ASTM B886-24

Standard Test Method for Determination of Magnetic Saturation (Ms) of Cemented Carbides

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 This test method allows the nondestructive measurement of the magnetic fraction of the binder phase in cemented carbide powder materials and sintered product, and may be used as an indirect measure of the carbon level in the material or product.  
5.2 Measurement of magnetic saturation provides a comparison of the relative fraction of magnetic binder phase, that is, cobalt, nickel, or iron, present in the material and can be used for acceptance of product to specification.  
5.3 Measurement of magnetic saturation can be used as a measure of the quality of powder material.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the determination of magnetic saturation (Ms) of cemented carbide powder materials and sintered products using magnetic saturation induction test instrumentation.  
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. An exception is the use of Gauss-cm3 per gram, which is a longstanding industry practice.  
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: 31-Jan-2024
• ICS: 77.160 - Powder metallurgy
• Technical Committee: B09 - Metal Powders and Metal Powder Products
• Drafting Committee: B09.06 - Cemented Carbides

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM B886-19 - Standard Test Method for Determination of Magnetic Saturation (Ms) of Cemented Carbides
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2024

Overview

ASTM B886-24: Standard Test Method for Determination of Magnetic Saturation (Ms) of Cemented Carbides establishes a nondestructive procedure to measure the magnetic saturation of cemented carbide powder materials and sintered products. This method is essential for characterizing the magnetic fraction of binder phases, such as cobalt, nickel, or iron, in cemented carbides-a critical factor for quality control and material specification.

By evaluating the magnetic saturation, manufacturers and quality professionals can indirectly assess carbon content and binder phase proportions, providing reliable indicators for product acceptance and material consistency. This standard is maintained by ASTM International, reflecting internationally recognized measurement and standardization principles.

Key Topics

• Nondestructive Testing: The standard outlines procedures for measuring magnetic saturation without damaging the test samples, making it suitable for both quality assurance and ongoing production checks.
• Magnetic Saturation (Ms): Ms reflects the amount of magnetic binder phase in cemented carbides and helps compare material batches or validate final products to specification.
• Binder Phase Assessment: Measurement delivers information about the relative fraction of ferromagnetic elements (cobalt, nickel, iron) in the binder phase, which is fundamental for the performance of cemented carbides.
• Indirect Carbon Level Measurement: Since carbon content affects magnetic properties, magnetic saturation results can be used to infer carbon levels in the material.
• Measurement Techniques: The method allows the use of both permanent magnet and electromagnet induction instruments, with calibration against reference materials such as pure nickel or iron.
• SI and Industry Units: Results are expressed in SI units or, per industry tradition, in Gauss-cm³/g, ensuring compatibility with historic data.
• Precision and Reproducibility: The standard includes guidelines for repeatability and interlaboratory reproducibility, supporting the reliability of testing outcomes.

Applications

• Powder Metallurgy: Routine control of cemented carbide powders during production to ensure batch consistency in binder phase composition.
• Sintered Product Acceptance: Final inspection of cemented carbide components to verify that magnetic saturation-and therefore binder content-meets product specifications.
• Indirect Quality Assessment: Ms measurement serves as a proxy for evaluating carbon content and material integrity, helping identify potential manufacturing or processing issues.
• Material Research and Development: Useful for characterizing new formulations or compositions of cemented carbide, optimizing properties through systematic study of binder phase fractions.
• Cost and Resource Optimization: Early detection of material inconsistencies supports waste reduction and efficient use of raw materials in manufacturing.

Related Standards

• ASTM A340: Terminology of Symbols and Definitions Relating to Magnetic Testing - foundational vocabulary for understanding magnetic property measurements.
• ASTM A977/A977M: Test Method for Magnetic Properties of High-Coercivity Permanent Magnet Materials Using Hysteresigraphs - complementary magnetic property measurement methods.
• ASTM B243: Terminology of Powder Metallurgy - relevant definitions supporting application in powdered metals.
• ASTM E177: Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in ASTM Test Methods – methodology for interpreting and reporting accuracy.
• ASTM E691: Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Determine the Precision of a Test Method – supports the reproducibility requirements outlined in ASTM B886.

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ASTM B886-24 provides a standardized approach for assessing magnetic properties in cemented carbides, which is crucial for material selection, process control, and product reliability in industries reliant on high-performance hard materials. Utilizing this standard helps maintain quality while meeting international benchmarks in cemented carbide manufacturing and testing.

