Designation: A799/A799M − 10 (Reapproved 2015)

Standard Practice for

Steel Castings, Stainless, Instrument Calibration, for
Estimating Ferrite Content1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation A799/A799M; 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 (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.

1. Scope* Alloys, and Ferroalloys

1.1 This practice covers the procedure for calibration of B499 Test Method for Measurement of Coating Thicknesses
instruments to be used for estimating the ferrite content of the by the Magnetic Method: Nonmagnetic Coatings on
microstructure of cast stainless steels by magnetic response or Magnetic Basis Metals
measurement of permeability. This procedure covers both E562 Test Method for Determining Volume Fraction by
primary and secondary instruments. Systematic Manual Point Count
1.1.1 A primary instrument is one that has been calibrated 2.2 NIST Standard:
using National Institute of Standards and Technology-Standard NIST-SRM Coating Thickness Standards
Reference Material (NIST-SRM) thickness coating standards. NOTE 1—The specific coating thickness standards previously refer-
It is a laboratory tool to be used with test specimens. Some enced in this practice are no longer available. Similar ones are now
primary instruments may be used to directly measure the ferrite available from NIST.
content of castings. 3. Terminology
1.1.2 A secondary instrument is one that has been calibrated
by the use of secondary standards that have been measured by 3.1 Definitions—The definitions in Terminology A941 are
a calibrated primary instrument. Secondary instruments are to applicable to this standard.
be used to directly measure the ferrite content of castings. 3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
1.2 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units 3.2.1 ferrite, n—the body-centered cubic microconstituent
are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in in stainless steel.
each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each 3.2.2 ferrite percentage, n—a value designating the ferrite
system shall be used independently of the other. Combining content of stainless steels.
values from the two systems may result in non-conformance 3.2.2.1 Discussion—The Steel Founders’ Society of
with the standard. America (SFSA) has assigned ferrite percentages to the series
1.2.1 Within the text, the SI units are shown in brackets. of NIST coating thickness standards3. This assignment was
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the based on the magnetic attraction for a standard magnet by the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the coating standards when compared with the magnetic attraction
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- of the same magnet by a series of cast stainless steels whose
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica- ferrite content had been determined by an accurate metallo-
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. graphic point count. A similar assignment based on magnetic
permeability was also established. Algebraic equations have
2. Referenced Documents now been derived from a plot of the thickness of these
standards and the assigned ferrite percentages. By the use of
2.1 ASTM Standards:2
these equations, any primary instrument will have its calibra-
A941 Terminology Relating to Steel, Stainless Steel, Related
tion traceable to the SFSA’s instruments or any other calibrated
instrument and thus afford comparable reproducible ferrite
1
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee A01 on Steel, percentages. It also allows traceability to NIST.
Stainless Steel and Related Alloys and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee 3.2.3 secondary standards, n—a piece of cast stainless steel
A01.18 on Castings.
Current edition approved Nov. 1, 2015. Published November 2015. Originally whose ferrite percentage has been determined by a calibrated
approved in 1982. Last previous edition approved in 2010as A799/A799M – 10. primary instrument.
DOI: 10.1520/A0799_A0799M-10R15
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
3
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM Aubrey, L.S., Weiser, P.F., Pollard, W.J., and Schoefer, E.A., “ Ferrite
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on Measurement and Control in Cast Duplex Stainless Steels,” Stainless Steel Castings,
the ASTM website. DOI: 10.1520/A0799_A0799M-04R09. ASTM STP 756, ASTM, 1982, p 126.

