January 2026 Metallurgy Standards: New Methods, Testing, and Requirements

The field of metallurgy continues to advance with the publication of five significant international standards in January 2026. These updates are set to shape analysis, production, and quality assurance across steel, cast iron, hardmetals, and related applications. Covering analytical testing, monitoring, and key product specifications, these standards represent essential reading for industry professionals aiming to stay at the forefront of compliance and technical excellence. This is the first in a three-part series by iTeh Standards covering all January 2026 updates in this category.

Overview / Introduction

Metallurgy underpins industries as diverse as automotive, aerospace, construction, and manufacturing. Reliable material properties, precise quality control, and advanced testing are mission-critical at both the raw materials and finished product stages. International standards ensure interoperability and safety while driving progress in materials science.

In this article, you’ll discover:

• The latest internationally recognized methods for testing and analysis in metallurgy
• Updated requirements that impact procurement, quality assurance, and compliance
• Practical implications for implementation and industry impact
• Direct access to new standards via iTeh Standards’ authoritative online catalog

Read on to explore each standard in depth, learn key highlights, and understand what’s new for January 2026.

Detailed Standards Coverage

ISO 629:2026 - Determination of Manganese Content in Steel and Cast Iron

Steel and cast iron — Determination of manganese content — Spectrophotometric method

This standard specifies a precise spectrophotometric method to quantify manganese content in steel and cast iron, covering concentrations from 0.001% to 4.0%. Accurate manganese determination is critical, impacting mechanical characteristics such as strength and toughness, and ensuring compliance with industry and regulatory specifications.

The method involves dissolution of the sample in a specifically controlled acid mixture, followed by forming a colored complex and measuring its absorbance at around 545 nm. Updates in this edition include refined normative references, new procedures for solution preparation, the addition of a blank test, and clearer result expressions—offering enhanced accuracy and repeatability for laboratories.

Targeted at both steelmakers and foundries, as well as quality control labs and certification authorities, this standard is essential for organizations needing consistent and recognized chemical analysis procedures.

Key highlights:

• Applicable for manganese contents from 0.001% to 4.0%
• Improved procedures for sample preparation, testing, and calibration
• Incorporates updated references and allows for alternative solutions

Access the full standard:View ISO 629:2026 on iTeh Standards

EN ISO 28079:2026 - Palmqvist Toughness Test for Hardmetals

Hardmetals - Palmqvist toughness test (ISO 28079:2026)

EN ISO 28079:2026 defines the Palmqvist method for assessing the fracture toughness of hardmetals and cermets by observing the total length of cracks from a Vickers hardness indentation. This testing approach is especially relevant for cemented carbides and similar material families where traditional fracture toughness testing methods are problematic or impractical.

The standard details test piece preparation, indentation and crack length measurement, and correct interpretation of results in routine quality control, product qualification, and research. It harmonizes terminology and updates references to hardness standards, thus aiding consistency across manufacturers and laboratories.

Notably, this revision clarifies procedures for surface preparation, data reporting, and specific steps for load selection and crack length measurement, leading to greater confidence in comparative material selection and product design.

Key highlights:

• Palmqvist toughness testing for hardmetals and cermets at ambient temperature
• For product design, material selection, and quality control
• Updated procedures for surface preparation and crack measurement

Access the full standard:View EN ISO 28079:2026 on iTeh Standards

ISO 18971:2026 - Corrosion Monitoring of Stainless Steel in Industrial Cooling Water

Corrosion of metals and alloys — Monitoring method for corrosion states of stainless steel in industrial cooling water

ISO 18971:2026 introduces a comprehensive method for monitoring corrosion in stainless steel components—like heat exchanger tubes and plates—used within industrial cooling water systems. This is vital for utilities, power plants, and industries where integrity and longevity of stainless steel infrastructure are essential.

The standard combines polarization resistance measurement and corrosion potential analysis, providing a practical on-site monitoring solution across a broad range of water qualities (pH 5.0–11.0, conductivity above 20 µS/cm, and temperatures from 0°C to 60°C). It enhances the detection of localized corrosion, like pitting, which can lead to critical equipment failures if undetected.

ISO 18971 outlines required probes, calibration cycles, data acquisition procedures, and reporting requirements, ensuring a robust and traceable corrosion monitoring program for industrial operation, predictive maintenance, and compliance.

Key highlights:

• Modern electrochemical monitoring of stainless steel in cooling water
• Suitable for a variety of water sources and industrial environments
• Includes calibration, data analysis, and evaluation procedures

Access the full standard:View ISO 18971:2026 on iTeh Standards

ISO 18203:2026 - Measuring Surface-Hardened Layer Thickness in Steel

Steel — Determination of the thickness of surface-hardened layers

This thoroughly revised standard specifies robust methods for determining the depth of hardening achieved on steel via both thermal and thermochemical treatments. Practically, this includes case hardening depth (CHD), surface hardening depth (SHD), nitriding hardness depth (NHD), and the total thickness of the hardened layer (THD), using hardness profiling and microstructural analysis.

