Evaluating The Microstructure of Graphite in Iron Castings: Standard Test Method For

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles
for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: A247 − 17
Standard Test Method for

Evaluating the Microstructure of Graphite in Iron Castings1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation A247; 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.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.
1. Scope 2. Referenced Documents

1.1 This test method covers the classification of graphite in 2.1 ASTM Standards:2
cast irons in terms of type, distribution, and size by visual E3 Guide for Preparation of Metallographic Specimens
comparison to reference photomicrographs. This test method is 2.2 ASTM Adjuncts:
intended to be applicable for all iron-carbon alloys containing Iron Casting Graphite Microstructure Rating Chart (Wall
graphite particles, and may be applied to gray irons, malleable Chart)3
irons, compacted graphite irons, and the ductile (nodular)
irons. 3. Summary of Test Method
1.2 The reference photomicrographs included in this test 3.1 The reference micrographs included in this standard
method are in no way to be construed as specifications. In an form the basis for classification. Characteristic features of
appropriate specification for a specific material where graphite graphite particle shape and distribution are designated by
microstructure is an important consideration, this test method numerals and letters. Type, distribution, and size of observed
may be used as a reference to concisely define the graphite graphite are compared with the idealized microstructures in the
microstructure required. standard charts and rated accordingly as closely as possible to
the equal or similar microstructures in the charts.
1.3 These reference photomicrographs are offered primarily
to permit accurate reporting of microstructures of cast irons 4. Significance and Use
and to facilitate the comparison of reports by different labora-
4.1 The comparison of observed graphite particles with the
tories or investigators.
structures shown in the charts give only purely descriptive
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as information on the type, distribution, and size of the graphite in
standard. No other units of measurement are included in this the sample being evaluated. It does not indicate, except in a
standard. very broad way, the origin of the graphite or the suitability of
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the the iron-carbon alloy for a particular service.
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- 5. Test Specimens or Samples
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica- 5.1 The preferred sample is a section cut from an actual
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. casting that is being evaluated at a location agreed upon
1.6 This international standard was developed in accor- between the manufacturer and purchaser. When this is
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard- impractical, a test lug or projection often can be appended to
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the the casting and sawed or broken off to be used as the test
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom- sample. If neither of these methods is convenient, microstruc-
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical tural test coupons, such as those recommended by the Cast Iron
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
1
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee A04 on Iron contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
Castings and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee A04.21 on Testing. Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
Current edition approved July 1, 2017. Published July 2017. Originally approved the ASTM website.
3
in 1941. Last previous edition approved in 2016 as A247 – 16a. DOI: 10.1520/ Available from ASTM International Headquarters. Order Adjunct No.
A0247-17. ADJA0247A. Original adjunct produced in 2010.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
Copyright by ASTM Int'l (all rights reserved); Thu Feb 22 11:49:07 EST 2018
1
Downloaded/printed by
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A247 − 17
Research Committee (5R) of the American Foundry Society4 7.7 Type VI is the exploded nodule graphite form occasion-
shall be cast from metal representative of the castings poured. ally seen in ductile iron in conjunction with Types I and II.
6. Polishing 7.8 Type VII is the flake graphite form usually seen in gray
iron.
6.1 Grinding and polishing may follow the usual accepted
metallographic procedures as covered in Guide E3, except that 8. Classification of Graphite Distribution Using Chart
care must be taken that the graphite is retained at the polished 8.1 The graphite distribution chart (Fig. 2) is useful princi-
surface and not torn or dragged out. Use of diamond powder pally in rating flake graphite, Type VII, distributions in gray
polishing compound in one of the final stages of polishing is cast iron. Graphite in malleable iron may occur in a nonrandom
very effective in retaining the graphite at the polished surface. distribution pattern which the distributions B to E may be used
to describe.
7. Classification of Graphite Form Using Chart
7.1 The graphite form type chart (Fig. 1) is used as a 9. Classification of Graphite Size by Chart
reference standard by scanning the polished specimen under 9.1 This method categorizes the graphite particles by size
the microscope and noting the graphite forms in the micro- into eight classes. Figs. 3-5 show size classes for flake graphite
structure that more nearly correspond to type designations on and nodular graphite to facilitate comparisons. The maximum
the chart. The percentages of each graphite type are estimated dimension of the graphite particles for the various size classes
by observation, or better, by counting the particles of each type. are listed in Table 1.
Types present in a sample are to be reported in percentages to
9.2 For direct comparison with the size classes in Figs. 3-5,
total 100. Any convenient magnification that clearly reveals the
the specimen to be evaluated shall be captured at the magni-
graphite form may be used.
fication of exactly 100×. Usually visual comparison with the
7.2 Type I graphite is nodular in shape and is the normal and chart is adequate to define the size class. Where a mixture of
usually desirable graphite form in ductile iron. one or more sizes occurs in the same sample, the sizes may be
7.3 Type II graphite consists of slightly irregular nodules reported as percentages of the total graphite area represented
and has little or no adverse effect on properties of ductile iron. by the sizes involved. It is a common practice in malleable
irons to use nodule count per unit area instead of a comparison
7.4 Type III is the graphite form most often seen in
chart as given here. Nodule count, with known free carbon
malleable iron castings after annealing. Some malleable irons
content, is a measure of calculated average nodule area.
may also contain Type I or II graphite particles.
7.5 Type IV is the predominant graphite form in compacted 10. Nodularity
(vermicular) graphite iron. However, the microstructure is 10.1 Nodularity (Fig. 6 and Fig. 7) is expressed by counting
typically evaluated by the percentage of Types I and II that are the nodular particles and reporting the results as a percentage
commonly observed. of the total amount of graphite present in the microstructure.
7.6 Type V is the spiky graphite form occasionally seen in Ductile irons typically exhibit a nodularity between 80 to
ductile iron in conjunction with Types I and II. 100 %, gray irons a nodularity of 0 %, and compacted graphite
irons a nodularity of 0 to 20 %. Nodularity should be assessed
by evaluating more than one field of view. The final report
4
Transactions, American Foundrymen’s Society, 1960, p. 655. should state the number of fields of view or area of the sample
evaluated. The location of the measurement should be agreed
TABLE 1 Graphite Size upon between the manufacturer and purchaser.
Size Class Actual Dimension (µm)A
1 $ 640
11. Nodule Count
2 320 to < 640 11.1 Nodule count is expressed as the number of graphite
3 160 to < 320
4 80 to < 160 nodules/mm2 and is performed at a magnification of 100×.
5 40 to < 80 Generally, high nodule count indicates good metallurgical
6 20 to < 40 quality, but there is an optimum range of nodule count for each
7 10 to < 20
8 < 10 section size of casting, and nodule counts in excess of this
A
The gradation of sizes shown in each size class from the maximum dimension range may result in a degradation of properties. Nodule count
were computer calculated at the National Bureau of Standards using data obtained should be established between the manufacturer and the
from actual micrographs (Wyman, L. L., and Moore, G. A., “Quantitative Metallo- purchaser. Figs. 8-10 compare the nodule counts of ductile iron
graphic Evaluations of Graphite Microstructures,” Modern Castings, Vol 43, No. 1,
Jan. 1963, p. 7). at 100 % nodularity, 90 % nodularity, and 80 % nodularity,
respectively.
2
A247 − 17
FIG. 1 Graphite Types Found in Iron Castings
3
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FIG. 2 Graphite Distribution Typically Used to Rate Type VII Flake Graphite in Gray Iron (100×)
4
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FIG. 3 Size Class 1 Through 4 Flake Graphite (100×)
12. Report of Graphite Microstructure 12.3 Graphite distribution is always designated for flake
12.1 To report the microstructure of graphite in cast iron the graphite irons, but may be omitted for malleable and ductile
headings to be used are as follows: Sample identification; iron.
graphite form type or types; graphite distribution; graphite size 12.3.1 For example, a typical gray iron of normal graphite
class. structure might be designated VII A4. If eutectiform graphite is
12.2 Graphite type, or types, is designated by a Roman present, the rating might be VII D7. Mixtures of these two may
numeral I through VII. Graphite distribution is designated by a be described by giving both ratings with appropriate
capital letter A through E. Graphite size is designated by an percentages, 70 % VII A4, 30 % VII D7.
Arabic numeral 1 through 8.
5
A247 − 17
FIG. 4 Size Class 5 Through 8 Flake Graphite (100×)
12.3.2 A high-quality ductile iron could be designated I6. A 12.4 Nodularity should be reported as a percentage of the
slightly inferior ductile iron, with somewhat insufficient nodu- total amount of graphite present in the microstructure. The
lizing alloy, might be 70 % I6, 30 % IV5. magnification and number of fields of view shall be reported.
12.3.3 Graphite in malleable irons may be similarly desig-
nated as Type III, II, or I and the size from the nodular size 12.5 Nodule count shall be reported as the number of
chart. graphite nodules/mm2.
6
A247 − 17
FIG. 5 Size Class 4 Through 7 Nodular Graphite (100×)
7
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FIG. 6 Nodularity Examples (100×)