*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard

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

1
 A799/A799M − 10 (2015)
3.2.3.1 Discussion—Secondary statements are used to cali- 5.2 When using a Feritscope,5 follow the manufacturer’s
brate secondary instruments (see Calibration of Secondary instructions for calibration. When traceability is required,
Instruments). confirm the calibration using the appropriate NIST standards.
5.2.1 Newer versions of this instrument have a single-point
4. Significance and Use probe while older versions have a two-point probe as the
4.1 The amount of ferrite present in an austenitic stainless sensing device. When this probe is placed on the material being
steel has been shown to influence the strength, toughness and investigated, a closed magnetic circuit is formed and energized
corrosion resistance of this type of cast alloy. The amount of by a low-frequency magnetic field. The voltage induced in the
ferrite present tends to correlate well with the magnetic probe coil by this field is a measure of the permeability. When
permeability of the steel. The methods described in this calibrated with standards having known ferrite content, this
standard cover calibration practice for estimating ferrite by the permeability indicates the ferrite content of the material being
magnetic permeability of the steel. The practice is inexpensive analyzed. The estimated ferrite content is read from a cali-
to use over large areas of the cast part and is non-destructive. brated dial or from a digital-readout dial.
4.2 This practice has been used for research, alloy 5.3 One secondary instrument consists of a balance arm that
development, quality control, and manufacturing control. has a rod-shaped magnet attached to one end.6 The opposite
4.2.1 Many instruments are available having different end is counterweighted to balance the magnet.
designs, and different principles of operation. When the probe 5.3.1 This arm with its magnet and counterweight is en-
is placed on the material being investigated, a closed magnetic closed in a transparent box. The top face of this container has
circuit is formed allowing measurement of the magnetic a threaded hole directly over the magnet. Marked inserts that
permeability. When calibrated with standards having known have metal plates on their bottom faces are screwed into this
ferrite content, this permeability indicates the ferrite content of hole. These plates have different strengths of attraction for the
the material being analyzed. The estimated ferrite content is magnet.
read from a calibrated dial or from a digital-readout dial. 5.3.2 In use, the bottom end of the magnet is touched to the
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper calibration of material being investigated. The other end of the magnet is in
the instrument. contact with the metal plate on the bottom of the insert. The
container is then raised. If the material being measured has a
4.3 Since this practice measures magnetic attraction and not
greater attraction for the magnet than does the plate on the
ferrite directly, it is subject to all of the variables that affect
bottom of the insert, the magnet will be pulled away from the
magnetic permeability, such as the shape, size, orientation, and
insert. If not, the magnet will pull away from the material being
composition of the ferrite phase. These in turn are affected by
measured. The inserts are changed and the test repeated until
thermal history. Ferrite measurements by magnetic methods
the inserts that are just weaker and just stronger than the
have also been found to be affected by the surface finish of the
material being investigated are found.
material being analyzed.
5.3.3 The results of a measurement with this instrument are
4.4 Magnetic methods should not be used for arbitration of reported as less than A and greater than B.
conflicts on ferrite content except when agreed upon between
5.4 NIST-SRM Coating Thickness Standards. These are
manufacturer and purchaser.
mild steel plates that are covered by an electroplated copper
5. Apparatus layer which in turn is covered by a flash coat of chromium. The
thickness of the copper coat varies from standard to standard
5.1 One primary instrument that uses magnetic attraction and is certified by NIST. The strength of the magnetic
consists of a spring-loaded balance arm from which a rod- attraction of each standard varies with the thickness of the
shaped magnet is suspended.4 The opposite end of the balance coating. These are primary standards for calibration.
arm from the magnet has counterweights that balance most but
not all of the weight of the magnet. 5.5 Other instruments such as the Elcometer7 may be used.
5.1.1 When this instrument is used, the spring load is 6. Calibration
relaxed sufficiently to allow the magnet to make contact with
the material being tested. 6.1 Calibrate primary instruments that use magnetic attrac-
5.1.2 The spring is then wound until the force of the coiled tion as criterion as follows:
spring overcomes the magnetic attraction of the magnet for the 6.1.1 When calibrating magnetic instruments, make sure
material being tested, causing the magnet to break contact and there is no magnetic material within the area that could affect
the lever arm to rise. the calibration. This includes beneath the surface on which the
5.1.3 The amount of force that the coiled spring has instrument rests.
developed is determined from a marked dial securely attached 6.1.2 Magnet—Use weighted standard No. 2 magnet for
to the shaft that is used to coil or uncoil the spring. measurement of ferrite content of cast stainless steel.
5.1.3.1 A weighted number 2 magnet (catalog number 5
Feritscope, produced by Fischer Technology, Inc., 750 Marshall Phelps Road,
J5-0664W) is used with this instrument. Windsor, CT 06095; http://www.fischer-technology.com.
6
Severn Gage, Severn Engineering Co., Old Stage Business Park, 555 Old Stage
Road, Suite 1-A, Auburn, AL 36830; http://www.severnengineering.com.
4 7
Magne Gage, produced by Magne Gage Sales and Service Co., Inc., 629 Packer Elcometer, Elcometer Instruments Ltd., Edge Lane, Manchester, UK M43 6BU;
Street, Avoca, PA 18641; http://www.magne-gage.com. http://www.elcometer.com.

