Designation: E 716 – 94 (Reapproved 2002)

Standard Practices for

Sampling Aluminum and Aluminum Alloys for
Spectrochemical Analysis1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E 716; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.

1. Scope 3. Summary of Practices

1.1 These practices describe the sampling of aluminum and 3.1 Molten metal representative of the furnace melt is
aluminum-base alloys to obtain a chill-cast disk suitable for poured into a specified mold to produce a chill-cast disk. The
quantitative optical emission spectrochemical analysis. The disk is machined to a specified depth that represents the
disk in the region to be excited is representative of the melt or average composition and produces an acceptable surface for
product and gives a repeatability of results which approaches excitation.
that of the reference materials used. 3.2 Fabricated, cast, or wrought products are remelted and
1.2 These practices describe procedures for representative cast into molds, briquetted and remelted, bonded to more
sampling of molten metal, from fabricated or cast products massive material, or excited directly without remelting.
which can be melted, and from other forms which cannot be 3.3 Special practices are included for the sampling and
melted. analysis of aluminum-silicon alloys, containing greater than
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the 14 % silicon.
safety problems, if any, associated with its use. It is the
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- 4. Significance and Use
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica- 4.1 These practices, used in conjunction with the following
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. Specific precau- appropriate quantitative optical emission spectrochemical
tionary statements are given in 5.1 and 6.2. methods, Test Methods E 101, E 227, E 607, and E 1251, are
suitable for use in manufacturing control, material or product
2. Referenced Documents acceptance, and research and development.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
E 101 Test Method for Spectrographic Analysis of Alumi- 5. Apparatus
num and Aluminum Alloys by the Point-to-Plane Tech- 5.1 Ladle, capable of holding a minimum of 250 g (8.8 oz)
nique2 of molten metal, with a handle of sufficient length to reach into
E 227 Test Method for Optical Emission Spectrometric a furnace, trough, or crucible. The ladle should be lightly
Analysis of Aluminum and Aluminum Alloys by the coated with a tightly adhering ladle wash that will not
Point-to-Plane Technique2 contaminate the sample (Note 1).
E 401 Practice for Bonding Thin Spectrochemical Samples NOTE 1—Caution: Traces of moisture in the coating may cause dan-
and Standards to a Greater Mass of Material3 gerous spattering.
E 607 Test Method for Optical Emission Spectrometric NOTE 2—A suitable ladle wash may be prepared as follows: Mix 255 g
Analysis of Aluminum and Aluminum Alloys by the (9 oz) of fine whiting (CaCO3) with 3.8 L (1 gal) of water and boil for 20
Point-to-Plane Technique, Nitrogen Atmosphere3 min. Add 127 g (4.5 oz) of sodium silicate solution (40 to 42°Bé) and boil
E 1251 Test Method for Optical Emission Spectrometric for 30 min. Stir well before using.4
Analysis of Aluminum and Aluminum Alloys by the Argon 5.2 Sample Molds, capable of producing homogenous chill-
Atmosphere, Point-to-Plane, Unipolar Self-Initiating Ca- cast disks having smooth surfaces, free of surface pockets and
pacitor Discharge3 porosity. These castings should have a spectrochemical re-
sponse similar to the reference materials used in preparing the
analytical curves and must have a repeatability from excitation-
1
to-excitation of no more than 2 % relative on major elements.
These practices are under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E01 on
Analytical Chemistry for Metals, Ores, and Related Materials and are the direct
responsibility of Subcommittee E01.04 on Aluminum and Magnesium.
4
Current edition approved Jan. 15, 1994. Published March 1994. Originally Other proprietary ladle washes such as Dycote, available from Foseco, Inc., P.
published as E 716 – 80. Last previous edition E 716 – 85 (1989). O. Box 8728, Cleveland, OH 44135; and Zirconite, available from Titanium Alloy
2
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 03.05. Mfg. Co., 111 Broadway, New York, NY 10006, have been found suitable for this
3
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 03.06. purpose.

Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.

