Designation: A 811 – 03

Standard Specification for

Soft Magnetic Iron Parts Fabricated by Powder Metallurgy
(P/M) Techniques1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation A 811; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.

1. Scope 3. Terminology
1.1 This specification covers parts produced from iron 3.1 The terms and symbols used in this specification are
powder metallurgy materials. defined in Terminology A 340.
1.2 This specification deals with P/M parts in the sintered or
annealed condition. Should the sintered parts be subjected to 4. Ordering Information
any secondary operation that causes mechanical strain, such as 4.1 Purchase orders for parts conforming to this specifica-
machining or sizing, they should be resintered or annealed. tion shall include the following information:
1.3 The values stated in customary (cgs-emu and inch- 4.1.1 Reference to this specification and year of issue/
pound) units are to be regarded as standard. The values given revision,
in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units which 4.1.2 Reference to an applicable part drawing,
are provided for information only and are not considered 4.1.3 Quantity required,
standard. 4.1.4 A critical cross section of the part shall be defined and
so indicated on the applicable part drawing. The location of the
2. Referenced Documents critical section is by mutual agreement between the purchaser
2.1 ASTM Standards: and the producer (6.2),
A 34/A 34M Practice for Sampling and Procurement Test- 4.1.5 Magnetic property requirements if they are other than
ing of Magnetic Materials2 stated in Table 1,
A 340 Terminology of Symbols and Definitions Relating to 4.1.6 Whether certification of chemical analysis or magnetic
Magnetic Testing2 property evaluation is required (Sections 5 and 7),
A 596 Test Method for Direct-Current Magnetic Properties 4.1.7 Marking and packaging requirements (Section 12),
of Materials Using the Ballistic Method and Ring Speci- and
mens2 4.1.8 Exceptions to this specification or special require-
A 773 Test Method for dc Magnetic Properties of Materials ments such as functional testing as mutually agreed upon
Using Ring and Permeameter Procedures with dc Elec- between the producer and the purchaser.
tronic Hysteresigraphs2
B 328 Test Method for Density, Oil Content, and Intercon- 5. Chemical Composition
nected Porosity of Sintered Metal Structural Parts and 5.1 The chemical composition of the parts shall conform to
Oil-Impregnated Bearings3 the requirements prescribed in Table 2.
E 1019 Test Methods for Determination of Carbon, Sulfur, 5.2 Determination of metallic constituents shall be by a
Nitrogen, and Oxygen in Steel and in Iron, Nickel, and method acceptable to both the producer and the purchaser.
Cobalt Alloys4 Analysis of carbon, oxygen, sulfur, and nitrogen shall be done
in accordance with Test Methods E 1019.
1
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee A06 on 6. Sintered Density Requirements
Magnetic Properties and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee A06.02 on
Material Specifications.
6.1 Magnetic and residual induction of P/M parts strongly
Current edition approved May 10, 2003. Published June 2003. Originally depend on density. The density of P/M parts is determined by
approved in 1983. Last previous edition approved in 1997 as A 811 – 97.
2
the compressibility of the powder, the compacting pressure,
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 03.04. and sintering practice (temperature, time, and atmosphere).
3
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 02.05.
4
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 03.05.

Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.

