ISO 13947:2011
(Main)Metallic powders - Test method for the determination of non-metallic inclusions in metal powders using a powder-forged specimen
Metallic powders - Test method for the determination of non-metallic inclusions in metal powders using a powder-forged specimen
ISO 13947:2011 specifies a metallographic method for determining the non-metallic inclusion level in metal powders using a powder-forged specimen. The test method covers repress powder-forged test specimens in which there has been minimal lateral flow ( This test method can also be used to determine the non-metallic inclusion content of powder-forged steel parts. However, in parts where there has been a significant amount of material flow, the near-neighbour separation distance needs to be changed, or the inclusion sizes agreed between the parties need to be adjusted. This test method is not suitable for determining the non-metallic inclusion level of parts that have been forged such that the core region contains porosity. At the magnification used for this test method, residual porosity is hard to distinguish from inclusions. Too much residual porosity makes a meaningful assessment of the inclusion population impossible. This test method can be applied to materials that contain manganese suifide (admixed or prealloyed), provided the near-neighbour separation distance is changed from 30 µm to 15 µm.
Poudres métalliques — Détermination de la teneur en inclusions non métalliques dans les poudres métalliques à l'aide d'une éprouvette forgée de poudre
General Information
- Status
- Published
- Publication Date
- 24-Nov-2011
- Current Stage
- 9599 - Withdrawal of International Standard
- Start Date
- 25-Nov-2024
- Completion Date
- 13-Dec-2025
Relations
- Effective Date
- 22-Oct-2022
- Effective Date
- 25-Jun-2011
Overview
ISO 13947:2011 specifies a metallographic test method for determining non-metallic inclusions in metal powders using a powder-forged specimen. The standard defines microscopic examination procedures, sizing rules and reporting requirements to assess powder cleanliness and inclusion populations in powder-forged steel parts and other near-dense powder metallurgy (PM) components.
Key topics and requirements
- Test specimen: Use a powder-forged (repress) specimen with minimal lateral flow (<1 %) and a core region free of porosity detectable at 100× magnification. Not suitable for parts whose cores contain residual porosity that obscures inclusions.
- Sample preparation: Metallographic sectioning, grinding and polishing following ISO/TR 14321:1997 and ASTM guides (ASTM E3, ASTM E768) are recommended to avoid smearing or masking inclusions.
- Microscopy conditions: Examine polished surfaces at 100× magnification using green light (544 nm), an objective of 8×–12.5× and numerical aperture 0.16–0.20 to ensure consistent feature resolution.
- Inclusion sizing: Size inclusions using the maximum Feret’s diameter (caliper diameter). The standard requires counting inclusions ≥ 30 µm, 100 µm, and 150 µm.
- Near‑neighbour separation concept: Features within 30 µm of each other are treated as a single inclusion (cluster). For materials containing manganese sulfide (MnS), change the near‑neighbour distance from 30 µm to 15 µm.
- Area examined and reporting: Survey the specified polished area (minimum area defined in the standard) and report the number of inclusions per 100 mm² at the listed size thresholds. State whether individual particle sizing was also performed.
Applications and practical value
- Quality control and powder cleanliness assessment for powders intended for powder forging.
- Lot-to-lot comparisons and grade differentiation of ferrous powders and powder-forged steel parts.
- Metallographers and materials engineers use the method to evaluate how inclusion size, distribution and composition could influence mechanical properties in near-dense PM components.
- Not intended for heavily worked forgings with significant material flow unless measurement parameters (near-neighbour distance or size thresholds) are mutually agreed.
Who should use this standard
- Powder metallurgy (PM) laboratories and testing facilities
- Quality engineers at powder producers and powder-forging manufacturers
- Materials scientists and metallographers performing inclusion analysis
- ISO/ASTM harmonization efforts for non-metallic inclusion assessment
Related standards
- ISO/TR 14321:1997 (metallographic preparation)
- ASTM E3, ASTM E768 (metallographic specimen preparation and automatic inclusion assessment)
- ASTM B796 (nonmetallic inclusion content of powders for powder forging)
Keywords: ISO 13947:2011, non-metallic inclusions, metal powders, powder-forged specimen, Feret’s diameter, near-neighbour separation, powder metallurgy, MnS, powder forging.
