5.1 This procedure is suitable for manufacturing control and for verifying that the product meets specifications. It provides rapid, multi-element determinations with sufficient accuracy to assure product quality. The analytical performance data included may be used as a benchmark to determine if similar X-ray spectrometers provide equivalent precision and accuracy, or if the performance of a particular spectrometer has changed.

5.2 It is expected that this standard will be employed by analysts knowledgeable in the field of X-ray fluorescence spectrometry and experienced in the use of the apparatus specified in this standard.

1.1 This test method² covers the analysis of stainless and alloy steels by wavelength dispersive X-ray Fluorescence Spectrometry for the determination of the following elements:

Element

Range, Mass Fraction %

Chromium

1 to 25

Cobalt

0.05 to 0.45

Copper

0.06 to 3.5

Manganese

0.3 to 5.5

Molybdenum

0.05 to 3.5

Nickel

0.7 to 35

Niobium

0.06 to 1.3

Phosphorus

0.01 to 0.03

Silicon

0.2 to 2

Sulfur

0.02 to 0.35

Titanium

0.013 to 0.5

Vanadium

0.04 to 0.25

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. Specific precautionary statements are given in Section 10.