1
 A 811 – 03
TABLE 1 Maximum Coercive Field Strength Requirements test for aging. To determine the susceptibility of the parts to
Grade Coercive Field Strength aging, the test ring(s) should be heated for either 100 h at 150
1 1.8 Oe (140 A/m) 6 5°C or 600 h at 100 6 5°C and the coercive field strength
2 2.0 Oe (160 A/m) remeasured. A change in coercive field strength of 10 % or
3 2.3 Oe (180 A/m)
more of the original value is evidence that aging has occurred.
7.7 Since magnetic properties are strongly affected by
TABLE 2 Chemical Requirements (weight percent)
process conditions, refer to Appendix X1 for typical values and
explanatory notes.
Element %
Carbon, max 0.03 8. Workmanship, Finish and Appearance
Oxygen, max 0.10
Nitrogen, max 0.01 8.1 The parts shall be uniform in composition and uniform
OthersA 0.50, max in density within critical sections.
IronB balance 8.2 If parts are sectioned or fractured, there shall be no
A
Others refers to trace elements which are to be regarded as incidental and not readily recognizable defects.
deliberate additions.
B
Iron is the balance by difference. Quantitative analysis of this element is not 9. Sampling
required.
9.1 A lot shall consist of parts of the same form and
dimensions, produced from a single mixed powder batch and
6.2 Parts produced in conformance with this specification
from an unchanged process, without discontinuity in produc-
shall have a minimum sintered density of 6.6 g/cm3 (6600
tion, and submitted for inspection at one time.
kg/m3) in the critical section of the part. The critical section
9.2 The purchaser and producer shall agree upon a repre-
shall be defined by agreement between the purchaser and the
sentative number of specimens for testing.
producer.
6.3 Sintered density shall be determined in accordance with 10. Rejection and Rehearing
Test Method B 328. 10.1 Parts that fail to conform to the requirements of this
7. Magnetic Property Requirements specification shall be rejected. Rejection should be reported to
the producer or supplier promptly and in writing. In case of
7.1 Because of the nature of P/M parts production, magnetic dissatisfaction with the results of the test, the producer or
testing of each lot is not required by this specification. supplier may make claim for a rehearing.
However, it is strongly recommended that the purchaser 10.2 The disposition of rejected parts shall be subject to
require the producer to conduct periodic magnetic evaluations agreement between the purchaser and the producer.
and to certify such results. Such magnetic property evaluations
shall be conducted in the following manner. 11. Certification
7.2 When requested, each lot of parts should be sintered 11.1 When specified in the purchase order or contract, the
with at least one and preferably three ring test specimens which purchaser shall be furnished certification that samples repre-
comply with the geometric requirements listed in Practice senting each lot have either been tested or inspected as directed
A 34/A 34M. The ring specimen(s) shall be produced from the in this specification and the requirements have been met.
same mixed lot of powder used to produce the parts. 11.2 When specified in the purchase order or contract, a
7.3 The magnetic properties shall be determined in accor- report of the test results shall include the following:
dance with Test Methods A 596 or A 773. 11.2.1 Chemical composition,
7.4 For the purpose of this specification, only the coercive 11.2.2 Part density in the critical section,
field strength determined from a maximum applied magnetic 11.2.3 Magnetic test results, if required by purchaser, and
field strength of 15 Oe (1200 A/m) needs to be determined. 11.2.4 The results of any other tests stipulated in the
Other magnetic properties may be specified by mutual agree- purchase order or contract.
ment between the purchaser and the producer.
7.5 Coercive Field Strength Requirements—Three grades, 12. Packaging and Package Marking
defined by coercive field strength, are stipulated by this 12.1 Packaging shall be subject to agreement between the
specification and are listed in Table 1. The coercive field purchaser and the producer.
strength requirement for Grade 3 was developed from inter- 12.2 Parts furnished under this specification shall be in a
laboratory study. The values for Grades 1 and 2 are based on a container identified by the name or symbol of the parts’
literature review and are believed to reflect the current industry producer.
capabilities.
7.6 Magnetic Aging—Nitrogen introduced during sintering 13. Keywords
can cause time-dependent degradation of magnetic properties. 13.1 coercive field strength; iron; P/M parts; powder met-
Therefore, when requested by the purchaser, the producer shall allurgy (P/M)

2
 A 811 – 03
APPENDIX

(Nonmandatory Information)

