ASTM B406-96(2021)
(Test Method)Standard Test Method for Transverse Rupture Strength of Cemented Carbides
General Information
- Abstract
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
3.1 This test method is used as a means of determining the quality of cemented carbide grade powders by measuring their sintered strength. It is performed on test specimens prepared to specified shape, dimensions, and surface finish; test specimens may be prepared from finished parts if size permits. There is no known standard material for this test method. The transverse rupture strength of cemented carbides is not a design value.
3.1.1 Most commercial cemented carbides have mechanical behavior that is best classified as brittle (negligible ductility). Fracture strengths are dependent on internal or surface flaws. Examples of incoherent internal flaws are macropores, Type B porosity (see Test Method B276), and inclusions of foreign particles. Such flaws are randomly distributed spatially and in size within the sintered material. This imparts a statistical nature to any transverse rupture strength measurement.
3.1.2 The stress distribution in a beam in three-point loading is non-uniform. It increases linearly along the span to a maximum at the center, and varies linearly through any section from compression on the top to tension on the bottom. The maximum tensile stress therefore occurs at center span in the bottom most fibers of the sample, and is defined as the transverse rupture strength at failure. Failure is initiated at a random flaw site, which is most probably not coincident with the maximum stress. This imparts an additional statistical nature to transverse rupture strength measurements.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method2 covers the determination of the transverse rupture strength of cemented carbides.
1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as the standard. The SI values in parentheses are provided for information only.
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.
- Status
- Published
- Publication Date
- 31-Mar-2021
- Technical Committee
- B09 - Metal Powders and Metal Powder Products
- Drafting Committee
- B09.06 - Cemented Carbides
Overview
ASTM B406-96(2021) is the internationally recognized standard test method for evaluating the transverse rupture strength of cemented carbides. Issued by ASTM International, this standard provides guidance for determining the quality of cemented carbide powders and sintered products by measuring their resistance to fracture under three-point bending conditions. The test is applicable to specimens prepared to defined shapes and surface finishes, making it suitable for quality control and material evaluation in manufacturing and research settings.
Cemented carbides, often classified as hardmetals, are typically brittle materials with fracture strengths highly dependent on internal or surface flaws such as pores and inclusions. This standard does not offer design values but aids in quality assessment and comparative analysis of cemented carbide grades.
Key Topics
- Purpose of the Test: Measures the sintered strength of cemented carbide specimens, supporting quality control of hardmetal products.
- Specimen Criteria: Test pieces must meet specified dimensions, geometry, and surface finish requirements for reliable results.
- Testing Procedure: Utilizes a three-point bend test to apply uniform load until fracture, recording the force at the moment of failure.
- Statistical Nature: Recognizes that rupture strength measurements are inherently statistical due to random flaw distribution in the material.
- Test Environment: All tests are conducted at room temperature (minimum 65°F/18°C) for consistency.
- Data Reporting: Results include mean rupture strength, standard deviation, and details on specimen validity for accurate benchmarking.
Applications
ASTM B406-96(2021) is widely used in industries where cemented carbides are core materials, including:
- Tool Manufacturing: Assessing raw material quality for cutting tools, dies, and wear-resistant components.
- Quality Control: Validating production batches and detecting material inconsistencies before parts reach end use.
- Materials Research: Providing comparative data on experimental or production carbide grades for performance optimization.
- Failure Analysis: Supporting investigations into fracture or breakage incidents by quantifying rupture strengths of suspect components.
- Certification and Compliance: Demonstrating adherence to international quality and testing standards when supplying cemented carbide components.
Its consistent methodology ensures repeatability and reliability within and across different production facilities and laboratories.
Related Standards
For comprehensive assessment and interrelated test methods, consider these standards:
- ASTM B276 – Test Method for Apparent Porosity in Cemented Carbides: Evaluates porosity, which directly influences rupture strength.
- ISO 3327 – Hardmetals: Determination of Transverse Rupture Strength: Equivalent international method offering similar procedural guidelines.
