ASTM B329-20

Standard Test Method for Apparent Density of Metal Powders and Compounds Using the Scott Volumeter

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 This test method covers the evaluation of the apparent density physical characteristic of powders. The degree of correlation between the results of this test and the quality of powders in use will vary with each particular application and has not been fully determined.  
4.2 The apparent density measured via this test method is often referred to as the “Scott Density.”
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers determination of the apparent density of metal powders and related compounds using the Scott Volumeter, also known as the Paint Pigment Volumeter.  
1.2 Units—With the exception of the values for density and the mass used to determine density, for which the use of the gram per cubic centimetre (g/cm3) and gram (g) units is the longstanding industry practice, the values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard.  
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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.4 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: Published
• Publication Date: 30-Apr-2020
• ICS: 77.160 - Powder metallurgy
• Technical Committee: B09 - Metal Powders and Metal Powder Products
• Drafting Committee: B09.03 - Refractory Metal Powders

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM B329-18 - Standard Test Method for Apparent Density of Metal Powders and Compounds Using the Scott Volumeter
• Effective Date: 01-May-2020
• Refers: ASTM B243-18 - Standard Terminology of Powder Metallurgy
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2018
• Refers: ASTM B243-16 - Standard Terminology of Powder Metallurgy
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2016
• Refers: ASTM E177-14 - Standard Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in ASTM Test Methods
• Effective Date: 01-May-2014
• Refers: ASTM B243-13 - Standard Terminology of Powder Metallurgy
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2013
• Refers: ASTM E11-13 - Standard Specification for Woven Wire Test Sieve Cloth and Test Sieves
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2013
• Refers: ASTM E177-13 - Standard Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in ASTM Test Methods
• Effective Date: 01-May-2013
• Refers: ASTM E691-13 - Standard Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Determine the Precision of a Test Method
• Effective Date: 01-May-2013
• Refers: ASTM B873-12 - Standard Test Method for Measuring Volume of Apparent Density Cup Used in Test Methods B212, B329, and B417
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2012
• Refers: ASTM B243-12 - Standard Terminology of Powder Metallurgy
• Effective Date: 15-Jul-2012
• Refers: ASTM B243-11 - Standard Terminology of Powder Metallurgy
• Effective Date: 15-Nov-2011
• Refers: ASTM E691-11 - Standard Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Determine the Precision of a Test Method
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2011
• Refers: ASTM B215-10 - Standard Practices for Sampling Metal Powders
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2010
• Refers: ASTM E177-10 - Standard Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in ASTM Test Methods
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2010
• Refers: ASTM B243-10 - Standard Terminology of Powder Metallurgy
• Effective Date: 15-Jan-2010

Overview

ASTM B329-20: Standard Test Method for Apparent Density of Metal Powders and Compounds Using the Scott Volumeter provides a trusted and widely recognized method for determining the apparent density-commonly referred to as "Scott density"-of metal powders and related compounds. Developed by ASTM, this standard is critical in the powder metallurgy industry, where apparent density significantly influences material selection, quality control, and downstream processing performance.

This test method uses the Scott Volumeter (also known as the Paint Pigment Volumeter) to offer a reproducible approach to evaluate how metal powders compact under free-flowing conditions, providing manufacturers and laboratories with a reliable means for comparing batch-to-batch consistency and process performance.

Key Topics

• Purpose: Evaluates the apparent density of metal powders and compounds, which can affect handling, transport, and end-use properties in powder metallurgy.
• Test Apparatus: Utilizes the Scott Volumeter consisting of funnels, baffle box, density cups (cylindrical or square), and weighing balance.
• Sample Preparation: Specifies sampling methods, powder portion size, and steps to ensure representative, consistent measurements.
• Density Determination: The powder is poured into the Volumeter, leveled, and weighed to determine apparent density in grams per cubic centimetre (g/cm³).
• Repeatability and Reproducibility: Ensures results are consistent across operators and labs by providing precision guidelines based on interlaboratory studies.
• Reporting: Requires results to be clearly reported as Scott Density, including which density cup was used and referencing the ASTM B329-20 method.

