4.1 This guide is intended to assist those writing or revising compositional specifications, sampling practices, and test methods for ferrous and non-ferrous metals, ores, and related materials. It is directed toward those areas that must be addressed to properly coordinate compositional specification, sampling practice, and test methods. Its use will help ensure that compositional requirements are clearly defined and that sampling practices and test methods are available to meet product specifications.

4.2 This guide does not attempt to define which elements should be controlled, where samples should be taken, or how they should be analyzed. These items are addressed in standards such as Specification A276, Methods, Practices and Terminology A751, Test Method E34, Practice E255, Test Method E342, and Test Methods E350.

4.3 A primary purpose for ASTM sampling practices and test methods is to provide widely-accepted and tested methodology for use in meeting ASTM product specifications. Although it is recognized that individual laboratories are free to use other methods, the availability of ASTM approved methodology is essential for referee purposes and to demonstrate that properly equipped laboratories can make the required measurements.

4.4 Sampling practices and test methods to be recommended for use in testing a given product are most easily selected cooperatively by the specification-writing and the methods-writing committees that have jurisdiction over the product. When existing sampling or test methods do not meet the needs of the new product specification standard, the specification-writing committee should request that the methods-writing committee develop the required standards. ASTM Committee E01 is responsible for test methods and practices covering the sampling and analysis of most metals, ores, and related materials.