ASTM B610-23

Standard Test Method for Measuring Dimensional Changes Associated with Processing Metal Powders Intended for Die Compaction

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 Dimensional Change When Compacting and Sintering Metal Powders:  
5.1.1 The dimensional change value obtained under specified conditions of compacting and sintering is a material characteristic inherent in the powder.  
5.1.2 The test is useful for quality control of the dimensional change of a metal powder mixture, to measure compositional and processing changes and to guide in the production of PM parts.  
5.1.3 The absolute dimensional change may be used to classify powders or differentiate one type or grade from another, to evaluate additions to a powder mixture or to measure process changes, and to guide in the design of tooling.  
5.1.4 The comparative dimensional change is mainly used as a quality control test to measure variations between a lot or shipment of metal powder and a reference powder of the same material composition.  
5.1.5 Factors known to affect size change are the base metal powder grade; type and lot; particle size distribution; level and types of additions to the base metal powder; amount and type of lubricant, green density, as well as processing conditions of the test specimen; heating rate; sintering time and temperature; sintering atmosphere; and cooling rate.  
5.2 Dimensional Change of Various PM Processing Steps:  
5.2.1 The general procedure of measuring the die or a test compact before and after a PM processing step, and calculating a percent dimensional change, is also adapted for use as an internal process evaluation test to quantify green expansion, repressing size change, heat treatment changes, or other changes in dimensions that result from a manufacturing operation.
SCOPE
1.1 This standard covers a test method that may be used to measure the sum of the changes in dimensions that occur when a metal powder is first compacted into a test specimen and then sintered.  
1.2 The dimensional change is determined by a quantitative laboratory procedure in which the arithmetic difference between the dimensions of a die cavity and the dimensions of a sintered test specimen produced from that die is calculated and expressed as a percent growth or shrinkage.  
1.3 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 stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered 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: 14-May-2023
• ICS: 77.160 - Powder metallurgy
• Technical Committee: B09 - Metal Powders and Metal Powder Products
• Drafting Committee: B09.02 - Base Metal Powders

Relations

• 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 B962-15 - Standard Test Methods for Density of Compacted or Sintered Powder Metallurgy (PM) Products Using Archimedes’ Principle
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2015
• Refers: ASTM B962-14 - Standard Test Methods for Density of Compacted or Sintered Powder Metallurgy (PM) Products Using Archimedes’ Principle
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2014
• Refers: ASTM B243-13 - Standard Terminology of Powder Metallurgy
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2013
• Refers: ASTM B962-13 - Standard Test Methods for Density of Compacted or Sintered Powder Metallurgy (PM) Products Using Archimedes’ Principle
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2013
• 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 B215-10 - Standard Practices for Sampling Metal Powders
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2010
• Refers: ASTM B243-10 - Standard Terminology of Powder Metallurgy
• Effective Date: 15-Jan-2010
• Refers: ASTM B243-09a - Standard Terminology of Powder Metallurgy
• Effective Date: 15-Dec-2009
• Refers: ASTM B243-09 - Standard Terminology of Powder Metallurgy
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2009
• Refers: ASTM B215-08 - Standard Practices for Sampling Metal Powders
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2008
• Refers: ASTM B962-08 - Standard Test Methods for Density of Compacted or Sintered Powder Metallurgy (PM) Products Using Archimedes<span class='unicode'>’</span> Principle
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2008
• Refers: ASTM B925-08 - Standard Practices for Production and Preparation of Powder Metallurgy (PM) Test Specimens
• Effective Date: 15-Jul-2008

Overview

ASTM B610-23 is the standard test method developed by ASTM International for measuring dimensional changes associated with processing metal powders intended for die compaction. This method specifically quantifies the sum of dimensional changes that occur when a metal powder is compacted and then sintered into a finished test specimen. These changes play a critical role in powder metallurgy (PM) processes, directly affecting the quality and functionality of PM parts.

