Overview
EN ISO 13517:2020 - "Metallic powders - Determination of flow rate by means of a calibrated funnel (Gustavsson flowmeter)" specifies a standardized laboratory method to measure the flow rate (flowability) of metallic powders using a calibrated funnel (Gustavsson flowmeter). The test measures the time for 50 g of powder to flow through a standardized orifice and applies to freely flowing metallic powders, including powders for hardmetals and mixes containing organic additives (e.g., lubricants).
Key Topics and Requirements
- Test principle: measure elapsed time for 50 g of powder to pass through the calibrated funnel orifice (reported as seconds per 50 g).
- Apparatus: calibrated funnel (specified dimensions), non-magnetic corrosion‑resistant construction, rigid stand with vibration‑free base, balance (accuracy ±0.05 g), timing device (accuracy ±0.1 s), and reference grit for calibration.
- Calibration:
- Manufacturer calibration: five repeat determinations on reference grit; average stamped on funnel and must be within 40.0 s ± 0.5 s for 50 g.
- User calibration: verify reference grit flow and apply a correction factor (40.0 divided by measured flow) when necessary. Discontinue funnel use if reference flow decreases below 37 s.
- Sampling and test portions: typical test portion 50.0 g ± 0.1 g (alternative 90–110 g for automation); at least three determinations per sample; sample mass for testing ≥ 200 g.
- Procedure: fill funnel, start timing when orifice opened, stop when last powder exits; light tap permitted once to initiate flow. Powders that do not flow are considered non‑flowable by this method.
- Results: arithmetic mean of three runs, reported in seconds per 50 g; apply correction factor if applicable.
- Limitations: applicable only to powders that flow freely through the specified orifice.
Applications and Users
- Quality control and acceptance testing of metallic powders, including:
- Powder metallurgy (PM) manufacturers and suppliers
- Producers of hardmetal powders and powder blends with lubricants
- R&D laboratories developing powder feedstock
- Additive manufacturing (metal AM) and metal injection molding (MIM) quality teams evaluating powder flowability
- Use cases: incoming inspection, process control, material specification verification, comparative benchmarking of powder batches, and traceable lab reporting.
Related Standards (if applicable)
- EN ISO 13517:2020 is part of the suite of powder metallurgy standards developed by ISO/TC 119 and CEN. Users should consult other ISO/CEN standards on sampling, apparent density, and powder characterization for comprehensive powder testing programs.
Keywords: EN ISO 13517:2020, Gustavsson flowmeter, calibrated funnel, metallic powders, flow rate, flowability, powder metallurgy, powder testing, calibration.
