Best standard or set of standards for metallurgical lab

[jfaitak]

I am just trying to find the best standard or set of standards for low carbon steel chemistries an properties. We are a relatively new metallurgical lab and our scope has just increased significantly. Our range of materials is basically 1030 and below but also includes some chinese, astm, and other oddball specs. I'm looking at Handbook of Comparative World Steel Standards: Third Edition but before we go spend $400 + on one book I'd rather know if there is something better. Any help on this would be appreciated.

 

[NickE]

thats a decent book to have, I have the worldwide guide to equivalent Irons and steels.

Are you in the US?

Are you A2LA?

Are you doing Arc&Spark chemistries & YTE mechanicals?

Then you likely Need ASTM A & E books... (these contain steel specifications (A-book) and test methods (E-book).

Do you deal with automotive sheet?

Then you will need the SAE J-series book.

These book are expensive, but WAY worth it!

 

[swall]

NickE stated it fairly well. What I would do would be to start with the ASTM standards and then add more country/customer oriented standards as needed.

 

[jfaitak]

Yes we are in the US. We will be getting ISO 17025 within the next year or so. Were using a Leco GDS 500 Glow Discharge. Thanks for all of your input.

 

[TVP]

jfaitak,

I am not sure about the exact rules for A2LA or ISO 17025 accreditation, but I believe it is not enough to have a reference handbook, you must have the actual standard and also at the latest revision level. This means purchasing the appropriate ASTM, SAE, etc. standards from the respective organization or from one of their licensees like Global Engineering Documents.

Regarding handbooks, this topic was discussed somewhat in the following thread:

thread330-77902

If you do purchase the 3rd edition of ASTM's Handbook of Comparative World Steel Standards, please post your thoughts here as I would like to see if the product has been improved.

 

[InTheField]

Another good source for steel comparisons and chemical properties is the CASTI Black book - check out the CASTI web site

Cheers

 

[NickE]

along with requiring that you have at least close to the current spec ISO 17025 has many ohter quality requirements that must be adheared to.

You should definately have a copy of the ISO 17025 spec. and begin following it even if you dont need to.