Overview
ISO 7627-1:1983 specifies the general requirements for chemical analysis of hardmetals using flame atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS). This Part 1 defines the field of application, fundamental principles, sampling guidance, reagent and apparatus expectations, and reporting conventions that ensure reproducible, accurate elemental analysis for quality assurance and process control.
The method covers total dissolution of a test portion followed by determination by flame AAS. Subsequent parts of ISO 7627 give element-specific methods and concentration ranges.
Key Topics
- Field of application: Applicable to carbides of chromium, niobium, tantalum, titanium, tungsten and vanadium; mixtures of these carbides with binder metals; all grades of presintered or sintered hardmetals; and coated hardmetals after total removal of coating.
- Principle: Dissolution of a test portion and measurement by flame atomic absorption spectrometry.
- Interferences: Minimized by using matrix-matched test and calibration solutions to reduce matrix effects from elements present in the sample.
- Reagents: Use analytical-grade reagents and double-distilled water (or equivalent purity); higher-purity reagents where necessary.
- Apparatus: Ordinary laboratory glassware plus AAS equipment. Single-element hollow-cathode lamps are recommended. Measurement parameters should be selected to optimize sensitivity.
- Sampling & sample prep:
- Crush samples in a mortar made of a material that does not alter composition when necessary.
- Extract any lubricants before analysis.
- Perform the analysis on at least three test portions to obtain representative results.
- Reporting: Test reports shall reference the standard and include sample identification, arithmetic mean of results, any deviations from the standard procedure, and details of occurrences that may have affected results.
Example element ranges (specified in subsequent parts):
- Ca, K, Mg, Na: 0.001 to 0.02 %
- Co, Fe, Mn, Ni: 0.01 to 0.5 %
- Mo, Ti, V: 0.01 to 0.5 %
- Ni, Ti, V: 0.5 to 2 %
- Cr: 0.01 to 2 %
(Note: element-specific procedures and recommended instrument settings are provided in the relevant Parts of ISO 7627.)
Applications
ISO 7627-1:1983 provides a standardized foundation for laboratories and manufacturers performing chemical analysis of hardmetals. Typical uses include:
- Quality assurance of hardmetal batches and finished parts
- Process control during powder metallurgy and sintering operations
- Incoming material inspection for carbides and binder metals
- Regulatory and conformity testing where reproducible elemental data are required
Adhering to the general requirements reduces inter-lab variability and improves confidence in AAS-based determinations.
Related Standards
- Subsequent Parts of ISO 7627: element-specific methods and instrument settings (see table in ISO 7627 series).
- ISO/TC 119 (Powder metallurgy) publications and related analytical standards for sample dissolution and trace elemental analysis.
For implementation, consult the relevant Parts of ISO 7627 for detailed procedures, calibration ranges and instrument parameters specific to each element.
Open preview (PDF)Hardmetals — Chemical analysis by flame atomic absorption spectrometry — Part 1: General requirements
