ASTM E1476-04(2014)
(Guide)Standard Guide for Metals Identification, Grade Verification, and Sorting
Standard Guide for Metals Identification, Grade Verification, and Sorting
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 A major concern of metals producers, warehouses, and users is to establish and maintain the identity of metals from melting to their final application. This involves the use of standard quality assurance practices and procedures throughout the various stages of manufacturing and processing, at warehouses and materials receiving, and during fabrication and final installation of the product. These practices typically involve standard chemical analyses and physical tests to meet product acceptance standards, which are slow. Several pieces from a production run are usually destroyed or rendered unusable through mechanical and chemical testing, and the results are used to assess the entire lot using statistical methods. Statistical quality assurance methods are usually effective; however, mixed grades, off-chemistry, and nonstandard physical properties remain the primary causes for claims in the metals industry. A more comprehensive verification of product properties is necessary. Nondestructive means are available to supplement conventional metals grade verification techniques, and to monitor chemical and physical properties at selected production stages, in order to assist in maintaining the identities of metals and their consistency in mechanical properties.
4.2 Nondestructive methods have the potential for monitoring grade during production on a continuous or statistical basis, for monitoring properties such as hardness and case depth, and for verifying the effectiveness of heat treatment, cold-working, and the like. They are quite often used in the field for solving problems involving off-grade and mixed-grade materials.
4.3 The nondestructive methods covered in this guide provide both direct and indirect responses to the sample being evaluated. Spectrometric analysis instruments respond to the presence and percents of alloying constituents. The electromagnetic (eddy current) and thermoelectric methods, on the other hand, are among those that respond to pr...
SCOPE
1.1 This guide is intended for tutorial purposes only. It describes the general requirements, methods, and procedures for the nondestructive identification and sorting of metals.
1.2 It provides guidelines for the selection and use of methods suited to the requirements of particular metals sorting or identification problems.
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. For specific precautionary statements, see Section 10.
General Information
Buy Standard
Standards Content (Sample)
NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information
Designation:E1476 −04 (Reapproved 2014)
Standard Guide for
Metals Identification, Grade Verification, and Sorting
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E1476; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision.Anumber in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope E977Practice for Thermoelectric Sorting of Electrically
Conductive Materials
1.1 This guide is intended for tutorial purposes only. It
F355TestMethodforImpactAttenuationofPlayingSurface
describes the general requirements, methods, and procedures
Systems and Materials
for the nondestructive identification and sorting of metals.
F1156Terminology Relating to Product Counterfeit Protec-
1.2 It provides guidelines for the selection and use of
tion Systems (Withdrawn 2001)
methods suited to the requirements of particular metals sorting
or identification problems.
3. Terminology
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
3.1 Definitions—Terms used in this guide are defined in the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
standards cited in Section 2 and in current technical literature
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
or dictionaries; however, because a number of terms that are
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
used generally in nondestructive testing have meanings or
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. For specific
carry implications unique to metal sorting, they appear with
precautionary statements, see Section 10.
explanation in Appendix X1.
2. Referenced Documents
4. Significance and Use
2.1 ASTM Standards:
4.1 A major concern of metals producers, warehouses, and
E158Practice for Fundamental Calculations to Convert
users is to establish and maintain the identity of metals from
Intensities into Concentrations in Optical Emission Spec-
melting to their final application. This involves the use of
trochemical Analysis (Withdrawn 2004)
standardqualityassurancepracticesandproceduresthroughout
E305Practice for Establishing and Controlling Atomic
the various stages of manufacturing and processing, at ware-
Emission Spectrochemical Analytical Curves
housesandmaterialsreceiving,andduringfabricationandfinal
E322Test Method for Analysis of Low-Alloy Steels and
installation of the product. These practices typically involve
CastIronsbyWavelengthDispersiveX-RayFluorescence
standard chemical analyses and physical tests to meet product
Spectrometry
acceptance standards, which are slow. Several pieces from a
E566PracticeforElectromagnetic(EddyCurrent)Sortingof
production run are usually destroyed or rendered unusable
Ferrous Metals
through mechanical and chemical testing, and the results are
E572TestMethodforAnalysisofStainlessandAlloySteels
usedtoassesstheentirelotusingstatisticalmethods.Statistical
byWavelengthDispersiveX-RayFluorescenceSpectrom-
quality assurance methods are usually effective; however,
etry
mixed grades, off-chemistry, and nonstandard physical proper-
E703PracticeforElectromagnetic(EddyCurrent)Sortingof
ties remain the primary causes for claims in the metals
Nonferrous Metals
industry. A more comprehensive verification of product prop-
erties is necessary. Nondestructive means are available to
supplement conventional metals grade verification techniques,
This guide is under the jurisdiction ofASTM Committee E07 on Nondestruc-
and to monitor chemical and physical properties at selected
tiveTesting and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E07.10 on Specialized
production stages, in order to assist in maintaining the identi-
NDT Methods.
