Overview
EN ISO 3252:2023 - "Powder metallurgy - Vocabulary" is the sixth-edition vocabulary standard prepared by ISO/TC 119 in collaboration with CEN. It defines standardized terms and definitions used across powder metallurgy, covering the manufacture of metallic powders and the production of parts from those powders via forming and sintering. The document exists in English, French and German (endorsed by CEN as EN ISO 3252:2023) and supersedes EN ISO 3252:2019.
Key topics
EN ISO 3252:2023 organizes terminology into clear categories and includes figures to illustrate particle shapes and powder features. Major technical topics include:
- Powder types and production methods: atomized, carbonyl, electrolytic, comminuted, diffusion‑alloyed, composite powders, etc.
- Powder morphology and descriptors: acicular, dendritic, flaky, granular, fibrous, agglomerate.
- Powder characterisation: apparent density, bulk density, flow rate, flowability, angle of repose, fines, classification and elutriation.
- Forming and compacting terms: compressibility, compactability, compression ratio, fill factor, green strength (terms and conceptual relationships).
- Sintering and material properties: terms related to sintering behaviour, sintered characteristics and post‑sintering treatments.
- Auxiliary materials/processes: binders, feedstock for injection moulding, granulation, dopants and other functional additives.
Where measurement or test methods are relevant, the standard cross‑references established ISO test standards (for example ISO 3923‑1 / ISO 3923‑2 for apparent density; ISO 3927 for compressibility; ISO 4490 and ISO 13517 for flowability; ISO 4491 series for hydrogen/oxygen assessment).
Applications
This vocabulary standard provides a single, authoritative set of definitions to:
- Ensure consistent technical communication between manufacturers, suppliers, researchers and regulators.
- Support product specifications, procurement documents and quality control procedures.
- Aid development of test methods, drawings and materials data sheets in R&D and production.
- Serve as a reference in standards drafting, certification and compliance activities.
Who uses it
- Powder metallurgy engineers and materials scientists
- Component and powder manufacturers
- Quality assurance and R&D teams
- Standards committees, educators and technical authors
- Procurement and regulatory professionals drafting specifications
Related standards
EN ISO 3252:2023 is an essential reference for anyone working with metal powders, forming, and sintering who needs consistent, industry‑accepted terminology.