This specification covers the requirements for design and construction of electroformed sieves. The sieves are used in particle-size distribution analysis and in various manufacturing applications to produce narrowly designated particle-size distributions. They may also be used as reference standards when suitably calibrated. The material used in the manufacture of the sieve sheet shall be nickel or a metal suitable for electrodeposition in a firm crystalline structure. The sheet shall have square or round openings with straight uniform sides and smooth, flat surfaces except for a slight bevel along the edges of the openings. Frames for precision electroformed sieves shall be made from non-corrosive material such as stainless steel and constructed in such a manner as to be rigid

1.1 This specification covers the requirements for design and construction of electroformed sieves. These sieves are used to perform particle-size distribution analysis and in preparing narrowly designated particle-size fractions. They may also be used as reference standards when suitably calibrated. A method of calibrating these sieves is included in Annex A1.

Note 1—Complete instructions and procedures on the use and calibration of testing sieves are contained in ASTM Manual 32. This publication also contains a list of all published ASTM Standards on sieve analysis procedures for specific materials or industries.

1.2 The sieve analysis results from two testing sieves of the same sieve designation may not be the same because of the variances in sieve opening permitted by this specification. To minimize the differences in sieve analysis results, the use of testing sieves matched on a performance basis is suggested.

Note 2—For other types of sieves, see Specifications E11 and E323.

1.3 The values stated in SI units shall be considered standard for the dimensions of the electroformed mesh openings and the size of the wires in the electroformed mesh. The values stated in inch units shall be considered standard with regard to the sieve frames.

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