scope:

This guide describes the procedures appropriate for the sample preparation of powders, premixes and PM parts for the chemical analysis of metallic elements. This guide does not cover the determination of iron in ferrous materials.

For the determination of the total carbon content of sintered powder metallurgy (PM) materials refer to MPIF Standard 66.

Only prealloyed powders and sintered materials made from prealloyed powders are chemically homogeneous. Prealloyed powders or PM parts made from prealloyed powders are considered chemically homogenous and may be analyzed using similar procedures to those used for wrought materials, with the exception of the removal of admixed lubricants from premixed materials, or sizing or quenching oils from PM parts. Admixed, diffusion-alloyed and hybrid PM materials are not chemically homogenous, so special precautions are needed when preparing these powders or parts made from such powders for chemical analysis. Larger test portions are generally required compared with those used for wrought materials.

Because metal injection molded (MIM) parts are made from very fine particle size powders and are generally high temperature sintered, the materials tend to be homogeneous; even when, the parts are not made from prealloyed powders.

This standard may involve hazardous materials, operations or equipment. This standard does not purport to address all of the potential safety problems associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.