X1. TYPICAL MAGNETIC AND MECHANICAL PROPERTIES

X1.1 Typical magnetic and mechanical properties, based on vacuum. The influence of sintered density is shown in all three
interlaboratory studies, are listed in Table X1.1, Table X1.2, tables. The data provided are for information only and are not
and Table X1.3. Table X1.1 contains properties typically requirements in this specification.
achieved when sintering is conducted at 1120°C in dissociated
ammonia. Table X1.2 contains properties typically achieved X1.2 Maximum flux density, residual induction, and coer-
when sintering is conducted at 1120°C in dry hydrogen or in a cive field strength are measured from a maximum applied
vacuum. Table X1.3 contains properties typically achieved magnetic field strength of 15 Oe (1200 A/m).
when sintering is conducted at 1260°C in dry hydrogen or in a

TABLE X1.1 1120°C Sinter in Dissociated Ammonia

6.6 6.9 7.2
Sintered Density (g/cm3) (kg/m3)
6600 6900 7200
(Relative) maximum permeability 1 700 2 100 2 700
Maximum flux density (G) 9 000 10 500 12 000
(T) 0.90 1.05 1.20
Residual induction (G) 7 800 9 000 10 500
(T) 0.78 0.90 1.05
Coercive field strength (Oe) 2.1 2.1 2.1
(A/m) 170 170 170
0.2 % offset yield strength (psi) 11 000 17 000 22 500
(MPa) 76 120 155
Ultimate tensile strength (psi) 18 000 27 500 37 000
(MPa) 120 190 260
Percent elongation, 1 in. (25.4 mm) 6 11 16
Apparent hardness (HRF) 40 50 55

3
 A 811 – 03
TABLE X1.2 1120°C Sinter in Dry Hydrogen or Vacuum
6.6 6.9 7.2
Sintered Density (g/cm3) (kg/m3)
6600 6900 7200
(Relative) maximum permeability 1 800 2 300 2 900
Maximum flux density (G) 9 500 10 500 12 000
(T) 0.95 1.05 1.20
Residual induction (G) 8 200 9 700 11 000
(T) 0.82 0.97 1.10
Coercive field strength (Oe) 1.8 1.8 1.8
(A/m) 140 140 140
0.2 % offset yield strength (psi) 11 000 17 000 22 500
(MPa) 76 120 155
Ultimate tensile strength (psi) 19 000 28 000 37 500
(MPa) 130 190 259
Percent elongation in 1 in. (25.4 mm) 8 12 17
Apparent hardness (HRF) 40 50 55

TABLE X1.3 1260°C Sinter in Dry Hydrogen or Vacuum

6.6 6.9 7.2
Sintered Density (g/cm3) (kg/m3)
6600 6900 7200
(Relative) maximum permeability 2 800 3 300 3 800
Maximum flux density (G) 10 000 11 500 13 000
(T) 1.05 1.20 1.30
Residual induction (G) 8 500 10 000 11 500
(T) 0.85 1.0 1.15
Coercive field strength (Oe) 1.6 1.6 1.6
(A/m) 120 120 120
0.2 % offset yield strength (psi) 10 000 16 000 21 000
(MPa) 69 110 140
Ultimate tensile strength (psi) 20 000 29 000 38 000
(MPa) 140 200 260
Percent elongation in 1 in. (25.4 mm) 10 15 20
Apparent hardness (HRF) 38 45 50

ASTM International takes no position respecting the validity of any patent rights asserted in connection with any item mentioned
in this standard. Users of this standard are expressly advised that determination of the validity of any such patent rights, and the risk
of infringement of such rights, are entirely their own responsibility.

This standard is subject to revision at any time by the responsible technical committee and must be reviewed every five years and
if not revised, either reapproved or withdrawn. Your comments are invited either for revision of this standard or for additional standards
and should be addressed to ASTM International Headquarters. Your comments will receive careful consideration at a meeting of the
responsible technical committee, which you may attend. If you feel that your comments have not received a fair hearing you should
make your views known to the ASTM Committee on Standards, at the address shown below.

This standard is copyrighted by ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959,
United States. Individual reprints (single or multiple copies) of this standard may be obtained by contacting ASTM at the above
address or at 610-832-9585 (phone), 610-832-9555 (fax), or service@astm.org (e-mail); or through the ASTM website
(www.astm.org).