ISO 3325:2026—New Metallurgy Testing Standard Released in January 2026

In January 2026, the metallurgy sector receives a significant update with the release of the new international standard ISO 3325:2026, dedicated to determining the transverse rupture strength of sintered metal materials (excluding hardmetals). The rigorous provisions laid out in this revised standard are set to guide quality assurance, testing procedures, and compliance efforts for manufacturers using powder metallurgy techniques. As the only standard published in this round-up (Part 3 of 3) for January 2026, ISO 3325:2026 delivers targeted guidelines for a crucial aspect of material performance testing.

Overview

Metallurgy remains at the heart of countless industries, from automotive and aerospace to electronics and precision engineering. These sectors rely heavily on sintered metal materials for components where strength, reliability, and performance consistency are critical. Standards, such as those from ISO, underpin global trust by ensuring harmonized methods and robust quality control.

In this article, you will learn about the new requirements ISO 3325:2026 introduces for testing sintered metals, how it affects manufacturers and testing laboratories, and the bigger compliance picture for metallurgy professionals worldwide.

Detailed Standards Coverage

ISO 3325:2026 – Determination of Transverse Rupture Strength

Sintered metal materials, excluding hardmetals — Determination of transverse rupture strength

The latest edition of ISO 3325 (third edition, published January 16th, 2026) is a technical leap for powder metallurgy. It details a standardized method for determining the transverse rupture strength (TRS) of sintered metals, excluding hardmetals (e.g., tungsten carbides).

Scope and Purpose

This standard applies to sintered metal materials—regardless of whether they have completed post-sintering treatments (such as coining or heat treatment). It is explicitly intended for materials with:

• Uniform hardness throughout the section
• Negligible ductility (permanent deformation below ~0.5 mm during testing)
• Applications in which comparative strength measurement guides quality assurance, product validation, or reference material assessment

Key Requirements and Test Procedures

ISO 3325:2026 covers:

• Test Piece Requirements – Specifies sizes, preparation, and handling of the sample bars
• Apparatus – Details for support spans, loading systems, and measurement accuracy
• Test Procedures – How to perform the transverse rupture test, measure permanent deformation, and record results
• Reporting & Precision – Establishes result reporting protocols, including data on deformation, and incorporates updates from previous amendments (notably, the inclusion of a formal precision statement, and removal of the absolute uncertainty formula from earlier versions)

Who Needs to Comply

This standard is principally relevant to:

• Powder metallurgy manufacturers
• Quality and process engineers
• Test laboratories conducting routine sintered material evaluation
• Procurement specialists specifying material and performance benchmarks
• Any organization sourcing or certifying sintered metal parts (except for those involving hardmetal or cemented carbides)

Practical Implications & Notable Changes

Implementing ISO 3325:2026 offers improved reliability for batch-to-batch comparisons and strength verification, critical for applications with tight mechanical tolerances. The main technical changes vs. the prior edition include:

• Added formal requirement for reporting test precision
• Refined procedural steps aligning with modern testing equipment
• Removed obsolete requirement for absolute uncertainty calculation
• Emphasis on optical and precise measurement techniques for deformation assessment

Key highlights:

• Standardizes TRS test across global powder metallurgy production
• Integrates precision statement for better reproducibility
• Updated to remove outdated uncertainty formulas, reflecting current test practice

Access the full standard:View ISO 3325:2026 on iTeh Standards

Industry Impact & Compliance

ISO 3325:2026 has wide-reaching implications:

• Process Consistency: Ensures uniform strength assessment, boosting confidence in powder metallurgy processes across facilities
• Compliance: Essential for suppliers bidding in regulated markets or meeting customer quality requirements
• Certification: Serves as a benchmark for accredited testing labs, improving credibility in customer audits and international trade

Organizations should review their existing testing procedures, and where needed, align them with the revised requirements. Typical compliance timelines mirror supply chain agreements—immediate adoption is encouraged for new projects or contracts after January 2026. Risks of non-compliance can include failed product audits, rejected lots, or lost market access for exporters.

Benefits of adopting this standard:

• Improved repeatability of test results
• Enhanced comparability between suppliers/production lots
• Global recognition of methodology

Technical Insights

Across powder metallurgy standards, transverse rupture strength testing is a vital parameter. ISO 3325:2026 embraces:

• Use of calibrated testing machines suitable for precise force and displacement measurement
• Sample preparation best practices to minimize material anomalies (i.e., bar sizing and surface quality)
• Optical instruments such as comparators and microscopes for accurate deformation measurement
• Detailed reporting formats to support traceability and audit readiness

Implementation tips:

• Ensure laboratory staff are trained on updated apparatus and measurement techniques
• Validate new or recalibrated equipment in accordance with ISO guidelines
• Record and archive all data as prescribed for audit compliance

Testing & Certification:

• Engage ISO 17025 accredited labs for highest integrity results
• Include details of heat treatment and post-sintering processes in test documentation for full traceability

Conclusion / Next Steps

The release of ISO 3325:2026 marks a critical update for the metallurgy industry in 2026. Organizations engaged in powder metallurgy or those specifying sintered metal parts must update their testing protocols to match this new international benchmark. Early adoption will ensure compliance, facilitate clear communication with customers, and support regulatory or third-party audits.

Key takeaways:

• One comprehensive standard update for January 2026, focused on TRS of sintered metals
• Clear, updated requirements for testing, reporting, and precision
• Strategic necessity for manufacturers, labs, and buyers in powder metallurgy

Recommendation:

• Download and review the full ISO 3325:2026 text from iTeh Standards
• Conduct a gap analysis on your internal quality systems
• Stay informed by subscribing to future updates at iTeh Standards

Keep ahead of industry trends and maintain compliance by implementing this new standard at the earliest opportunity.