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: B886 − 24
Standard Test Method for
Determination of Magnetic Saturation (Ms) of Cemented
Carbides
This standard is issued under the fixed designation B886; 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* E1316 Terminology for Nondestructive Examinations
1.1 This test method covers the determination of magnetic
3. Terminology
saturation (Ms) of cemented carbide powder materials and
sintered products using magnetic saturation induction test 3.1 Definitions:
3.1.1 For definition of terms used in this procedure refer to
instrumentation.
Terminology A340, Terminology B243, and Terminology
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
E1316.
standard. An exception is the use of Gauss-cm per gram,
3.1.2 dc—direct current.
which is a longstanding industry practice.
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
4. Summary of Test Method
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
4.1 For Permanent Magnet Instrument—A test specimen is
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
statically positioned with the long axis perpendicular to the
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
magnetic field generated by a permanent magnet and sensing
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
coils of the test apparatus. The specimen is magnetized to
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
induction saturation by the field and translated linearly that the
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
intrinsic magnetic moment of the specimen’s binder phase
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
induces a dc current to flow in the sensing coils of the test
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
apparatus. The induced current is proportional to the amount of
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
magnetic binder phase present in the test specimen. Measure-
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
ment of the induced current permits calculation of the intrinsic
magnetic saturation of the test sample.
2. Referenced Documents
4.2 For Electromagnet Instrument—A test specimen is
2.1 ASTM Standards:
placed into a holder housing the Hall probe and sensing coils
A340 Terminology of Symbols and Definitions Relating to
which has been positioned between the poles of the electro-
Magnetic Testing
magnet. The magnetic field is increased while the sensing coils
A977/A977M Test Method for Magnetic Properties of High-
measure the magnetic flux of the specimen. The magnetic flux
Coercivity Permanent Magnet Materials Using Hyster-
can be related to the intrinsic magnetic saturation of the test
esigraphs
specimen.
B243 Terminology of Powder Metallurgy
E177 Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in
5. Significance and Use
ASTM Test Methods
E691 Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to
5.1 This test method allows the nondestructive measure-
Determine the Precision of a Test Method
ment of the magnetic fraction of the binder phase in cemented
carbide powder materials and sintered product, and may be
used as an indirect measure of the carbon level in the material
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee B09 on Metal
or product.
Powders and Metal Powder Products and is the direct responsibility of Subcom-
mittee B09.06 on Cemented Carbides.
5.2 Measurement of magnetic saturation provides a com-
Current edition approved Feb. 1, 2024. Published February 2024. Originally
parison of the relative fraction of magnetic binder phase, that
approved in 1998. Last previous edition approved in 2019 as B886 – 19. DOI:
is, cobalt, nickel, or iron, present in the material and can be
10.1520/B0886-24.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or used for acceptance of product to specification.
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
5.3 Measurement of magnetic saturation can be used as a
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. measure of the quality of powder material.
*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
B886 − 24
6. Interferences 10.4 Repeat measurements can be made to obtain an aver-
age value and range of values for test specimens of asymmetric
6.1 No direct absolute measurement of magnetic saturation
shape. Orientation of the test sample should be changed within
can be made. The measurement is a relative comparison of
the test apparatus sample chamber for each repeat measure-
standard reference materials.
ment.
6.2 Measurement of magnetic saturation is a nondestructive
“bulk” measurement which is averaged over the test specimen 11. Report
volume. The technique cannot be used to infer anything
11.1 Report magnetic saturation as Tesla-m per kilogram
regarding the relative distribution of the binder phase within 3
(emu per gram or gauss-cm per gram), or as relative percent
the test sample.
(that is, magnetic saturation of test sample/maximum magnetic
6.3 Measurement of magnetic saturation is affected by test saturation of sample composition expressed as a percentage).
sample size and shape, especially aspect ratio, and the compo-
12. Precision and Bias
sition of the binder phase, that is, a mixture of ferromagnetic
elements of varying intrinsic magnetic moments.
12.1 Precision—The precision of this test method is based
on an interlaboratory study of Test Method B886 conducted in
6.4 Small test samples or test samples containing relatively
2010. Three laboratories participated in this study, recording
low concentrations of the binder phase may be immeasurable
the magnetic saturation on three specimens each, of ten
in that the low concentration prohibits detection by the field
different materials. This procedure was performed three times
sensing coils of the specific apparatus employed.
on each material in order to determine the precision of the test
method. Every “test result” represents an individual observa-
7. Apparatus
tion. Except for the limited number of participating
7.1 Instrumentation, capable of inducing magnet
...

