ISO 4967-2013 PDF

Full title and description

ISO 4967:2013 — Steel — Determination of content of non‑metallic inclusions — Micrographic method using standard diagrams. This International Standard specifies microscopic procedures (including use of standard diagrams and image analysis options) to assess non‑metallic inclusion content in wrought steel products, primarily rolled or forged materials with sufficient deformation.

Abstract

ISO 4967:2013 specifies a micrographic method for determining non‑metallic inclusions in rolled or forged steels (reduction ratio of at least 3) using standard diagrams. The standard describes specimen preparation, selection of fields, classification and rating of inclusions, and allows image‑analysis techniques as an alternative to manual rating. It warns that operator influence can affect reproducibility and recommends appropriate precautions.

General information

• Status: Published (International Standard).
• Publication date: July 2013 (2013‑07).
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
• ICS / categories: 77.040.99 (Metallurgy; Metallography and microstructure).
• Edition / version: Edition 3 (2013).
• Number of pages: 39 pages.

Scope

Applies to the micrographic examination and rating of non‑metallic inclusions in rolled or forged steel products having a reduction ratio of at least 3. The method covers preparation of metallographic specimens, selection of fields of view, classification of inclusion types (morphology-based categories), use of standard diagrams for rating, reporting conventions and an option to use image analysis systems. The standard is intended for assessing steel cleanliness and suitability for specific applications.

Key topics and requirements

• Metallographic specimen preparation and etching suitable for inclusion visibility.
• Selection and number of fields of view, magnification, and sampling protocol.
• Use of standard diagrams (micrographic charts) to rate inclusion severity and distribution.
• Classification of inclusion morphology (oxides, sulfides, silicates, complex inclusions, stringers) and severity categories.
• Procedures for manual microscopic rating and optional image‑analysis based measurement.
• Reporting requirements: inclusion categories, rating results, magnification, specimen orientation and sampling details.
• Notes on repeatability/reproducibility and operator influence; recommended precautions.

Typical use and users

Used by metallurgical laboratories, steel manufacturers and mill process control, quality‑assurance/inspection teams, independent testing laboratories, research institutions and purchasers requiring verification of steel cleanliness. It is applied for production control, product qualification, failure analysis, and in supplier–purchaser agreements where inclusion content affects mechanical performance.

Related standards

Relevant and commonly cross‑referenced standards include earlier ISO 4967 editions (1998, 1979), national and regional equivalents or complementary methods such as ASTM E45 (test methods for inclusion content of steel), and other metallographic and image‑analysis practices (e.g., ASTM E1245, ASTM E112). A revised edition (FDIS/ISO 4967) has been under development to update procedures.

Keywords

non‑metallic inclusions, steel cleanliness, micrographic method, metallography, inclusion rating, image analysis, standard diagrams, ISO 4967, steel inspection, microscopic examination

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO 4967:2013 is an International Standard that specifies a micrographic method (using standard diagrams) to determine and rate the content of non‑metallic inclusions in rolled or forged steels.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers specimen preparation, microscopic field selection and sampling, classification and rating of inclusion types using standard diagrams, reporting requirements, and allows the use of image analysis as an alternative to manual rating. It is intended for materials with adequate deformation (reduction ratio ≥ 3).

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Steel producers, metallurgists, QA/QC and inspection laboratories, independent testing houses, research labs and purchasers specifying cleanliness or inclusion limits in procurement contracts.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: ISO 4967:2013 is the published (3rd) edition from July 2013 and was reviewed and confirmed as current in ISO reviews; a later revision (FDIS/ISO 4967) has been under development to update the standard. Users should check with their national standards body or ISO for the very latest status before formal application.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It belongs to a family of standards and test methods addressing steel cleanliness and metallographic evaluation; earlier editions of ISO 4967 exist (1998, 1979), and related methods are published by other bodies (for example ASTM E45 and related ASTM practices).

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Non‑metallic inclusions, inclusion rating, steel cleanliness, metallography, micrographic method, standard diagrams, image analysis, ISO 4967.