The 2026 edition removes previous references to processes like shot peening and compound layer thickness, introduces standard test loads for hardness depth determination, and gives clearer instructions for core hardness measurement. It also expands guidance for Rockwell testing and precise reporting. These enhancements ensure harmonized reporting and measurability—key for automotive, aerospace, toolmaking, and any sector relying on surface-engineered steel parts.

Key highlights:

• Comprehensive guidance for measuring hardened layer thickness
• Applicability to thermal and thermochemical hardening (e.g., carburizing, nitriding)
• Clear reporting and expanded Rockwell test guidance

Access the full standard:View ISO 18203:2026 on iTeh Standards

ISO 8458-1:2026 - General Requirements for Steel Wire for Mechanical Springs

Steel wire for mechanical springs — Part 1: General requirements

ISO 8458-1:2026 sets out the foundational requirements for steel spring wire of round cross-section—the basis for manufacturing mechanical springs critical to automotive, industrial, and consumer products. This third edition updates normative references and streamlines document structure for clarity and practical use.

Covering dimensional tolerances, surface quality, chemical composition, and a full suite of mechanical testing (tensile, wrapping, coiling, torsion, and bend tests), this standard helps ensure that supplied spring wire meets customer needs for quality, reliability, and performance. The emphasis on sampling, inspection methods (including deep etch and eddy current tests), and orderly complaint handling ensures traceability and consistent conformance across global supply chains.

Key highlights:

• Revised requirements for steel spring wire sampling, testing, and quality documentation
• Mechanical test methods for comprehensive performance assessment
• Harmonized industry language and up-to-date references

Access the full standard:View ISO 8458-1:2026 on iTeh Standards

Industry Impact & Compliance

The January 2026 metallurgy standards create a framework for quality, safety, and efficiency in material production and assessment. Key industry impacts include:

• Enhanced Analytical Controls: Updated chemical and mechanical testing procedures yield greater accuracy, repeatability, and traceability, reducing risk of non-compliance and product failure.
• Standardized Reporting: Clear test protocols and reporting requirements facilitate cross-border trade, support certification processes, and underpin regulatory compliance.
• Improved Monitoring & Maintenance: New methods for monitoring corrosion state reduce downtime, enhance predictive maintenance, and extend equipment life in critical infrastructure.
• Global Market Access: Manufacturers that adopt these standards are positioned for success in international procurement and supply contracts, meeting buyer expectations and minimizing supply chain disputes.

Compliance considerations:

• Ensure laboratory and production procedures are aligned with new methods.
• Update supplier qualification processes to reference the new standard editions.
• Educate personnel on revised test methods, documentation, and reporting structures.
• Plan transition timelines in accordance with regulatory or customer requirements.

Benefits of adoption:

• Fewer product recalls, warranty claims, and liability issues
• Streamlined audits and market access
• Improved customer satisfaction and competitive differentiation

Risks of non-compliance:

• Rejected shipments and contractual penalties
• Regulatory action or product bans
• Increased operational costs due to failures and rework

Technical Insights

Common Technical Requirements Across Standards

• Sample Preparation: Most standards have elevated the importance of standardized sample prep, ensuring reliable test and analysis outcomes.
• Calibration: Regular instrument calibration and operator competence are emphasized to reduce measurement uncertainty.
• Traceability: Documentation and record-keeping are required for all analyses, supporting both internal review and third-party audits.

Implementation Best Practices

1. Assess current procedures against each new standard’s requirements.
2. Train staff on revised protocols, safety updates (e.g., handling of acids, calibration procedures), and new acceptance criteria.
3. Update internal documentation and quality control checklists to ensure consistent compliance.
4. Work with your suppliers to ensure incoming materials are tested and certified to the latest editions.
5. Plan for certification if your processes or products require documented conformity.

Testing and Certification Considerations

• Spectrophotometric analysis and hardness testing require verified, well-maintained equipment.
• Corrosion monitoring may involve new sensors or data acquisition systems—review investment and operational needs accordingly.
• Spring wire and hardened components destined for safety-critical uses may require additional third-party validation or oversight in accordance with industry sector regulations.

Conclusion / Next Steps

The January 2026 metallurgy standards offer critical upgrades for technical professionals seeking to refine their testing and quality management practices. Staying updated with these standards is essential for organizations aiming to maintain compliance, ensure product integrity, and remain competitive in global markets.

Recommendations:

• Review and download each standard relevant to your organization from iTeh Standards
• Integrate updated procedures into your day-to-day operations
• Subscribe to iTeh Standards updates to remain informed as new editions publish
• Seek training and internal audits to ensure smooth transition

By proactively embracing these standards, your organization will be better positioned to deliver quality products, minimize compliance risks, and drive innovation throughout the metallurgy value chain.

Stay tuned for Part 2 of our January 2026 Metallurgy Standards coverage, or explore the full catalog today on iTeh Standards.