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National foreword
This British Standard is the UK implementation of EN ISO 945-1:2019. It
supersedes BS EN ISO 945-1:2018, which is withdrawn.
The UK participation in its preparation was entrusted to Technical
Committee ISE/111, Steel Castings and Forgings.
A list of organizations represented on this committee can be obtained on
request to its secretary.
This publication does not purport to include all the necessary provisions
of a contract. Users are responsible for its correct application.
© The British Standards Institution 2019
Published by BSI Standards Limited 2019
ISBN 978 0 539 03433 2
ICS 77.140.80; 77.080.10
Compliance with a British Standard cannot confer immunity from
legal obligations.
This British Standard was published under the authority of the
Standards Policy and Strategy Committee on 31 July 2019.
English Version
CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this
European Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration. Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references
concerning such national standards may be obtained on application to the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre or to any CEN
member.
This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language made by
translation under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the CEN-CENELEC Management
Centre has the same status as the official versions.
CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia,
Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway,
Poland, Portugal, Republic of North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey and
United Kingdom.
© 2019 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. EN ISO 945-1:2019 E
worldwide for CEN national Members.
BS EN ISO 945-1:2019
EN ISO 945-1:2019 (E)
European foreword
This document (EN ISO 945-1:2019) has been prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 25 "Cast irons
and pig irons" in collaboration with Technical Committee CEN/TC 190 “Foundry technology” the
secretariat of which is held by DIN.
This European Standard shall be given the status of a national standard, either by publication of an
identical text or by endorsement, at the latest by January 2020, and conflicting national standards shall
be withdrawn at the latest by January 2020.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. CEN shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
According to the CEN-CENELEC Internal Regulations, the national standards organizations of the
following countries are bound to implement this European Standard: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria,
Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland,
Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of
North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey and the
United Kingdom.
Endorsement notice
The text of ISO 945-1:2019 has been approved by CEN as EN ISO 945-1:2019 without any modification.
3
BS EN ISO 945-1:2019
ISO 945-1:2019(E)
Contents Page
Foreword......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... iv
Introduction...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................v
1 Scope.................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 1
2 Normative references....................................................................................................................................................................................... 1
3 Terms and definitions...................................................................................................................................................................................... 1
4 General............................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 1
4.1 Designation system for classifying graphite in cast irons................................................................................... 1
4.2 Form.................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 2
4.3 Distribution................................................................................................................................................................................................. 3
4.4 Size..................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 4
4.5 Visual classification of graphite.............................................................................................................................................. 23
5 Sampling and sample preparation..................................................................................................................................................23
5.1 Samples taken from a casting................................................................................................................................................... 23
5.2 Sample preparation.......................................................................................................................................................................... 23
6 Procedure for graphite classification...........................................................................................................................................23
6.1 Procedure for visual classification of graphite.......................................................................................................... 23
6.2 Evaluation of the analysis results......................................................................................................................................... 24
7 Reference images...............................................................................................................................................................................................24
7.1 General......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 24
7.2 Reference images for graphite form................................................................................................................................... 24
7.3 Reference images for the distribution of graphite (form I)............................................................................ 24
7.4 Reference images for graphite size...................................................................................................................................... 24
8 Designation of graphite by form, distribution and size.............................................................................................25
8.1 Designation system........................................................................................................................................................................... 25
8.2 Designation of different graphite sizes within a casting................................................................................... 25
8.3 Designation of mixed graphite forms, distributions and sizes.................................................................... 26
8.4 Designation of unclassified graphite forms.................................................................................................................. 26
8.5 Nodule count........................................................................................................................................................................................... 26
9 Report............................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 27
Annex A (informative) Typical graphite forms in cast-iron materials — Examples of
photomicrographs............................................................................................................................................................................................28
Annex B (informative) Distribution of flake (lamellar) graphite (form I) — Examples of
photomicrographs............................................................................................................................................................................................29
Annex C (informative) Common terminology and main occurrences concerning graphite in
cast irons.....................................................................................................................................................................................................................30
Bibliography.............................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 32
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards
bodies (ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out
through ISO technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical
committee has been established has the right to be represented on that committee. International
organizations, governmental and non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work.