Applications

The Scott Volumeter method for apparent density finds broad utility in the following areas:

• Powder Metallurgy: Helps determine packing characteristics and flowability of metal powders, essential for consistent sintering and compaction.
• Quality Control: Supports routine inspection of incoming powder shipments and in-process materials for manufacturing consistency.
• Material Development: Aids in research and development when optimizing powder blends or innovations involving metal compounds and additives.
• Purchasing and Specification Compliance: Used by suppliers and buyers to verify compliance with material specifications and ensure suitability for application-specific needs.
• Comparative Analysis: Enables effective comparison between different powders, batches, or manufacturing processes.
• Refractory Metals and Specialty Alloys: Critical in applications involving tungsten, molybdenum, and related materials, where density influences processing and performance.

This test method is applicable to a wide range of metal powders used in automotive, aerospace, electronics, additive manufacturing, and industrial applications.

Related Standards

For comprehensive powder characterization and supporting procedures, the following ASTM standards are referenced in ASTM B329-20 and commonly used in conjunction:

• ASTM B215 - Practices for Sampling Metal Powders
• ASTM B243 - Terminology of Powder Metallurgy
• ASTM B873 - Test Method for Measuring Volume of Apparent Density Cup
• ASTM E11 - Specification for Woven Wire Test Sieve Cloth and Test Sieves
• ASTM E177 - Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in ASTM Test Methods
• ASTM E691 - Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Determine the Precision of a Test Method

Keywords: ASTM B329, Scott Volumeter, apparent density, metal powders, powder metallurgy, Scott density, quality control, powder testing, refractory metals, bulk density, powder flowability

By employing ASTM B329-20, organizations maintain consistent powder measurements, enhance quality assurance processes, and support efficient production workflows in the metal powder industry.

