Standard ASTM E11 was completely revised with the -09 revision, and further in subsequent years to apply tolerances in conformance with truncated Gaussian normal distribution statistics. It covers the requirements for the sieve cloth itself, and for the design and construction of test sieves that use sieve cloth as a particle sizing medium to classify materials.  This specification incorporates a maximum standard deviation value (where applicable) for the sieve cloth and for the Test Sieves.  The maximum standard deviation values in Table 1 have been corrected by a K factor so as to increase the confidence level of the sieve cloth and the Test Sieve.   Three (3) different inspection confidence levels are applied for Compliance, Inspection and Calibration Test Sieves; with Calibration Test Sieves having at least twice as many openings measured as Inspection Sieves.  Similar to previous ASTM E11 revisions the specification covers the Test Sieve and its construction; standard frame sizes, non-standard frames, dimensional information, characteristics of the sieve frame, materials of construction for the sieve frame, attachment of the sieve cloth to the sieve frame, and specifies how test sieves should be labeled.  Lastly, the specification Annex discusses in detail the proper procedure for inspection of the sieve cloth and the test sieve, to ensure that it complies with the requirements as shown in Table 1 of the specification.

1.1 This document specifies the technical requirements for; the woven wire test sieve cloth (sieve cloth) used in test sieves, the construction of test sieves, standard and non-standard test sieve frame sizes, and test procedures used to inspect sieve cloth and the test sieves. This specification applies to test sieves manufactured with sieve cloth having a nominal aperture size ranging from 125 millimetres (mm) down to 20 micrometres (μm).

1.2 Additional reference information can be found in Specifications E161, E323, E2016, and in Test Methods C430 and E2427.

1.3 The values stated in SI units shall be considered standard for the dimensions of the sieve cloth openings and the wire diameters used in the sieve cloth. The values stated in inch-pound units shall be considered standard with regard to the sieve frames, pans, and covers.

1.4 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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.5 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.