The test method provides a laboratory procedure to calculate the difference between the dimensions of the die cavity and the resulting sintered compact, expressing the difference as a percentage of growth or shrinkage. This offers valuable data on dimensional stability and quality control for both manufacturers and purchasers of metal powders and PM components.

Key Topics

• Dimensional Change Measurement: The standard focuses on measuring both absolute and comparative dimensional changes resulting from compaction and sintering of metal powders.
• Quality Control: Used to monitor and control the dimensional properties of powder batches, ensuring consistency between lots, suppliers, and processing variables.
• Material & Process Characterization: Helps to classify powders by type or grade, evaluate the effectiveness of various powder blends and additives, and assess the influence of processing steps.
• Factors Influencing Results: Several elements can affect dimensional changes, including:
  • Base metal powder grade, type, and lot
  • Particle size distribution
  • Additives and lubricants
  • Green density of the compacted specimen
  • Sintering conditions (temperature, time, atmosphere, cooling rate)

Applications

This standard method is widely recognized in the powder metallurgy and metal powder industries for several essential applications:

• Quality Assurance in Metal Powder Supply: The method provides a means for verifying that delivered metal powder lots meet dimensional change specifications agreed upon by suppliers and users.
• Manufacturing of PM Parts: Manufacturers use this data to design and adjust tooling, optimize process parameters, and ensure consistent performance in the final products.
• Product Development and R&D: Research and development teams apply the method to assess the impact of new formulations, lubricants, or processing innovations on part dimensions.
• Process Validation and Control: By measuring dimensional change at multiple process stages, such as during heat treatment or repressing, manufacturers can continuously monitor and refine their operations.
• Comparison of Powder Lots: Comparative testing between lots or shipments ensures consistent material quality and supports reliable part production.

Related Standards

ASTM B610-23 frequently references other key ASTM standards for powder metallurgy and metal powder testing, including:

• ASTM B215: Practices for Sampling Metal Powders
• ASTM B243: Terminology of Powder Metallurgy
• ASTM B925: Practices for Production and Preparation of PM Test Specimens
• ASTM B962: Test Methods for Density of Compacted or Sintered PM Products Using Archimedes’ Principle

These related standards provide critical guidance for sampling, preparation, terminology, and density measurements to ensure results are comparable and consistent across the PM industry.

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Keywords: powder metallurgy, ASTM B610-23, dimensional change measurement, metal powder compaction, sintering, quality control, absolute and comparative dimensional change, PM parts, powder testing standards

