ASTM A247-19

Standard Test Method for Evaluating the Microstructure of Graphite in Iron Castings

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 The comparison of observed graphite particles with the structures shown in the charts give only purely descriptive information on the type, distribution, and size of the graphite in the sample being evaluated. It does not indicate, except in a very broad way, the origin of the graphite or the suitability of the iron-carbon alloy for a particular service.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the classification of graphite in cast irons in terms of type, distribution, and size by visual comparison to reference photomicrographs. This test method is intended to be applicable for all iron-carbon alloys containing graphite particles, and may be applied to gray irons, malleable irons, compacted graphite irons, and the ductile (nodular) irons.  
1.2 The reference photomicrographs included in this test method are in no way to be construed as specifications. In an appropriate specification for a specific material where graphite microstructure is an important consideration, this test method may be used as a reference to concisely define the graphite microstructure required.  
1.3 These reference photomicrographs are offered primarily to permit accurate reporting of microstructures of cast irons and to facilitate the comparison of reports by different laboratories or investigators.  
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.  
1.5 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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.6 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Historical
• Publication Date: 28-Feb-2019
• ICS: 77.140.80 - Iron and steel castings
• Technical Committee: A04 - Iron Castings
• Drafting Committee: A04.21 - Testing

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM A247-17 - Standard Test Method for Evaluating the Microstructure of Graphite in Iron Castings
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2019
• Replaced By: ASTM A247-24 - Standard Test Method for Visual Evaluation of Graphite in Iron Castings
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2024
• Refers: ASTM E3-01(2007) - Standard Guide for Preparation of Metallographic Specimens
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2007
• Refers: ASTM E3-01(2007)e1 - Standard Guide for Preparation of Metallographic Specimens
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2007
• Refers: ASTM E3-95 - Standard Practice for Preparation of Metallographic Specimens
• Effective Date: 10-Apr-2001
• Refers: ASTM E3-01 - Standard Practice for Preparation of Metallographic Specimens
• Effective Date: 10-Apr-2001
• Referred By: ASTM A1095-15(2019) - Standard Specification for High-Silicon Molybdenum Ferritic Iron Castings
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2019
• Referred By: ASTM A834-95(2020) - Standard Specification for Common Requirements for Iron Castings for General Industrial Use
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2019
• Referred By: ASTM A439/A439M-18(2022) - Standard Specification for Austenitic Ductile Iron Castings
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2019
• Referred By: ASTM A1095-15(2023) - Standard Specification for High-Silicon Molybdenum Ferritic Iron Castings
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2019
• Referred By: ASTM E2567-16a(2023) - Standard Test Method for Determining Nodularity And Nodule Count In Ductile Iron Using Image Analysis
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2019
• Referred By: ASTM A159-83(2020) - Standard Specification for Automotive Gray Iron Castings
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2019
• Referred By: ASTM A197/A197M-00(2023)e1 - Standard Specification for Cupola Malleable Iron
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2019
• Referred By: ASTM A197/A197M-00(2019) - Standard Specification for Cupola Malleable Iron
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2019
• Referred By: ASTM A220/A220M-99(2022)e1 - Standard Specification for Pearlitic Malleable Iron
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2019