Frequently Asked Questions
ISO 13947:2011 is a standard published by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). Its full title is "Metallic powders - Test method for the determination of non-metallic inclusions in metal powders using a powder-forged specimen". This standard covers: ISO 13947:2011 specifies a metallographic method for determining the non-metallic inclusion level in metal powders using a powder-forged specimen. The test method covers repress powder-forged test specimens in which there has been minimal lateral flow ( This test method can also be used to determine the non-metallic inclusion content of powder-forged steel parts. However, in parts where there has been a significant amount of material flow, the near-neighbour separation distance needs to be changed, or the inclusion sizes agreed between the parties need to be adjusted. This test method is not suitable for determining the non-metallic inclusion level of parts that have been forged such that the core region contains porosity. At the magnification used for this test method, residual porosity is hard to distinguish from inclusions. Too much residual porosity makes a meaningful assessment of the inclusion population impossible. This test method can be applied to materials that contain manganese suifide (admixed or prealloyed), provided the near-neighbour separation distance is changed from 30 µm to 15 µm.
ISO 13947:2011 specifies a metallographic method for determining the non-metallic inclusion level in metal powders using a powder-forged specimen. The test method covers repress powder-forged test specimens in which there has been minimal lateral flow ( This test method can also be used to determine the non-metallic inclusion content of powder-forged steel parts. However, in parts where there has been a significant amount of material flow, the near-neighbour separation distance needs to be changed, or the inclusion sizes agreed between the parties need to be adjusted. This test method is not suitable for determining the non-metallic inclusion level of parts that have been forged such that the core region contains porosity. At the magnification used for this test method, residual porosity is hard to distinguish from inclusions. Too much residual porosity makes a meaningful assessment of the inclusion population impossible. This test method can be applied to materials that contain manganese suifide (admixed or prealloyed), provided the near-neighbour separation distance is changed from 30 µm to 15 µm.
ISO 13947:2011 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 77.160 - Powder metallurgy. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
ISO 13947:2011 has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to ISO 13947:2024, ISO 13947:2007. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.
You can purchase ISO 13947:2011 directly from iTeh Standards. The document is available in PDF format and is delivered instantly after payment. Add the standard to your cart and complete the secure checkout process. iTeh Standards is an authorized distributor of ISO standards.
Standards Content (Sample)
INTERNATIONAL ISO
STANDARD 13947
Second edition
2011-12-01
Metallic powders — Test method for the
determination of non-metallic inclusions
in metal powders using a powder-forged
specimen
Poudres métalliques — Détermination de la teneur en inclusions non
métalliques dans les poudres métalliques à l’aide d’une éprouvette
forgée de poudre
Reference number
©
ISO 2011
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, no part of this publication may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means,
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ii © ISO 2011 – All rights reserved
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards bodies
(ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out through ISO
technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical committee has been
established has the right to be represented on that committee. International organizations, governmental and
non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work. ISO collaborates closely with the International
Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of electrotechnical standardization.
International Standards are drafted in accordance with the rules given in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.
The main task of technical committees is to prepare International Standards. Draft International Standards
adopted by the technical committees are circulated to the member bodies for voting. Publication as an
International Standard requires approval by at least 75 % of the member bodies casting a vote.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of patent
rights. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
ISO 13947 was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 119, Powder metallurgy, Subcommittee SC 2,
Sampling and testing methods for powders (including powders for hardmetals).
This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition (ISO 13947:2007), of which it constitutes a minor
revision.
INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO 13947:2011(E)
Metallic powders — Test method for the determination of non-
metallic inclusions in metal powders using a powder-forged
specimen
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS — This International Standard does not purport to address all of the safety
problems, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this International
Standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and to determine the applicability of
regulatory limitations prior to use.
