ASTM B527-15

Standard Test Method for Tap Density of Metal Powders and Compounds

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 This test method covers the evaluation of the tap density physical characteristic of metal powders and related compounds. The degree of correlation between the results of this test method and the quality of powders in use will vary with each particular application and has not been fully determined.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method specifies a method for the determination of tap density (packed density) of metal powders and compounds, that is, the density of a powder that has been tapped, to settle contents, in a container under specified conditions.  
1.2 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.  
1.3 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.

General Information

• Status: Historical
• Publication Date: 31-Mar-2015
• ICS: 77.160 - Powder metallurgy
• Technical Committee: B09 - Metal Powders and Metal Powder Products
• Drafting Committee: B09.03 - Refractory Metal Powders

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NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.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: B527 − 15
Standard Test Method for
1
Tap Density of Metal Powders and Compounds
This standard is issued under the fixed designation B527; 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* pounds. The degree of correlation between the results of this
test method and the quality of powders in use will vary with
1.1 This test method specifies a method for the determina-
each particular application and has not been fully determined.
tion of tap density (packed density) of metal powders and
compounds, that is, the density of a powder that has been
5. Apparatus
tapped, to settle contents, in a container under specified
5.1 Balance, of appropriate capacity to satisfy the require-
conditions.
ments shown in Table 1 and accuracy of 6 0.05 g.
1.2 With the exception of the values for density and the
5.2 Graduated Glass Cylinder, calibrated to contain 100
mass used to determine density, for which the use of the gram
3
3 cm at 20 °C, the height of the graduated portion being
per cubic centimetre (g/cm ) and gram (g) units is the long-
3
approximately 175 mm. The graduations shall be at 1 cm
standing industry practice, the values in SI units are to be
3
intervals,thusallowingameasuringaccuracyof 60.5cm .For
regarded as standard.
3 3
apparent densities over 4 g/cm , do not use the 100 cm
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
cylinder, see section 5.2.1.1.
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
5.2.1 Alternatively, the following may be used:
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
5.2.1.1 Graduated Glass Cylinder, calibrated to contain 25
3
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
cm at 20 °C, the height of the graduated portion being
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. 3
approximately 135 mm. The graduations shall be at 0.2 cm
3
intervals, thus allowing a measuring accuracy of 60.1 cm .
2. Referenced Documents
3
5.2.1.2 A 25 cm cylinder shall be used for powders of
2
2.1 ASTM Standards: 3
apparent density higher than 4 g/cm , in particular for refrac-
B215 Practices for Sampling Metal Powders
tory metal powders.
B243 Terminology of Powder Metallurgy
5.3 Tapping Apparatus, which permits the tapping of the
E177 Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in
graduated cylinder against a firm base. The tapping shall be
ASTM Test Methods
such that a densification of the powder can take place without
E456 Terminology Relating to Quality and Statistics
any loosening of its surface layers. The stroke shall be 3 mm
E691 Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to
and the tapping frequency shall be between 100 and 300
Determine the Precision of a Test Method
taps/min. An example of a tapping apparatus is shown in Fig.
3. Terminology
1.
3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:Terms
6. Test Specimen
used in this test method are defined in B243.
6.1 For the quantities of powder required for each test, see
4. Significance and Use Table 1. Obtain test portions according to Practices B215.
4.1 This test method covers the evaluation of the tap density 6.2 In general, the powder should be tested in the as-
physical characteristic of metal powders and related com- received condition. In certain instances the powder may be
dried. However, if the powder is susceptible to oxidation, the
drying shall take place in a vacuum or in inert gas. If the
1
This specification is under the jurisdiction ofASTM Committee B09 on Metal
Powders and Metal Powder Products and is the direct responsibility of Subcom- powder contains volatile substances, it shall not be dried.
mittee B09.03 on Refractory Metal Powders.
6.3 The test shall be carried out on three test portions, if
Current edition approved April 1, 2015. Published April 2015. Originally
approved in 1970. Last previous edition approved in 2014 as B527 – 2014. DOI: possible.
10.1520/B0527-15.
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or 7. Procedure
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
7.1 Clean the inside wall of the graduated cylinder (see 5.2)
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. with a suitable clean brush or, if necessary, by rinsing with a
*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
1

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B527 − 15
TABLE 1 Capacity and Accuracy of the Test Porti
...

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: B527 − 14 B527 − 15
Standard Test Method for
Determination of Tap Density of Metal Powders and
1
Compounds
This standard is issued under the fixed designation B527; 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 specifies a method for the determination of tap density (packed density) of metal powders and compounds,
that is, the density of a powder that has been tapped, to settle contents, in a container under specified conditions.
1.2 With the exception of the values for density and the mass used to determine density, for which the use of the gram per cubic
3
centimetre (g/cm ) and gram (g) units is the long-standing industry practice, the values in SI units are to be regarded as standard.
1.3 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.
2. Referenced Documents
2
2.1 ASTM Standards:
B215 Practices for Sampling Metal Powders
B243 Terminology of Powder Metallurgy
E177 Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in ASTM Test Methods
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 of Terms Specific to This Standard:Terms used in this test method are defined in B243.
4. Significance and Use
4.1 This test method covers the evaluation of the tap density physical characteristic of metal powders and related compounds.
The degree of correlation between the results of this test method and the quality of powders in use will vary with each particular
application and has not been fully determined.
5. Apparatus
5.1 Balance, of appropriate capacity to satisfy the requirements shown in Table 1 and accuracy of 6 0.05 g.
3
5.2 Graduated Glass Cylinder, calibrated to contain 100 cm at 20 °C, the height of the graduated portion being approximately
3 3
175 mm. The graduations shall be at 1 cm intervals, thus allowing a measuring accuracy of 60.5 cm . For apparent densities over
3 3
4 g/cm , do not use the 100 cm cylinder, see section 5.2.1.1.
5.2.1 Alternatively, the following may be used:
3
5.2.1.1 Graduated Glass Cylinder, calibrated to contain 25 cm at 20 °C, the height of the graduated portion being
3 3
approximately 135 mm. The graduations shall be at 0.2 cm intervals, thus allowing a measuring accuracy of 60.1 cm .
3 3
5.2.1.2 A 25 cm cylinder shall be used for powders of apparent density higher than 4 g/cm , in particular for refractory metal
powders.
1
This specification 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 April 1, 2014April 1, 2015. Published August 2014April 2015. Originally approved in 1970. Last previous edition approved in 20062014 as
B527 – 2006.B527 – 2014. DOI: 10.1520/B0527-14.10.1520/B0527-15.
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.
*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
1

---------------------- Page: 1 ----------------------
B527 − 15
TABLE 1 Capacity and Accuracy of the Test Portion Mass and
Graduated Cylinder
Apparent Mass of Test Cylinder Cylinder
Density Portion Capacity Accuracy
3 3 3
g/cm g cm cm
<1 50 ± 0.2 100 0.5
1-4 100 ± 0.5 100 0.5
>4 100 ± 0.5 25 0.2
5.3 Tapping Apparatus, which permits the tapping of the graduated cylinder against a firm base. The tapping shall be such that
a densification of the powder can take place without any loosening of its surface layers. The stroke shall be 3 mm and the tapping
frequency shall be between 100 and 300 taps/min. An example of a tapping apparatus is shown in Fig. 1.
6. Test Specimen
6.1 For the quantities of powder required for each test, see Table 1. Obtain test po
...