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: A247 − 19
Standard Test Method for
1
Evaluating the Microstructure of Graphite in Iron Castings
This standard is issued under the fixed designation A247; 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.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.
1. Scope 2. Referenced Documents
2
2.1 ASTM Standards:
1.1 This test method covers the classification of graphite in
E3Guide for Preparation of Metallographic Specimens
cast irons in terms of type, distribution, and size by visual
comparisontoreferencephotomicrographs.Thistestmethodis
3. Summary of Test Method
intended to be applicable for all iron-carbon alloys containing
3.1 The reference micrographs included in this standard
graphite particles, and may be applied to gray irons, malleable
form the basis for classification. Characteristic features of
irons, compacted graphite irons, and the ductile (nodular)
graphite particle shape and distribution are designated by
irons.
numerals and letters. Type, distribution, and size of observed
1.2 The reference photomicrographs included in this test
graphitearecomparedwiththeidealizedmicrostructuresinthe
method are in no way to be construed as specifications. In an
standard charts and rated accordingly as closely as possible to
appropriate specification for a specific material where graphite
the equal or similar microstructures in the charts.
microstructure is an important consideration, this test method
may be used as a reference to concisely define the graphite
4. Significance and Use
microstructure required.
4.1 The comparison of observed graphite particles with the
1.3 These reference photomicrographs are offered primarily structures shown in the charts give only purely descriptive
to permit accurate reporting of microstructures of cast irons
informationonthetype,distribution,andsizeofthegraphitein
and to facilitate the comparison of reports by different labora- the sample being evaluated. It does not indicate, except in a
tories or investigators.
very broad way, the origin of the graphite or the suitability of
the iron-carbon alloy for a particular service.
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
standard. No other units of measurement are included in this
5. Test Specimens or Samples
standard.
5.1 The preferred sample is a section cut from an actual
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the
casting that is being evaluated at a location agreed upon
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
between the manufacturer and purchaser. When this is
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
impractical, a test lug or projection often can be appended to
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
the casting and sawed or broken off to be used as the test
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
sample. If neither of these methods is convenient, microstruc-
1.6 This international standard was developed in accor-
turaltestcoupons,suchasthoserecommendedbytheCastIron
3
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
Research Committee (5R) of the American Foundry Society
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
shall be cast from metal representative of the castings poured.
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
6. Polishing
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
6.1 Grinding and polishing may follow the usual accepted
metallographic procedures as covered in Guide E3, except that
1 2
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee A04 on Iron For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Castings and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee A04.21 on Testing. contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
Current edition approved March 1, 2019. Published March 2019. Originally Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
approved in 1941. Last previous edition approved in 2017 as A247–17. DOI: the ASTM website.
3
10.1520/A0247-19. Transactions, American Foundrymen’s Society, 1960, p. 655.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
1

---------------------- Page: 1 ----------------------
A247 − 19
care must be taken that the graphite
...

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: A247 − 17 A247 − 19
Standard Test Method for
1
Evaluating the Microstructure of Graphite in Iron Castings
This standard is issued under the fixed designation A247; 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.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.
1. Scope
1.1 This test method covers the classification of graphite in cast irons in terms of type, distribution, and size by visual
comparison to reference photomicrographs. This test method is intended to be applicable for all iron-carbon alloys containing
graphite particles, and may be applied to gray irons, malleable irons, compacted graphite irons, and the ductile (nodular) irons.
1.2 The reference photomicrographs included in this test method are in no way to be construed as specifications. In an
appropriate specification for a specific material where graphite microstructure is an important consideration, this test method may
be used as a reference to concisely define the graphite microstructure required.
1.3 These reference photomicrographs are offered primarily to permit accurate reporting of microstructures of cast irons and to
facilitate the comparison of reports by different laboratories or investigators.
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.
1.5 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 safety, health, and healthenvironmental practices and determine the
applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.6 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization
established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued
by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
2. Referenced Documents
2
2.1 ASTM Standards:
E3 Guide for Preparation of Metallographic Specimens
2.2 ASTM Adjuncts:
3
Iron Casting Graphite Microstructure Rating Chart (Wall Chart)
3. Summary of Test Method
3.1 The reference micrographs included in this standard form the basis for classification. Characteristic features of graphite
particle shape and distribution are designated by numerals and letters. Type, distribution, and size of observed graphite are
compared with the idealized microstructures in the standard charts and rated accordingly as closely as possible to the equal or
similar microstructures in the charts.
4. Significance and Use
4.1 The comparison of observed graphite particles with the structures shown in the charts give only purely descriptive
information on the type, distribution, and size of the graphite in the sample being evaluated. It does not indicate, except in a very
broad way, the origin of the graphite or the suitability of the iron-carbon alloy for a particular service.
5. Test Specimens or Samples
5.1 The preferred sample is a section cut from an actual casting that is being evaluated at a location agreed upon between the
manufacturer and purchaser. When this is impractical, a test lug or projection often can be appended to the casting and sawed or
1
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee A04 on Iron Castings and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee A04.21 on Testing.
Current edition approved March 1, 2019July 1, 2017. . Published July 2017March 2019. Originally approved in 1941. Last previous edition approved in 20162017 as
A247 – 16a.A247 – 17. DOI: 10.1520/A0247-17.10.1520/A0247-19.
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
1

