ASTM A247-17

Standard Test Method for Evaluating the Microstructure of Graphite in Iron Castings

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 The comparison of observed graphite particles with the structures shown in the charts give only purely descriptive information on the type, distribution, and size of the graphite in the sample being evaluated. It does not indicate, except in a very broad way, the origin of the graphite or the suitability of the iron-carbon alloy for a particular service.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the classification of graphite in cast irons in terms of type, distribution, and size by visual comparison to reference photomicrographs. This test method is intended to be applicable for all iron-carbon alloys containing graphite particles, and may be applied to gray irons, malleable irons, compacted graphite irons, and the ductile (nodular) irons.  
1.2 The reference photomicrographs included in this test method are in no way to be construed as specifications. In an appropriate specification for a specific material where graphite microstructure is an important consideration, this test method may be used as a reference to concisely define the graphite microstructure required.  
1.3 These reference photomicrographs are offered primarily to permit accurate reporting of microstructures of cast irons and to facilitate the comparison of reports by different laboratories or investigators.  
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.  
1.5 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.  
1.6 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.

General Information

• Status: Historical
• Publication Date: 30-Jun-2017
• ICS: 77.140.80 - Iron and steel castings
• Technical Committee: A04 - Iron Castings
• Drafting Committee: A04.21 - Testing

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM A247-16a - Standard Test Method for Evaluating the Microstructure of Graphite in Iron Castings
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2017
• Replaced By: ASTM A247-19 - Standard Test Method for Evaluating the Microstructure of Graphite in Iron Castings
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2019
• Referred By: ASTM A874/A874M-98(2022) - Standard Specification for Ferritic Ductile Iron Castings Suitable for Low-Temperature Service
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2017
• Referred By: ASTM A897/A897M-22 - Standard Specification for Austempered Ductile Iron Castings
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2017
• Referred By: ASTM A47/A47M-99(2022)e1 - Standard Specification for Ferritic Malleable Iron Castings
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2017
• Referred By: ASTM A834-95(2020) - Standard Specification for Common Requirements for Iron Castings for General Industrial Use
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2017
• Referred By: ASTM A220/A220M-99(2022)e1 - Standard Specification for Pearlitic Malleable Iron
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2017
• Referred By: ASTM A197/A197M-00(2019) - Standard Specification for Cupola Malleable Iron
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2017
• Referred By: ASTM A1095-15(2019) - Standard Specification for High-Silicon Molybdenum Ferritic Iron Castings
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2017
• Referred By: ASTM A159-83(2020) - Standard Specification for Automotive Gray Iron Castings
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2017
• Referred By: ASTM A439/A439M-18(2022) - Standard Specification for Austenitic Ductile Iron Castings
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2017
• Referred By: ASTM A395/A395M-99(2022) - Standard Specification for Ferritic Ductile Iron Pressure-Retaining Castings for Use at Elevated Temperatures
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2017
• Referred By: ASTM A823-99(2019) - Standard Specification for Statically Cast Permanent Mold Gray Iron Castings
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2017
• Referred By: ASTM A842-11A(2022)e1 - Standard Specification for Compacted Graphite Iron Castings
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2017
• Referred By: ASTM E2567-16a(2023) - Standard Test Method for Determining Nodularity And Nodule Count In Ductile Iron Using Image Analysis
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2017

Standards Content (Sample)

NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information
Designation: A247 − 17
Standard Test Method for
1
Evaluating the Microstructure of Graphite in Iron Castings
This standard is issued under the fixed designation A247; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision.Anumber 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 2. Referenced Documents
2
1.1 This test method covers the classification of graphite in 2.1 ASTM Standards:
cast irons in terms of type, distribution, and size by visual E3Guide for Preparation of Metallographic Specimens
comparisontoreferencephotomicrographs.Thistestmethodis
2.2 ASTM Adjuncts:
intended to be applicable for all iron-carbon alloys containing Iron Casting Graphite Microstructure Rating Chart (Wall
3
graphite particles, and may be applied to gray irons, malleable
Chart)
irons, compacted graphite irons, and the ductile (nodular)
3. Summary of Test Method
irons.
3.1 The reference micrographs included in this standard
1.2 The reference photomicrographs included in this test
form the basis for classification. Characteristic features of
method are in no way to be construed as specifications. In an
graphite particle shape and distribution are designated by
appropriate specification for a specific material where graphite
numerals and letters. Type, distribution, and size of observed
microstructure is an important consideration, this test method
graphitearecomparedwiththeidealizedmicrostructuresinthe
may be used as a reference to concisely define the graphite
standard charts and rated accordingly as closely as possible to
microstructure required.
the equal or similar microstructures in the charts.
1.3 These reference photomicrographs are offered primarily
to permit accurate reporting of microstructures of cast irons
4. Significance and Use
and to facilitate the comparison of reports by different labora-
4.1 The comparison of observed graphite particles with the
tories or investigators.
structures shown in the charts give only purely descriptive
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
informationonthetype,distribution,andsizeofthegraphitein
standard. No other units of measurement are included in this
the sample being evaluated. It does not indicate, except in a
standard.
very broad way, the origin of the graphite or the suitability of
the iron-carbon alloy for a particular service.
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
5. Test Specimens or Samples
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica- 5.1 The preferred sample is a section cut from an actual
casting that is being evaluated at a location agreed upon
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
between the manufacturer and purchaser. When this is
1.6 This international standard was developed in accor-
impractical, a test lug or projection often can be appended to
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
the casting and sawed or broken off to be used as the test
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
sample. If neither of these methods is convenient, microstruc-
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
turaltestcoupons,suchasthoserecommendedbytheCastIron
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
1
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee A04 on Iron contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
Castings and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee A04.21 on Testing. Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
CurrenteditionapprovedJuly1,2017.PublishedJuly2017.Originallyapproved the ASTM website.
3
in 1941. Last previous edition approved in 2016 as A247–16a. DOI: 10.1520/ Available from ASTM International Headquarters. Order Adjunct No.
A0247-17. ADJA0247A. Original adjunct produced in 2010.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
1

---------------------- Page: 1 ----------------------
A247 − 17
4
Research Committee (5R) of the American Foundry Society 7.7 TypeVI is the exploded nodule graphite form occasion-
shall be cast from metal representative of the castings poured. ally seen in ductile iron in conjunction with Types I and II.
7.8 Type VII is the flake graphite form usually seen in gray
6. Polishing
iron.
6.1 Grinding and
...

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: A247 − 16a A247 − 17
Standard Test Method for
1
Evaluating the Microstructure of Graphite in Iron Castings
This standard is issued under the fixed designation A247; 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
1.1 This test method covers the classification of graphite in cast irons in terms of type, distribution, and size by visual
comparison to reference photomicrographs. This test method is intended to be applicable for all iron-carbon alloys containing
graphite particles, and may be applied to gray irons, malleable irons, compacted graphite irons, and the ductile (nodular) irons.
1.2 The reference photomicrographs included in this test method are in no way to be construed as specifications. In an
appropriate specification for a specific material where graphite microstructure is an important consideration, this test method may
be used as a reference to define concisely define the graphite microstructure required.
1.3 These reference photomicrographs are offered primarily to permit accurate reporting of microstructures of cast irons and to
facilitate the comparison of reports by different laboratories or investigators.
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.
1.5 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.
1.6 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.
2. Referenced Documents
2
2.1 ASTM Standards:
E3 Guide for Preparation of Metallographic Specimens
2.2 ASTM Adjuncts:
3
Iron Casting Graphite Microstructure Rating Chart (Wall Chart)
3. Summary of Test Method
3.1 The reference micrographs included in this standard form the basis for classification. Characteristic features of graphite
particle shape and distribution are designated by numerals and letters. Type, distribution, and size of observed graphite are
compared with the idealized microstructures in the standard charts and rated accordingly as closely as possible to the equal or
similar microstructures in the charts.
4. Significance and Use
4.1 The comparison of observed graphite particles with the structures shown in the charts give only purely descriptive
information on the type, distribution, and size of the graphite in the sample being evaluated. It does not indicate, except in a very
broad way, the origin of the graphite or the suitability of the iron-carbon alloy for a particular service.
1
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee A04 on Iron Castings and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee A04.21 on Testing.
Current edition approved AprilJuly 1, 2016.2017. Published April 2016July 2017. Originally approved in 1941. Last previous edition approved in 2016 as
A247 – 16.A247 – 16a. DOI: 10.1520/A0247-16A.10.1520/A0247-17.
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
3
Available from ASTM International Headquarters. Order Adjunct No. ADJA0247A. Original adjunct produced in 2010.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
1

---------------------- Page: 1 ----------------------
A247 − 17
5. Test Specimens or Samples
5.1 The preferred sample is a section cut from an actual casting that is being evaluated at a location agreed upon between the
manufacturer and purchaser. When this is impractical, a test lug or projection often can be appended to the casting and sawed or
broken off to be used as the test sample. If neither of these methods is convenient, microstructural test coupons,
...