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 E 716 – 94 (2002)
They must be representative of the melt in the region excited. 5.2.3 Vacuum Mold5 is shown in Fig. 4. This mold pro-
Several types of molds have been found acceptable: duces disks that are 38 mm (1.5 in.) in diameter and 13 mm
5.2.1 Type A, book mold, is shown in Fig. 1. The advantage (0.5 in.) thick and weigh approximately 40 g (1.4 oz). The
of this mold is simplicity and low cost. This mold produces a mold consists of a solid copper base and a porous bronze wall
vertically cast disk with the sprue on its edge. The mold in the form of a composite mold insert which is located in a
dimensions are such as to produce a disk approximately 64 mm steel mold body. A graphite coated cast iron tip is attached to
(2.5 in.) in diameter by 6 to 8 mm (0.24 to 0.32 in.) in the mold body by a spring clamp assembly. The vacuum source
thickness. A circular central recess 15 to 25 mm (0.6 to 1.0 in.) can be either a small battery-operated vacuum pump or a
rubber syringe connected to the mold body.
in diameter on one side of the disk facilitates machining of that
5.2.4 Other Types of Molds—Other molds of different types,
side in preparation for excitation. It also promotes more
materials, and dimensions may be substituted provided that the
uniform freezing of the raised peripheral area. The mold
uniformity of the samples so obtained is comparable to the
material should be steel or cast iron and should weigh uniformity of samples obtained from Type A or B molds, and
approximately 2 to 3 kg (5 to 7 lb). furthermore that such samples have a spectrochemical response
5.2.2 Type B, center-pour mold, is shown in Fig. 2. The similar to the reference materials used for preparing the
advantage of this mold is that the sample obtained may be analytical curve.
excited around the entire annular area. This mold produces a 5.3 Lathe, capable of machining a smooth flat surface and
horizontally cast disk with the sprue over the center on the back having automatic cross feed. A milling machine may also be
side. The mold dimensions are such as to produce a disk used.
approximately 64 mm (2.5 in.) in diameter by 6 to 13 mm (0.24 5.4 Tool Bits—Either alloy steel or cemented carbide is
to 0.50 in.) in thickness. A circular central recess 10 to 20 mm recommended. The best shape of the tool varies with the type
(0.4 to 0.8 in.) in diameter on one side of the disk facilitates and speed of the lathe, but in general, soft metals require less
machining of that side in preparation for excitation. It also top and side rake than steel. For example, for pure aluminum,
promotes more uniform freezing of the raised peripheral area, a top rake of 0° and a side rake of 0 to 6° should prove
but the corresponding raised portion of the mold must not be so satisfactory. Also a side clearance of about 6° and a front
large as to restrict the throat for the sprue. A slight taper, 1 to clearance of 15° should be satisfactory for all aluminum disk
2 deg, on the hinged portion of the mold facilitates opening samples. The nose of the tool should be rounded. A tool bit
when a disk has been cast. The mold material should be steel design that has been found satisfactory for most aluminum
alloys is shown in Fig. 5.
or cast iron and should weigh approximately 3.5 to 4.5 kg (8 to
5.5 Portable Electric Melting Furnace,6 equipped with a
10 lb).
graphite crucible with a minimum capacity of 200 g (7.1 oz) of
NOTE 3—Prepare the surface of the mold cavity to minimize the molten aluminum, and capable of maintaining temperatures for
formation of gas pockets on the surface of the castings and to resist rusting melting aluminum alloys.
of the mold cavity surface. To do this, blast the inner surface with a sharp
grit that cuts rather than peens. The resulting finely roughened face is 6. Materials
essential for obtaining a smooth and uniform surface on the cast disk. 6.1 Graphite Rods—6.15 by 300-mm (0.242 by 12-in.)
Next, degrease the mold, place in a cold furnace, and raise the temperature spectroscopic electrodes are satisfactory.
to 400°C (752°F). At this temperature and throughout the remainder of the 6.2 Phosphorus, red, amorphous.
heating cycle, introduce steam into the furnace. Raise the temperature to
540°C (1004°F) and maintain for 4 h. The resulting black oxide coating is NOTE 4—Caution: Provide adequate ventilation when phosphorus is
tenacious and of a dull black appearance. added to molten metal.

5.2.2.1 Special Type B Mold, which produces a disk 6 mm 7. Preparation of Samples

(0.24 in.) thick, is required for undiluted aluminum-silicon 7.1 Molten Metal:
alloys containing greater than 14 % silicon. 7.1.1 Chill-Cast Disk by Molds A or B:
7.1.1.1 When a furnace or crucible of molten metal is to be
sampled, the temperature must be well above the point at
which any solid phase could be present. Using the ladle or a
separate skimming tool, coated with a dry, tightly adhering
mold wash (Note 2) and free of any remaining previous metal,
push any dross away from the sampling area. Next, dip the
ladle sideways into the clear area well below the surface and
stir momentarily. Then turn the ladle upright, and quickly
withdraw. Two things are thus accomplished, namely, heating

5
A portable Vacuum Sampler, available from Aluminum Company of America,
Alcoa Center, PA 15069, has been found suitable for this purpose.
6
A Jelrus Handy-Melt furnace and graphite crucible, available from Cole-Parmer
Instrument Co., 7425 North Oak Park Ave., Chicago, IL 60648, has been found
FIG. 1 Type A Mold and Sample suitable for this purpose.

