Significance and Use
This test method for the spectrometric analysis of metals and alloys is primarily intended to test such materials for compliance with compositional specifications. It is assumed that all who use this test method will be analysts capable of performing common laboratory procedures skillfully and safely. It is expected that work will be performed in a properly equipped laboratory.
1. Scope
1.1 This test method covers the simultaneous determination of 20 alloying and residual elements in carbon and low-alloy steels in the concentration ranges shown (Note 1).
| Concentration Range, % |
| Element | Applicable Range, %A | Quantitative Range, %B |
| | |
| Aluminum | 0 to 0.075 | 0.02 to 0.075 |
| Arsenic | 0 to 0.1 | 0.05 to 0.1 |
| Boron | 0 to 0.007 | 0.002 to 0.007 |
| Calcium | 0 to 0.003 | 0.001 to 0.003 |
| Carbon | 0 to 1.1 | 0.08 to 1.1 |
| Chromium | 0 to 2.25 | 0.02 to 2.25 |
| Cobalt | 0 to 0.18 | 0.008 to 0.18 |
| Copper | 0 to 0.5 | 0.04 to 0.5 |
| Manganese | 0 to 2.0 | 0.10 to 2.0 |
| Molybdenum | 0 to 0.6 | 0.03 to 0.6 |
| Nickel | 0 to 5.0 | 0.02 to 5.0 |
| Niobium | 0 to 0.085 | 0.02 to 0.085 |
| Nitrogen | 0 to 0.015 | 0.004 to 0.015 |
| Phosphorous | 0 to 0.085 | 0.02 to 0.085 |
| Silicon | 0 to 1.15 | 0.07 to 1.15 |
| Sulfur | 0 to 0.055 | 0.01 to 0.055 |
| Tin | 0 to 0.045 | 0.01 to 0.045 |
| Titanium | 0 to 0.2 | 0.004 to 0.2 |
| Vanadium | 0 to 0.3 | 0.004 to 0.3 |
| Zirconium | 0 to 0.05 | 0.02 to 0.05 |
| | |
A Applicable range in accordance with Guide E 1763 for results reported in accordance with Practice E 1950.
B Quantitative range in accordance with Practice E 1601.
Note 1—The concentration ranges of the elements listed have been established through cooperative testing of reference materials. Included, in addition to the original data of Test Method E 415 – 71, are data from cooperative testing of a broader range of reference materials to expand the element concentration ranges.
1.2 This test method covers analysis of specimens having a diameter adequate to overlap the bore of the spark stand opening (to effect an argon seal). The specimen thickness can vary significantly according to the design of the spectrometer stand, but a thickness between 10 mm and 38 mm has been found to be most practical.
1.3 This test method covers the routine control analysis in iron and steelmaking operations and the analysis of processed material. It is designed for chill-cast, rolled, and forged specimens. Better performance is expected when reference materials and specimens are of similar metallurgical condition and composition. However, it is not required for all applications of this standard.
1.4 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.
2. Referenced Documents (purchase separately) 
The documents listed below are referenced within the subject standard but are not provided as part of the standard.
ASTM Standards
E135 Terminology Relating to Analytical Chemistry for Metals, Ores, and Related Materials
E158 Practice for Fundamental Calculations to Convert Intensities into Concentrations in Optical Emission Spectrochemical Analysis
E305 Practice for Establishing and Controlling Atomic Emission Spectrochemical Analytical Curves
E350 Test Methods for Chemical Analysis of Carbon Steel, Low-Alloy Steel, Silicon Electrical Steel, Ingot Iron, and Wrought Iron
E406 Practice for Using Controlled Atmospheres in Spectrochemical Analysis
E1019 Test Methods for Determination of Carbon, Sulfur, Nitrogen, and Oxygen in Steel, Iron, Nickel, and Cobalt Alloys by Various Combustion and Fusion Techniques
E1329 Practice for Verification and Use of Control Charts in Spectrochemical Analysis
E1601 Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Evaluate the Performance of an Analytical Method
E1763 Guide for Interpretation and Use of Results from Interlaboratory Testing of Chemical Analysis Methods
E1806 Practice for Sampling Steel and Iron for Determination of Chemical Composition
E1950 Practice for Reporting Results from Methods of Chemical Analysis
Keywords
carbon steel; low-alloy steel; optical emission; spectrometric analysis; Aluminum content--ferrous alloys; Carbon content--metals/alloys; Chromium content--metals/alloys; Columbium content--metals/alloys; Copper content--metals/alloys; Manganese content--metals/alloys; Molybdenum content--metals/alloys; Nickel content--metals/alloys; Phosphorus content--metals/alloys; Spectrochemical analysis--steel; Sulfur--metals/alloys; Tin content--steel; Vanadium content--metals/alloys; Carbon steel; Low-alloy steel; Optical emission vacuum spectrometric analysis; Spectrometry;
ICS Code
ICS Number Code 77.080.20 (Steels)
DOI: 10.1520/E0415-08
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