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ASTM E3-11(2017)

(Guide)

Standard Guide for Preparation of Metallographic Specimens

Standard Guide for Preparation of Metallographic Specimens

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 Microstructures have a strong influence on the properties and successful application of metals and alloys. Determination and control of microstructure requires the use of metallographic examination.  
4.2 Many specifications contain a requirement regarding microstructure; hence, a major use for metallographic examination is inspection to ensure that the requirement is met. Other major uses for metallographic examination are in failure analysis, and in research and development.  
4.3 Proper choice of specimen location and orientation will minimize the number of specimens required and simplify their interpretation. It is easy to take too few specimens for study, but it is seldom that too many are studied.
SCOPE
1.1 The primary objective of metallographic examinations is to reveal the constituents and structure of metals and their alloys by means of a light optical or scanning electron microscope. In special cases, the objective of the examination may require the development of less detail than in other cases but, under nearly all conditions, the proper selection and preparation of the specimen is of major importance. Because of the diversity in available equipment and the wide variety of problems encountered, the following text presents for the guidance of the metallographer only those practices which experience has shown are generally satisfactory; it cannot and does not describe the variations in technique required to solve individual specimen preparation problems.  
Note 1: For a more extensive description of various metallographic techniques, refer to Samuels, L. E.,  Metallographic Polishing by Mechanical Methods, American Society for Metals (ASM) Metals Park, OH, 3rd Ed., 1982; Petzow, G.,  Metallographic Etching, ASM, 1978; and VanderVoort, G.,  Metallography: Principles and Practice, McGraw Hill, NY, 2nd Ed., 1999.  
1.2 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.  
1.3 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-May-2017
ICS
77.040.99 - Other methods of testing of metals
Technical Committee
E04 - Metallography
Drafting Committee
E04.01 - Specimen Preparation
Current Stage
Ref Project

Relations

Refers
ASTM E7-14 - Standard Terminology Relating to Metallography
Effective Date
01-Nov-2014
Refers
ASTM E7-15 - Standard Terminology Relating to Metallography
Effective Date
01-Jun-2015

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ASTM E3-11(2017) - Standard Guide for Preparation of Metallographic Specimens
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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: E3 − 11(Reapproved 2017)
Standard Guide for
1
Preparation of Metallographic Specimens
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E3; 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 A90/A90M Test Method for Weight [Mass] of Coating on
2
Iron and Steel Articles with Zinc or Zinc-Alloy Coatings
1.1 The primary objective of metallographic examinations
E7 Terminology Relating to Metallography
is to reveal the constituents and structure of metals and their
E45 Test Methods for Determining the Inclusion Content of
alloys by means of a light optical or scanning electron
Steel
microscope. In special cases, the objective of the examination
E768 Guide for Preparing and Evaluating Specimens for
may require the development of less detail than in other cases
Automatic Inclusion Assessment of Steel
but, under nearly all conditions, the proper selection and
E1077 Test Methods for Estimating the Depth of Decarbur-
preparation of the specimen is of major importance. Because of
ization of Steel Specimens
the diversity in available equipment and the wide variety of
E1122 Practice for Obtaining JK Inclusion Ratings Using
3
problems encountered, the following text presents for the
Automatic Image Analysis (Withdrawn 2006)
guidance of the metallographer only those practices which
E1245 Practice for Determining the Inclusion or Second-
experience has shown are generally satisfactory; it cannot and
Phase Constituent Content of Metals by Automatic Image
does not describe the variations in technique required to solve Analysis
individual specimen preparation problems. E1268 Practice for Assessing the Degree of Banding or
Orientation of Microstructures
NOTE 1—For a more extensive description of various metallographic
E1558 Guide for Electrolytic Polishing of Metallographic
techniques, refer to Samuels, L. E., Metallographic Polishing by Mechani-
Specimens
cal Methods, American Society for Metals (ASM) Metals Park, OH, 3rd
E1920 Guide for Metallographic Preparation of Thermal
Ed., 1982; Petzow, G., Metallographic Etching, ASM, 1978; and
Sprayed Coatings
VanderVoort, G., Metallography: Principles and Practice, McGraw Hill,
NY, 2nd Ed., 1999.
3. Terminology
1.2 This standard does not purport to address all of the
3.1 Definitions:
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
3.1.1 For definitions used in this practice, refer to Termi-
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
nology E7.
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.2.1 castable mount—a metallographic mount generally
1.3 This international standard was developed in accor-
made from a two component castable plastic. One component
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
is the resin and the other hardener. Both components can he
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
liquid or one liquid and a powder. Castable mounts generally
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
do not require heat and pressure to cure.
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee. 3.2.2 compression mount—a metallographic mount made
using plastic that requires both heat and pressure for curing.
2. Referenced Documents
3.2.3 planar grinding—is the first grinding step in a prepa-
ration procedure used to bring all specimens into the same
2.1 ASTM Standards:
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
1
This guide is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E04 on Metallography contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E04.01 on Specimen Preparation. Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
Current edition approved June 1, 2017. Published June 2017. Originally the ASTM website.
3
approved in 1921. Last previous edition approved in 2011 as E3–11. DOI: The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on
10.1520/E0003-11R17. www.astm.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
1

