PTP Program

Chemical Analysis Aluminum

2024 Annual Fee:
$1,018.00

Schedule: May, November
Sample amount distributed each test cycle: 2 disks

Reduced Price

A2LA Accredited Symbol

Accredited Proficiency Testing Provider*

This program is accredited in accordance with the recognized International Standard ISO/IEC 17043: 2010 Conformity Assessment - General Requirements for Proficiency Testing, by the American Association for Laboratory Accreditation. Certificate Number: 4209.01

List of Programs and Scopes

About The Program

This Proficiency Test Program includes the quantitative analysis of two different 6000 and 300 series aluminum alloys, in the Spring (May) and fall (November) respectively.

Basic elements to be determined by participants include silicon, iron, copper, manganese, chromium, nickel, zinc, vanadium, lead, magnesium, titanium, and tin. Additional elements will be included in the program from time to time.

Each laboratory electronically returns their completed test data to ASTM for use in generating statistical summary reports. Participants are permitted to use other methods in the analysis of the test sample, but all methods utilized must be documented on the data report form. Labs unable to follow a specific ASTM method to the ultimate detail due to specific equipment features and workload requirements are required to identify those areas where deviation occur.

For more information, contact us.

Why Should Your Laboratory Participate

These programs are designed to provide participating laboratories with a statistical quality assurance tool enabling them to assess their performance in how they conduct a given test or series of tests by comparing their data against the data of other participating laboratories.

You receive test results available only to participating laboratories that will help you:

  • Monitor strengths and weaknesses of your laboratory's performance
  • Periodically compare your test results and calculated statistical parameters with other laboratories

Should you have an issue with your published results, please write to ptp@astm.org with your lab number and account number.

Test Methods

E607, Standard Test Method for Optical Emission Spectrometric Analysis of Aluminum and Aluminum Alloys by the Point-to-Plane Technique, Nitrogen Atmosphere

E1251, Standard Test Method for Analysis of Aluminum and Aluminum Alloys by Spark Atomic Emission Spectrometry

E3061 Standard Test Method for Analysis of Aluminum and Aluminum Alloys by Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrometry (Performance Based Method)

Test Samples

Test samples for the program will be provided by Arconic Spectrochemical Reference Materials in Alcoa Center, PA. The samples provided are homogeneity tested in accordance with E 826, Practice for Testing Homogeneity of Materials for the Development of Reference Materials. As a program participant you will receive test samples for each testing period, electronic submittal forms to record test data, and instructions for conducting the tests.

Statistical Analysis Of Data

The summary reports, provided to participants only, contain: Each participating laboratory's test results (coded for confidentiality); Statistical analysis of test data; Charts plotting test results versus laboratory code; and Other pertinent information.

Distribution Of Samples

IMPORTANT for International participants: You have the following options for receipt of samples:

  • Ship through a third party shipping agent - Provide ASTM International with the complete contact information of a designated Shipping Agent located in the U.S. who will be responsible for shipping samples from the U.S. to your facility. Participants are responsible for making financial and shipping arrangements directly with the shipping agent.
    • Please be advised that when samples are shipped, an e-mail is sent only to the contact of record on your ASTM PTP account. It is the customer’s responsibility to advise their designated shipper that the sample has been shipped.
    • We cannot permit shipping agents to pick up samples at our distributors’ warehouses.
  • Ship directly from the sample distributor via UPS, DHL, or FEDEX - Provide ASTM International with your shipping account number to cover shipping charges. Check that your carrier will deliver the test materials to your location. Materials classified as Hazardous may have restrictions.
  • Product Shipment Specs
    • Quantity: 2 disks
    • Shipping Weight: 1 lb
    • Dimensions: 9x6x3
    • ECCN: EAR99
    • Harm Code: 3822006000
  • Generic SDS

Program Requirements

Participation is on an annual fee basis and open to all laboratories. Registration fees must be paid in advance to participate in the program. Testing must be performed within the participants' laboratory facilities using the specified ASTM methods

About Astm International Committee E01

Committee E01 on Analytical Chemistry of Metals, Ores, and Related Materials, consisting of over 190 members and developer of over 140 standards, provides the technical direction for the program.