ties of metals and their consistency in mechanical properties.
CurrenteditionapprovedJune1,2014.PublishedJuly2014.Originallyapproved
in 1992. Last previous edition approved in 2010 as E1476-04(2010). DOI:
4.2 Nondestructive methods have the potential for monitor-
10.1520/E1476-04R14.
inggradeduringproductiononacontinuousorstatisticalbasis,
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
formonitoringpropertiessuchashardnessandcasedepth,and
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
forverifyingtheeffectivenessofheattreatment,cold-working,
the ASTM website.
and the like. They are quite often used in the field for solving
The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on
www.astm.org. problems involving off-grade and mixed-grade materials.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
E1476−04 (2014)
4.3 The nondestructive methods covered in this guide pro- means of alerting production personnel of a problem. Thus
vide both direct and indirect responses to the sample being alerted,themillcandeterminethecauseforthealarmandtake
evaluated. Spectrometric analysis instruments respond to the corrective action. Portable optical emission spectrometry units
presence and percents of alloying constituents. The electro- may be used to determine the concentrations of critical
magnetic (eddy current) and thermoelectric methods, on the elements without having to resort to slow physical and chemi-
other hand, are among those that respond to properties in the cal analyses. A quality assurance program combining conven-
sample that are affected by chemistry and processing, and they tional measurements with suitable nondestructive methods can
yield indirect information on composition and mechanical provide effective and timely information on product composi-
properties. In this guide, the spectrometric methods are classi- tion and physical properties. This will result in improved
fied as quantitative, whereas the methods that yield indirect quality and yield; savings in time, labor, and material; and
readings are termed qualitative. reduced field failures and claims. This guide provides specific
information regarding nondestructive metals identification,
4.4 This guide describes a variety of qualitative and quan-
gradeverification,andsortingmethodstoassistinselectingthe
titativemethods.Itsummarizestheoperatingprinciplesofeach
optimum approach to solving specific needs.
method, provides guidance on where and how each may be
applied, gives (when applicable) the precision and bias that 5.3 Spectrometricmethodsarecapableofdirectlyindicating
may be expected, and assists the investigator in selecting the the presence and percent of many of the elements that
best candidates for specific grade verification or sorting prob- characterize a metal grade. The spectrometric and thermoelec-
lems. tric techniques examine only the outermost surfaces of the
sampleormaterial.Asaresult,forgradeverificationpurposes,
4.5 For the purposes of this guide, the term “nondestruc-
it may be necessary to grind sufficiently deep to ensure access
tive”includestechniquesthatmayrequiretheremovalofsmall
tothebasemetalforaccuratereadings.However,grindingmay
amountsofmetalduringtheexamination,withoutaffectingthe
affect the thermoelectric response. The spectrometric methods
serviceability of the product.
require physical contact and often some surface preparation.
4.6 The nondestructive methods covered in this guide pro-
The electromagnetic method, however, does not require con-
vide quantitative and qualitative information on metals prop-
tact and very often is suited for on-line, automatic operation.
erties; they are listed as follows:
The thermoelectric method, although requiring contact, re-
4.6.1 Quantitative:
sponds to many of the same parameters that influence the
4.6.1.1 X-ray fluorescence spectrometry, and
electromagnetic responses. Both respond to chemical
4.6.1.2 Optical emission spectrometry.
composition,processing,andtreatmentsthataffectthephysical
4.6.2 Qualitative:
and mechanical properties of the product. Nondestructive
4.6.2.1 Electromagnetic (eddy current),
methodsforindicatingthemechanicalpropertiesofametalare
4.6.2.2 Conductivity/resistivity,
beyond the scope of this guide.
