ASTM B873-23

Standard Test Method for Measuring Volume of Apparent Density Cup Used in Test Methods B212, B329, and B417

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 This test method enables the measurement of the volume of the apparent density cup to ensure that it complies with the specified volume of 25.00 cm3  ± 0.03 cm3  (cylindrical cup), or 16.39 cm3  ± 0.05 cm3  (square cup). Use of an out-of-specification cup will give erroneous apparent density values using the formulae in Test Methods B212, B329, and B417.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers a procedure for measuring the volume of the apparent density cups used in Test Methods B212, B329, and B417.  
1.2 The apparent density cup, particularly its rim, may become worn during use, and it is recommended that the volume of the cup be checked periodically (at least every 6 months) in order to ensure that it complies with the specified volume.  
1.3 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 long standing industry practice, the values in SI units are to be regarded as standard.  
1.4 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.  
1.5 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: 31-Jan-2023
• ICS: 17.060 - Measurement of volume, mass, density, viscosity
• Technical Committee: B09 - Metal Powders and Metal Powder Products
• Drafting Committee: B09.02 - Base Metal Powders

Relations

• Refers: ASTM E456-13a(2022)e1 - Standard Terminology Relating to Quality and Statistics
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2022
• Refers: ASTM B329-20 - 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 B329-18 - Standard Test Method for Apparent Density of Metal Powders and Compounds Using the Scott Volumeter
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2018
• Refers: ASTM E456-13A(2017)e3 - Standard Terminology Relating to Quality and Statistics
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2017
• Refers: ASTM E456-13A(2017)e1 - Standard Terminology Relating to Quality and Statistics
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2017
• Refers: ASTM B243-16 - Standard Terminology of Powder Metallurgy
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2016
• Refers: ASTM B329-14 - Standard Test Method for<brk type="line"/> Apparent Density of Metal Powders and Compounds Using the Scott Volumeter
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2014
• Refers: ASTM E456-13a - Standard Terminology Relating to Quality and Statistics
• Effective Date: 15-Nov-2013
• Refers: ASTM E456-13ae1 - Standard Terminology Relating to Quality and Statistics
• Effective Date: 15-Nov-2013
• Refers: ASTM E456-13ae3 - Standard Terminology Relating to Quality and Statistics
• Effective Date: 15-Nov-2013
• Refers: ASTM E456-13ae2 - Standard Terminology Relating to Quality and Statistics
• Effective Date: 15-Nov-2013
• Refers: ASTM B243-13 - Standard Terminology of Powder Metallurgy
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2013
• Refers: ASTM B417-13 - Standard Test Method for Apparent Density of Non-Free-Flowing Metal Powders Using the Carney Funnel
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2013
• Refers: ASTM E456-13 - Standard Terminology Relating to Quality and Statistics
• Effective Date: 15-Aug-2013

Overview

ASTM B873-23, titled Standard Test Method for Measuring Volume of Apparent Density Cup Used in Test Methods B212, B329, and B417, is published by ASTM International. This standard sets out a precise method for measuring the internal volume of apparent density cups that are fundamental to the accurate determination of apparent density in metal powders according to ASTM test methods B212, B329, and B417. Maintaining proper cup volume within specified tolerances is essential, as even small deviations can lead to significant errors in apparent density measurements, impacting quality control and material characterization processes within powder metallurgy and related industries.

Key Topics

• Apparent Density Cup Volume Measurement: The standard details a procedure to measure the volume of cylindrical (25.00 cm³ ± 0.03 cm³) and square (16.39 cm³ ± 0.05 cm³) apparent density cups.
• Regular Verification: It is recommended that the volume of the cup, especially after regular use and potential rim wear, be checked at least every six months.
• Measurement Method: The cup is filled with de-aerated water, and its mass is measured to calculate the contained water volume, thereby determining the cup’s internal capacity.
• Repeatability and Reproducibility: The procedure ensures high precision, with defined limits for repeatability (0.02 cm³) and reproducibility (0.04 cm³), supporting consistent results across laboratories.
• Reporting Requirements: The average volume from three determinations must be reported to the nearest 0.01 cm³.
• Safety and Compliance: The standard reminds users to follow appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and to comply with relevant regulations.

