Significance and Use
4.1 These test methods for the chemical analysis of metals and alloys are primarily intended as referee methods to test such materials for compliance with compositional specifications particularly those under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee A1 on Steel, Stainless Steel, and Related Alloys. It is assumed that all who use these test methods will be trained analysts capable of performing common laboratory procedures skillfully and safely. It is expected that work will be performed in a properly equipped laboratory under appropriate quality control practices such as those described in Guide E882.
Scope
1.1 These test methods cover the chemical analysis of tool steels and other similar medium- and high-alloy steels having chemical compositions within the following limits:
| Element | Composition Range, % |
| Aluminum | 0.005 to 1.5 |
| Boron | 0.001 to 0.10 |
| Carbon | 0.03 to 2.50 |
| Chromium | 0.10 to 14.0 |
| Cobalt | 0.10 to 14.0 |
| Copper | 0.01 to 2.0 |
| Lead | 0.001 to 0.01 |
| Manganese | 0.10 to 15.00 |
| Molybdenum | 0.01 to 10.00 |
| Nickel | 0.02 to 4.00 |
| Nitrogen | 0.001 to 0.20 |
| Phosphorus | 0.002 to 0.05 |
| Silicon | 0.10 to 2.50 |
| Sulfur | 0.002 to 0.40 |
| Tungsten | 0.01 to 21.00 |
| Vanadium | 0.02 to 5.50 |
1.2 The test methods in this standard are contained in the sections indicated below:
|
|
| Sections |
| Carbon, Total, by the Combustion— |
|
|
| Carbon, Total, by the Combustion Gravimetrical |
|
|
| Chromium by the Atomic Absorption Method | (0.006 % to 1.00 %) | 174 |
| Chromium by the Peroxydisulfate | (0.10 % to 14.00 %) | 184 |
| Chromium by the Peroxydisulfate-Oxidation |
|
|
| Cobalt by the Ion-Exchange— | (2 % to 14 %) | 52 |
| Cobalt by the Nitroso-R-Salt | (0.10 % to 5.0 %) | 60 |
| Copper by the Neocuproine | (0.01 % to 2.00 %) | 89 |
| Copper by the Sulfide Precipitation- | (0.01 % to 2.0 %) | 70 |
| Lead by the Ion-Exchange—Atomic | (0.001 % to 0.01 %) | 99 |
| Nickel by the Dimethylglyoxime | (0.1 % to 4.0 %) | 144 |
| Manganese by the Periodate | (0.10 % to 5.00 %) | 8 |
| Molybdenum by the Ion Exchange– |
| 203 |
| Molybdenum by the Spectrophotometric Method | (0.01 % to 1.50 %) | 162 |
| Phosphorus by the Alkalimetric Method | (0.01 % to 0.05 %) | 136 |
| Phosphorus by the Molybdenum Blue | (0.002 % to 0.05 %) | 18 |
| Silicon by the Gravimetric Method | (0.10 % to 2.50 %) | 45 |
| Sulfur by the Gravimetric |
|
|
| Sulfur by the Combustion-Iodate |
|
|
| Sulfur by the Chromatographic |
|
|
| Tin by the Solvent Extraction— | (0.002 % to 0.10 %) | 152 |
| Vanadium by the Atomic | (0.006 % to 0.15 %) | 193 |
1.3 Test methods for the determination of carbon and sulfur not included in this standard can be found in Test Methods E1019.
1.4 Some of the composition ranges given in 1.1 are too broad to be covered by a single test method and therefore this standard contains multiple test methods for some elements. The user must select the proper test method by matching the information given in the Scope and Interference sections of each test method with the composition of the alloy to be analyzed.
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 and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. Specific hazards statements are given in Section 6 and in special “Warning” paragraphs throughout these test methods.