4.6.2.3 Thermoelectric,
5.4 Each method has particular advantages and disadvan-
4.6.2.4 Chemical spot tests,
tages. The selection of suitable candidates for a specific grade
4.6.2.5 Triboelectric, and
verification or sorting application requires an understanding of
4.6.2.6 Spark testing (special case).
the technical operating features of each method.These include
the precision and bias necessary for the application and
5. Background
practical considerations such as product configuration, surface
5.1 The standard quality assurance procedures for verifying
condition, product and ambient temperatures, environmental
the composition and physical properties of a metal at a
constraints, etc.
producing facility are through chemical analysis and mechani-
cal testing. These required tests result in the sacrifice of a 6. General Procedures
certain amount of production for the preparation of samples,
6.1 Standardization/Calibration:
are costly and time-consuming, and may not provide timely
6.1.1 Of primary concern in any materials identification or
information regarding changes in product quality. In a market
sorting program is delineation of the pertinent product charac-
in which a single failure can result in heavy litigation and
teristics (such as chemical composition, processing,
damage costs, the manufacturer requires assurance that his
configuration, and physical properties) and the assignment of
production will meet the customer’s acceptance standards.
acceptance limits to each. Often prescribed by materials
Nondestructivegradeverificationprovidesonemeansofmoni-
specifications, they also may result from quality assurance
toring production to ensure that the product will meet accep-
proceduresorbyagreementbetweentheproducerandtheuser.
tance requirements.
6.1.2 Of equal importance is the selection of reference
5.2 Nondestructive methods may be used in conjunction standards. Quantitative methods employ coupon standards that
with the accepted standard product quality tests to provide are representative of the metals or alloy compositions to be
continuous verification that current production lies within the verified, and the analytical instrumentation is standardized
agreed upon acceptance limits specified. In-line electromag- against them. The indirect methods, particularly those that
netic examinations may be used to indicate the consistency of respond to physical properties as well as composition, require
production. Any deviation from the norms set for the accep- reference standards that will represent the material specified in
tance band will result in automatic alarms, kick-out, or other composition, mechanical and physical properties, and
E1476−04 (2014)
processing, as well as cover the means and extremes of the 6.2.2 The means for performing the examination must be
acceptance band. Coupon reference standards or product ref- controlled. If some surface metal removal is necessary (as it is
erence standards, or both, may be selected as required. forspectrometricexaminations),theamountofremoval,means
of removal, and removal location on the piece must be
6.1.2.1 Coupon Reference Standards—These are small, eas-
specified and monitored closely. For electromagnetic
ily handled metal panels made to specified chemical composi-
examinations, the piece should be positioned in the same
tions. They are available commercially in sets, singly, or to
manner relative to the coil as is the product standard sample.
specification. They are useful for instrument standardization,
Failuretocontrolvariablescanresultinthemisidentificationof
determining separability among metals, and field use with
samples.
portable equipment.They are not intended to reflect the effects
of processing or heat treatment on the acceptability of a
6.3 Display and Accept/Reject Criteria:
product.
6.3.1 Most systems employ some form of visual display or
readout to indicate the response to piece variables. Meter
6.1.2.2 Product Reference Standards—Thesemustrepresent
readings, oscilloscope patterns, digital signals, and colored
the product specified in composition and mechanical and
spots (from a reagent in chemical spot testing) are typical
physical properties. Ideally, three or more product reference
examples. On instruments with digital or cathode ray tube
standards covering the mean, plus two or more covering the
displays,itiscommonpracticetoshowthepositionandextent
extremes, should be obtained, suitably catalogued, and marked
of adjustable gates for the setting of automatic alarm circuits.
for proper identification.
