ASTM Standard E11 covers the requirements for sieve cloth, as well as for the design and construction of test sieves, that are used to classify materials by particle size. Sieving is commonly employed in both laboratory and production environments for particle analysis and size distribution.

Standard E11 specifies 3 different tolerances for the sieve cloth openings; the average, the maximum, and the maximum standard deviation of the openings. Further, 3 different sampling confidence levels are applied for Compliance, Inspection and Calibration test sieves; with Calibration sieves having at least twice as many openings measured as Inspection sieves.

The Specification Annex discusses in detail the proper procedure for the inspection of the sieve cloth and the test sieve, to ensure that it complies with the requirements of the specification.

A recent analysis per revision E11-24 indicated over 95% of the opening inspection data sets exhibited distribution normality, which confirmed the use of Gaussian normal distribution statistical techniques are valid and appropriate for the maximum standard deviation tolerances.

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.