Chemical Analysis Stainless Steel

ASTM's Proficiency Testing Programs provide participating laboratories with a statistical quality assurance (SQA) tool for improving and maintaining performance with respect to interlaboratory precision.

Basic elements to be determined by participants include carbon, manganese, phosphorus, sulfur, silicon, copper, nickel, chromium, molybdenum, aluminum, and tin. Additional elements are included in the program from time to time. Rocky Mountain Reference Materials provide test samples for the program. The samples provided are homogeneity tested to ensure that like samples are distributed to all participants. When oxygen and nitrogen are tested a separate thin disc is provided.

The program provides participants with two test samples for each test cycle, electronic data report forms to record test data, and instructions for conducting the tests. Laboratories are instructed to conduct the tests in their facilities using the ASTM methods cited in the program (or other methods used by the lab) and to record their test results on the data report form.

Each laboratory returns completed test data electronically to ASTM for use in generating statistical summary reports. ASTM handles all data on a strictly confidential basis with no disclosure of lab identity except for one's own laboratory. The reports contain all laboratory test data (coded), statistical analysis of test data, charts plotting test results versus lab code and other information.

The program includes lab participation worldwide.

For more information, contact us.

The program provides you with:

• The resources you need to satisfy proficiency testing elements of laboratory accreditation
• A useful quality control tool to monitor the strengths and weaknesses of laboratory performance
• Periodic comparison of test results and calculated statistical parameters with other in the metals analysis and analytical community worldwide
• A useful quality reference sample upon completion of testing

Statistical summary reports provided to you include:

• Each participating laboratory's test results (coded for confidentiality)
• Statistical analysis of test data
• Charts plotting test results versus laboratory code
• Other pertinent information

Four disks will be used in the program for each test cycle

Test samples are prepared and distributed for ASTM International by Rocky Mountain Reference Materials in Golden, CO. Program registration fees do not include the cost of shipping the test samples to international participants (see below).

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: 4 disks
• Shipping Weight: 1 lb
• Dimensions: 6x9x5 pack
• ECCN: EAR99
• Harm Code: 3822006000

Participation is on an anual fee basis and open to all laboratories. Registratin fees must be paid in advance to participate. Testing must be performed within the participant's laboratory facilities. A laboratory does not need to perform all the program tests to participate.

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. Test information generated in the program is utilized by Committee E01 to determine if modifications to ASTM documents or new standards are warranted.