6.3.2 Automaticalarmgatesmaybepositionedandadjusted
6.1.3 Standardization or calibration procedures, or both, for
tobetriggeredbythepresenceorabsenceofasignalofagiven
each method must be followed as specified by the instrument
amplitude and location. Both of these are adjustable. They are
manufacturer. Coupon reference standards are used to stan-
designed for use in automatic or operator-assisted systems to
dardize and set up quantitative (spectrometric) or qualitative
indicate when a product falls outside the acceptance limits, as
(thermoelectric and chemical spot test, etc.) verifications, as
well as to indicate whether it falls on the high or the low side.
wellasformetalssortingchecksonelectromagnetic,electrical
Similarly, instruments may be equipped with a computer buss
conductivity, and similar instruments. Rod, bar, wire, and
interface for electronic data processing.
tubularproductreferencestandardsareusedalmostexclusively
6.3.3 As described in the standardization and setup
for the qualitative methods, such as the electromagnetic,
procedure, acceptance and rejection criteria should be estab-
electrical conductivity, triboelectric, and spark tests. These are
lished on the basis of specified product parameters.These may
fabricated from the product being manufactured, from samples
beasimplego/no-goselectionoramorecomplexclassification
with compositions and physical properties verified through
based on special requirements. The decision as to how refined
analytical examinations.
a sorting is possible is based on a number of product and
6.1.4 The known product reference standards used for the
measurement variables that are peculiar to the product, exami-
qualitative methods must be representative of the chemistry,
nation method(s), and service requirements. Such decisions
processing, surface, and other physical and mechanical param-
should be handled on an individual basis.
eters that might affect readings. Product standard parameters
must be v
...
This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: E1476 − 04 (Reapproved 2010) E1476 − 04 (Reapproved 2014)
Standard Guide for
Metals Identification, Grade Verification, and Sorting
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E1476; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope
1.1 This guide is intended for tutorial purposes only. It describes the general requirements, methods, and procedures for the
nondestructive identification and sorting of metals.
1.2 It provides guidelines for the selection and use of methods suited to the requirements of particular metals sorting or
identification problems.
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility
of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory
limitations prior to use. For specific precautionary statements, see Section 10.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
E158 Practice for Fundamental Calculations to Convert Intensities into Concentrations in Optical Emission Spectrochemical
Analysis (Withdrawn 2004)
E305 Practice for Establishing and Controlling Atomic Emission Spectrochemical Analytical Curves
E322 Test Method for Analysis of Low-Alloy Steels and Cast Irons by Wavelength Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence
Spectrometry
E566 Practice for Electromagnetic (Eddy-Current) Sorting of Ferrous Metals
E572 Test Method for Analysis of Stainless and Alloy Steels by Wavelength Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence Spectrometry
E703 Practice for Electromagnetic (Eddy-Current) Sorting of Nonferrous Metals
E977 Practice for Thermoelectric Sorting of Electrically Conductive Materials
F355 Test Method for Impact Attenuation of Playing Surface Systems and Materials
F1156 Terminology Relating to Product Counterfeit Protection Systems (Withdrawn 2001)
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions—Terms used in this guide are defined in the standards cited in Section 2 and in current technical literature or
dictionaries; however, because a number of terms that are used generally in nondestructive testing have meanings or carry
implications unique to metal sorting, they appear with explanation in Appendix X1.
4. Significance and Use
4.1 A major concern of metals producers, warehouses, and users is to establish and maintain the identity of metals from melting
to their final application. This involves the use of standard quality assurance practices and procedures throughout the various stages
of manufacturing and processing, at warehouses and materials receiving, and during fabrication and final installation of the
product. These practices typically involve standard chemical analyses and physical tests to meet product acceptance standards,
which are slow. Several pieces from a production run are usually destroyed or rendered unusable through mechanical and chemical
testing, and the results are used to assess the entire lot using statistical methods. Statistical quality assurance methods are usually
effective; however, mixed grades, off-chemistry, and nonstandard physical properties remain the primary causes for claims in the
metals industry. A more comprehensive verification of product properties is necessary. Nondestructive means are available to
This guide is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E07 on Nondestructive Testing and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E07.10 on Specialized NDT
Methods.