---------------------- Page: 1 ----------------------
A247 − 19
broken off to be used as the test sample. If neither of these methods is convenient, microstructural test coupons, such as those
3
recommended by the Cast Iron Research Committee (5R) of the American
...

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: A247 − 19
Standard Test Method for
1
Evaluating the Microstructure of Graphite in Iron Castings
This standard is issued under the fixed designation A247; 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.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.
1. Scope 2. Referenced Documents
2
1.1 This test method covers the classification of graphite in 2.1 ASTM Standards:
cast irons in terms of type, distribution, and size by visual E3 Guide for Preparation of Metallographic Specimens
comparison to reference photomicrographs. This test method is
3. Summary of Test Method
intended to be applicable for all iron-carbon alloys containing
3.1 The reference micrographs included in this standard
graphite particles, and may be applied to gray irons, malleable
form the basis for classification. Characteristic features of
irons, compacted graphite irons, and the ductile (nodular)
graphite particle shape and distribution are designated by
irons.
numerals and letters. Type, distribution, and size of observed
1.2 The reference photomicrographs included in this test
graphite are compared with the idealized microstructures in the
method are in no way to be construed as specifications. In an
standard charts and rated accordingly as closely as possible to
appropriate specification for a specific material where graphite
the equal or similar microstructures in the charts.
microstructure is an important consideration, this test method
may be used as a reference to concisely define the graphite
4. Significance and Use
microstructure required.
4.1 The comparison of observed graphite particles with the
1.3 These reference photomicrographs are offered primarily
structures shown in the charts give only purely descriptive
to permit accurate reporting of microstructures of cast irons information on the type, distribution, and size of the graphite in
and to facilitate the comparison of reports by different labora-
the sample being evaluated. It does not indicate, except in a
tories or investigators. very broad way, the origin of the graphite or the suitability of
the iron-carbon alloy for a particular service.
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
standard. No other units of measurement are included in this
5. Test Specimens or Samples
standard.
5.1 The preferred sample is a section cut from an actual
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the
casting that is being evaluated at a location agreed upon
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
between the manufacturer and purchaser. When this is
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
impractical, a test lug or projection often can be appended to
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
the casting and sawed or broken off to be used as the test
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
sample. If neither of these methods is convenient, microstruc-
1.6 This international standard was developed in accor-
tural test coupons, such as those recommended by the Cast Iron
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard- 3
Research Committee (5R) of the American Foundry Society
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
shall be cast from metal representative of the castings poured.
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
6. Polishing
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
6.1 Grinding and polishing may follow the usual accepted
metallographic procedures as covered in Guide E3, except that
1 2
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee A04 on Iron For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Castings and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee A04.21 on Testing. contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
Current edition approved March 1, 2019. Published March 2019. Originally Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
approved in 1941. Last previous edition approved in 2017 as A247 – 17. DOI: the ASTM website.
3
10.1520/A0247-19. Transactions, American Foundrymen’s Society, 1960, p. 655.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
1

---------------------- Page: 1 ----------------------
A247 − 19
care must be taken that the graphite is retained at the polished 8. Classification of Graphite Distribution Using Chart
surface and not torn or d
...