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ASTM E1181-02(2023)(Test Method)
Standard Test Methods for Characterizing Duplex Grain Sizes

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 Duplex grain size may occur in some metals and alloys as a result of their thermomechanical processing history. For comparison of mechanical properties with metallurgical features, or for specification purposes, it may be important to be able to characterize grain size in such materials. Assigning an average grain size value to a duplex grain size specimen does not adequately characterize the appearance of that specimen, and may even misrepresent its appearance. For example, averaging two distinctly different grain sizes may result in reporting a size that does not actually exist anywhere in the specimen.  
5.2 These test methods may be applied to specimens or products containing randomly intermingled grains of two or more significantly different sizes (henceforth referred to as random duplex grain size). Examples of random duplex grain sizes include: isolated coarse grains in a matrix of much finer grains, extremely wide distributions of grain sizes, and bimodal distributions of grain size.  
5.3 These test methods may also be applied to specimens or products containing grains of two or more significantly different sizes, but distributed in topologically varying patterns (henceforth referred to as topological duplex grain sizes). Examples of topological duplex grain sizes include: systematic variation of grain size across the section of a product, necklace structures, banded structures, and germinative grain growth in selected areas of critical strain.  
5.4 These test methods may be applied to specimens or products regardless of their state of recrystallization.  
5.5 Because these test methods describe deviations from a single, log-normal distribution of grain sizes, and characterize patterns of variation in grain size, the total specimen cross-section must be evaluated.  
5.6 These test methods are limited to duplex grain sizes as identifiable within a single polished and etched metallurgical specimen. If duplex grain size is suspected in a product too ...
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1.1 These test methods provide simple guidelines for deciding whether a duplex grain size exists. The test methods separate duplex grain sizes into one of two distinct classes, then into specific types within those classes, and provide systems for grain size characterization of each type.  
1.2 Units—The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.  
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ASTM E1245-03(2023)(Practice)
Standard Practice for Determining the Inclusion or Second-Phase Constituent Content of Metals by Automatic Image Analysis

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 This practice is used to assess the indigenous inclusions or second-phase constituents of metals using basic stereological procedures performed by automatic image analyzers.  
5.2 This practice is not suitable for assessing the exogenous inclusions in steels and other metals. Because of the sporadic, unpredictable nature of the distribution of exogenous inclusions, other methods involving complete inspection, for example, ultrasonics, must be used to locate their presence. The exact nature of the exogenous material can then be determined by sectioning into the suspect region followed by serial, step-wise grinding to expose the exogenous matter for identification and individual measurement. Direct size measurement rather than application of stereological methods is employed.  
5.3 Because the characteristics of the indigenous inclusion population vary within a given lot of material due to the influence of compositional fluctuations, solidification conditions and processing, the lot must be sampled statistically to assess its inclusion content. The largest lot sampled is the heat lot but smaller lots, for example, the product of an ingot, within the heat may be sampled as a separate lot. The sampling of a given lot must be adequate for the lot size and characteristics.  
5.4 The practice is suitable for assessment of the indigenous inclusions in any steel (or other metal) product regardless of its size or shape as long as enough different fields can be measured to obtain reasonable statistical confidence in the data. Because the specifics of the manufacture of the product do influence the morphological characteristics of the inclusions, the report should state the relevant manufacturing details, that is, data regarding the deformation history of the product.  
5.5 To compare the inclusion measurement results from different lots of the same or similar types of steels, or other metals, a standard sampling scheme should be adopted such as described in Test Method...
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1.1 This practice describes a procedure for obtaining stereological measurements that describe basic characteristics of the morphology of indigenous inclusions in steels and other metals using automatic image analysis. The practice can be applied to provide such data for any discrete second phase.  
Note 1: Stereological measurement methods are used in this practice to assess the average characteristics of inclusions or other second-phase particles on a longitudinal plane-of-polish. This information, by itself, does not produce a three-dimensional description of these constituents in space as deformation processes cause rotation and alignment of these constituents in a preferred manner. Development of such information requires measurements on three orthogonal planes and is beyond the scope of this practice.  
1.2 This practice specifically addresses the problem of producing stereological data when the features of the constituents to be measured make attainment of statistically reliable data difficult.  
1.3 This practice deals only with the recommended test methods and nothing in it should be construed as defining or establishing limits of acceptability.  
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.  
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1.6 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.