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: B610 − 23
Standard Test Method for
Measuring Dimensional Changes Associated with
Processing Metal Powders Intended for Die Compaction
This standard is issued under the fixed designation B610; 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* B243 Terminology of Powder Metallurgy
B925 Practices for Production and Preparation of Powder
1.1 This standard covers a test method that may be used to
Metallurgy (PM) Test Specimens
measure the sum of the changes in dimensions that occur when
B962 Test Methods for Density of Compacted or Sintered
a metal powder is first compacted into a test specimen and then
Powder Metallurgy (PM) Products Using Archimedes’
sintered.
Principle
1.2 The dimensional change is determined by a quantitative
laboratory procedure in which the arithmetic difference be- 3. Terminology
tween the dimensions of a die cavity and the dimensions of a
3.1 Definitions—The definitions of the Powder Metallurgy
sintered test specimen produced from that die is calculated and
(PM) terms that are used in this test method are found in
expressed as a percent growth or shrinkage.
Terminology B243. Additional descriptive information is avail-
1.3 With the exception of the values for density and the able under “General Information on PM” on the ASTM B09
mass used to determine density, for which the use of the gram
web page.
per cubic centimetre (g/cm ) and gram (g) units is the long-
4. Summary of Test Method
standing industry practice, the values stated in inch-pound
units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in
4.1 Rectangular test specimens are compacted to a target
parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are
green density from a metal powder or metal powder mixture
provided for information only and are not considered standard.
and sintered under controlled conditions.
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
4.2 The absolute dimensional change, expressed as a growth
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
or shrinkage percentage is calculated from the difference
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
between the long dimension of the die cavity and the long
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
dimension of the sintered test specimen.
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
4.3 The comparative dimensional change requires speci-
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
mens from a reference metal powder lot agreed upon by the
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
parties concerned to be produced and processed at the same
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
time. The dimensional change of the specimens from the test
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
powder is calculated and mathematically compared with the
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
dimensional change of the specimens from the reference
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
powder.
2. Referenced Documents
5. Significance and Use
2.1 ASTM Standards:
5.1 Dimensional Change When Compacting and Sintering
B215 Practices for Sampling Metal Powders
Metal Powders:
5.1.1 The dimensional change value obtained under speci-
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee B09 on Metal
fied conditions of compacting and sintering is a material
Powders and Metal Powder Products and is the direct responsibility of Subcom-
characteristic inherent in the powder.
mittee B09.02 on Base Metal Powders.
5.1.2 The test is useful for quality control of the dimensional
Current edition approved May 15, 2023. Published July 2023. Originally
change of a metal powder mixture, to measure compositional
approved in 1976. Last previous edition approved in 2019 as B610 – 19. DOI:
10.1520/B0610-23.
and processing changes and to guide in the production of PM
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
parts.
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
5.1.3 The absolute dimensional change may be used to
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. classify powders or differentiate one type or grade from
*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