1 Scope
This International Standard specifies a metallographic method for determining the non-metallic inclusion
level in metal powders using a powder-forged specimen. The test method covers repress powder-forged test
specimens in which there has been minimal lateral flow (<1 %). The core region of the powder-forged test
specimen contains no porosity detectable at 100× magnification.
This test method can also be used to determine the non-metallic inclusion content of powder-forged steel parts.
However, in parts where there has been a significant amount of material flow, the near-neighbour separation
distance needs to be changed, or the inclusion sizes agreed between the parties need to be adjusted.
This test method is not suitable for determining the non-metallic inclusion level of parts that have been forged
such that the core region contains porosity. At the magnification used for this test method, residual porosity
is hard to distinguish from inclusions. Too much residual porosity makes a meaningful assessment of the
inclusion population impossible.
This test method can be applied to materials that contain manganese sulfide (admixed or prealloyed), provided
the near-neighbour separation distance is changed from 30 µm to 15 µm.
2 Normative references
The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this document. For dated
references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document
(including any amendments) applies.
ISO/TR 14321:1997, Sintered metal materials, excluding hardmetals — Metallographic preparation and
examination
ASTM B796, Standard test method for nonmetallic inclusion content of powders intended for powder forging
(P/F) applications
ASTM E3, Standard guide for preparation of metallographic specimens
ASTM E768, Standard guide for preparing and evaluating specimens for automatic inclusion assessment of
steel
3 Principles
A section representing the core region of the test specimen (part) is cut from the test piece (part) prior to
metallographic grinding and polishing (mounting the section is optional but strongly recommended).
The polished sample is examined microscopically at a magnification of 100× and a note is made of inclusions
greater than a predetermined size.
The maximum Feret’s diameter is used to determine inclusion size. A Feret’s diameter is a caliper diameter, as
illustrated in Figure 1.
The fragmented nature of some inclusions means that their size determination is somewhat complicated. The
concept of near-neighbour separation shall be used in determining inclusion size. According to this concept, if
an inclusion is within a certain distance of its neighbouring particles, it is considered a member of an inclusion
cluster or agglomerate. Detected features within 30 µm of one another are considered part of the same
inclusion. The concept is illustrated schematically in Figure 2.
The non-metallic inclusion level of the test specimen (part) is reported as the number of inclusions, per
100 mm , greater than or equal to the predetermined size.
4 Significance and use
4.1 The non-metallic inclusion
...
ISO 13947:2011은 금속 분말에서 비금속 포함물의 수준을 측정하기 위한 메탈로그래픽 방법을 규정하고 있습니다. 이 표준은 분말 단조 시험편을 사용하여 실시되는 테스트 방법을 상세히 설명하며, 이 시험편들에서는 최소한의 측면 흐름이 발생해야 합니다. 따라서, 금속 분말의 비금속 포함물 함량을 신뢰할 수 있게 측정할 수 있는 강점을 가지고 있습니다. 이 표준의 범위는 분말 단조 강철 부품의 비금속 포함물 함량 측정에도 적용 가능하다는 점에서 매우 유용하며, 이는 각종 금속 소재의 품질 평가에 기여합니다. 그러나, 큰 물질 흐름이 발생한 부품의 경우, 인근 분리 거리나 포함물 크기의 조정이 필요하므로, 이러한 점에서 사용자에게 주의가 필요합니다. ISO 13947:2011은 또한 잔여 기공을 포함하고 있는 부품의 비금속 포함물 수준을 측정하기에는 적합하지 않다는 점도 강조하고 있습니다. 이는 잔여 기공이 포함물과 쉽게 구분되지 않게 되고, 과도한 잔여 기공으로 인해 포함물 집단에 대한 의미 있는 평가가 불가능해지기 때문입니다. 특정 소재, 특히 망간 황화물이 포함된 경우에도 이 시험 방법을 적용할 수 있으며, 이 경우 인근 분리 거리를 30 µm에서 15 µm로 변경해야 한다는 점도 중요한 고려사항입니다. 이러한 세부사항들은 ISO 13947:2011의 실용성과 신뢰성을 더욱 높여 주며, 금속 분말 산업에서 공정 및 품질 관리의 중요한 기준을 제공합니다. 결론적으로, ISO 13947:2011은 비금속 포함물의 정확하고 신뢰할 수 있는 평가 방법을 제공하여, 금속 분말 품질 관리에 있어서 매우 중요한 표준입니다.
