How to define the types of test blocks in ISO4990

[mrmalcolm]

Quote
ISO 4990-2023
6.2.2.1 Test blocks
The test blocks may be cast separately, attached to the castings or cast integrally on the castings.
Unquote

How to define and interpret the three test block types?

We have tried to give an explanation of the three types of test blocks, but we don't know if it is correct.
cast separately: Test blocks cast in a separate sand mould under representative manufacturing conditions and material.
attached to the castings:Test blocks attached directly to the casting.
cast integrally on the castings:test specimen cut from casting

Your promote reply will be greatly appreciated.
Thank you.

 

[mrfailure]

I interpret cast separately as occurring at the same time and conditions as the casting. Agree on the interpretation of the other two samples.

 

[EdStainless]

We had patterns that had a test block on the same pattern plate as the parts, but it was not attached to a runner.
We cast blocks about every 50 molds and the foundrymen simply had to manually open a flow path for the metal to fill the test block.
We called these separately cast test blocks because they weren't actually attached to the parts.

= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
P.E. Metallurgy, consulting work welcomed

 

[mrmalcolm]

Thank you, the key is how to distinguish the definitions and explanations of the latter two， “attached to the castings” and “cast integrally on the castings”.

 

[EdStainless]

Attached to casting infers that it is an extension of the finished part that can be cut off for testing.
Since ours were cast in the same molds and off of the same feeders people also called ours attached to castings even though we called them separately cast.
Integral test blocks are part of the actual casting that can either be removed or left in place on the finished part.
At least this is how we read it.

= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
P.E. Metallurgy, consulting work welcomed