NOTE 1—Compacted Graphite Iron Nodularity Rating Chart (Wall Chart). Available from SinterCast, www.sintercast.com.
8
A247 − 17
FIG. 7 Nodularity Examples (100×)

NOTE 1—Compacted Graphite Iron Nodularity Rating Chart (Wall Chart). Available from SinterCast, www.sintercast.com.
9
A247 − 17
FIG. 8 Nodule Count of 100 % Nodularity Ductile Iron (100×)

NOTE 1—Graphite Rating in Ductile Iron (Wall Chart). Available from the Ductile Iron Society, www.ductile.org.
10
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11
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12
A247 − 17
APPENDIX
(Nonmandatory Information)
X1.1 ADDITIONAL MICROSTRUCTURES
FIG. X1.1 Widmanstätten Graphite is shown magnified at 400× on the left and 1000× on the right.
X1.1.1 Fig. X1.1 is a microstructure that may be observed in

cast irons and is shown for informational purposes only.
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13

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This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles

Standard Test Method for

1. Scope 2. Referenced Documents

FIG. 1 Graphite Types Found in Iron Castings

FIG. 3 Size Class 1 Through 4 Flake Graphite (100×)

FIG. 4 Size Class 5 Through 8 Flake Graphite (100×)

FIG. 5 Size Class 4 Through 7 Nodular Graphite (100×)

FIG. 6 Nodularity Examples (100×)

FIG. 7 Nodularity Examples (100×)

FIG. 8 Nodule Count of 100 % Nodularity Ductile Iron (100×)

FIG. 9 Nodule Count of 90 % Nodularity Ductile Iron (100×)

FIG. 10 Nodule Count of 80 % Nodularity Ductile Iron (100×)

X1.1 ADDITIONAL MICROSTRUCTURES

X1.1.1 Fig. X1.1 is a microstructure that may be observed in

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