ISO collaborates closely with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of
electrotechnical standardization.
The procedures used to develop this document and those intended for its further maintenance are
described in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular, the different approval criteria needed for the
different types of ISO documents should be noted. This document was drafted in accordance with the
editorial rules of the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2 (see www.iso.org/directives).
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights. Details of
any patent rights identified during the development of the document will be in the Introduction and/or
on the ISO list of patent declarations received (see www.iso.org/patents).
Any trade name used in this document is information given for the convenience of users and does not
constitute an endorsement.
For an explanation of the voluntary nature of standards, the meaning of ISO specific terms and
expressions related to conformity assessment, as well as information about ISO's adherence to the
World Trade Organization (WTO) principles in the Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) see www.iso
.org/iso/foreword.html.
This document was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 25, Cast irons and pig irons.
This third edition cancels and replaces the second edition (ISO 945-1:2017), of which it constitutes a
minor revision. The changes compared with the previous edition are as follows:
— Figures 3 and 4 have been corrected to a diameter of 120 mm to allow a direct comparison with the
microscope display screen;
— Figures 3 and 4 have been corrected so that the maximum graphite sizes conform with Table 1.
A list of all parts in the ISO 945 series can be found on the ISO website.
Any feedback or questions on this document should be directed to the user’s national standards body. A
complete listing of these bodies can be found at www.iso.org/members.html.
Introduction
Microstructure designation is a useful feature that provides a means of classifying the graphite form,
distribution and size in cast irons.
Graphite classification by visual analysis is a well-established method which is well recognized within
the foundry industry as a means of quickly determining the overall graphite microstructure of a cast
iron casting.
1 Scope
This document specifies a method of classifying the microstructure of graphite in cast irons by
comparative visual analysis.
The purpose of this document is to provide information about the method of graphite classification. It
is not intended to give information on the suitability of cast-iron types and grades for any particular
application.
The particular material grades are specified mainly by mechanical properties and, in the case of
austenitic and abrasion resistant cast irons, by their chemical composition. The interpretation
of graphite form and size does not allow a statistically valid statement on the fulfilment of the
requirements specified in the relevant material standard.
2 Normative references
There are no normative references in this document.
4 General
4.2 Form
Magnification × 100
4.3 Distribution
Magnification × 100
4.4 Size
Magnification × 100
Magnification × 100
Magnification × 100
Magnification × 100
Magnification × 100
Magnification × 100
Magnification × 100
Magnification × 100
Magnification × 100
a) Reference image for graphite size 3: 0,25 mm to < 0,5 mm (forms IV to VI)
Magnification × 100
b) Reference image for graphite size 4: 0,12 mm to < 0,25 mm (forms IV to VI)
Magnification × 100
c) Reference image for graphite size 5: 0,06 mm to < 0,12 mm (forms IV to VI)
Magnification × 100
d) Reference image for graphite size 6: 0,03 mm to < 0,06 mm (forms IV to VI)
Magnification × 100
e) Reference image for graphite size 7: 0,015 mm to < 0,03 mm (forms IV to VI)
Magnification × 100
Magnification × 100
a) Reference image for graphite size 3: 0,25 mm to < 0,5 mm (form III)
Magnification × 100
b) Reference image for graphite size 4: 0,12 mm to < 0,25 mm (form III)
Magnification × 100
c) Reference image for graphite size 5: 0,06 mm to < 0,12 mm (form III)
Magnification × 100
d) Reference image for graphite size 6: 0,03 mm to < 0,06 mm (form III)
Magnification × 100
e) Reference image for graphite size 7: 0,015 mm to < 0,03 mm (form III)
Form and distribution of graphite shall be determined by using the reference images, given in Figures 1
and 2 (see also Annexes A, B and C). Adjust the microscope magnification to match as closely as possible
the corresponding images in Figures 1 and 2 before classifying the graphite form and its distribution, if
appropriate.
