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Dec 12, 2025
ASTM International’s analytical chemistry for metals, ores, and related materials committee (E01) has approved a new test method that will fill the technical gap in performance-based inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES) analysis for low alloy steel. The new standard (E3515) will complement existing methods, with a focus on practical performance metrics rather than rigid procedural constraints.
“Low alloy steel is the backbone of countless products we use daily—from car frames and airplane parts to bridges and power plants,” says ASTM member Hengyao Dang, senior engineer, Luoyang Ship Material Research Institute. “Its strength, durability, and corrosion resistance depend on precise amounts of elements like chromium, nickel, and manganese, as well as the accurate control of impurities including phosphorous, arsenic, antimony, and lead.”
According to Dang, the new standard is a quality check tool that uses advanced ICP-AES technology to accurately measure these elements, ensuring the steel meets safety and performance standards. The standard is performance-based, allowing flexibility in instrumentation and procedural details, while requiring compliance with strict accuracy, precision, and detection limit requirements.
“Think of it as a nutritional label for low alloy steel,” says Dang. “It tells the manufacturers, builders, and regulators that the material is reliable for intended use, helping to prevent failures in critical structures or products."
“E3515 promotes high-quality, reliable industrial materials, foundation to building resilient infrastructure and fostering sustainable industrialization,” says Dang.
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