Measurement of coercivity provides a relative comparison of carbide grain size, binder content, and possibly carbon deficiency for a given graded carbide material or product, and may be employed as a non-destructive measurement indicating deviation from a specified norm.

This test method allows the non-destructive estimate of average carbide grain size in sintered cemented carbide hardmetals. It is appropriate for a wide range of compositions and tungsten carbide (WC) WC grain sizes, and can be used for acceptance of material or product to specification.

1.1 This test method covers the determination of magnetization coercivity (Hcs) of cemented carbide materials and products using coercive force instrumentation. It is patterned after ISO 3326.

1.2 The values in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems may result in non-conformance with the standard.

1.3 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.