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: B329 − 20
Standard Test Method for
Apparent Density of Metal Powders and Compounds Using
the Scott Volumeter
This standard is issued under the fixed designation B329; 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* E691 Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to
Determine the Precision of a Test Method
1.1 This test method covers determination of the apparent
density of metal powders and related compounds using the
3. Terminology
Scott Volumeter, also known as the Paint Pigment Volumeter.
3.1 Definitions—For definitions of terms used in this test
1.2 Units—With the exception of the values for density and
method, see Terminology B243.
the mass used to determine density, for which the use of the
gram per cubic centimetre (g/cm ) and gram (g) units is the
4. Significance and Use
longstanding industry practice, the values stated in SI units are
4.1 This test method covers the evaluation of the apparent
to be regarded as the standard.
density physical characteristic of powders. The degree of
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
correlation between the results of this test and the quality of
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
powders in use will vary with each particular application and
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
has not been fully determined.
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
4.2 The apparent density measured via this test method is
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
often referred to as the “Scott Density.”
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
5. Apparatus
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
5.1 Fig. 1 shows the Scott Volumeter consisting of the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
following parts:
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
5.1.1 Top Funnels—Alarge funnel with a No. 16 (1.18 mm)
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
or a No. 18 (1 mm) screen per Specification E11, and a small
conical funnel for directing the powder into the baffle box.
2. Referenced Documents
2 Funnels and screen may be brass or stainless steel.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
5.1.2 Baffle Box—A box with two glass sides and two
B215 Practices for Sampling Metal Powders
wooden sides containing a series of four glass baffle plates.
B243 Terminology of Powder Metallurgy
The wooden baffle box may be substituted by a water-
B873 Test Method for Measuring Volume of Apparent Den-
resistant material, such as stainless steel, if washing is more
sity Cup Used in Test Methods B212, B329, and B417
desirable than air cleaning.
E11 Specification for Woven Wire Test Sieve Cloth and Test
5.1.3 Bottom Funnel—Asmall brass or stainless steel funnel
Sieves
directly beneath lower baffle box opening for directing the
E177 Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in
powder into the density cup.
ASTM Test Methods
5.1.4 Density Cups—A cylindrical cup having a capacity of
25.00 6 0.03 cm , with an inside diameter of
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee B09 on Metal
29.50 6 2.50 mm; or a square cup with a capacity of
Powders and Metal Powder Products and is the direct responsibility of Subcom-
16.39 6 0.05 cm and an inside dimension of 25.40 6
mittee B09.03 on Refractory Metal Powders.
0.02 mm. Density cups shall be either brass or non-magnetic
Current edition approved May 1, 2020. Published May 2020. Originally
stainless steel.
approved in 1958. Last previous edition approved in 2018 as B329 – 18. DOI:
10.1520/B0329-20.
5.1.5 Stand—A90° pivoting wooden or stainless steel stand
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
to support the funnels and the baffle box concentric with the
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
density cup so that the bottom funnel lower opening is 19 mm
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. above the top of the density cup as shown in Fig. 1 when using
*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
B329 − 20
FIG. 1 Density Apparatus Assembly
the square cup. Fig. 2 shows some suggested modifications for 5.3 Balance—A balance, readable to 0.01 g with a capacity
use of the cylindrical cup. ModificationsAand C of Fig. 2 are
of at least 200 g.
suggested when the cylindrical cup is to be used exclusively.
5.4 Brush—Agood quality, 25.4 mm wide brush, preferably
Modification B of Fig. 2 is suggested when both cups are to be
nylon.
used interchangeably.
5.5 Spatula—A standard 12.7 mm wide stainless steel labo-
5.2 Instrument Support—Astandorbenchsurface,leveland
ratory spatula.
vibration free.
FIG. 2 Suggested Methods of Modifying the Wooden Scott Volumeter for Metric Density Cup
B329 − 20
6. Test Specimen 10. Report
6.1 Obtain a test portion in accordance with Practices B215. 10.1 Report test results as Scott Density, AD , in grams per
s
3 cubic centimetre to the nearest 0.1 g⁄cm .
6.2 Aminimum of 25 cm of powder for the square cup and
35 cm of powder for the cylindrical cup will be needed. 10.2 Report which density cup was used in the test.
10.3 Include a reference to this test method in the report.
7. Calibration and Standardization
7.1 The density cups shall be calibrated in accordance with
11. Precision and Bias
Test Method B873. If the density cup falls outside acceptable
11.1 The precision of this test method is based on an
tolerance limits, 25.00 6 0.03 cm for the cylindrical cup or
interlaboratory study of Test Method B329 conducted in 2018.
16.39 6 0.05 cm for the square cup, it is not to be used.
Each of 6 laboratories tested 5 different materials. Every “test
8. Procedure result” represents an individual determination, and all partici-
pants reported triplicate test results. Practice E691 was fol-
8.1 Tare or preweigh the density cup.
lowed for the design and analysis of the data; the details are
8.2 Pour the powder being tested carefully into the top
given in ASTM Research Report RR:B09-1024.
receiving funnel and permit the powder to run into the density
11.1.1 Repeatab
...