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ASTM E975-22(Test Method)
Standard Test Method for X-Ray Determination of Retained Austenite in Steel with Near Random Crystallographic Orientation

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
2.1 Significance—Retained austenite with a near random crystallographic orientation is found in the microstructure of heat-treated low-alloy, high-strength steels that have medium (0.40 weight %) or higher carbon contents. Although the presence of retained austenite may not be evident in the microstructure, and may not affect the bulk mechanical properties such as hardness of the steel, the transformation of retained austenite to martensite during service can affect the performance of the steel.  
2.2 Use—The measurement of retained austenite can be included in low-alloy steel development programs to determine its effect on mechanical properties. Retained austenite can be measured on a companion specimen or test section that is included in a heat-treated lot of steel as part of a quality control practice. The measurement of retained austenite in steels from service can be included in studies of material performance.
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1.1 This test method covers the determination of retained austenite phase in steel using integrated intensities (area under peak above background) of X-ray diffraction peaks using chromium  Kα  or molybdenum Kα  X-radiation.  
1.2 The method applies to carbon and alloy steels with near random crystallographic orientations of both ferrite and austenite phases.  
1.3 This test method is valid for retained austenite contents from 1 % by volume and above.  
1.4 If possible, X-ray diffraction peak interference from other crystalline phases such as carbides should be eliminated from the ferrite and austenite peak intensities.  
1.5 Substantial alloy contents in steel cause some change in peak intensities which have not been considered in this method. Application of this method to steels with total alloy contents exceeding 15 weight % should be done with care. If necessary, the users can calculate the theoretical correction factors to account for changes in volume of the unit cells for austenite and ferrite resulting from variations in chemical composition.  
1.6 Units—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.  
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ASTM E7-22(Terminology)
Standard Terminology Relating to Metallography

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
3.1 Standards of Committee E04 consist of test methods, practices, and guides developed to ensure proper and uniform testing in the field of metallography. In order for one to properly use and interpret these standards, the terminology used in these standards must be understood.  
3.2 The terms used in the field of metallography have precise definitions. The terminology and its proper usage must be completely understood in order to adequately communicate in this field. In this respect, this standard is also a general source of terminology relating to the field of metallography facilitating the transfer of information within the field.

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ASTM E1351-01(2020)(Practice)
Standard Practice for Production and Evaluation of Field Metallographic Replicas

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 Replication is a nondestructive sampling procedure that records and preserves the topography of a metallographically prepared surface as a negative relief on a plastic film (replica). The replica permits the examination and analysis of the metallographically prepared surface on the LM or SEM.  
4.2 Enhancement procedures for improving replica contrast for microscopic examination are utilized and sometimes necessary (see 8.1).
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1.1 This practice covers recognized methods for the preparation and evaluation of cellulose acetate or plastic film replicas which have been obtained from metallographically prepared surfaces. It is designed for the evaluation of replicas to ensure that all significant features of a metallographically prepared surface have been duplicated and preserved on the replica with sufficient detail to permit both LM and SEM examination with optimum resolution and sensitivity.  
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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.  
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ASTM E82/E82M-14(2019)(Test Method)
Standard Test Method for Determining the Orientation of a Metal Crystal

