ASTM E1086-22 PDF

Full title and description

ASTM E1086-22 — Standard Test Method for Analysis of Austenitic Stainless Steel by Spark Atomic Emission Spectrometry. This test method specifies the procedure, equipment and calibration practices used to determine the chemical composition of austenitic stainless steels using spark (optical) atomic emission spectrometry for routine and inspection analysis of samples.

Abstract

This standard describes a spark atomic emission spectrometric test method optimized for austenitic stainless steels. It covers sample requirements, excitation and detection principles, the use of reference materials and calibration/standardization techniques (including internal-standard procedures), and reporting of elemental results and precision. The method is intended for routine compositional analysis used in production control and inspection.

General information

• Status: Active (current edition).
• Publication date: 15 August 2022.
• Publisher: ASTM International (formerly American Society for Testing and Materials).
• ICS / categories: 77.040.30 (Chemical analysis of metals); 77.140.20 (Steels of high quality).
• Edition / version: E1086-22 (revision of E1086-14).
• Number of pages: 5.

Basic bibliographic and status information as published by the standards providers.

Scope

The standard covers the analysis of austenitic stainless steels by spark (optical) atomic emission spectrometry for routine and inspection testing. It is intended for chill‑cast disks or samples with a flat surface (minimum ~13 mm / 0.5 in diameter) and sufficiently massive specimens to avoid overheating during discharge. Typical analytes include, but are not limited to, chromium, nickel, molybdenum, manganese, silicon, copper, carbon, phosphorus and sulfur within practical concentration ranges used for stainless steels. The method allows use of type‑standardization and reference materials to compensate for matrix effects and instrument drift.

Key topics and requirements

• Principle: spark (point‑to‑plane / controlled discharge) atomic emission spectrometry with photomultiplier detection of analytical emission lines.
• Sample requirements: flat surface ≥ 13 mm (0.5 in) and adequate mass to prevent overheating; metallurgical condition similar to references.
• Calibration and standardization: use of reference materials, analytical curves and type‑standardization techniques; internal‑standard correction (iron line) commonly used.
• Precision and validation: method precision established by interlaboratory studies (supporting research report RR:E02‑1023).
• Referenced practices: procedures for sampling, controlled atmospheres, curve establishment and significant‑digit reporting are referenced and required as applicable.
• Safety and quality: users must implement appropriate safety, health and environmental controls for spectrometric testing and handling of metal samples.

Key method requirements and supporting interlaboratory precision data are documented in the ASTM test method and its research report.

Typical use and users

This standard is used by metallurgical and quality control laboratories in steel mills, stainless‑steel producers, heat‑treat shops, inspection/third‑party testing laboratories, foundries and fabricators for routine chemical composition verification, incoming inspection, production control and specification compliance testing.

Related standards

The test method references and is used alongside ASTM practices and guides such as E29 (significant digits), E135 (terminology for analytical chemistry), E305 (establishing and controlling spark analytical curves), E406 (use of controlled atmospheres), E1806 (sampling of steel and iron) and related spectrochemical practices. It also cites supporting research report RR:E02‑1023 for precision data.

Keywords

austenitic stainless steel; spark atomic emission; optical emission spectrometry; spectrochemical analysis; calibration; reference materials; type‑standardization; chemical composition; ASTM E1086; stainless steel analysis.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM E1086‑22 is a standardized test method for determining the chemical composition of austenitic stainless steels using spark (optical) atomic emission spectrometry.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers sample preparation requirements (flat surface and mass), spectrometric excitation and detection principles, calibration/standardization procedures (including internal‑standard and type‑standardization approaches), reporting and precision considerations for routine and inspection analysis of austenitic stainless steels.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Quality control and analytical laboratories at steel producers, fabricators, independent test houses, foundries and any organization requiring verified chemical analysis of austenitic stainless steels for specification or production control purposes.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The E1086‑22 edition is the current published revision (approved 15 August 2022) and supersedes the previous E1086‑14 edition. Users should confirm whether newer revisions exist before relying on the standard for compliance.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It is maintained by ASTM Committee E01 (Analytical Chemistry for Metals, Ores, and Related Materials) and is related to a family of ASTM spectrometric and sampling practices used together for complete analytical workflows.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Austenitic stainless steel, spark atomic emission, optical emission spectrometry, spectrochemical analysis, calibration, reference materials, type‑standardization, ASTM E1086.