This guide is intended to assist those writing or revising compositional specification, sampling practice, and analysis method standards for ferrous and non-ferrous metals, ores, and related materials. It is directed toward those areas which must be addressed to properly coordinate compositional specification, sampling practice, and analytical method standards. Its use will help ensure that compositional requirements are clearly defined and that sampling practices and analytical methods are available to meet product specifications.

This guide does not attempt to define which elements should be controlled, where samples should be taken, or how they should be analyzed. These items are addressed in standards such as Specification A 276, Methods, Practices and Terminology A 751, Test Method E 34, Practice E 255, Test Method E 342, and Test Methods E 350.

A primary purpose for ASTM sampling practices and analytical method standards is to provide widely-accepted and tested methodology for use in meeting ASTM product specifications. Although it is recognized that individual laboratories are free to use other methods, the availability of ASTM approved methodology is essential for referee purposes and to demonstrate that properly equipped laboratories can make the required measurements.

Sampling practices and analysis methods to be recommended for use in testing a given product are most easily selected cooperatively by the specification-writing and the methods-writing committees which have jurisdiction for the product. When existing sampling or analysis standards do not meet the needs of the new product specification standard, the specification-writing committee should request that the methods-writing committee develop the required standards. ASTM Committee E-1 is responsible for methods and practices covering the sampling and analysis of most metals, ores, and related materials.

1.1 This guide covers procedures for specifying compositional requirements and identifying appropriate sampling and quantitative analysis methodologies to be referenced in product specification standards for metals, ores, and related materials. It is not intended to replace or conflict with either individual product specifications or standards covering broad classifications of products such as Test Methods A 751.

1.2 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.