Significance and Use
This test method is established to cover automated SEM/EDX-based procedures for:
Rating the inclusion content of steels based on procedures listed in Standards E 45
Determining the number, size and morphological distribution of inclusions in steels sorted by chemical class.
Methods 1 and 2 of this test method are primarily intended for rating the inclusion content of steels deoxidized with silicon or aluminum, both silicon and aluminum, or vacuum-treated steels without either silicon or aluminum additions. Guidelines are provided to rate inclusions in steel treated with rare earth additions or calcium-bearing compounds (13.4). When such steels are evaluated, the test report should describe the nature of the inclusions rated according to each inclusion category (A, B, C, D).
Methods 1 and 2 will provide a quantitative rating of the inclusion content in half-severity number increments from 0 to 5 for each inclusion type and thickness (Method D of Test Method E 45
Method 3 defines procedures to analyze and report inclusions by arbitrary size distribution and chemical classifications. It may be made applicable to any material by appropriate choice of these classifications.
Method 3 determines and reports basic (as used in Test Method E 1245
The quantitative results are intended to provide a description of the types and amounts of inclusions in a heat of steel. This test method contains no guidelines for such use.
TABLE 2 Minimum Values for Inclusion Severity Rating Levels for Measurements in Micrometers (For expression in other units, see Test Methods E 45
| Test Method E 45 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Severity | A | B | C | D |
| 0.5 | 37.0 | 17.2 | 17.8 | 1 |
| 1.0 | 127.0 | 76.8 | 75.6 | 2 |
| 1.5 | 261.0 | 184.2 | 176.0 | 4 |
| 2.0 | 436.1 | 342.7 | 320.5 | 9 |
| 2.5 | 649.0 | 554.7 | 510.3 | 16 |
| 3.0 | 898.0 | 822.2 | 746.1 | 25 |
| 3.5 | 1181.0 | 1147.0 | 1029.0 | 36 |
| 4.0 | 1498.0 | 1530.0 | 1359.0 | 49 |
| 4.5 | 1898.0 | 1973.0 | 1737.0 | 81 |
| 5.0 | 2230.0 | 2476.0 | 2163.0 | 100 |
Scope
1.1 This test method covers procedures to obtain particle size distribution, chemical classification, and Test Methods E 45
1.2 There are three discrete methods described. Method 1 is the SEM analog of Test Method E 45
1.3 This test method deals only with the recommended test methods and nothing in it should be construed as defining or establishing limits of acceptability for any grade of steel or other alloy where the method is appropriate.
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.
