ASTM E45-13
Standard Test Methods for Determining the Inclusion Content of Steel

Standard No.

ASTM E45-13

Release Date

2013

Published By

American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)

Status

Be replaced

Replace By

ASTM E45-18

Latest

ASTM E45-18a(2023)

Scope

4.1 These test methods cover four macroscopic and five microscopic test methods (manual and image analysis) for describing the inclusion content of steel and procedures for expressing test results.

4.2 Inclusions are characterized by size, shape, concentration, and distribution rather than chemical composition. Although compositions are not identified, Microscopic methods place inclusions into one of several composition-related categories (sulfides, oxides, and silicates—the last as a type of oxide). Paragraph 12.2.1 describes a metallographic technique to facilitate inclusion discrimination. Only those inclusions present at the test surface can be detected.

4.3 The macroscopic test methods evaluate larger surface areas than microscopic test methods and because examination is visual or at low magnifications, these methods are best suited for detecting larger inclusions. Macroscopic methods are not suitable for detecting inclusions smaller than about 0.40 mm (¹/₆₄ in.) in length and the methods do not discriminate inclusions by type.

4.4 The microscopic test methods are employed to characterize inclusions that form as a result of deoxidation or due to limited solubility in solid steel (indigenous inclusions). As stated in 1.1, these microscopic test methods rate inclusion severities and types based on morphological type, that is, by size, shape, concentration, and distribution, but not specifically by composition. These inclusions are characterized by morphological type, that is, by size, shape, concentration, and distribution, but not specifically by composition. The microscopic methods are not intended for assessing the content of exogenous inclusions (those from entrapped slag or refractories). In case of a dispute whether an inclusion is indigenous or exogenous, microanalytical techniques such as energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) may be used to aid in determining the nature of the inclusion. However, experience and knowledge of the casting process and production materials, such as deoxidation, desulfurization, and inclusion shape control additives as well as refractory and furnace liner compositions must be employed with the microanalytical results to determine if an inclusion is indigenous or exogenous

4.5 Because the inclusion population within a given lot of steel varies with position, the lot must be statistically sampled in order to assess its inclusion content. The degree of sampling must be adequate for the lot size and its specific characteristics. Materials with very low inclusion contents may be more accurately rated by automatic image analysis, which permits more precise microscopic ratings.

4.6 Results of macroscopic and microscopic test methods may be used to qualify material for shipment, but these test methods do not provide guidelines for acceptance or rejection purposes. Qualification criteria for assessing the data developed by these methods can be found in ASTM product standards or may be described by purchaser-producer agreements. By agreements between producer and purchaser, these test methods may be modified to count only certain inclusion types and thicknesses, or only those inclusions above a certain severity level, or both. Also, by agreement, qualitative practices may be used where only the highest severi......

ASTM E45-13 Referenced Document

• ASTM E1245 Standard Practice for Determining the Inclusion or Second-Phase Constituent Content of Metals by Automatic Image Analysis
• ASTM E1444 Standard Practice for Magnetic Particle Examination
• ASTM E1951 Standard Guide for Calibrating Reticles and Light Microscope Magnifications
• ASTM E3 Standard Practice for Preparation of Metallographic Specimens
• ASTM E381 Standard Method of Macroetch Testing Steel Bars, Billets, Blooms, and Forgings
• ASTM E7 Standard Terminology Relating to Metallography
• ASTM E709 Standard Guide for Magnetic Particle Examination
• ASTM E768 Standard Guide for Preparing and Evaluating Specimens for Automatic Inclusion Assessment of Steel

ASTM E45-13 history

• 2023 ASTM E45-18a(2023) Standard Test Methods for Determining the Inclusion Content of Steel
• 2018 ASTM E45-18a Standard Test Methods for Determining the Inclusion Content of Steel
• 2018 ASTM E45-18 Standard Test Methods for Determining the Inclusion Content of Steel
• 2013 ASTM E45-13 Standard Test Methods for Determining the Inclusion Content of Steel
• 2011 ASTM E45-11a Standard Test Methods for Determining the Inclusion Content of Steel
• 2011 ASTM E45-11 Standard Test Methods for Determining the Inclusion Content of Steel
• 2010 ASTM E45-10e1 Standard Test Methods for Determining the Inclusion Content of Steel
• 2010 ASTM E45-10 Standard Test Methods for Determining the Inclusion Content of Steel
• 2005 ASTM E45-05e3 Standard Test Methods for Determining the Inclusion Content of Steel
• 2005 ASTM E45-05e2 Standard Test Methods for Determining the Inclusion Content of Steel
• 2005 ASTM E45-05e1 Standard Test Methods for Determining the Inclusion Content of Steel
• 2005 ASTM E45-05 Standard Test Methods for Determining the Inclusion Content of Steel
• 1997 ASTM E45-97(2002) Standard Test Methods for Determining the Inclusion Content of Steel
• 1999 ASTM E45-97e2 Standard Test Methods for Determining the Inclusion Content of Steel