ASTM E634-23

Standard Practice for Sampling Zinc and Zinc Alloys for Analysis by Spark Atomic Emission Spectrometry

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 This practice, used in conjunction with an appropriate quantitative spark atomic emission spectrochemical method, is suitable for use in manufacturing control, material or product acceptance, and development and research.
SCOPE
1.1 This practice covers the sampling of zinc and zinc alloys to obtain a sample suitable for quantitative spark atomic emission spectrochemical analysis. Included are procedures for obtaining representative samples from molten metal, from fabricated or cast products that can be melted, and from other forms that cannot be melted.  
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.  
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 31-May-2023
• ICS: 77.120.60 - Lead, zinc, tin and their alloys
• Technical Committee: E01 - Analytical Chemistry for Metals, Ores, and Related Materials
• Drafting Committee: E01.05 - Cu, Pb, Zn, Cd, Sn, Be, Precious Metals, their Alloys, and Related Metals

Relations

• Refers: ASTM E135-20 - Standard Terminology Relating to Analytical Chemistry for Metals, Ores, and Related Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2020
• Refers: ASTM E135-19 - Standard Terminology Relating to Analytical Chemistry for Metals, Ores, and Related Materials
• Effective Date: 15-May-2019
• Refers: ASTM E135-16 - Standard Terminology Relating to Analytical Chemistry for Metals, Ores, and Related Materials
• Effective Date: 15-May-2016
• Refers: ASTM E135-15a - Standard Terminology Relating to Analytical Chemistry for Metals, Ores, and Related Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2015
• Refers: ASTM E135-15 - Standard Terminology Relating to Analytical Chemistry for Metals, Ores, and Related Materials
• Effective Date: 15-May-2015
• Refers: ASTM E135-14b - Standard Terminology Relating to Analytical Chemistry for Metals, Ores, and Related Materials
• Effective Date: 15-Aug-2014
• Refers: ASTM E135-14a - Standard Terminology Relating to Analytical Chemistry for Metals, Ores, and Related Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2014
• Refers: ASTM E135-14 - Standard Terminology Relating to Analytical Chemistry for Metals, Ores, and Related Materials
• Effective Date: 15-Feb-2014
• Refers: ASTM E135-13a - Standard Terminology Relating to Analytical Chemistry for Metals, Ores, and Related Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2013
• Refers: ASTM E135-11b - Standard Terminology Relating to Analytical Chemistry for Metals, Ores, and Related Materials
• Effective Date: 15-Sep-2011
• Refers: ASTM E135-11a - Standard Terminology Relating to Analytical Chemistry for Metals, Ores, and Related Materials
• Effective Date: 15-Jun-2011
• Refers: ASTM E135-11 - Standard Terminology Relating to Analytical Chemistry for Metals, Ores, and Related Materials
• Effective Date: 15-Jan-2011
• Refers: ASTM E135-10b - Standard Terminology Relating to Analytical Chemistry for Metals, Ores, and Related Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2010
• Refers: ASTM E135-10a - Standard Terminology Relating to Analytical Chemistry for Metals, Ores, and Related Materials
• Effective Date: 15-Jan-2010
• Refers: ASTM E135-10 - Standard Terminology Relating to Analytical Chemistry for Metals, Ores, and Related Materials
• Effective Date: 15-Jan-2010

Overview

ASTM E634-23: Standard Practice for Sampling Zinc and Zinc Alloys for Analysis by Spark Atomic Emission Spectrometry describes standardized procedures for collecting representative samples from zinc and zinc alloy materials. This practice ensures samples are suitable for quantitative analysis using spark atomic emission spectrometry-a critical technique for quality control and chemical characterization in various industrial settings. The standard is developed under the jurisdiction of ASTM International and aligns with globally accepted principles for standardization.

Key Topics

• Sampling Procedures: Detailed methods for obtaining samples from molten zinc, fabricated/cast products, and products that cannot be melted.
• Sample Types: Guidance on chill-cast specimens using different mold types (pin, book, center pour).
• Sample Preparation: Machining and surface preparation requirements to ensure analytical accuracy and repeatability.
• Applicability: Use in manufacturing control, material or product acceptance, and research and development.
• Specimen Homogeneity: Critical controls to ensure the analyzed sample truly represents the bulk material.
• Safety: The standard emphasizes that it does not address all safety aspects; adherence to proper safety, health, and environmental practices is required.