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: B886 − 19 B886 − 24
Standard Test Method for
Determination of Magnetic Saturation (Ms) of Cemented
Carbides
This standard is issued under the fixed designation B886; 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 the determination of magnetic saturation (Ms) of cemented carbide powder materials and sintered
products using magnetic saturation induction test instrumentation.
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurementAn exception is the use of
Gauss-cm are included in this standard.per gram, which is a longstanding industry practice.
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:
A340 Terminology of Symbols and Definitions Relating to Magnetic Testing
A977/A977M Test Method for Magnetic Properties of High-Coercivity Permanent Magnet Materials Using Hysteresigraphs
B243 Terminology of Powder Metallurgy
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
E1316 Terminology for Nondestructive Examinations
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions:
3.1.1 For definition of terms used in this procedure refer to Terminology A340, Terminology B243, and Terminology E1316.
3.1.2 dc—direct current.
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 B09.06
on Cemented Carbides.
Current edition approved April 1, 2019Feb. 1, 2024. Published May 2019February 2024. Originally approved in 1998. Last previous edition approved in 20122019 as
B886B886 – 19.– 12. DOI: 10.1520/B0886-19.10.1520/B0886-24.
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
B886 − 24
4. Summary of Test Method
4.1 For Permanent Magnet Instrument—A test specimen is statically positioned with the long axis perpendicular to the magnetic
field generated by a permanent magnet and sensing coils of the test apparatus. The specimen is magnetized to induction saturation
by the field and translated linearly that the intrinsic magnetic moment of the specimen’s binder phase induces a dc current to flow
in the sensing coils of the test apparatus. The induced current is proportional to the amount of magnetic binder phase present in
the test specimen. Measurement of the induced current permits calculation of the intrinsic magnetic saturation of the test sample.
4.2 For Electromagnet Instrument—A test specimen is placed into a holder housing the Hall probe and sensing coils which has
been positioned between the poles of the electromagnet. The magnetic field is increased while the sensing coils measure the
magnetic flux of the specimen. The magnetic flux can be related to the intrinsic magnetic saturation of the test specimen.
5. Significance and Use
5.1 This test method allows the nondestructive measurement of the magnetic fraction of the binder phase in cemented carbide
powder materials and sintered product, and may be used as an indirect measure of the carbon level in the material or product.
5.2 Measurement of magnetic saturation provides a comparison of the relative fraction of magnetic binder phase, that is, cobalt,
nickel, or iron, present in the material and can be used for acceptance of product to specification.
5.3 Measurement of magnetic saturation can be used as a measure of the quality of powder material.
6. Interferences
6.1 No direct absolute measurement of magnetic saturation can be made. The measurement is a relative comparison of standard
reference materials.
6.2 Measurement of magnetic saturation is a nondestructive “bulk” measurement which is averaged over the test specimen
volume. The technique cannot be used to infer anything regarding the relative distribution of the binder phase within the test
sample.
6.3 Measurement of magnetic saturation is affected by test sample size and shape, especially aspect ratio, and the composition of
the binder phase, that is, a mixture of ferromagnetic elements of varying intrinsic magnetic moments.
6.4 Small test samples or test samples containing relatively low concentrations of the binder phase may be immeasurable in that
the low concentration prohibits detection by the field sensing coils of the specific apparatus employed.
7. Apparatus
7.1 Instrumentation, capable of inducing magnetic saturation and then sensing the inherent intrinsic magnetic moment of the
magnetic fraction of the binder phase.
7.2 Balance, having a capacity of 200 g and a sensitivity of 0.001 g.
8. Standards
8.1 No certified cemented carbide standards, powder materials or sintered product, are available for magnetic saturation
measurement. Most common practice is the development of (internal) reference materials representative of the test samples being
evaluated.
8.2 Pure ferromagnetic materials such as nickel (Ni) or iron (Fe) with known magnetic moments are recommended for calibration
of the instrumentation.
B886 − 24
9. Test Specimen
9.1 Test specimens may be in the form of sintered solids, unsintered powder compacts, or encapsulated powders of a size suitable
to fit into the specimen holder of the apparatus.
10. Procedure
10.1 For commercial instrumentation, refer to the equipment manufacturers operating manual and follow operating instructions.
10.2 Read and record the value of the intrinsic magnetic saturation from the test apparatus. Measurement units are Tesla-m per
kilogram (em
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