B610 − 23
another, to evaluate additions to a powder mixture or to pressibility Test Specimen, the Radial Crushing Strength Test
measure process changes, and to guide in the design of tooling. Specimen, or the Ring Test Specimen for Measuring Magnetic
5.1.4 The comparative dimensional change is mainly used Properties, all of which are shown in Practices B925. These
as a quality control test to measure variations between a lot or other test specimens are primarily used for in-house testing by
shipment of metal powder and a reference powder of the same bearing and structural parts manufacturers to determine the
material composition. change in dimensions of powder and parts at every step of their
5.1.5 Factors known to affect size change are the base metal manufacturing process.
powder grade; type and lot; particle size distribution; level and
types of additions to the base metal powder; amount and type
8. Procedure
of lubricant, green density, as well as processing conditions of
8.1 Preliminary:
the test specimen; heating rate; sintering time and temperature;
8.1.1 When this dimensional change test method is used to
sintering atmosphere; and cooling rate.
approve a shipment of metal powder, all testing conditions
5.2 Dimensional Change of Various PM Processing Steps:
including the value of the target green density and the selection
5.2.1 The general procedure of measuring the die or a test
and performance criterion of the reference lot shall be agreed
compact before and after a PM processing step, and calculating
upon by the producer and purchaser.
a percent dimensional change, is also adapted for use as an
8.1.2 Using the nominal dimensions of the test specimen,
internal process evaluation test to quantify green expansion,
calculate and note the mass of powder that will be needed to
repressing size change, heat treatment changes, or other
produce one test specimen to the target green density. (Formula
changes in dimensions that result from a manufacturing opera-
#1).
tion.
8.1.3 Set up the tooling in the PM compacting press or
universal testing machine.
6. Apparatus
8.1.4 Measure the long dimension of the die cavity, (L ), to
D
6.1 Balance, a balance readable to 0.001 g with a minimum
0.0001 in. (0.002 mm) and note for later use.
capacity of 200 g.
8.2 Powder Preparation:
6.2 Compacting Tool Set, a PM die and punches designed to
8.2.1 Metal powders containing a lubricant are normally
produce the rectangular test specimen, an example of which is
tested in the as-received condition. When testing unlubricated
shown in Practices B925, as Typical Laboratory Tooling –
powders, the method of lubrication, either die-wall or
Transverse Rupture Test Specimen.
admixing, shall be a matter of agreement between the parties
6.3 Inside and Outside Micrometer Calipers, or other suit-
concerned.
able measuring apparatus of the size necessary to measure the
8.2.2 If an admixed lubricant is to be used to prepare the
long dimensions of the die cavity and sintered test specimens
powder for compacting, the type, grade, percentage, and
to 0.0001 in. (0.002 mm).
mixing procedure shall be agreed upon between the concerned
6.4 Universal Testing Machine or PM Compacting Press,
parties.
suitable for holding the tooling and having sufficient force to
8.2.3 Following the procedure in Practices B215, take a
apply the pressure necessary to compact the test specimen to
composite sample from the lot of the lubricated or unlubricated
the target green density.
metal powder that is to be tested (and reference metal powder,
if used) of sufficient quantity to produce at least three test
6.5 Sintering Furnace, a laboratory or production furnace
specimens.
capable of heating the specimens to a specified work
temperature, holding them at that temperature and cooling to 8.2.4 Next, take three test portions of powder from the
room temperature in a controlled atmosphere or vacuum.
composite sample, each of which has a mass within 0.02 g of
the mass calculated in 8.1.2.
7. Test Specimen
8.3 Compacting:
7.1 A rectangular compact, having dimensions of 0.500 in.
8.3.1 If die-wall-lubrication is chosen for compacting unlu-
(12.70 mm) wide by 1.250 in. (31.75 mm) long by 0.250 in.
bricated powd
...