ISO 13947:2011は、金属粉末中の非金属包含物レベルを評価するためのメタログラフィック手法を規定しています。この標準の範囲は、主に粉末鍛造試験標本を使用することに重点を置いており、最小限の横方向の流れがある条件下での試験に適しています。 この標準の強みは、粉末で鍛造されたスチール部品の非金属包含物含量の評価にも利用できる点です。特に、材料の流れが大きい部品では、隣接する検出間隔を変更する必要があることを明確に示しており、これにより精度の高い測定が可能となります。また、マンガン硫化物が含まれる材料に対しても適用でき、その際の隣接検出間隔の調整についても明記しています。この柔軟性が、さまざまなタイプの金属粉末に対する適用性を高めています。 しかしながら、この試験方法は、コア領域にポロシティが存在する鍛造部品の非金属包含物レベルを測定するには適さないことを注意喚起しています。残留ポロシティが多すぎると、包含物の評価が困難になるため、標準利用時の留意点を明確に示している点も特筆すべきです。 ISO 13947:2011は、金属産業における品質管理と材料の信頼性向上に寄与する重要な標準であり、非金属包含物の正確な測定と評価を通じて、製品の品質を確保するために非常に関連性があります。このため、金属粉末の研究や開発に関わるプロフェッショナルにとって、不可欠なガイドラインと言えるでしょう。
La norme ISO 13947:2011 est un document essentiel qui définit une méthode métallographique pour déterminer le niveau d'inclusions non métalliques dans les poudres métalliques à l'aide d'un échantillon forgé à partir de poudre. Cette norme se distingue par son approche précise et systématique, permettant d'obtenir des résultats fiables et reproductibles concernant la qualité des poudres métalliques. Parmi ses forces, ISO 13947:2011 met en avant la capacité à analyser des échantillons de poudre forgée soumis à un flux latéral minimum, ce qui garantit que les résultats reflètent fidèlement le contenu en inclusions non métalliques sans interférence notable de la déformation. De plus, cette méthode est adaptable pour évaluer le contenu d'inclusions dans des pièces en acier forgé à partir de poudre, ce qui élargit son applicabilité dans divers contextes industriels. Un autre point fort de cette norme est son attention à la précision du procédé d'analyse, en signalant que les spécimens qui présentent un flux de matériau important doivent modifier la distance de séparation entre voisins lorsque cela est nécessaire. Cela témoigne de la rigueur scientifique de la norme, qui garantit que les évaluations ne sont pas biaisées par des facteurs externes comme la porosité résiduelle. En effet, ISO 13947:2011 prévoit que dans des échantillons où la porosité est excessive, la distinction entre les inclusions et la porosité devient difficile, ce qui souligne l'importance de la qualité de l'échantillon dans le processus d'évaluation. La norme s'applique également à des matériaux contenant du sulfure de manganèse, qu'ils soient admixés ou préalliés, ce qui montre sa flexibilité et sa pertinence pour différents types de poudres métalliques. En réduisant la distance de séparation recommandée de 30 µm à 15 µm pour ces matériaux, la norme prouve sa capacité à s'adapter aux besoins spécifiques de l'industrie. En résumé, ISO 13947:2011 est une norme incontournable pour les professionnels du secteur qui cherchent à évaluer la qualité des poudres métalliques. Sa méthodologie précise et ses recommandations claires en font un outil fiable pour assurer la conformité et la sécurité des applications industrielles utilisant des poudres métalliques.