If the microstructure is visualized on a visual display screen, the combined magnification of both
microscope and screen (depending on its size) shall be taken into account.
7 Reference images
7.1 General
A series of reference images (see Figures 1 to 5) showing schematic microstructures and
photomicrographs is provided for the classification of the form, distribution and size of the graphite in
cast irons.
In addition to reference images, the photomicrographs show actual graphite microstructures (see
Annexes A and B).
NOTE 2 The reference images given in Figure 3, 4, and 5 do not represent all the graphite particle sizes present
in each of the graphite particle size ranges given in Table 1.
NOTE 3 The schematics show some graphite particles smaller than the minimum size graphite particles for
each size range. The schematics represent what can be seen when viewing a two dimensional sectioned view
of a three dimensional structure where a normal sized particle is sectioned not through its centreline appears
smaller than its actual size.
IA4
EXAMPLE 2 For a cast iron with spheroidal graphite particles of form VI and size 4, the following designation
is used to describe that structure:
VI 4
60 % I A 4 + 40 % I D 7
EXAMPLE 2 For a cast iron with a graphite area comprising 85 % spheroidal graphite particles of form VI and
size 4 and 15 % vermicular graphite particles of form III and covering sizes 3 and 4, the following designation is
used to describe the structure:
85 % VI 4 + 15 % III 3/4
N
nF = ×F 2 (1)
A
where
The total number of graphite particles in this circle of 5 000 mm2 is shown by Formula (2):
n2
n100 = n1 + (2)
2
In this case, to express the nodule count as nodules/mm2, the result given by Formula (2) has to be
multiplied by 2, as shown by Formula (3):
F2 100 2
= (3)
A 5 000
9 Report
If a report is required, it shall contain the following information:
— identification of the sample or casting;
— the sampling locations;
— the number of samples taken and the number of areas evaluated;
— the form, distribution and size of the graphite;
— the magnification used;
— a reference to this document, i.e. ISO 945-1;
— the date of the report;
— the name of the organization;
— the name of the person authorized to sign the report.
If required, the report shall also contain the following information:
— the nodule count;
— the designation of the material;
— the metallographic preparation procedure used;
— the size of the cast-on sample or separately cast sample, the wall thickness of the respective sample,
or both;
— details of the presence of any other graphite form not classified by this document.
One or more photomicrographs may also be included in the report.
Annex A
(informative)
Form I Form II
Form V Form VI
Annex B
(informative)
A B
C C′
D E
Annex C
(informative)
Table C.2 — Graphite distributions in grey cast irons (see Figure 2 and Annex B)
Alternative
Distribution Main 2D appearance Occurrences
terminology
Apparently uniform Cast iron solidified with a low to intermediate
A —
distribution degree of undercooling
Rosette graphite
Rosette graphite Cast iron solidified with an intermediate degree
B —
with undercooling of undercooling, particularly thin-walled castings
graphite
Aggregate of larger
graphite flakes Hypereutectic cast iron
surrounded by smaller,
C Primary graphite In thin-walled castings, the larger particles can
randomly oriented
graphite flakes adopt form II (see Annex B, distribution C′)
(eutectic graphite)
Cast iron solidified with a high degree of under-
cooling
Fine (interdendrit- Finely branched graphite
ic) graphite The distribution can be associated with other dis-
D Fine, randomly oriented tributions (for example A and B, A and E, B and E)
Undercooling graphite flakes in the
graphite interdendritic position Distribution D can appear in the centre of rosette
groupings in the case of a relatively high degree of
undercooling
Cast iron with low carbon equivalent, solidified
Preferentially orientat-
Interdendritic with low or moderate undercooling. Local area
E ed graphite flakes in the
graphite corresponding to a plane of polish cutting through
interdendritic position
the main axis of some highly oriented dendrites.
Bibliography
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