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 E 716 – 94 (2002)

FIG. 2 Type B Molds and Samples

NOTE 1—Shaded areas acceptable for analysis.

FIG. 3 Samples from Type A and B Molds

FIG. 5 Tool Bit

without jarring. The surface of the disk must be free of any

shrinkage, inclusions, cracks, or roughness. Cut off the sprue
and machine the raised peripheral area surrounding the recess
to a depth of 14 to 22 % of the original thickness. This depth
is important because it corresponds to the composition on the
phase diagram that best represents the average composition of
the whole disk and therefore the actual composition of the
melt. Any other depth may result in a different analysis and
therefore cannot be accepted as valid. It is advisable to
determine the most appropriate machining depth for the
particular disk thickness used. The machined surface must be
smooth and free of scuffs, pits, or inclusions. The ideal surface
is neither polished nor visibly grooved but should be a surface
showing very fine tool marks. More specifically, the ideal
surface may be defined as approximately a 1.6 3 10−3-mm
FIG. 4 Mold for Vacuum Cast Samples (63-µin.) standard machine finish. A surface much finer or
much coarser may result in an apparent analytical difference.
the ladle prevents metal freezing on the wall and obtaining Furthermore, it is important that both sample and reference
metal well beneath the surface minimizes the danger of material have the same machine finish. Note that Type A disks
inclusion of small particles of oxide. may be excited only in certain areas (7:30 to 10:30 o’clock and
7.1.1.2 Unless the mold is already hot, cast a preliminary 1:30 to 4:30 o’clock positions) while Type B disks may be
disk into the clean mold in order to preheat it and discard this excited around the entire annular area. For both types, the outer
disk. Remove excess metal from the ladle, dip into the molten 5 mm (0.2 in.) to the edge and the inner region up to
metal as before, and fill the mold with an even rate of pour approximately 12-mm (0.48-in.) radius should not be excited.
which allows the escape of air from the mold. Do not dump the Fig. 3 illustrates both types of samples and the areas suitable
metal into the mold. Avoid overfilling the sprue, otherwise the for exciting are shaded.
mold may be difficult to open. Allow the metal to freeze quietly 7.1.2 Chill Cast Disk Using Vacuum Mold—Skim the dross