Die ISO 13947:2011 ist ein entscheidendes Dokument, das eine metallographische Methode spezifiziert, um den Gehalt an nichtmetallischen Einschlüssen in Metallpulvern mittels eines pulvergeschmiedeten Probekörpers zu bestimmen. Der Umfang dieser Norm ist klar definiert: Sie befasst sich mit Represspulver-gefertigten Prüfkörpern, bei denen eine minimale laterale Bewegung stattgefunden hat. Dies stellt sicher, dass die Methode eine präzise Analyse des Einschlussgehalts ermöglicht. Ein wesentlicher Stärke der ISO 13947:2011 liegt in ihrer Anwendbarkeit auf pulvergeschmiedete Stahlteile. Diese Norm bietet den Industrieunternehmen ein wertvolles Werkzeug zur Qualitätskontrolle, indem sie eine verlässliche Methode zur Bestimmung des Einschlussgehalts bereitstellt. Die Möglichkeit, spezifische Anpassungen in Bezug auf den Nachbarabstand der Einschlüssen vorzunehmen, wenn die Materialdynamik es erfordert, hebt die Flexibilität der Norm hervor und stellt ihre Relevanz in praktischen Anwendungen sicher. Ein weiterer Punkt, der die Norm stärkt, ist ihr klares Augenmerk auf die Begrenzungen der Methode. Insbesondere wird klar darauf hingewiesen, dass die ISO 13947:2011 nicht zur Bestimmung des Gehalts an nichtmetallischen Einschlüssen in Teilen geeignet ist, bei denen die Kernregion Porosität enthält. Diese Präzisierung ist wichtig, um Missverständnisse in der Anwendung der Norm zu vermeiden und um sicherzustellen, dass die Ergebnisse der Analyse valide und verlässlich sind. Die Norm ist auch anwendbar auf Materialien, die Mangansulfid enthalten, was die Flexibilität weiter erhöht, sofern Anpassungen wie die Änderung des Nachbarabstands von 30 µm auf 15 µm vorgenommen werden. Diese Details belegen die durchdachte Gestaltung der ISO 13947:2011 und ihre Relevanz für eine Vielzahl von Materialien und Anwendungen. Insgesamt bietet die ISO 13947:2011 eine umfassende Grundlage für die Analyse von nichtmetallischen Einschlüssen in Metallpulvern und stärkt damit die Qualitätssicherung und Effizienz der metallverarbeitenden Industrie.
ISO 13947:2011 provides a comprehensive and methodical approach for assessing non-metallic inclusions in metal powders through the use of powder-forged specimens. The scope of this standard is clearly defined, focusing on a metallographic method that specifies how to determine the levels of non-metallic inclusions effectively. A key strength of ISO 13947:2011 lies in its applicability to both repress powder-forged test specimens and powder-forged steel parts. This versatility enables manufacturers and analysts to ensure the quality and integrity of their metal powders, particularly in industries where material purity is paramount. However, the standard also recognizes the limitations of its methodology; for instance, it explicitly states that it is unsuitable for assessing parts with significant material flow or where the core region exhibits porosity. This awareness contributes to enhancing accuracy in testing and prevents erroneous interpretations of metallic quality. Moreover, the document accommodates variations in material type by allowing adjustments in the near-neighbour separation distance when manganese sulfide is present, signifying the standard's adaptability to different processing conditions and material compositions. The specification to alter the distance from 30 µm to 15 µm demonstrates a thorough understanding of the nuances involved in accurately assessing non-metallic inclusions. ISO 13947:2011's strength in providing detailed guidelines facilitates reliable assessments of inclusion levels, which is crucial for ensuring the performance and durability of metallic components. This standard is especially relevant for industries focusing on high-performance applications, where even minimal non-metallic inclusions can lead to significant failures. Its rigor and precise guidelines make it a valuable tool for quality control in manufacturing environments that utilize metal powders.
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