Applications

• Quality Assurance in Powder Metallurgy: Accurate cup volume measurement ensures reliable apparent density testing for metal powders, which is critical for material selection, process control, and end-product performance in industries such as automotive and aerospace.
• Laboratory Calibration and Maintenance: The standard is important for laboratories responsible for routine calibration and maintenance of test equipment, preventing drift in measurement accuracy due to cup wear or deformation.
• Manufacturing Compliance: Manufacturers and suppliers of metal powders use this standard to certify compliance with material and process specifications, especially where precise density values are required for sintering, compaction, or mixing operations.
• Interlaboratory Consistency: By providing a uniform procedure and precision limits, ASTM B873-23 helps ensure consistency in test results within and between testing facilities, supporting traceability and customer confidence.

Related Standards

The following ASTM standards and practices are referenced within ASTM B873-23 or are commonly used in conjunction:

• ASTM B212 - Test Method for Apparent Density of Free-Flowing Metal Powders Using the Hall Flowmeter Funnel
• ASTM B329 - Test Method for Apparent Density of Metal Powders and Compounds Using the Scott Volumeter
• ASTM B417 - Test Method for Apparent Density of Non-Free-Flowing Metal Powders Using the Carney Funnel
• ASTM B243 - Terminology of Powder Metallurgy
• ASTM E456 - Terminology Relating to Quality and Statistics
• ASTM E691 - Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Determine the Precision of a Test Method

Practical Value

Implementing ASTM B873-23 ensures that density cups meet strict volume specifications, directly supporting the accuracy of metal powder characterization. This underpins reliable quality assurance, process validation, and product certification across powder metallurgy supply chains. Regular use of this method helps organizations maintain quality standards, reduce variability, and align with internationally recognized testing requirements.

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: B873 − 23
Standard Test Method for
Measuring Volume of Apparent Density Cup Used in Test
Methods B212, B329, and B417
This standard is issued under the fixed designation B873; 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* B329 Test Method for Apparent Density of Metal Powders
and Compounds Using the Scott Volumeter
1.1 This test method covers a procedure for measuring the
B417 Test Method for Apparent Density of Non-Free-
volume of the apparent density cups used in Test Methods
Flowing Metal Powders Using the Carney Funnel
B212, B329, and B417.
E456 Terminology Relating to Quality and Statistics
1.2 The apparent density cup, particularly its rim, may
E691 Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to
become worn during use, and it is recommended that the
Determine the Precision of a Test Method
volume of the cup be checked periodically (at least every 6
months) in order to ensure that it complies with the specified
3. Terminology
volume.
3.1 Definitions—Definitions of powder metallurgy terms
1.3 Units—With the exception of the values for density and
can be found in Terminology B243. Additional descriptive
the mass used to determine density, for which the use of the
information is available under “General Information on PM”
gram per cubic centimetre (g/cm ) and gram (g) units is the
on the ASTM B09 web page.
long standing industry practice, the values in SI units are to be
regarded as standard.
4. Summary of Test Method
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
4.1 The apparent density cup is filled with water and
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
weighed to obtain the mass of water contained, which is then
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
converted to a volume.
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
5. Significance and Use
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
5.1 This test method enables the measurement of the vol-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
ume of the apparent density cup to ensure that it complies with
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
3 3
the specified volume of 25.00 cm 6 0.03 cm (cylindrical
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
3 3
cup), or 16.39 cm 6 0.05 cm (square cup). Use of an
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
out-of-specification cup will give erroneous apparent density
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
values using the formulae in Test Methods B212, B329, and
B417.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
6. Apparatus
B212 Test Method for Apparent Density of Free-Flowing
6.1 Density Cup—A cylindrical cup (see Fig. 1) designed to
Metal Powders Using the Hall Flowmeter Funnel
3 3
have a capacity of 25.00 cm 6 0.03 cm (as in Test Methods
B243 Terminology of Powder Metallurgy
B212, B329, and B417) or a square cup designed to have a
3 3
capacity of 16.39 cm 6 0.05 cm (as in Test Method B329).
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee B09 on Metal 6.2 Balance, readable to 0.001 g with a minimum capacity
Powders and Metal Powder Products and is the direct responsibility of Subcom-
of 200 g.
mittee B09.02 on Base Metal Powders.
Current edition approved Feb. 1, 2023. Published February 2023. Originally 6.3 Microscope Slide—A transparent microscope slide at
approved in 1996. Last previous edition approved in 2021 as B873 – 21. DOI:
least as wide as the outer diameter of the apparent density cup.
10.1520/B0873-23.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or 6.4 Water—Distilled or deionized water boiled to remove
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
dissolved air.
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. 6.5 Alcohol—Low residue ethyl alcohol.
*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
B873 − 23
A
TABLE 1 Density of Air-Free Water
Temperature (°C) ρ , Density (g/cm )
w
15 0.9991
16 0.9989
17 0.9988
18 0.9986
19 0.9984
20 0.9982
21 0.9980
22 0.9978
23 0.9975
24 0.9973
25 0.9970
26 0.9968
27 0.9965
28 0.9962
29 0.9959
30 0.9956
A
Metrological Handbook 145,“ Quality Assurance for Measurements,” National
Institute of Standards and Technology, 1990, p. 9, 10.
7.11 Repeat the steps in 7.4 through 7.10 for three separate
determinations using a fresh portion of the prepared water each
time.
FIG. 1 Cylindrical Apparent D
...

