1 Scope
This International Standard specifies a method for the determination of the transverse
rupture strength of sintered metal materials, excluding hardmetals. The method is
particularly suitable for comparing the sintered strength of a batch of metal powder
with that of a reference powder or with a reference strength.
The method is applicable to sintered metal materials, excluding hardmetals, whether
they have been subjected to heat treatment after sintering or not, and also to materials
that have been sized or coined after sintering.
It is specially suitable for materials having a uniform hardness throughout their
section and negligible ductility, i.e. a ductility corresponding to a permanent deformation
of less than about 0,5 mm measured between the two supports during the transverse
rupture strength determination. If the test is applied to materials under conditions
other than those specified above, the conditions shall be reported.
NOTE 1 The permanent deformation can be measured with sufficient precision from the two fragments
of the broken or cracked bar by indexing the lower surface. Alternatively, the deflection
of a straight line drawn horizontally on the side of the test piece can be measured
using an optical instrument such as a measuring microscope or optical comparator.