Current edition approved June 1, 2010June 1, 2014. Published November 2010July 2014. Originally approved in 1992. Last previous edition approved in 20042010 as
E1476 - 04.E1476 - 04(2010). DOI: 10.1520/E1476-04R10.10.1520/E1476-04R14.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on www.astm.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
E1476 − 04 (2014)
supplement conventional metals grade verification techniques, and to monitor chemical and physical properties at selected
production stages, in order to assist in maintaining the identities of metals and their consistency in mechanical properties.
4.2 Nondestructive methods have the potential for monitoring grade during production on a continuous or statistical basis, for
monitoring properties such as hardness and case depth, and for verifying the effectiveness of heat treatment, cold-working, and the
like. They are quite often used in the field for solving problems involving off-grade and mixed-grade materials.
4.3 The nondestructive methods covered in this guide provide both direct and indirect responses to the sample being evaluated.
Spectrometric analysis instruments respond to the presence and percents of alloying constituents. The electromagnetic (eddy
current) and thermoelectric methods, on the other hand, are among those that respond to properties in the sample that are affected
by chemistry and processing, and they yield indirect information on composition and mechanical properties. In this guide, the
spectrometric methods are classified as quantitative, whereas the methods that yield indirect readings are termed qualitative.
4.4 This guide describes a variety of qualitative and quantitative methods. It summarizes the operating principles of each
method, provides guidance on where and how each may be applied, gives (when applicable) the precision and bias that may be
expected, and assists the investigator in selecting the best candidates for specific grade verification or sorting problems.
4.5 For the purposes of this guide, the term “nondestructive” includes techniques that may require the removal of small amounts
of metal during the examination, without affecting the serviceability of the product.
4.6 The nondestructive methods covered in this guide provide quantitative and qualitative information on metals properties;
they are listed as follows:
4.6.1 Quantitative:
4.6.1.1 X-ray fluorescence spectrometry, and
4.6.1.2 Optical emission spectrometry.
4.6.2 Qualitative:
4.6.2.1 Electromagnetic (eddy current),
4.6.2.2 Conductivity/resistivity,
4.6.2.3 Thermoelectric,
4.6.2.4 Chemical spot tests,
4.6.2.5 Triboelectric, and
4.6.2.6 Spark testing (special case).
5. Background
5.1 The standard quality assurance procedures for verifying the composition and physical properties of a metal at a producing
facility are through chemical analysis and mechanical testing. These required tests result in the sacrifice of a certain amount of
production for the preparation of samples, are costly and time-consuming, and may not provide timely information regarding
changes in product quality. In a market in which a single failure can result in heavy litigation and damage costs, the manufacturer
requires assurance that his production will meet the customer’s acceptance standards. Nondestructive grade verification provides
one means of monitoring production to ensure that the product will meet acceptance requirements.
5.2 Nondestructive methods may be used in conjunction with the accepted standard product quality tests to provide continuous
verification that current production lies within the agreed upon acceptance limits specified. In-line electromagnetic examinations
may be used to indicate the consistency of production. Any deviation from the norms set for the acceptance band will result in
automatic alarms, kick-out, or other means of alerting production personnel of a problem. Thus alerted, the mill can determine the
cause for the alarm and take corrective action. Portable optical emission spectrometry units may be used to determine the
concentrations of critical elements without having to resort to slow physical and chemical analyses. A quality assurance program
combining conventional measurements with suitable nondestructive methods can provide effective and timely information on
product composition and physical properties. This will result in improved quality and yield; savings in time, labor, and material;
and reduced field failures and claims. This guide provides specific information regarding nondestructive metals identification,
grade verification, and sorting methods to assist in selecting the optimum approach to solving specific needs.
