January 2026 Metallurgy Standards: Updates on Steel Wire, Low-Carbon Tech, and Sintered Metals

Metallurgy professionals, quality managers, and engineers will want to take note of five newly released international standards that are reshaping best practices in steel wire manufacturing, low-carbon process deployment, hardmetals testing, and porous metal component assessment. Published in January 2026, these standards respond to evolving industry demands for improved performance, sustainability, and globally aligned methodologies, providing fresh guidance for spring wire production, environmental management, and technical testing in metallurgy operations.

Overview

The metallurgy sector is at the heart of modern industry, underpinning everything from automotive components to advanced engineering systems. International standards in this field provide a foundation for product consistency, performance, and safety—critical considerations given the intricate processes and high demands for reliability. With growing pressure to improve efficiency, lower emissions, and guarantee material properties, up-to-date standards act as invaluable tools for professionals across manufacturing, quality control, procurement, and compliance.

In this article, we cover the latest updates to five important standards published in January 2026. Readers will gain insights into new requirements for steel wire in spring manufacturing, application guidance for low-carbon steelmaking, advanced toughness testing for hardmetals, and procedures for assessing the physical characteristics of sintered metal components. These updates deliver clear benefits to those seeking compliance, competitive performance, and leadership in sustainable metallurgy.

Detailed Standards Coverage

ISO 8458-2:2026 - Steel Wire for Mechanical Springs: Patented Cold-Drawn Non-Alloy Steel

Steel wire for mechanical springs — Part 2: Patented cold-drawn non-alloy steel wire

This standard specifies the essential requirements for cold-drawn non-alloy steel wire used in the manufacture of mechanical springs for both static and dynamic duty. It builds upon the general framework set out in ISO 8458-1, adding detailed guidance on dimensions, supply conditions, coating, chemical composition, surface quality, and mechanical properties specific to patented cold-drawn wire.

Key requirements and specifications:

• Classification of wire grades and tensile strength for static/dynamic applications
• Tolerances on wire diameter, welds, and straightness
• Chemical composition requirements referencing ISO 16120 parts
• Tests for wrapping, torsion, bend, and coiling to ensure suitable mechanical behavior
• Inspection, sampling, and testing methods outlined for compliance verification

Applicability: This standard is fundamental for manufacturers and suppliers of mechanical springs for automotive, industrial machinery, and consumer products. Compliance ensures reliable performance and adherence to international best practices.

Notable changes:

• Updates to normative references and document structure
• Enhanced clarity in dimensional and mechanical requirements for new applications

Key highlights:

• Explicit classification for tensile strength and permissible wire diameters
• Rigorous surface and mechanical property requirements
• Aligned with current ISO technical directives

Access the full standard:View ISO 8458-2:2026 on iTeh Standards

ISO 8458-3:2026 - Steel Wire for Mechanical Springs: Oil-Hardened and Tempered Wire

Steel wire for mechanical springs — Part 3: Oil-hardened and tempered wire

ISO 8458-3:2026 details requirements for oil-hardened and tempered carbon and low-alloy steel wire, specifically designed for manufacturing mechanical springs exposed to both static and dynamic loading. The standard lays out clear chemical composition limits, mechanical properties, and test methods needed to ensure product reliability and fitness for demanding applications.

Key requirements and specifications:

• Definitions of spring wire grades (static, medium fatigue, high fatigue) and associated diameter ranges
• Detailed chemical composition tables for all grades, including permissible analysis deviations
• Specifications for surface quality, non-metallic inclusion control, and mechanical strength
• Tests including wrapping, bending, torsion, and coiling to validate product toughness and ductility

Applicability: Critical for manufacturers of automotive and industrial springs, quality assurance teams, and procurement specialists sourcing high-performance spring wire.

Notable changes:

• Updated grading system and expanded chemical analysis tables
• Revised reference alignment and testing instructions for improved global harmonization

Key highlights:

• Distinct categories for wire fatigue performance (static to high fatigue)
• Comprehensive mechanical and technological property validation
• Enhanced test coverage for demanding dynamic applications

Access the full standard:View ISO 8458-3:2026 on iTeh Standards

ISO/TR 25088:2026 - Guidance for the Application of Low-Carbon Technologies in Steel Plants

Guidance for the application of low-carbon technologies in steel plants

This technical report delivers authoritative guidance on how steel plants can adopt emerging and proven low-carbon technologies throughout the entire metallurgical production chain. Covering sintering, coking, ironmaking, steelmaking, casting, and rolling, it supports companies seeking to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve energy efficiency, and meet global sustainability goals.

Key requirements and specifications:

• Classification and description of low-carbon technologies across smelting, recycling, process optimization, CO₂ capture, and utilization
• Detailed discussion of the technology maturity, feasibility, and economic considerations
• Pathways for integrating hydrogen-based reduction, electric arc furnace innovation, and circular economy models
• Emphasis on practical implementation, adaptability, and evolving best practices

Applicability: Essential for plant managers, sustainability leaders, and engineers tasked with decarbonization and environmental compliance in iron and steel production.