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 E 716 – 94 (2002)
from the molten metal as in 7.1.1.1, using a skimming tool. NOTE 6—These procedures are required only for the accurate determi-
Preheat the cast iron mold tip and attach it to the mold body nation of silicon at levels greater than 14 %. Other elements of interest
using the clamp arm assembly. Insert the mold tip into the may be determined satisfactorily without either the addition of phosphorus
or dilution with high-purity aluminum.
molten metal and immediately apply the vacuum to draw the
metal into the mold cavity. Remove the mold tip from the 7.3.1 Analysis Without Dilution:
metal, detach the mold tip from the mold body, and remove the 7.3.1.1 Molten Metal—Heat the metal to be sampled to
disk. The disks are prepared for analysis by machining a 760°C (1400°F). Preheat the sampling ladle. Add red phospho-
smooth surface on the side opposite the sprue at a depth of 2.0 rus in a ratio of 1 g (0.036 oz) per 400 g (14.1 oz) of metal to
mm (0.08 in.) below the original surface. Analysis can be made a ladle of the melt. Stir briskly with a graphite rod, skim, and
360° around the disk in the annular area adjacent to the edge, make a preliminary casting, using the special Type B mold
avoiding the center area. producing a 6-mm (0.24-in.) thick sample. Discard the first
7.1.3 Other Accepted Molds—If molds other than Types A disk, and make a second disk for analysis. Remove the sprue,
and B or the vacuum mold are used, the same instructions and machine the sample to a depth of 1.1 mm (0.044 in.) below
given in 7.1 would apply. In addition, since a mold of different the original surface. Using a carbide-tipped tool which has
dimensions may result in a different freezing pattern, each new been used less than 30 times, continue to machine to a depth of
type of mold must be evaluated in order to ascertain the proper 1.2 mm (0.048 in.) below the original surface. A400-r/min
depth of machining to represent the true composition of the spindle speed and a 0.68-in. (17-mm) radius/min crossfeed are
melt. recommended for the final cut. If equivalent analytical perfor-
7.2 Fabricated and Cast Products: mance can be shown, the use of other materials, such as a
7.2.1 Chill-Cast Disk by Molds A, B, or the Vacuum diamond-tipped bit, may also be used. Reference materials and
Mold—When the metal to be analyzed is in wrought or cast samples shall be machined under identical conditions.
form and a destructive test is applicable, remelt a representa- 7.3.1.2 Cast Products—When the metal to be analyzed is in
tive portion of the metal at a temperature well above the cast form, remelt the metal and prepare a disk sample as in
liquidus line of the alloy. A clay-graphite or other inert crucible 7.3.1.1. Carry out the melting and casting operation as rapidly
may be used and placed in a convenient laboratory electric as possible.
furnace. Then cast the melt in one of the molds as described in
7.3.2 Analysis With Dilution:
7.1. If the sample is in the form of turnings, thin sheet, or other
finely divided material, remove grease or any coatings with a 7.3.2.1 Molten Metal—Sample the molten metal as in 7.1 or
suitable solvent and press into a briquet before melting and 7.3.1.1, omitting the red phosphorus. Weigh this original
proceeding as in 7.1. Details of briquet size and formation are sample to 0.01 g, and remelt with a similar amount of 99.99 %
not critical to the success of preparing a melt. The largest aluminum in a laboratory electric furnace. Stir thoroughly with
briquet that can be successfully formed and that will fit into the a graphite rod, and cast a new sample, using any of the molds
remelt crucible will obviously speed up the remelt process. described in 5.2. For Types A and B molds, preheat the mold on
Carry out the melting and casting operation as rapidly as a hot plate at 177°C, (350°F) and cast a sample for analysis.
possible, and use as large melt as practical to minimize losses Make vacuum-cast samples by inserting the mold tip into the
of volatile elements. molten metal and applying vacuum to draw the metal into the
mold cavity.
NOTE 5—Remelting is not satisfactory for the determination of sodium,
7.3.2.2 Cast Products—When the metal to be analyzed is in
calcium, and lithium, and some magnesium may also be lost if the melt is
overheated or held for an excessive time. cast form, remelt the original metal and prepare the sample as
in 7.3.2.1.
7.2.2 Direct Excitation Without Casting a Sample—When 7.3.2.3 Prepare the diluted sample for analysis by removing
the sample preparation procedures described in 7.1 cannot be the sprue, and machining Type A or Type B disks to a depth of
followed, for example, where melting would cause loss of a 14 to 22 % of the original thickness. Those vacuum cast should
volatile constituent, or where it is otherwise impractical, be machined to a depth of 2.0 mm (0.08 in.) below the original
usually only approximate analyses can be made. (1) The surface. Analyze the diluted sample, using appropriate refer-
sample must be sufficiently massive to prevent undue heating, ence materials with a similar composition and metallurgical
(2) it must have a sufficiently flat surface for excitation, and (3) structure. Dilutions with pure aluminum can be made with
reference materials having a similar spectrochemical response ratios other than 1:1 in order to match the diluted composition
must be available. On sheet and plate samples, machine-off with existing reference materials. Volatile elements such as
approximately 0.8 mm (0.032 in.) or one fourth of the sample sodium and calcium can be lost on remelting and should be
thickness, whichever is the smaller. On other products, ma- determined on the original sample.
chine a flat surface at least 1.3 mm (0.052 in.) below the
original surface. Choose the depth, location, and number of 8. Calculations for Analysis with Dilution
areas to be analyzed to provide a representative analysis of the
product. In accordance with Practice E 401, thin flat material 8.1 Calculate the composition of the original sample by
may also be bonded by means of a heat and electrically multiplying the composition of the diluted sample by the
conducting epoxy-type adhesive to a more massive section to dilution ratio. The dilution ratio is computed as follows:
provide a heat sink. W 1 1 W2
7.3 Hyper-Eutectic Aluminum-Silicon Alloys (Note 6) Dilution ratio 5 W2 (1)

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 E 716 – 94 (2002)

where: W2 = weight of original material to be diluted.

W1 = weight of 99.99 % Al, and

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