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: B329 − 18 B329 − 20
Standard Test Method for
Apparent Density of Metal Powders and Compounds Using
the Scott Volumeter
This standard is issued under the fixed designation B329; 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 determination of the apparent density of metal powders and related compounds using the Scott
Volumeter, also known as the Paint Pigment Volumeter.
1.2 Units—With the exception of the values for density and the mass used to determine density, for which the use of the gram
per cubic centimetre (g/cm ) and gram (g) units is the longstanding industry practice, the values stated in SI units are to be regarded
as the standard.
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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of
regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.4 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
2.1 ASTM Standards:
B215 Practices for Sampling Metal Powders
B243 Terminology of Powder Metallurgy
B873 Test Method for Measuring Volume of Apparent Density Cup Used in Test Methods B212, B329, and B417
E11 Specification for Woven Wire Test Sieve Cloth and Test Sieves
E177 Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in ASTM Test Methods
E691 Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Determine the Precision of a Test Method
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions—For definitions of terms used in this test method, see Terminology B243.
4. Significance and Use
4.1 This test method covers the evaluation of the apparent density physical characteristic of powders. The degree of correlation
between the results of this test and the quality of powders in use will vary with each particular application and has not been fully
determined.
4.2 The apparent density measured via this test method is often referred to as the “Scott Density.”
5. Apparatus
5.1 Fig. 1 shows the Scott Volumeter consisting of the following parts:
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee B09 on Metal Powders and Metal Powder Products and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee B09.03
on Refractory Metal Powders.
Current edition approved Oct. 1, 2018May 1, 2020. Published November 2018May 2020. Originally approved in 1958. Last previous edition approved in 20142018 as
B329 – 14.B329 – 18. DOI: 10.1520/B0329-18.10.1520/B0329-20.
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.
*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
B329 − 20
FIG. 1 Density Apparatus Assembly
5.1.1 Top Funnels—A large funnel with a No. 16 (1.18 mm) or a No. 18 (1 mm) screen per Specification E11, and a small
conical funnel for directing the powder into the baffle box. Funnels and screen may be brass or stainless steel.
5.1.2 Baffle Box—A box with two glass sides and two wooden sides containing a series of four glass baffle plates.
The wooden baffle box may be substituted by a water-resistant material, such as stainless steel, if washing is more desirable than
air cleaning.
5.1.3 Bottom Funnel—A small brass or stainless steel funnel directly beneath lower baffle box opening for directing the powder
into the density cup.
5.1.4 Density Cups—A cylindrical cup having a capacity of 25.00 6 0.03 cm , with an inside diameter of 29.50 6 2.50 mm; or
a square cup with a capacity of 16.39 6 0.05 cm and an inside dimension of 25.40 6 0.02 mm. Density cups shall be either brass
or non-magnetic stainless steel.
5.1.5 Stand—A 90° pivoting wooden or stainless steel stand to support the funnels and the baffle box concentric with the density
cup so that the bottom funnel lower opening is 19 mm above the top of the density cup as shown in Fig. 1 when using the square
cup. Fig. 2 shows some suggested modifications for use of the cylindrical cup. Modifications A and C of Fig. 2 are suggested when
the cylindrical cup is to be used exclusively. Modification B of Fig. 2 is suggested when both cups are to be used interchangeably.
5.2 Instrument Support—A stand or bench surface, level and vibration free.
5.3 Balance—A balance, readable to 0.01 g with a capacity of at least 200 g.
5.4 Brush—A good quality, 25.4-mm25.4 mm wide brush, preferably nylon.
5.5 Spatula—A standard 12.7-mm12.7 mm wide stainless steel laboratory spatula.
6. Test Specimen
6.1 Obtain a test portion in accordance with Practices B215.
3 3
6.2 A minimum of 25 cm of powder for the square cup and 35 cm of powder for the cylindrical cup will be needed.
7. Calibration and Standardization
7.1 The density cups shall be calibrated in accordance with Test Method B873. If the density cup falls outside acceptable
3 3
tolerance limits, 25.00 6 0.03 cm for the cylindrical cup;cup or 16.39 6 0.05 cm for the square cup, it is not to be used.
8. Procedure
8.1 Tare or preweigh the density cup.
8.2 Pour the powder being tested carefully into the top receiving funnel and permit the powder to run into the density cup.
Completely fill the density cup to overflowing or fill to overflowing and form a mound of powder above the top of the density cup.
B329 − 20
FIG. 2 Suggested Methods of Modifying the Wooden Scott Volumeter for Metric Density Cup
If the powder is not free-flowing, carefully brush the sample through the top receiving funnel screen without jarring the volumeter.
Jarring of the volumeter could result in packing of the powder in the density cups, thus giving erroneously high values.
8.3 Remove the excess powder in the density cup by passing the edge of the spatula blade parallel to, and in contact with, the
top of the cup. Move the spatula smoothly along the top surface of the cup and back again until all excess powder has been
removed, special care being taken to direct the excess powder into the unfilled areas of the cup. It is important that the spatula be
kept level at all times to prevent packing or pulling out of the powder. Perform the complet
...