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: B873 − 21 B873 − 23
Standard Test Method for
Measuring Volume of Apparent Density Cup Used in Test
Methods B212, B329, and B417
This standard is issued under the fixed designation B873; 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 test method covers a procedure for measuring the volume of the apparent density cups used in Test Methods B212, B329,
and B417.
1.2 The apparent density cup, particularly its rim, may become worn during use, and it is recommended that the volume of the
cup be checked periodically (at least every 6 months) in order to ensure that it complies with the specified volume.
1.3 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 long standing industry practice, the values in SI units are to be regarded as
standard.
1.4 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.
1.5 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:
B212 Test Method for Apparent Density of Free-Flowing Metal Powders Using the Hall Flowmeter Funnel
B243 Terminology of Powder Metallurgy
B329 Test Method for Apparent Density of Metal Powders and Compounds Using the Scott Volumeter
B417 Test Method for Apparent Density of Non-Free-Flowing Metal Powders Using the Carney Funnel
E456 Terminology Relating to Quality and Statistics
E691 Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Determine the Precision of a Test Method
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions—Definitions of powder metallurgy terms can be found in Terminology B243. Additional descriptive information
is available under “General Information on PM” on the ASTM B09 web page.
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 B09.02
on Base Metal Powders.
Current edition approved Sept. 1, 2021Feb. 1, 2023. Published September 2021February 2023. Originally approved in 1996. Last previous edition approved in 20172021
as B873 – 17.B873 – 21. DOI: 10.1520/B0873-21.10.1520/B0873-23.
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
B873 − 23
4. Summary of Test Method
4.1 The apparent density cup is filled with water and weighed to obtain the mass of water contained, which is then converted to
a volume.
5. Significance and Use
5.1 This test method enables the measurement of the volume of the apparent density cup to ensure that it complies with the
3 3 3 3
specified volume of 25.0025.00 cm 6 0.03 cm (cylindrical cup), or 16.3916.39 cm 6 0.05 cm (square cup). Use of an
out-of-specification cup will give erroneous apparent density values using the formulae in Test Methods B212, B329, and B417.
6. Apparatus
3 3
6.1 Density Cup—A cylindrical cup (see Fig. 1) designed to have a capacity of 25.0025.00 cm 6 0.03 cm (as in Test Methods
3 3
B212, B329, and B417) or a square cup designed to have a capacity of 16.3916.39 cm 6 0.05 cm (as in Test Method B329).
6.2 Balance, readable to 0.00010.001 g with a minimum capacity of 200 g.
6.3 Microscope Slide—A transparent microscope slide at least as wide as the outer diameter of the apparent density cup.
6.4 Water—Distilled or deionized water boiled to remove dissolved air.
6.5 Alcohol—Low residue ethyl alcohol.
6.6 Wire—A wire not exceeding 2.5 mm in diameter by 150 mm long.
6.7 Thermometer—A thermometer capable of measuring the temperature of the water to the nearest 1 °C.
7. Procedure
7.1 Boil at least 150 mL of distilled or deionized water for 5 min to remove dissolved air. Cool to room temperature and handle
so as to avoid the introduction of air bubbles.
FIG. 1 Cylindrical Apparent Density Cup
B873 − 23
7.2 Clean the density cup with alcohol and dry thoroughly.
7.3 Weigh the density cup along
...