ASTM E1476-04(2010)
(Guide)Standard Guide for Metals Identification, Grade Verification, and Sorting
Standard Guide for Metals Identification, Grade Verification, and Sorting
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
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.
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.
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 t...
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.
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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 2010)
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 F355TestMethodforImpactAttenuationofPlayingSurface
Systems and Materials
1.1 This guide is intended for tutorial purposes only. It
F1156Terminology Relating to Product Counterfeit Protec-
describes the general requirements, methods, and procedures
tion Systems (Withdrawn 2001)
for the nondestructive identification and sorting of metals.
1.2 It provides guidelines for the selection and use of
3. Terminology
methods suited to the requirements of particular metals sorting
3.1 Definitions—Terms used in this guide are defined in the
or identification problems.
standards cited in Section 2 and in current technical literature
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
or dictionaries; however, because a number of terms that are
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
used generally in nondestructive testing have meanings or
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
carry implications unique to metal sorting, they appear with
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
explanation in Appendix X1.
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. For specific
precautionary statements, see Section 10.
4. Significance and Use
4.1 A major concern of metals producers, warehouses, and
2. Referenced Documents
users is to establish and maintain the identity of metals from
2.1 ASTM Standards:
melting to their final application. This involves the use of
E158Practice for Fundamental Calculations to Convert
standardqualityassurancepracticesandproceduresthroughout
Intensities into Concentrations in Optical Emission Spec-
the various stages of manufacturing and processing, at ware-
trochemical Analysis (Withdrawn 2004)
housesandmaterialsreceiving,andduringfabricationandfinal
E305Practice for Establishing and Controlling Atomic
installation of the product. These practices typically involve
Emission Spectrochemical Analytical Curves
standard chemical analyses and physical tests to meet product
E322Test Method for Analysis of Low-Alloy Steels and
acceptance standards, which are slow. Several pieces from a
CastIronsbyWavelengthDispersiveX-RayFluorescence
production run are usually destroyed or rendered unusable
Spectrometry
through mechanical and chemical testing, and the results are
E566Practice for Electromagnetic (Eddy-Current) Sorting
usedtoassesstheentirelotusingstatisticalmethods.Statistical
of Ferrous Metals
quality assurance methods are usually effective; however,
E572TestMethodforAnalysisofStainlessandAlloySteels
mixed grades, off-chemistry, and nonstandard physical proper-
by X-ray Fluorescence Spectrometry
ties remain the primary causes for claims in the metals
E703Practice for Electromagnetic (Eddy-Current) Sorting
industry. A more comprehensive verification of product prop-
of Nonferrous Metals
erties is necessary. Nondestructive means are available to
E977Practice for Thermoelectric Sorting of Electrically
supplement conventional metals grade verification techniques,
Conductive Materials
and to monitor chemical and physical properties at selected
production stages, in order to assist in maintaining the identi-
ties of metals and their consistency in mechanical properties.
This guide is under the jurisdiction ofASTM Committee E07 on Nondestruc-
tiveTesting and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E07.10 on Specialized
4.2 Nondestructive methods have the potential for monitor-
NDT Methods.
inggradeduringproductiononacontinuousorstatisticalbasis,
Current edition approved June 1, 2010. Published November 2010. Originally
approved in 1992. Last previous edition approved in 2004 as E1476-04. DOI:
formonitoringpropertiessuchashardnessandcasedepth,and
10.1520/E1476-04R10.
forverifyingtheeffectivenessofheattreatment,cold-working,
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
and the like. They are quite often used in the field for solving
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 problems involving off-grade and mixed-grade materials.
the ASTM website.
4.3 The nondestructive methods covered in this guide pro-
The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on
www.astm.org. vide both direct and indirect responses to the sample being
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
E1476−04 (2010)
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,
are costly and time-consuming, and may not provide timely
6.1 Standardization/Calibration:
information regarding changes in product quality. In a market
6.1.1 Of primary concern in any materials identification or
in which a single failure can result in heavy litigation and
sorting program is delineation of the pertinent product charac-
damage costs, the manufacturer requires assurance that his
teristics (such as chemical composition, processing,
production will meet the customer’s acceptance standards.
configuration, and physical properties) and the assignment of
Nondestructivegradeverificationprovidesonemeansofmoni-
acceptance limits to each. Often prescribed by materials
toring production to ensure that the product will meet accep-
specifications, they also may result from quality assurance
tance requirements.
proceduresorbyagreementbetweentheproducerandtheuser.
5.2 Nondestructive methods may be used in conjunction 6.1.2 Of equal importance is the selection of reference
with the accepted standard product quality tests to provide standards. Quantitative methods employ coupon standards that
continuous verification that current production lies within the are representative of the metals or alloy compositions to be
agreed upon acceptance limits specified. In-line electromag- verified, and the analytical instrumentation is standardized
netic examinations may be used to indicate the consistency of against them. The indirect methods, particularly those that
production. Any deviation from the norms set for the accep- respond to physical properties as well as composition, require
tance band will result in automatic alarms, kick-out, or other reference standards that will represent the material specified in
means of alerting production personnel of a problem. Thus composition, mechanical and physical properties, and
alerted,themillcandeterminethecauseforthealarmandtake processing, as well as cover the means and extremes of the
E1476−04 (2010)
acceptance band. Coupon reference standards or product ref- forspectrometricexaminations),theamountofremoval,means
erence standards, or both, may be selected as required. of removal, and removal location on the piece must be
specified and monitored closely. For electromagnetic
6.1.2.1 Coupon Reference Standards—These are small, eas-
ily handled metal panels made to specified chemical composi- examinations, the piece should be positioned in the same
manner relative to the coil as is the product standard sample.
tions. They are available commercially in sets, singly, or to
specification. They are useful for instrument standardization, Failuretocontrolvariablescanresultinthemisidentificationof
samples.
determining separability among metals, and field use with
portable equipment.They are not intended to reflect the effects
6.3 Display and Accept/Reject Criteria:
of processing or heat treatment on the acceptability of a
6.3.1 Most systems employ some form of visual display or
product.
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
7. Survey of Nondestructive Metals Sorting/Grade
must be verifiable.
Verification Methods
6.1.5 Coupon reference standards are usef
...
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