Applications

ASTM E634-23 is applied in various metallurgical and manufacturing contexts, particularly where precise chemical analysis of zinc and its alloys is necessary. The primary areas of practical application include:

• Manufacturing Control: Ensuring consistency and quality of zinc and zinc alloy products during production via routine spectrochemical checks.
• Product Acceptance: Verifying the chemical composition of materials before delivery or use, meeting customer and regulatory requirements.
• Research and Development: Supporting the development of new alloys, production processes, and quality improvement initiatives by providing reliable, reproducible analytical samples.
• Quality Assurance: Forming the foundation for laboratory practices involving spark atomic emission spectrometry by standardizing the sample collection process.

Representative and consistent sampling is critical for valid laboratory results. The standard covers sampling by casting specimens into molds designed to minimize segregation, maximize homogeneity, and match reference materials used during calibration.

Related Standards

Several ASTM standards and internationally recognized documents are relevant when using ASTM E634-23:

• ASTM E135: Terminology Relating to Analytical Chemistry for Metals, Ores, and Related Materials - provides definitions critical for understanding and implementing ASTM E634-23.
• ASTM E415, ASTM E607: Other standards related to the chemical analysis of metals and spark atomic emission spectrometry.
• World Trade Organization (WTO) TBT Principles: ASTM E634-23 was developed following global standardization policies for technical trade barriers compliance.

Practical Value

Following ASTM E634-23 ensures that samples of zinc and zinc alloys accurately reflect the material's composition, vital for:

• Regulatory Compliance: Meeting industry and international requirements for metals analysis.
• Process Optimization: Providing actionable data for process adjustments in manufacturing.
• Customer Assurance: Demonstrating commitment to quality through reliable material certification.
• Research Validity: Facilitating trustworthy experimental results in material science and engineering investigations.

Keywords: zinc sampling, spark atomic emission spectrometry, zinc alloys, zinc analysis, ASTM E634, spectrochemical analysis, manufacturing quality control, metallurgical sampling, analytical chemistry 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: E634 − 23
Standard Practice for
Sampling Zinc and Zinc Alloys for Analysis by Spark Atomic
Emission Spectrometry
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E634; 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 4. Summary of Practice
1.1 This practice covers the sampling of zinc and zinc alloys 4.1 Molten metal representative of the furnace melt is
to obtain a sample suitable for quantitative spark atomic poured into a mold to produce a chill-cast sample. The sample,
emission spectrochemical analysis. Included are procedures for which must represent the average composition, is machined to
obtaining representative samples from molten metal, from a specified shape to produce an acceptable surface for excita-
fabricated or cast products that can be melted, and from other tion.
forms that cannot be melted.
4.2 Fabricated or cast products are remelted and cast into
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as molds or are excited directly without remelting.
standard. The values given in parentheses are for information
5. Significance and Use
only.
5.1 This practice, used in conjunction with an appropriate
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
quantitative spark atomic emission spectrochemical method, is
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
suitable for use in manufacturing control, material or product
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
acceptance, and development and research.
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
6. Apparatus
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
6.1 Ladle, of steel, designed to hold sufficient molten metal
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
to completely fill the sample mold, with a handle of sufficient
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
length to reach into a furnace, trough, pot, or crucible.
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
NOTE 1—Pure zinc metal (Special High Grade) is sampled using a
ceramic or graphite ladle, as the solubility of iron in Special High Grade
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Zinc is sufficient to cause a measurable contamination.
