5.1 This test method is suitable for manufacturing control and for verifying that a product meets specifications. This test method provides rapid, multi-element determinations with sufficient accuracy to ensure product quality and to minimize production delays. The analytical performance data may be used as a benchmark to determine if similar X-ray spectrometers provide equivalent precision and accuracy, or if the performance of a particular X-ray spectrometer has changed.
5.2 Calcium is sometimes added to steel to affect inclusion shape to enhance certain mechanical properties of steel. This test method is useful for determining the residual calcium in the steel after such treatment.
5.2.1 Because calcium occurs primarily in inclusions, the precision of this test method is a function of the distribution of the calcium-bearing inclusions in the steel. The variation of determinations on freshly prepared surfaces will give some indication of the distribution of these inclusions.
1.1 This test method covers the wavelength dispersive X-ray fluorescence analysis of low-alloy steels for the following elements:
| Element | Mass Fraction |
| Calcium | 0.001 to 0.007 |
| Chromium | 0.04 to 2.5 |
| Cobalt | 0.03 to 0.2 |
| Copper | 0.03 to 0.6 |
| Manganese | 0.04 to 2.5 |
| Molybdenum | 0.005 to 1.5 |
| Nickel | 0.04 to 3.0 |
| Niobium | 0.002 to 0.1 |
| Phosphorus |