ASTM B703-10

The apparent density is an important measure of a material characteristic of the powder that is useful to the powder producers and powder users in determining quality and lot to lot consistency.

This test method is applicable to free-flowing and non-free-flowing metal powders, lubricated powder mixtures and metal compounds.

5.3 The apparent density of a lubricated metal powder mixture may be different when a quantity settles after falling into the die cavity during automatic compacting as compared with the value obtained from a measurement taken in the laboratory under controlled test conditions.

5.4 This test method simulates the action of the feed shoe on a powder compacting press and gives an apparent density value that closely approximates the apparent density of the powder in the die cavity after the production filling operation.

5.5 Knowledge of this apparent density value for the final lubricated production powder mixture is very helpful to the powder metallurgy (PM) parts fabricator to set the compression ratios for fixed fill die cavity tooling.

5.6 The values of apparent density obtained on metal powders with this test method are approximately 0.2 g/cm³ higher than those obtained using the Hall Funnel, Test Method B212, the Carney Funnel, Test Method B417; or the Scott Volumeter, Test Method B329.

5.7 This test method may be part of a purchase agreement between the powder supplier and PM parts producer, or it may be an internal quality control test for either party.

1.1 This test method covers a quantitative laboratory procedure for determining the apparent density of both free-flowing and non-free-flowing metal powders, lubricated metal powder mixtures, and powder compounds.

1.2 With the exception of the values for mass, volume, and density, for which the use of the gram and the cubic centimetre units is the long-standing industry practice, the values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.

1.3 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.