6.2 Sample Molds, designed to produce homogeneous chill-
2. Referenced Documents
2 cast specimens having smooth surfaces, free from surface
2.1 ASTM Standards:
pockets and pores. The specimens shall be representative (in
E135 Terminology Relating to Analytical Chemistry for
the region to be excited) of the product metal. The samples
Metals, Ores, and Related Materials
shall have a spectrochemical response like the reference
materials used in preparing the calibration curves. This is
3. Terminology
ensured by casting reference materials and specimens in the
3.1 Definitions—For definitions of terms used in this
same manner. The specimens shall have a repeatability of
standard, refer to Terminology E135.
measurement for major elements between excitations with a
relative error not exceeding 2 %. Several types of molds have
been found acceptable.
1 6.2.1 Type A, Pin Mold (Fig. 1)—This mold produces two
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E01 on Analytical
Chemistry for Metals, Ores, and Related Materials and is the direct responsibility of
diagonally cast pins with sprues at the top of the specimens.
Subcommittee E01.05 on Cu, Pb, Zn, Cd, Sn, Be, Precious Metals, their Alloys, and
The mold dimensions will produce pins approximately 100 mm
Related Metals.
(3.9 in.) in length by 11 mm (0.4 in.) in diameter. The mold is
Current edition approved June 1, 2023. Published July 2023. Originally approved
made of steel or cast iron and weighs approximately 4.5 kg to
in 1978. Last previous edition approved in 2018 as E634 – 18. DOI: 10.1520/
E0634-23.
5.5 kg (10 lb to 12 lb). Pin specimens have been found to be
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
very homogeneous. If properly prepared, these specimens
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
provide very reliable results with only one burn. However, pin
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. specimens must be reshaped for each additional burn.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
E634 − 23
FIG. 1 Type A Mold and Specimen
6.2.2 Type B, Book Mold (Fig. 2)—This mold produces a for high purity zinc grades, but with alloys may cause
vertically cast disk with a sprue on the edge of the specimen. segregation due to solidification phenomena. Specimens
The mold dimensions will produce a disk of approximately should be excited only in the areas indicated in Fig. 3, and it
64 mm (2.5 in.) in diameter by 6 mm to 8 mm (0.2 in. to may be necessary to make several burns and report an average.
0.3 in.) in thickness. A circular central recess, 15 mm to 25 mm The user is strongly cautioned to thoroughly investigate
(0.6 in. to 1.0 in.) in diameter, on one side of the specimen specimen homogeneity for each alloy system to be analyzed.
facilitates machining of that side in preparation for excitation. 6.2.3 Type C, Center Pour Mold (Fig. 4)—This mold
It also promotes more uniform freezing of the raised peripheral produces a horizontally cast disk with a sprue over the center
area. The mold is made of steel or cast iron and weighs on the back side. The mold dimensions will produce a disk
approximately 2 kg to 3 kg (4 lb to 7 lb). This mold works well approximately 64 mm (2.5 in.) in diameter by 8 mm (0.3 in.)
FIG. 2 Type B Mold and Specimen
E634 − 23
NOTE 1—Shaded areas are acceptable for analysis.
FIG. 3 Specimens from Type A, B, and C Molds
FIG. 4 Type C Mold and Specimen
in thickness. A circular central recess, 10 mm to 20 mm (0.4 in. specimens shall have a spectrochemical response like the
to 0.8 in.) in diameter, on one side of the specimen facilitates reference materials used for preparing the calibration curves.
machining of that side in preparation for excitation. It also
6.3 Lathe or Milling Machine, capable of machining a
promotes more uniform freezing of the raised peripheral area,
smooth flat surface.
but the corresponding raised portion of the mold shall be sized
6.3.1 When using pin specimens, reproducibility of the
to not restrict the throat for the sprue. A slight taper, 1 deg to
exact pin shape is very important. To maintain the integrity of
2 deg, on the hinged portion of the mold facilitates opening
the pin shapes it may be necessary to equip a micrometer
when a specimen has been cast. The mold is made of steel or
cross-fed lathe with a special pin-shaping tool.
cast iron and weighs approximately 3.5 kg to 4.5 kg (8 lb to
6.4 Cutting Tools—Either alloy steel or cemented carbide is
10 lb). This mold permits excitation around the entire annular
recommended.
area. However, like the vertically cast disk specimens, although
not as severe, segregation can be a problem. Therefore, it may
7. Sampling
be necessary to
...