- Additional ASTM Metal Powder Standards: Relevant for broader quality assessment in powder metallurgy and sintered product characterization.
Practical Value
Adopting ASTM B406-96(2021) empowers manufacturers and laboratories to:
- Ensure batch-to-batch material consistency
- Identify and eliminate defective or subpar material prior to usage
- Document and justify material performance for regulatory or client requirements
- Benchmark new or alternative cemented carbide formulations
- Mitigate risks associated with unexpected fracture during service
Utilizing this standard strengthens both product reliability and industry reputation, ensuring that cemented carbides meet rigorous performance demands across diverse industrial applications.
Keywords: ASTM B406, transverse rupture strength, cemented carbides, hardmetals, quality control, fracture strength, testing standard, material evaluation
Relations
- Effective Date
- 01-Sep-2010
- Effective Date
- 01-Dec-2005
- Effective Date
- 01-Dec-2005
- Effective Date
- 01-Jan-2000
- Effective Date
- 01-Jan-2000
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Frequently Asked Questions
ASTM B406-96(2021) is a standard published by ASTM International. Its full title is "Standard Test Method for Transverse Rupture Strength of Cemented Carbides". This standard covers: SIGNIFICANCE AND USE 3.1 This test method is used as a means of determining the quality of cemented carbide grade powders by measuring their sintered strength. It is performed on test specimens prepared to specified shape, dimensions, and surface finish; test specimens may be prepared from finished parts if size permits. There is no known standard material for this test method. The transverse rupture strength of cemented carbides is not a design value. 3.1.1 Most commercial cemented carbides have mechanical behavior that is best classified as brittle (negligible ductility). Fracture strengths are dependent on internal or surface flaws. Examples of incoherent internal flaws are macropores, Type B porosity (see Test Method B276), and inclusions of foreign particles. Such flaws are randomly distributed spatially and in size within the sintered material. This imparts a statistical nature to any transverse rupture strength measurement. 3.1.2 The stress distribution in a beam in three-point loading is non-uniform. It increases linearly along the span to a maximum at the center, and varies linearly through any section from compression on the top to tension on the bottom. The maximum tensile stress therefore occurs at center span in the bottom most fibers of the sample, and is defined as the transverse rupture strength at failure. Failure is initiated at a random flaw site, which is most probably not coincident with the maximum stress. This imparts an additional statistical nature to transverse rupture strength measurements. SCOPE 1.1 This test method2 covers the determination of the transverse rupture strength of cemented carbides. 1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as the standard. The SI values in parentheses are provided for information only. 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.
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE 3.1 This test method is used as a means of determining the quality of cemented carbide grade powders by measuring their sintered strength. It is performed on test specimens prepared to specified shape, dimensions, and surface finish; test specimens may be prepared from finished parts if size permits. There is no known standard material for this test method. The transverse rupture strength of cemented carbides is not a design value. 3.1.1 Most commercial cemented carbides have mechanical behavior that is best classified as brittle (negligible ductility). Fracture strengths are dependent on internal or surface flaws. Examples of incoherent internal flaws are macropores, Type B porosity (see Test Method B276), and inclusions of foreign particles. Such flaws are randomly distributed spatially and in size within the sintered material. This imparts a statistical nature to any transverse rupture strength measurement. 3.1.2 The stress distribution in a beam in three-point loading is non-uniform. It increases linearly along the span to a maximum at the center, and varies linearly through any section from compression on the top to tension on the bottom. The maximum tensile stress therefore occurs at center span in the bottom most fibers of the sample, and is defined as the transverse rupture strength at failure. Failure is initiated at a random flaw site, which is most probably not coincident with the maximum stress. This imparts an additional statistical nature to transverse rupture strength measurements. SCOPE 1.1 This test method2 covers the determination of the transverse rupture strength of cemented carbides. 1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as the standard. The SI values in parentheses are provided for information only. 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.
ASTM B406-96(2021) is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 77.160 - Powder metallurgy. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
ASTM B406-96(2021) has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to ASTM B276-05(2010), ASTM B276-05, ASTM B276-05e1, ASTM B276-91(1996)e1, ASTM B276-91(2000). Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.
