where applicable.
• Early engagement, before mandated compliance, often yields the greatest return—enabling process improvement and competitive advantage.

Getting Started:

• Access the latest standards on iTeh Standards to ensure you reference the most up-to-date requirements.
• Engage with industry associations and technical committees for updates, interpretation, and best practices on implementation.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways from October 2025

October 2025 exemplified the dynamic progress of metallurgy standardization: from analytical reproducibility and traceable reference material production to enhancing performance in critical applications and integrating environmental protection in material design. The highlighted standards form a foundation for robust quality assurance, compliance, and innovation within the sector.

For professionals and organizations in metallurgy:

• Prioritize awareness of these publications to align quality, supply chain, and R&D practices with the latest global benchmarks.
• Invest in training and standards integration to maintain competitiveness and regulatory readiness.
• Close the loop between technical protocols and operational excellence—every standard covered supports improved outcomes in product performance, durability, and reputation.

To explore each document in depth, visit iTeh Standards for authoritative access and tools to manage your standards compliance strategy.

Stay tuned for Part 2, which will further cover additional standards published in October 2025 for the metallurgy sector and extend this retrospective analysis to the remainder of the month’s releases.