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: E634 − 18 E634 − 23
Standard Practice for
Sampling of Zinc and Zinc Alloys for Analysis by Spark
Atomic Emission Spectrometry
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E634; 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 practice covers the sampling of zinc and zinc alloys to obtain a sample suitable for quantitative spark atomic emission
spectrochemical analysis. Included are procedures for obtaining representative samples from molten metal, from fabricated or cast
products that can be melted, and from other forms that cannot be melted.
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility
of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of
regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization
established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued
by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
E135 Terminology Relating to Analytical Chemistry for Metals, Ores, and Related Materials
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions—For definitions of terms used in this standard, refer to Terminology E135.
4. Summary of Practice
4.1 Molten metal representative of the furnace melt is poured into a mold to produce a chill-cast sample. The sample, which must
represent the average composition, is machined to a specified shape to produce an acceptable surface for excitation.
4.2 Fabricated or cast products are remelted and cast into molds or are excited directly without remelting.
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E01 on Analytical Chemistry for Metals, Ores, and Related Materials and is the direct responsibility of
Subcommittee E01.05 on Cu, Pb, Zn, Cd, Sn, Be, Precious Metals, their Alloys, and Related Metals.
Current edition approved Oct. 1, 2018June 1, 2023. Published October 2018July 2023. Originally approved in 1978. Last previous edition approved in 20122018 as
E634 – 12.E634 – 18. DOI: 10.1520/E0634-18.10.1520/E0634-23.
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.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
E634 − 23
5. Significance and Use
5.1 This practice, used in conjunction with an appropriate quantitative spark atomic emission spectrochemical method, is suitable
for use in manufacturing control, material or product acceptance, and development and research.
6. Apparatus
6.1 Ladle, of steel, designed to hold sufficient molten metal to completely fill the sample mold, with a handle of sufficient length
to reach into a furnace, trough, pot, or crucible.
NOTE 1—Pure zinc metal (Special High Grade) is sampled using a ceramic or graphite ladle, as the solubility of iron in Special High Grade Zinc is
sufficient to cause a measurable contamination.
6.2 Sample Molds, designed to produce homogeneous chill-cast specimens having smooth surfaces, free from surface pockets and
pores. The specimens shall be representative (in the region to be excited) of the product metal. The samples shall have a
spectrochemical response similar to the standards like the reference materials used in preparing the analyticalcalibration curves.
This is ensured by casting standards reference materials and specimens in the same manner. Also, the The specimens shall have
a repeatability of measurement for major elements from excitation-to-excitationbetween excitations with a relative error of no more
than not exceeding 2 %. Several types of molds have been found acceptable.
6.2.1 Type A, Pin Mold (Fig. 1)—This mold produces two diagonally cast pins with sprues at the top of the specimens. The mold
dimensions are such as to will produce pins approximately 100 mm (3.9 in.) in length by 11 mm (0.4 in.) in diameter. The mold
is made of steel or cast iron and weighs approximately 4.5 to 5.5 kg (10 to 12 lb). 4.5 kg to 5.5 kg (10 lb to 12 lb). Pin specimens
have been found to be very homogeneous. If properly prepared, these specimens provide very reliable results with only one burn.
However, pin specimens must be reshaped for each additional burn.
6.2.2 Type B, Book Mold (Fig. 2)—This mold produces a vertically cast disk with a sprue on the edge of the specimen. The mold
dimensions are such as to will produce a disk of approximately 64 mm (2.5 in.) 64 mm (2.5 in.) in diameter by 6 to 8 mm (0.2
to 0.3 in.) 6 mm to 8 mm (0.2 in. to 0.3 in.) in thickness. A circular central recess, 15 to 25 mm (0.6 to 1.0 in.) 15 mm to 25 mm
(0.6 in. to 1.0 in.) in diameter, on one side of the specimen facilitates machining of that side in preparation for excitation. It also
promotes more uniform freezing of the raised peripheral area. The mold is made of steel or cast iron and weighs approximately
2 to 3 kg (4 to 7 lb). 2 kg to 3 kg (4 lb to 7 lb). This mold works well for high purity zinc grades, but with alloys may cause
segregation due to solidification phenomena. Specimens should be excited only in the areas indicated in Fig. 3, and it may be
FIG. 1 Type A Mold and Specimen
E634 − 23
FIG. 2 Type B Mold and Specimen
NOTE 1—Shaded areas are acceptable for analysis.
FIG. 3 Specimens from Type A, B, and C Molds
necessary to make several burns and report an average. The user is strongly cautioned to thoroughly investigate specimen
homogeneity for each alloy system to be analyzed.
6.2.3 Type C, Center Pour Mold (Fig. 4)—This mold produces a horizontally cast disk with a sprue over the center on the back
side. The mold dimensions are such as to will produce a disk approximately 64 mm (2.5 in.) in diameter by 8 mm (0.3 in.) in
thickness. A circular central recess, 10 to 20 mm (0.4 to 0.8 in.) 10 mm to 20 mm (0.4 in. to 0.8 in.) in diameter, on one side of
the specimen facilitates machining of that side in preparation for excitation. It also promotes more uniform freezing of the raised
peripheral area, but the corresponding raised portion of the mold shall not be so large as to be sized to not restrict the throat for
the sprue. A slight taper, 1 to 2 deg, 1 deg to 2 deg, on the hinged portion of the mold facilitates opening when a specimen has
been cast. The mold is made of steel or cast iron and weighs approximately 3.5 to 4.5 kg (8 to 10 lb). The advantage of this mold
is that the specimen obtained may be excited 3.5 kg to 4.5 kg (8 lb to 10 lb). This mold permits excitation around the entire annular
area. However, as with like the vertically cast disk specimens, although not as severe, segregation can be a problem. Therefore,
it may be necessary to make several burns and report an average.
6.2.4 Other Molds—Molds of different types, materials, and dimensions may be used provided that the uniformity of the
E634 − 23
FIG. 4 Type C Mold and Specimen
specimens obtained is comparable to the uniformity of specimens obtained from Type A, B, or C molds. Further, the specimens
shall have a spectrochemical response similar to the standards like the reference materials used for preparing the analyticalcali-
bration curves.
6.3 Lathe or Milling Machine, capable of machining a smooth flat surface.
NOTE 2—When using pin specimens, reproducibility of the exact pin shape is very important. To maintain the integri
...