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: B610 − 19 B610 − 23
Standard Test Method for
Measuring Dimensional Changes Associated with
Processing Metal Powders Intended for Die Compaction
This standard is issued under the fixed designation B610; 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 standard covers a test method that may be used to measure the sum of the changes in dimensions that occur when a metal
powder is first compacted into a test specimen and then sintered.
1.2 The dimensional change is determined by a quantitative laboratory procedure in which the arithmetic difference between the
dimensions of a die cavity and the dimensions of a sintered test specimen produced from that die is calculated and expressed as
a percent growth or shrinkage.
1.3 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 stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and
are not considered 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:
B215 Practices for Sampling Metal Powders
B243 Terminology of Powder Metallurgy
B925 Practices for Production and Preparation of Powder Metallurgy (PM) Test Specimens
B962 Test Methods for Density of Compacted or Sintered Powder Metallurgy (PM) Products Using Archimedes’ Principle
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions—The definitions of the Powder Metallurgy (PM) terms that are used in this test method are found in Terminology
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 Oct. 1, 2019May 15, 2023. Published November 2019July 2023. Originally approved in 1976. Last previous edition approved in 20132019 as
B610 – 13.B610 – 19. DOI: 10.1520/B0610-19.10.1520/B0610-23.
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
B610 − 23
B243. Additional descriptive information is available in the Related Material section of Vol. 02.05 of the under “General
Information on PM” on the Annual Book of ASTM Standards.ASTM B09 web page.
4. Summary of Test Method
4.1 Rectangular test specimens are compacted to a target green density from a metal powder or metal powder mixture and sintered
under controlled conditions.
4.2 The absolute dimensional change, expressed as a growth or shrinkage percentage is calculated from the difference between
the long dimension of the die cavity and the long dimension of the sintered test specimen.
4.3 The comparative dimensional change requires specimens from a reference metal powder lot agreed upon by the parties
concerned to be produced and processed at the same time. The dimensional change of the specimens from the test powder is
calculated and mathematically compared with the dimensional change of the specimens from the reference powder.
5. Significance and Use
5.1 Dimensional Change When Compacting and Sintering Metal Powders:
5.1.1 The dimensional change value obtained under specified conditions of compacting and sintering is a material characteristic
inherent in the powder.
5.1.2 The test is useful for quality control of the dimensional change of a metal powder mixture, to measure compositional and
processing changes and to guide in the production of PM parts.
5.1.3 The absolute dimensional change may be used to classify powders or differentiate one type or grade from another, to evaluate
additions to a powder mixture or to measure process changes, and to guide in the design of tooling.
5.1.4 The comparative dimensional change is mainly used as a quality control test to measure variations between a lot or shipment
of metal powder and a reference powder of the same material composition.
5.1.5 Factors known to affect size change are the base metal powder grade; type and lot; particle size distribution; level and types
of additions to the base metal powder; amount and type of lubricant, green density, as well as processing conditions of the test
specimen; heating rate; sintering time and temperature; sintering atmosphere; and cooling rate.
5.2 Dimensional Change of Various PM Processing Steps:
5.2.1 The general procedure of measuring the die or a test compact before and after a PM processing step, and calculating a percent
dimensional change, is also adapted for use as an internal process evaluation test to quantify green expansion, repressing size
change, heat treatment changes, or other changes in dimensions that result from a manufacturing operation.
6. Apparatus
6.1 Balance, a balance readable to 0.001 g with a minimum capacity of 200 g.
6.2 Compacting Tool Set, a PM die and punches designed to produce the rectangular test specimen, an example of which is shown
in Practices B925, as Typical Laboratory Tooling – Transverse Rupture Test Specimen.
6.3 Inside and Outside Micrometer Calipers, or other suitable measuring apparatus of the size necessary to measure the long
dimensions of the die cavity and sintered test specimens to 0.0001 in. (0.002 mm).
6.4 Universal Testing Machine or PM Compacting Press, suitable for holding the tooling and having sufficient force to apply the
pressure necessary to compact the test specimen to the target green density.
6.5 Sintering Furnace, a laboratory or production furnace capable of heating the specimens to a specified work temperature,
holding them at that temperature and cooling to room temperature in a controlled atmosphere or vacuum.
B610 − 23
7. Test Specimen
7.1 A rectangular compact, having dimensions of 0.500 in. (12.70 mm) wide by 1.250 in. (31.75 mm) long by 0.250 in. (6.35 mm)
thick, as shown in Fig. 2 in Practices B925 as the PM Transverse Rupture Strength Test Specimen – thin, is the recommended test
specimen.
7.2 The top and bottom faces of the green compact shall be parallel within 0.001 in. (0.02 mm).
7.3 The green density shall be within 0.02 g ⁄cm of the agreed target density. While there are tolerances listed for the rectangular
compact test specimen in Practices B925, the density of the test specimen shall determine the acceptability of the test specimen.
7.4 Alternative test specimens that may be used to measure PM dimensional changes are the Cylindrical Powder Compressibility
Test Specimen, the Radial Crushing Strength Test Specimen, or the Ring Test Specimen for Measuring Magnetic Properties, all
of which are shown in Practices B925. These other test specimens are primarily used for in-house testing by bearing and structural
parts manufacturers to determine the change in dimensions of powder and parts at every step of their manufacturing process.
8. Procedure
8.1 Preliminary:
8.1.1 When this dimensional change test method is used to approve a shipment of metal powder, all testing conditions including
the value of the target green density and the selection and performance criterion of the reference lot shall be agreed upon by the
producer and purchaser.
8.1.2 Using the nominal dimensions of the test specimen, calculate and note the mass of powder that will be needed to produce
one test specimen to the target green density. (Formula #1).
8.1.3 Set up the tooling in the PM compacting press or universal testing machine.
8.1.4 Measure the long dimension of the die cavity, (L ), to 0.0001 in. (0.002 mm) and note for later use.
D
8.2 Powder Preparation:
8.2.1 Metal powders containing a lubricant are normally tested in the as-received condition. When testing unlubricated powders,
the method of lubrication, either die-wall or admixing, shall be a matter of agreement between the parties concerned.
8.2.2 If an admixed lubricant is to be used to prepare the powder for compacting, the type, grade, percentage, and mixing
procedure shall be agreed upon between the conce
...