2
 A799/A799M − 10 (2015)
6.1.3 Zeroing—Before calibration, zero each primary instru- B1 B2 B3 B4
F 5 B 01 1 1 1 (1)
ment. T T2 T3 T4
6.1.3.1 When zeroing the instrument, use the “T”-shaped
6.1.5.1 Plot on an arithmetic scale the ferrite percentage for
handle to lower the spring-loaded balance arm until the
each standard and the black dial reading obtained for that
plastic-protection cylinder around the magnet is in contact with
standard. This is the calibration curve for the instrument. It is
a nonmagnetic object. The base plate of the unit is satisfactory.
used to designate the ferrite percentage of any sample mea-
6.1.3.2 Turn the large knurled knob on the central shaft
sured with the instrument.
counter-clockwise to a dead stop.
6.1.3.3 Rotate the large knurled knob clockwise until the 6.2 Calibrate primary instruments that use magnetic per-
magnet lifts off the nonmagnetic object and the pivot arm from meability as criterion as follows:
which the magnet is suspended is parallel to the base plate.
NOTE 2—This calibration procedure applies only to the older (pre-
Loosen the set screw holding the black dial in position. 1980), analog instruments with the two-point probe. Analog instruments
6.1.3.4 Set the “0” position on the black dial at the index may have either an analog meter or a digital meter. Newer (post-1980)
position and tighten the set screw. instruments with digital readouts or single-point probes must be calibrated
6.1.4 Determining Black Dial Values for the NIST-SRM using the procedure given under Calibration of Secondary Instruments.
Thickness Standards—Use the NIST-SRM coating thickness 6.2.1 If the instrument has more than one measuring range
standards. set the instrument to the desired range.
6.1.4.1 Insert, one at a time in random order, the various 6.2.2 Connect the measuring probe to the instrument.
NIST-SRM coating thickness standards under the plastic pro- 6.2.3 Zeroing—Bring the needle opposite “0” on the dial by
tection cylinder. Lower the instrument each time until the means of the “zero” knob. Be sure the probe is at least 1 ft [305
cylinder contacts the standard. mm] away from any magnetic material when this adjustment is
6.1.4.2 If the magnet is attracted to the plate when the made.
plastic protection cylinder is placed in contact with the 6.2.4 Calibration of “End of Range”:
standard, rotate the large knurled knob clockwise slowly until
6.2.4.1 Apply the sensing probe to an NIST-SRM with
the magnet breaks contact with the standard. Record the
2.00-mil [51.0 µm] coating thickness. Using the “end point”
black-dial reading.
control knob, bring the meter needle opposite “29” on the
6.1.4.3 If the magnet is not attracted to the plate when the
meter. If a digital readout meter is being used, bring the
plastic cylinder comes in contact with the standard, push the
maximum digital reading to “29.”
magnet into contact by using the push rod located over the
6.2.4.2 If an NIST-SRM with coating thickness other than
magnet. If the magnet does not adhere to the standard, turn the
2.00-mil [51.0-µm] is used, determine the meter setting to be
large knurled knob counterclockwise a few divisions at a time
used from Table 2. It is recommended that coating thickness of
until the magnet does adhere when it comes in contact with the
3.25 mil [82.5 µm] or less be used.
standard. When the magnet remains in contact with the
standard, rotate the large knurled knob clockwise slowly until 6.2.4.3 When measuring ranges are changed, the “zero”
the magnet breaks contact with the standard. Record the black setting must be adjusted to “0.”
dial reading. 6.2.5 Determining the Meter Readings for the NIST-SRM
6.1.4.4 Repeat 6.1.4.3 several times, more than three, with Thickness Standards:
each standard moving the standard under the plastic protection 6.2.5.1 Apply the probe to the various NIST-SRM standards
cylinder after each reading. Take the reading in the central area several times, more than three. Rotate the probe 90° between
of the standard. Average the readings. reading. Record the readings and average them.
6.1.4.5 Tabulate the black dial readings and the thickness of 6.2.5.2 Tabulate the average meter readings and the thick-
the coatings on the standards. ness of the measured standards.
6.1.5 Preparation of Ferrite Percentage Curve—Calculate 6.2.6 Preparation of Ferrite Percentage Curve:
the assigned ferrite percentage value for each NIST-SRM 6.2.6.1 Calculate the assigned ferrite percentage for each
coating thickness used in 6.1.4.3 by using Eq. 1, where F is the NIST-SRM measured in 6.2.5.1 by using Eq. 1, where F is the
assigned ferrite content and T is the coating thickness as assigned ferritic content and T is the coating thickness as
reported by NIST, and the coefficients B0 through B4 from reported by NIST, and the coefficients B0 through B4 from
Table 1. Round the calculated value to the nearest 0.1 % ferrite. Table 1. Round the calculated value to the nearest 0.1 % ferrite.