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 The physical properties of metals and other materials are often anisotropic (for example: Young's modulus will typically vary in different crystallographic directions). As such, it is often desirable or necessary to determine the orientation of a single crystal to ascertain the relation of any pertinent physical properties with respect to different directions in the material.  
4.2 This test method can be used commercially as a quality control test in production situations in which a desired orientation, within prescribed limits, is required.  
4.3 With the use of an adjustable, fixed holder that can later be mounted on a saw, lathe, or other machine, a single crystal material can be moved to a preferred orientation and subsequently sectioned, ground, or processed otherwise.  
4.4 If the grains in a polycrystalline material are large enough, this test method can also be used to determine their orientations and differences in orientation can be documented or mapped or both.
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1.1 This test method covers the back-reflection Laue procedure for determining the orientation of a metal crystal. The back-reflection Laue method for determining crystal orientation may be applied to macrograins and micrograins depending on the beam size within polycrystalline aggregates, as well as to single crystals of any size. This test method is described with reference to cubic crystals and other structures such as: hexagonal, tetragonal, or orthorhombic crystals.  
1.2 Most natural crystals have well developed external faces, and the orientation of such crystals can usually be determined from inspection. The orientation of a crystal having poorly developed faces or no faces at all (for example, a metal crystal prepared in the laboratory) shall be determined by more elaborate methods. The most convenient and accurate of these involves the use of X-ray diffraction. The “orientation of a metal crystal” is known when the positions in space of the crystallographic axes of the unit cell have been located with reference to the surface geometry of the crystal specimen. This relation between unit cell position and surface geometry is most conveniently expressed by stereographic or gnomonic projection.  
1.3 Units—The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems may result in non-conformance with the 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.  
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ASTM E2283-08(2019)(Practice)
Standard Practice for Extreme Value Analysis of Nonmetallic Inclusions in Steel and Other Microstructural Features

ABSTRACT
This practice describes a methodology to statistically characterize the distribution of the largest indigenous non-metallic inclusions in steel specimens based upon quantitative metallographic measurements. This practice enables the experimenter to estimate the extreme value distribution of inclusions in steels. The procedures in determining non-metallic inclusions in steel are presented and discussed in details.
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 This practice is used to assess the indigenous inclusions or second-phase constituents in metals using extreme value statistics.  
5.2 It is well known that failures of mechanical components, such as gears and bearings, are often caused by the presence of large nonmetallic oxide inclusions. Failure of a component can often be traced to the presence of a large inclusion. Predictions related to component fatigue life are not possible with the evaluations provided by standards such as Test Methods E45, Practice E1122, or Practice E1245. The use of extreme value statistics has been related to component life and inclusion size distributions by several different investigators (3-8). The purpose of this practice is to create a standardized method of performing this analysis.  
5.3 This practice is not suitable for assessing the exogenous inclusions in steels and other metals because of the unpredictable nature of the distribution of exogenous inclusions. Other methods involving complete inspection such as ultrasonics must be used to locate their presence.
SCOPE
1.1 This practice describes a methodology to statistically characterize the distribution of the largest indigenous nonmetallic inclusions in steel specimens based upon quantitative metallographic measurements. The practice is not suitable for assessing exogenous inclusions.  
1.2 Based upon the statistical analysis, the nonmetallic content of different lots of steels can be compared.  
1.3 This practice deals only with the recommended test methods and nothing in it should be construed as defining or establishing limits of acceptability.  
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.  
1.4.1 For measurements obtained from light microscopy, linear feature parameters shall be reported as micrometers, and feature areas shall be reported as micrometers.  
1.5 The methodology can be extended to other materials and to other microstructural features.  
1.6 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.  
1.7 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.

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ASTM E562-19e1(Test Method)
Standard Test Method for Determining Volume Fraction by Systematic Manual Point Count

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 This test method is based upon the stereological principle that a grid with a number of regularly arrayed points, when systematically placed over an image of a two-dimensional section through the microstructure, can provide, after a representative number of placements on different fields, an unbiased statistical estimation of the volume fraction of an identifiable constituent or phase (1, 2, 3).3  
5.2 This test method has been described  (4) as being superior to other manual methods with regard to effort, bias, and simplicity.  
5.3 Any number of clearly distinguishable constituents or phases within a microstructure (or macrostructure) can be counted using the method. Thus, the method can be applied to any type of solid material from which adequate two-dimensional sections can be prepared and observed.  
5.4 A condensed step-by-step guide for using the method is given in Annex A1.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method describes a systematic manual point counting procedure for statistically estimating the volume fraction of an identifiable constituent or phase from sections through the microstructure by means of a point grid.  
1.2 The use of automatic image analysis to determine the volume fraction of constituents is described in Practice E1245.  
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this 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.

