Meeting the ASTM E45 Standard
operators compare a live microscope image to a micrograph chart, often
displayed on the wall near the microscope, to acquire a visual estimate of
the inclusion severity and type.
Before the introduction of digital imaging, the magnification criteria in the ASTM E45
standard specified that inclusion ratings should be performed using a compound
microscope with a 100X total magnification (10X objective lens and 10X eyepieces).
This standard was later revised for digital image analysis, specifying that a resolution of
1.0 μm/pixel or better is necessary when using a 10X objective lens.
After sample prep, inspectors can view nonmetallic inclusions directly on a
steel sample’s surface by using an inverted or upright compound microscope
that can image under reflected light, brightfield conditions.
Morphological parameters vary between the inclusion types (e.g., silicate
and globular oxide) as do their grayscale values (e.g., sulfide and alumina).
NMI can be oxides (black), sulfides (grey), nitrides (orange/brown),
phosphides.
A 10x objective magnification required for rating nonmetallic inclusions.
When selecting a camera for rating nonmetallic inclusions, the most
important specification to consider is the pixel size. A calibrated digital
pixel size of 1.0 μm per pixel or better is required according to the ASTM
E45 standard.
For instance, a digital camera with an uncalibrated, actual pixel size of 6.3
μm or finer is required when using a 10X objective lens and 0.63X camera
adaptor.
Calibrated digital resolution = (Actual pixel size) ÷ (Objective lens
mag.) ÷ (Camera adaptor mag.).
Since ASTM E45 outlines that an area of at least 160 mm2 must be scanned
for analysis, a motorized stage is recommended so the user can program it
to scan an area that adheres to the standard.
Parameters to measure: size, shape, distribution, number and type,
chemical and physical characteristics.
Sample preparation (metallography).
Cut specimen lengthwise or parallel to the direction of rolling or forging.
12mmx19mm.
Sample must have a polished surface free.
of artifacts
For reasonable estimates of inclusion variations within a lot, at least six
locations should be examined.
Minimum polished surface area of a specimen for the microscopic
determination of inclusion content is 160 mm2 (0.25 in.2)
1. Cutting -
2. Molding
3. Grinding
4. Polishing
NMI Implemented standards (not suitable on cast structures)
EN 10247:2006 (automatic image analysis based on formulas) all
methods (P, M, K)
DIN 50602:1985 (German standard, visual comparison of sample and
standard diagrams,
derived from Stahl-Eisen-Prüfblatt 1570, withdrawn 2010 and replaced by EN
10247) all methods (M, K)
ASTM E45-10 (contains information for image processing) methods A, D;
new consensus based on image analysis: EN 10247:2007
ISO 4967:1998 (adapted to ASTM E45) all automatic methods (A, B)
JIS G0555:2003 (strongly aligned with ISO 4967, same image analysis
with additional
manual method) all automatic methods (A, B)
Only the European standard EN 10247 is specifically designed for automated
analysis by lightmicroscopic techniques and allows the rating of inclusions
found in modern steel grades, e.g. mixed or colored inclusions.
Inclusion type classification
Sulfides: light-grey, elongated string (=stringer)
Alumina (oxide): black, discontinuous stringer with single objects
Silicate (oxide): black to dark-grey, elongated string
Globular oxides: black, round, single objects
Nitrides: light orange - light brown
Special inclusions: (1) globular sulfide type, (2) heterogeneous or complex
inclusions
Calibration requirement:
System has to be calibrated with a stage micrometer.
guidelines for brightness: (for 256 grey values) oxides below ~ 130
sulphides between ~ 130 – 195
Detection of inclusions in 3 steps:
1. Type
2. Thickness/diameter for round inclusions
3. Severity level (class)
ASTM E 45
ASTM E 45-10 – Type of inclusions
TYPE
Sulphides (A):
stretched, light grey (aligned and not aligned)
Oxides:
black alumina type (B) (round, aligned)
silicate type (C) (stretched, also could be aligned, black)
globular oxides (D) (black, round, single)
better discrimination between A and C type in darkfield or POL:
sulfide dark, silicate luminescent.