ASTM B406-96(2021) is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.
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: B406 − 96 (Reapproved 2021)
Standard Test Method for
Transverse Rupture Strength of Cemented Carbides
This standard is issued under the fixed designation B406; 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 specified shape, dimensions, and surface finish; test specimens
2 maybepreparedfromfinishedpartsifsizepermits.Thereisno
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the
known standard material for this test method. The transverse
transverse rupture strength of cemented carbides.
rupture strength of cemented carbides is not a design value.
1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
3.1.1 Most commercial cemented carbides have mechanical
as the standard. The SI values in parentheses are provided for
behavior that is best classified as brittle (negligible ductility).
information only.
Fracture strengths are dependent on internal or surface flaws.
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
Examples of incoherent internal flaws are macropores, Type B
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
porosity (see Test Method B276), and inclusions of foreign
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
particles. Such flaws are randomly distributed spatially and in
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
size within the sintered material. This imparts a statistical
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
nature to any transverse rupture strength measurement.
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
3.1.2 Thestressdistributioninabeaminthree-pointloading
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
is non-uniform. It increases linearly along the span to a
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
maximum at the center, and varies linearly through any section
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
from compression on the top to tension on the bottom. The
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
maximum tensile stress therefore occurs at center span in the
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
bottom most fibers of the sample, and is defined as the
transverse rupture strength at failure. Failure is initiated at a
2. Referenced Documents
random flaw site, which is most probably not coincident with
2.1 ASTM Standards:
the maximum stress. This imparts an additional statistical
B276 Test Method for Apparent Porosity in Cemented Car-
nature to transverse rupture strength measurements.
bides
2.2 ISO Standard:
4. Apparatus
ISO-3327 Hardmetals—Determination of Transverse Rup-
4.1 Either a specially adapted machine for applying the load
ture Strength
or a special fixture suitable for use with a conventional
load-applying machine may be used. In either case, the
3. Significance and Use
apparatus shall have the following parts:
3.1 This test method is used as a means of determining the
4.1.1 Two ground-cemented-carbide cylinders 0.250 6
quality of cemented carbide grade powders by measuring their
0.001 in. (6.35 6 0.02 mm) in diameter, at least 0.500 in. (13
sintered strength. It is performed on test specimens prepared to
mm) in length with the long axes parallel, and center to center
spacing of 0.563 6 0.005 in. (14.3 6 0.1 mm).
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee B09 on Metal
4.1.2 Amovablemember(freetomovesubstantiallyonlyin
Powders and Metal Powder Products and is the direct responsibility of Subcom-
a line perpendicular to the plane established by the axes of the
mittee B09.06 on Cemented Carbides.
Current edition approved April 1, 2021. Published May 2021. Originally
two cylinders) containing a 0.4 6 0.05-in. (10 6 1.3-mm)
approvedin1963.Lastpreviouseditionapprovedin2015asB406 – 96(2015).DOI:
cemented-tungsten-carbide ball or a ground-cemented-carbide
10.1520/B0406-96R21.
cylinder of the same dimensions as, and with axis parallel to,
This test method is comparable to ISO-3327.
those of the two previously mentioned cylinders (see 4.1.1).
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
This ball or cylinder shall be so positioned that movements of
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the member will cause the ball or cylinder to contact a
the ASTM website.
specimen placed on the two lower cylinders at the midpoint of
Available from American National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St.,
4th Floor, New York, NY 10036. the span between them.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
B406 − 96 (2021)
4.1.3 The apparatus shall be so constructed that the appli- the middle one third of the span between the supporting
cation of a sufficient load to the movable member to effect cylinders on the tension side of the specimen. Record the
breaking of a specimen will not cause appreciable deflection of number of pounds required to cause fracture.
the line of movement of the movable member and the plane
7.3 Perform all tests at room temperature but not lower than
established by the two fixed cylinders. The apparatus shall be
65 °F (18 °C).
capable of applying sufficie
...