TABLE 1 Coefficients for Calculating Assigned Ferrite Values

Instrument Units B0 B1 B2 B3 B4

Magne-Gage Mils –0.6727 164.8 –334.3 516.2 –352.6

mm –0.6727 6 486 –518 100 31 500 000 –847 100 000

Feritscope (Note 2) Mils –2.042 296.5 –1656 5 440 –6 945

mm –2.042 11 670 –2 566 000 332 000 000 –16 680 000
000

3
 A799/A799M − 10 (2015)
TABLE 2 “End Point” Settings to be used with Coating 8.1.1.1 Measure each secondary standard with a primary
Thickness Other than 2.00 mils [51.0 µm] instrument and note the black dial or meter reading. Tabulate
Coating Thickness, mils [µm] “End Point” the results.
1.66 [42.2] 30 8.1.1.2 Determine the reading from the secondary instru-
2.04 [51.8] 28.5
2.1 [53.3] 28 ment for each secondary standard. Make several readings on
2.2 [55.9] 27.7 each standard.
2.3 [58.4] 27.5
2.4 [61.0] 27
8.1.1.3 Plot the black dial or meter readings and the read-
2.5 [63.5] 26.5 ings from the secondary instrument. This curve can be used to
2.6 [66.0] 26.3 obtain the ferrite percentage of the material measured with the
2.7 [68.6] 26
2.8 [71.1] 25.7
secondary instrument from the primary calibration curve.
2.9 [73.7] 25.5
3.0 [76.2] 25.2
8.2 Secondary Instruments that have Set Point Readings:
3.1 [78.8] 25 8.2.1 Measure each secondary standard with various inserts
3.22 [81.8] 24.5 in the secondary instrument set.
8.2.1.1 Note the lowest ferrite percentage of the secondary
standard set that will pull the measuring magnet of the
6.2.6.2 Plot on an arithmetic scale the ferrite percentage for instrument away from the insert.
each standard and the meter or digital readings obtained for
8.2.1.2 Note the highest ferrite percentage of the secondary
that standard. This is the calibration curve for the instrument.
standard set that will not pull the measuring magnet of the
7. Checking Calibration instrument from the insert.
8.2.1.3 For each insert, tabulate the values obtained in
7.1 Whenever any instrument is to be used after a period of
8.2.1.1 and 8.2.1.2. Each insert will be designated as “greater
nonuse, the zero point and the black dial or meter readings of
than ________ ferrite percentage less than __________ ferrite
one or more coating thickness standards must be determined to
percentage.”
see if the instrument is in calibration.
8. Calibration of Secondary Instruments 9. Checking of Calibration of Secondary Instruments
8.1 Correlating Ferrite Percentage of Secondary Standards 9.1 Before using a secondary instrument to measure the
with Primary Instruments: ferrite content of a casting, it should be checked with one or
8.1.1 Determine the proper readings (black dial or meter) more of the secondary standards.
with a calibrated instrument for each secondary standard8. 9.1.1 Periodically, the set of secondary standards shall be
checked with the primary instrument by determining the proper
8
The secondary standards may be produced by a foundry that produces cast readings. Compare these values with those obtained in 8.1.1.
stainless steel or purchased from an organization such as NIST (Standard Reference
Materials 8480 and 8481 are available from the NIST Standard Reference Materials 10. Keywords
Program at 100 Bureau Drive, Stop 2300, Gaithersburg, MD 20899–2300; http://
ts.nist.gov/ts/htdocs/230/232/232.htm). 10.1 calibration; ferrite; stainless steel castings

SUMMARY OF CHANGES

Committee A01 has identified the location of selected changes to this standard since the last issue
(A799/A799M – 04 (2009)) that may impact the use of this standard. (Approved April 1, 2010.)

(1) Corrected equation (1). (3) Revised 5.3.1 and 5.3.2 to clarify the procedure.
(2) Revised 5.1.3.1 to correct the catalog number and to clarify (4) Revised 6.1.5 and 6.2.6.1 to clarify the procedure.
the procedure.

4
 A799/A799M − 10 (2015)
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). Permission rights to photocopy the standard may also be secured from the Copyright Clearance Center, 222
Rosewood Drive, Danvers, MA 01923, Tel: (978) 646-2600; http://www.copyright.com/