5.3 Spectrometric methods are capable of directly indicating the presence and percent of many of the elements that characterize
a metal grade. The spectrometric and thermoelectric techniques examine only the outermost surfaces of the sample or material. As
a result, for grade verification purposes, it may be necessary to grind sufficiently deep to ensure access to the base metal for
accurate readings. However, grinding may affect the thermoelectric response. The spectrometric methods require physical contact
and often some surface preparation. The electromagnetic method, however, does not require contact and very often is suited for
on-line, automatic operation. The thermoelectric method, although requiring contact, responds to many of the same parameters that
influence the electromagnetic responses. Both respond to chemical composition, processing, and treatments that affect the physical
and mechanical properties of the product. Nondestructive methods for indicating the mechanical properties of a metal are beyond
the scope of this guide.
5.4 Each method has particular advantages and disadvantages. The selection of suitable candidates for a specific grade
verification or sorting application requires an understanding of the technical operating features of each method. These include the
E1476 − 04 (2014)
precision and bias necessary for the application and practical considerations such as product configuration, surface condition,
product and ambient temperatures, environmental constraints, etc.
6. General Procedures
6.1 Standardization/Calibration:
6.1.1 Of primary concern in any materials identification or sorting program is delineation of the pertinent product characteristics
(such as chemical composition, processing, configuration, and physical properties) and the assignment of acceptance limits to each.
Often prescribed by materials specifications, they also may result from quality assurance procedures or by agreement between the
producer and the user.
6.1.2 Of equal importance is the selection of reference standards. Quantitative methods employ coupon standards that are
representative of the metals or alloy compositions to be verified, and the analytical instrumentation is standardized against them.
The indirect methods, particularly those that respond to physical properties as well as composition, require reference standards that
will represent the material specified in composition, mechanical and physical properties, and processing, as well as cover the means
and extremes of the acceptance band. Coupon reference standards or product reference standards, or both, may be selected as
required.
6.1.2.1 Coupon Reference Standards—These are small, easily handled metal panels made to specified chemical compositions.
They are available commercially in sets, singly, or to specification. They are useful for instrument standardization, determining
separability among metals, and field use with portable equipment. They are not intended to reflect the effects of processing or heat
treatment on the acceptability of a product.
6.1.2.2 Product Reference Standards—These must represent the product specified in composition and mechanical and physical
properties. Ideally, three or more product reference standards covering the mean, plus two or more covering the extremes, should
be obtained, suitably catalogued, and marked for proper identification.
6.1.3 Standardization or calibration procedures, or both, for each method must be followed as specified by the instrument
manufacturer. Coupon reference standards are used to standardize and set up quantitative (spectrometric) or qualitative
(thermoelectric and chemical spot test, etc.) verifications, as well as for metals sorting checks on electromagnetic, electrical
conductivity, and similar instruments. Rod, bar, wire, and tubular product reference standards are used almost exclusively for the
qualitative methods, such as the electromagnetic, electrical conductivity, triboelectric, and spark tests. These are fabricated from
the product being manufactured, from samples with compositions and physical properties verified through analytical examinations.
6.1.4 The known product reference standards used for the qualitative methods must be representative of the chemistry,
processing, surface, and other physical and mechanical parameters that might affect readings. Product standard parameters must
be verifiable.
6.1.5 Coupon reference standards are useful for initial instrument adjustments, but final adjustments should be made on standard
samples verified as representative of good production pieces.
6.1.6 Product standard samples will disclose potential errors that might result from surface alloy depletion, heavy oxide layers,
or hardness variations resulting from processing anomalies. Such known variables must be used to determine final acceptance
limits for any examination, and they will aid materially in both selecting a method and optimizing the examination conditions.
6.2 Test Piece Requirements:
6.2.1 The relationship between the standard product samples and pieces being evaluated must be understood clearly. This is of
particular importance when using the electromagnetic method. Composition, size, processing, surface condition, finish,
straightness, and temperature must be nominally the same as that represented by the standard samples. To a lesser degree, this is
also true for the thermoelectric method. For the other methods, size, configuration, and mechanical processing usually do not affect
composition readings to any significant degree.
6.2.2 The means for performing the examination must be controlled. If some surface metal removal is necessary (as it is for
spectrometric examinations), the amount of removal, means of removal, and remova
...
Questions, Comments and Discussion
Ask us and Technical Secretary will try to provide an answer. You can facilitate discussion about the standard in here.