Physical Property Testing of Metals
We have outlined our general procedure for determining the density of impermeable metals. This structured approach ensures reliable and consistent data for material characterization and quality control purposes in accordance with ISO 3369 standard.
While we have provided a summary of our process here, it is essential to refer to the full standard for detailed guidance on preparing test specimens, conducting tests, and interpreting the results.
Specimen Preparation
The specified volume of all specimens was larger than 0.5 cm3 and were typically cylindrical and were prepared using precision machining, ensuring smooth surfaces free from foreign material, dirt, grease or oil.
Specimen testing and conditioning were conducted at room temperature, defined as 23°C ± 5°C (73.4°F ± 9°F), and relative humidity of 50% ± 10%, ensuring stable environmental conditions during measurements.
Apparatus
For mass measurements a precision balance was utilized and specimens were suspended on a upper or lower rack. The weighing liquid was distilled water in all cases held in a large beaker.
Procedure
- The test piece was placed on the upper rack and the lower rack was suspended and immersed into the vessel containing the distilled liquid water, all air bubbles we're removed and then mass measurements taken.
- The test piece was then placed on the lower rack and was also immersed into the vessel containing the distilled liquid water, all air bubbles we're removed and then mass measurements taken.
Test Outcomes
As per the equation laid out in ISO 3369 the density of the metal was determined.
For the listed material properties in the Manta Materials data tables, the values are averaged from multiple test specimens per standard, with adjustments made for testing tolerances and uncertainties.
Flexural Testing of Metals at Room Temperature
We have outlined our general procedure for flexural testing of metallic materials at room temperature. This structured approach ensures reliable and consistent data for material characterization and quality control purposes in accordance with ISO 7438 and ASTM E290 standards.
While we have provided a summary of our process here, it is essential to refer to the full standards for detailed guidance on preparing test specimens, conducting flexural tests, and interpreting the results.
Both standards aim to determine similar properties but differ in aspects such as specimen dimensions, span lengths, and testing configurations. Our materials database incorporates both approaches to provide comprehensive data representation.
Specimen Preparation
All test specimens were prepared using precise machining techniques to ensure flat, smooth surfaces and edges that are free from notches or other defects that could affect test results.
- ISO 7438: Specifies the use of rectangular or cylindrical specimens. The length, width, and thickness of the specimens must be within specified tolerances to ensure consistent and accurate measurements.
- ASTM E290: Uses specimens that are typically flat and rectangular, with a length at least 16 times the thickness. The surfaces must be smooth and free from any markings or imperfections that might concentrate stress.

# | Dimensions | ISO 7438 | ASTM E290 |
---|---|---|---|
1 | Length (L) | ≥ 10 times thickness (t) | ≥ 16 times thickness (t) |
2 | Width (w) | Varies based on specimen type | Varies based on specimen type |
3 | Thickness (t) | Specified per standard | Specified per standard |
4 | Support Span (s) | Typically 10-16 times thickness (t) | Varies; often 16x thickness (t) |
Specimen testing and conditioning were conducted at room temperature, defined as 23°C ± 5°C (73.4°F ± 9°F).
Apparatus
All testing was performed using a flexural testing machine with adjustable support spans to accommodate different specimen sizes. The testing system was calibrated in accordance with ISO 7500-1 and ASTM E4 to ensure accurate force application and measurement.
The flexural testing apparatus included fixtures for three-point or four-point bending, depending on the material and testing requirements. The load was applied at a constant rate until specimen failure or a specified deflection was reached.
Procedure
The following test procedure was used for flexural testing according to each standard:
- Specimen Preparation: Each specimen was prepared to meet the specified dimensions and surface quality requirements. Thickness and width were measured using calibrated micrometers.
- Machine Calibration: The flexural testing machine was calibrated using standard reference materials to ensure the accuracy of force and deflection measurements.
- Specimen Loading: The specimen was placed on the support anvils with the load applicator aligned at the midpoint for three-point bending, or at the one-third points for four-point bending. The support span was set according to the standard.
