Overview
CEN ISO/TR 16060:2014 (ISO/TR 16060:2003) is a Technical Report that provides a non‑exhaustive list of etchants for the macroscopic and microscopic examination of welds in metallic materials. It supports weld metallography carried out in accordance with ISO 17639 and covers etchants for the following material groups:
- carbon steels and low‑alloy steels
- stainless steels
- nickel and nickel alloys
- titanium and titanium alloys
- copper and copper alloys
- aluminium and aluminium alloys
This document was prepared by ISO/TC 44 and adopted by CEN as CEN ISO/TR 16060:2014. It is informative in nature and intended as practical guidance rather than a prescriptive standard.
Key Topics
- Catalogue of etchants: Annexes A–F list etchants applicable to each material group (for example, Nital, Picral, cuprochloric solutions, ammonium peroxodisulphate, and the 120/10/30 etchant).
- Formulations and mixing order: Typical compositions and mixing sequence are given where applicable (e.g., Nital: ~95–99 ml methylated spirit + 1–5 ml HNO3).
- Surface preparation and etching parameters: Guidance on recommended surface finish (grit/diamond polish), etching temperature and typical exposure times (“check by eye” for many etchants).
- Shelf life and handling: Notes on safe shelf life and general precautions; the report flags usual acid handling and disposal precautions.
- Designation and reference tables: Annex G provides designation options (names or table numbers); Table 1 sets default reagent characteristics when not specified.
Applications
CEN ISO/TR 16060 is practical for:
- Welding inspectors and NDT technicians performing destructive weld examinations (macroscopic and metallographic).
- Metallurgists and laboratory analysts selecting etchants to reveal weld microstructure, heat‑affected zones (HAZ), carbides, grain boundaries, martensite, bainite, and segregation.
- Quality assurance engineers and fabricators requiring reproducible etching guidance for weld failure analysis, process qualification, or material characterization.
- Research and training in weld metallurgy and metallographic preparation.
Practical value: the report helps users choose an appropriate etchant and basic process parameters to reveal specific microstructural features relevant to weld integrity and performance.
Related Standards
- ISO 17639 - Destructive tests on welds in metallic materials: macroscopic and microscopic examination (primary application standard referenced by ISO/TR 16060).
- ISO/TC 44 work: document developed under the Welding and allied processes technical committee.
Keywords: CEN ISO/TR 16060:2014, ISO/TR 16060, etchants, weld inspection, metallography, Nital, Picral, macroscopic examination, microscopic examination, weld microstructure, ISO 17639.