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ASTM E45-18a(Test Method)
Standard Test Methods for Determining the Inclusion Content of Steel

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 These test methods cover four macroscopic and five microscopic test methods (manual and image analysis) for describing the inclusion content of steel and procedures for expressing test results.  
4.2 Inclusions are characterized by size, shape, concentration, and distribution rather than chemical composition. Although compositions are not identified, Microscopic methods place inclusions into one of several composition-related categories (sulfides, oxides, and silicates—the last as a type of oxide). Paragraph 11.1.1 describes a metallographic technique to facilitate inclusion discrimination. Only those inclusions present at the test surface can be detected.  
4.3 The macroscopic test methods evaluate larger surface areas than microscopic test methods and because examination is visual or at low magnifications, these methods are best suited for detecting larger inclusions. Macroscopic methods are not suitable for detecting inclusions smaller than about 0.40 mm (1/64 in.) in length and the methods do not discriminate inclusions by type.  
4.4 The microscopic test methods are employed to characterize inclusions that form as a result of deoxidation or due to limited solubility in solid steel (indigenous inclusions). As stated in 1.1, these microscopic test methods rate inclusion severities and types based on morphological type, that is, by size, shape, concentration, and distribution, but not specifically by composition. These inclusions are characterized by morphological type, that is, by size, shape, concentration, and distribution, but not specifically by composition. The microscopic methods are not intended for assessing the content of exogenous inclusions (those from entrapped slag or refractories). In case of a dispute whether an inclusion is indigenous or exogenous, microanalytical techniques such as energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) may be used to aid in determining the nature of the inclusion. However, experience and knowledge of the casting proce...
SCOPE
1.1 These test methods cover a number of recognized procedures for determining the nonmetallic inclusion content of wrought steel. Macroscopic methods include macroetch, fracture, step-down, and magnetic particle tests. Microscopic methods include five generally accepted systems of examination. In these microscopic methods, inclusions are assigned to a category based on similarities in morphology, and not necessarily on their chemical identity. Metallographic techniques that allow simple differentiation between morphologically similar inclusions are briefly discussed. While the methods are primarily intended for rating inclusions, constituents such as carbides, nitrides, carbonitrides, borides, and intermetallic phases may be rated using some of the microscopic methods. In some cases, alloys other than steels may be rated using one or more of these methods; the methods will be described in terms of their use on steels.  
1.2 These test methods cover procedures to perform JK-type inclusion ratings using automatic image analysis in accordance with microscopic methods A and D.  
1.3 Depending on the type of steel and the properties required, either a macroscopic or a microscopic method for determining the inclusion content, or combinations of the two methods, may be found most satisfactory.  
1.4 These test methods deal only with recommended test methods and nothing in them should be construed as defining or establishing limits of acceptability for any grade of steel.  
1.5 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. Values in parentheses are conversions and are approximate.  
1.6 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.  
1.7 This internationa...

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ASTM E81-96(2017)(Test Method)
Standard Test Method for Preparing Quantitative Pole Figures

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
3.1 Pole figures are two-dimensional graphic representations, on polar coordinate paper, of the average distribution of crystallite orientations in three dimensions. Data for constructing pole figures are obtained with X-ray diffractometers, using reflection and transmission techniques.  
3.2 Several alternative procedures may be used. Some produce complete pole figures. Others yield partial pole figures, which may be combined to produce a complete figure.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the use of the X-ray diffractometer to prepare quantitative pole figures.  
1.2 The test method consists of several experimental procedures. Some of the procedures (1-5)2 permit preparation of a complete pole figure. Others must be used in combination to produce a complete pole figure.  
1.3 Pole figures (6)  and inverse pole figures (7-10)  are two dimensional averages of the three-dimensional crystallite orientation distribution. Pole figures may be used to construct either inverse pole figures (11-13)  or the crystallite orientation distribution (14-21). Development of series expansions of the crystallite orientation distribution from reflection pole figures (22, 23)  makes it possible to obtain a series expansion of a complete pole figure from several incomplete pole figures. Pole figures or inverse pole figures derived by such methods shall be termed calculated. These techniques will not be described herein.  
1.4 Provided the orientation is homogeneous through the thickness of the sheet, certain procedures  (1-3)  may be used to obtain a complete pole figure.  
1.5 Provided the orientation has mirror symmetry with respect to planes perpendicular to the rolling, transverse, and normal directions, certain procedures (4, 5, 24)  may be used to obtain a complete pole figure.  
1.6 The test method emphasizes the Schulz reflection technique (25).  Other techniques (3, 4, 5, 24)  may be considered variants of the Schulz technique and are cited as options, but not described herein.  
1.7 The test method also includes a description of the transmission technique of Decker, et al (26),  which may be used in conjunction with the Schulz reflection technique to obtain a complete pole figure.  
1.8 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.  
1.9 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.

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