ASTM E9-19 (2025)e1 PDF

Full title and description

St ASTM E9-19 (2025)e1 — Standard Test Methods of Compression Testing of Metallic Materials at Room Temperature. This document specifies apparatus, specimen geometries, and procedures for axial-force compression testing of metallic materials at room temperature, including annex material for cemented carbides and guidance to minimize artefacts such as buckling and barreling.

Abstract

These test methods describe how to perform axial compression tests on metallic specimens at ambient (room) temperature to obtain compressive properties such as yield strength, stress‑strain behavior, and compressive strength. The standard defines specimen preparation, alignment devices (including subpresses), anti‑buckling fixtures, test machine requirements, units of measurement, and safety responsibilities. It references Practice E209 for elevated‑temperature compression testing and includes an annex with additional requirements for cemented carbides.

General information

• Status: Current — amended. The 2019 standard has been formally amended/updated as ASTM E9‑19(2025)e1 (editorial/amendment published 2025).
• Publication date: Original: April 15, 2019. Amendment/approval: April 15, 2025 (document history lists E9‑19(2025)e1).
• Publisher: ASTM International.
• ICS / categories: Metals — Mechanical testing; Elevated and low‑temperature tests; Metallography. Common ICS: 77.040.10 (Mechanical testing of metals).
• Edition / version: E9‑19 with amendment E9‑19(2025)e1 (often shown as ASTM E9‑19(2025)e1).
• Number of pages: 10 pages (typical published length for the 2019 edition; amendment retains original pagination).

Scope

This standard covers apparatus, specimen types and dimensions, alignment and anti‑buckling fixtures, test machine and load‑application details, and procedures for performing axial compression tests on metallic materials at room temperature. It is limited to axial‑force compression testing (not elevated temperature tests, which are covered by Practice E209) and includes special provisions for cemented carbides in an annex. Units stated in inch‑pound are the standard; SI values are provided for information. Users are reminded to address relevant safety and environmental practices.

Key topics and requirements

• Apparatus and machine requirements for axial compression testing (load capacity, platen alignment, and control systems).
• Specimen geometries, preparation, and dimensional tolerances for metallic specimens used in compression testing.
• Use of alignment devices, subpresses, and anti‑buckling fixtures to prevent misalignment, buckling, and barreling effects.
• Data to be recorded and derived properties (yield, stress‑strain curve, compressive strength, modulus) and units (inch‑pound as standard).
• Annex A1: additional requirements for testing cemented carbides.
• References to related practices and terminology (e.g., Practice E209 for elevated‑temperature compression testing; Terminology E6).

Typical use and users

Metallurgical laboratories, quality control and test laboratories in manufacturing, material qualification and R&D groups, standards bodies, and third‑party testing services use this standard to obtain reliable compressive properties of metals and metal alloys. It is used when compressive strength, compressive yield, or full compressive stress‑strain behaviour is required (for design, forming/forging process analysis, and failure investigations).

Related standards

Key related documents include Practice E209 (compression testing at elevated temperatures), Terminology E6 (metal testing terminology), ASTM E8/E8M (tension testing of metallic materials) for complementary tensile data, and other ASTM mechanical‑testing methods and committee E28 outputs. Users often consult these in conjunction with E9.

Keywords

compression test, axial compression, metallic materials, anti‑buckling fixture, subpress, alignment device, barreling, compressive strength, yield strength, stress‑strain, cemented carbides, ASTM E9.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM E9‑19 (amended as E9‑19(2025)e1) is the ASTM International standard that specifies test methods for axial compression testing of metallic materials at room temperature.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers apparatus, specimen dimensions and preparation, fixtures and alignment, test procedures, and the data to be reported from room‑temperature axial compression tests; it also includes an annex for cemented carbides and references Practice E209 for elevated‑temperature testing.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Metallurgical and mechanical testing laboratories, materials engineers, manufacturers performing forming or forging operations, research and development groups, and conformity/qualification bodies use E9 for consistent compression testing and reporting.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The base document was published April 15, 2019 (E9‑19). It has been amended/updated in 2025 and is shown in document history as E9‑19(2025)e1; users should refer to the amended edition for the current text as of the 2025 amendment approval.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: E9 is part of ASTM's mechanical‑testing suite for metals (Book of Standards Volume 03.01) and is maintained by Committee E28 and subcommittee E28.04; it is commonly used alongside related ASTM practices and test methods (for example, E8 for tension and E209 for elevated‑temperature compression testing).

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Compression testing, metallic materials, axial force, anti‑buckling fixture, subpress, alignment device, barreling, compressive strength, yield strength, ASTM E9.