Notable changes:

• Consolidation of international approaches to green transformation
• Structured framework for assessing and selecting technologies suited to specific site conditions

Key highlights:

• Holistic view of decarbonization options and technology stages
• Practical insights for technology rollout and process adaptation
• Commitment to ongoing revision as innovations evolve

Access the full standard:View ISO/TR 25088:2026 on iTeh Standards

ISO 28079:2026 - Hardmetals: Palmqvist Toughness Test

Hardmetals — Palmqvist toughness test

ISO 28079:2026 provides an industry-accepted method for measuring the Palmqvist toughness of hardmetals (cemented carbides) and cermets using an indentation method at room temperature. Recognized for its effectiveness in assessing material resistance to crack propagation, it supports both material development and quality assurance in powder metallurgy.

Key requirements and specifications:

• Use of a Vickers hardness indenter and specific measurement of crack lengths from indentation corners
• Test protocols covering piece preparation, indentation, crack measurement, and result calculation
• Coverage of measurement uncertainties and reporting for repeatability and traceability

Applicability: Ideal for laboratories, manufacturers, and researchers involved in hardmetal and cermet development, as well as users of wear-resistant materials in tooling or cutting applications.

Notable changes:

• Adoption of the latest referencing and method updates for better global harmonization
• Expanded guidance for reducing measurement uncertainties and standardizing results

Key highlights:

• Parallel measurement of Vickers hardness and Palmqvist toughness
• Applicable to both quality control and research environments
• Recommendations for minimizing user-induced variability

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

EN ISO 2738:2026 - Permeable Sintered Metal Materials: Determination of Density, Oil Content and Open Porosity

Sintered metal materials, excluding hardmetals - Permeable sintered metal materials - Determination of density, oil content and open porosity (ISO 2738:2026)

EN ISO 2738:2026 offers comprehensive methods for determining the physical properties of porous sintered metal materials, such as bearings and structural parts produced via powder metallurgy. The standard explains procedures for measuring dry density, fully impregnated density, oil content, and open porosity—properties essential to ensuring reliable function in lubrication-dependent and load-bearing applications.

Key requirements and specifications:

• Stepwise procedures for weighing, oil extraction, impregnation, and volume calculation
• Formulae and equipment requirements for precision measurement
• Detailed guidance on preparing and handling test pieces for accurate results

Applicability: Crucial for manufacturers of powder metallurgy bearings, porous filters, and sintered parts, as well as quality laboratories verifying material conformity.

Notable changes:

• Improved instructions for test precision and consistency
• Alignment with revised international powder metallurgy protocols

Key highlights:

• Applicable to a range of sintered components outside of hardmetals
• Enables process optimization for oil retention and porosity control
• Supports quality assurance in critical automotive and industrial uses

Access the full standard:View EN ISO 2738:2026 on iTeh Standards

Industry Impact & Compliance

Adoption of these standards will have significant impacts across the metallurgy sector:

• Operational improvements: Clearer requirements for material classification, performance, and sustainability help manufacturers refine processes and products, reducing defects and increasing value.
• Compliance confidence: Harmonized ISO and EN guidelines minimize risk of non-compliance, regulatory penalties, and international trade barriers.
• Sustainability and competitiveness: The focus on low-carbon technologies signals a shift towards greener, more resilient supply chains and market positioning.
• Cost and risk management: Early adoption allows companies to anticipate audit requirements, streamline certifications, and demonstrate leadership in quality and sustainability.

Implementation timeline: Most organizations should begin compliance review and process updates upon publication, with full alignment expected during the calendar year or as required by contractual obligations and certifications.

Technical Insights

Common Themes

• Rigorous testing methods dominate these new releases, including detailed procedures for chemical, mechanical, and physical characterization (e.g., Vickers and Palmqvist indentation, density and porosity calculations).
• Emphasis on surface and mechanical properties ensures products meet the real-world demands of end users, particularly for springs, bearings, and wear-resistant components.
• Low-carbon transformation is a sector-defining megatrend, with new guidance enabling targeted reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and energy use.

Best Practices for Implementation

1. Gap analysis against new or revised requirements
2. Employee training on updated testing and reporting protocols
3. Equipment calibration and validation for new or more stringent measurement requirements
4. Data management to support traceability and compliance audits

Testing and Certification

• Leverage accredited laboratories for independent verification where required
• Update in-house quality management systems to reference the latest standards
• Review supplier and subcontractor compliance to ensure holistic quality across the value chain

Conclusion & Next Steps

January 2026 brings a powerful wave of change to the metallurgy field, as these five standards redefine what it means to produce, test, and innovate in steel wire, low-carbon manufacturing, and powder metallurgy. Staying ahead requires prompt review of your current practices, robust staff education, and strategic alignment with these global best practices.

Recommendations:

• Download and study the full text of each standard (see direct links above)
• Initiate internal audits and training programs focused on the new requirements
• Monitor future updates and evolving guidance from ISO and CEN as technology and best practices advance

Stay ahead of the curve: Explore these standards in detail at iTeh Standards and ensure your metallurgy practices set the pace for quality, compliance, and innovation in 2026 and beyond.