BS EN ISO 4499-2:2020: Hardmetals - Metallographic Determination of Microstructure

Discover the essential standard for the metallographic determination of microstructure in hardmetals with the BS EN ISO 4499-2:2020. This comprehensive document provides detailed guidelines for the measurement of WC (tungsten carbide) grain size, a critical factor in the performance and quality of hardmetals.

Overview

The BS EN ISO 4499-2:2020 standard is a pivotal resource for professionals in the field of materials science and engineering, particularly those specializing in hardmetals. Released on August 12, 2020, this standard is the latest in the series, ensuring that you have the most up-to-date information and methodologies at your disposal.

Key Features

• Standard Number: BS EN ISO 4499-2:2020
• Pages: 24
• Release Date: 2020-08-12
• ISBN: 978 0 580 52135 5
• Status: Standard

Why This Standard is Important

The microstructure of hardmetals, particularly the size of WC grains, plays a crucial role in determining the material's mechanical properties, such as hardness, toughness, and wear resistance. Accurate measurement and analysis of these grains are essential for quality control and research and development in industries that rely on hardmetals, such as cutting tools, mining, and construction.

The BS EN ISO 4499-2:2020 standard provides a systematic approach to the metallographic determination of microstructure, ensuring consistency and reliability in measurements. By adhering to this standard, professionals can achieve precise and reproducible results, facilitating better material performance and innovation.

Comprehensive Content

Spanning 24 pages, this standard offers a thorough exploration of the methodologies and techniques used in the measurement of WC grain size. It includes detailed instructions, illustrations, and examples to guide users through the process, making it an invaluable tool for both seasoned professionals and newcomers to the field.

Topics Covered

• Introduction to hardmetals and their applications
• Importance of WC grain size in material properties
• Preparation of samples for metallographic analysis
• Techniques for measuring WC grain size
• Interpretation of results and quality control

Benefits of Using BS EN ISO 4499-2:2020

By implementing the guidelines set forth in this standard, organizations can enhance their quality assurance processes, leading to improved product performance and customer satisfaction. The standard also supports compliance with industry regulations and helps maintain a competitive edge in the market.

Furthermore, the BS EN ISO 4499-2:2020 standard fosters innovation by providing a solid foundation for research and development. By understanding the microstructural characteristics of hardmetals, researchers can develop new materials and applications, driving progress in various industries.

Who Should Use This Standard?

This standard is designed for a wide range of professionals, including:

• Materials scientists and engineers
• Quality control and assurance specialists
• Research and development teams
• Manufacturers of hardmetal products
• Academic institutions and laboratories

Conclusion

The BS EN ISO 4499-2:2020 standard is an indispensable resource for anyone involved in the study or application of hardmetals. Its comprehensive guidelines and methodologies ensure accurate measurement of WC grain size, leading to enhanced material performance and innovation. Stay ahead in your field by incorporating this standard into your practices and unlock the full potential of hardmetals.

BS EN ISO 4499-2:2020

This standard BS EN ISO 4499-2:2020 Hardmetals. Metallographic determination of microstructure is classified in these ICS categories:

• 77.040.99 Other methods of testing of metals
• 77.160 Powder metallurgy

This document gives guidelines for the measurement of hardmetal grain size by metallographic techniques only using optical or electron microscopy. It is intended for WC/Co hardmetals (also called cemented carbides or cermets) containing primarily tungsten carbide (WC ¹

) as the hard phase. It is also intended for measuring the grain size and distribution by the linear-intercept technique.

This document essentially covers four main topics:

1. calibration of microscopes, to underpin the accuracy of measurements;

2. linear analysis techniques, to acquire sufficient statistically meaningful data;

3. analysis methods, to calculate representative average values;

4. reporting, to comply with modern quality requirements.

This document is supported by a measurement case study to illustrate the recommended techniques (see Annex A).

This document is not intended for the following:

1. measurements of size distribution;

2. recommendations on shape measurements. Further research is needed before recommendations for shape measurement can be given.

Measurements of coercivity are sometimes used for grain-size measurement, however, this document is concerned only with a metallographic measurement method. It is also written for hardmetals and not for characterizing powders. However, the method can, in principle, be used for measuring the average size of powders that are suitably mounted and sectioned.