- Applying Load: The load was applied at a constant rate of crosshead movement, as specified by the standard, until the specimen exhibited bending or failure. The machine recorded the force and corresponding deflection.
- Data Collection: The flexural strength, modulus of elasticity, and flexural strain were calculated based on the recorded data.
Test Outcomes
The following mechanical properties are calculated from the flexural test data:
- Flexural Strength: The stress at which a material yields in a flexure test, indicating its ability to resist deformation under load. In ceramic materials this is often a substitute for uniaxial tensile strength.
- Modulus of Elasticity in Bending: The ratio of stress to strain in the linear portion of the stress-strain curve, indicating the material's stiffness during bending.
- Flexural Strain: The strain in the outermost fibers of the specimen at the point of maximum load during bending.
For the listed material properties in the Manta Materials data tables, the upper and lower bounds are calculated from the test specimens from both standards, incorporating a margin to account for test tolerances and uncertainty.
Rockwell Hardness Testing of Metals at Room Temperature
We have outlined our general procedure for Rockwell hardness testing of metallic materials at room temperature. This structured approach ensures reliable and consistent data for material characterization and quality control purposes in accordance with ISO 6508-1 and ASTM E18 standards.
While we have provided a summary of our process here, it is essential to refer to the full standards for detailed guidance on preparing test specimens, conducting hardness tests, and interpreting the results.
Both standards aim to determine similar properties but differ in aspects such as indentor types, loads, and testing procedures. Both approaches have been considered in our materials database to ensure comprehensive data representation.
Specimen Preparation
All test specimens were prepared following precise machining and finishing techniques to ensure flat, smooth, and clean surfaces, free from scale, machining marks, or any other imperfections that could affect hardness measurements.
- ISO 6508-1: Requires a minimum specimen thickness that is at least 10 times the depth of indentation. The surface finish must be smooth and free of scratches or other defects that could influence the test results.
- ASTM E18: Recommends a minimum specimen thickness of 10 times the indentation depth for accurate measurements. Surfaces should be polished to remove any oxides or contaminants and provide a consistent hardness reading.

# | Parameters | ISO 6508-1 | ASTM E18 |
---|---|---|---|
1 | Indentor Types | Diamond cone, steel ball (1/16”, 1/8”, 1/4”, 1/2”) | Diamond cone, steel ball (1/16”, 1/8”, 1/4”, 1/2”) |
2 | Load Range | 60 kgf, 100 kgf, 150 kgf | 60 kgf, 100 kgf, 150 kgf |
3 | Specimen Thickness | ≥ 10 times the indentation depth | ≥ 10 times the indentation depth |
Specimen testing and conditioning were conducted at room temperature, defined as 23°C ± 5°C (73.4°F ± 9°F).
Apparatus
All testing was performed using a Rockwell hardness tester equipped with appropriate indentors and load settings as per the standard requirements. The testing equipment was calibrated in accordance with ISO 6508-2 and ASTM E18 for the force application and measurement accuracy.
The Rockwell hardness tester utilized a diamond cone or hardened steel ball indentor, depending on the material and hardness scale being tested. The machine ensured precise control over the force application to maintain consistent indentation depths.
Procedure
The following test procedure was used for Rockwell hardness testing according to each standard:
- Specimen Preparation: Each specimen was prepared with a clean, smooth surface, and its thickness was verified to be at least 10 times the anticipated depth of indentation.
- Machine Calibration: The hardness tester was calibrated using standard reference blocks to ensure accuracy and repeatability in measurements.
- Indentation: The indentor was brought into contact with the specimen surface, and the appropriate force was applied for the selected Rockwell scale. The force was held for a specified dwell time to ensure accurate indentation.
- Data Recording: The depth of the indentation was measured automatically by the machine, and the corresponding Rockwell hardness value was displayed and recorded.
Test Outcomes
The following hardness properties are calculated from the Rockwell hardness test data:
- Rockwell Hardness Number (HR): The hardness value is calculated based on the depth of the indentation under a specific load, using either the Rockwell or Superficial Rockwell scales.
- Scale Selection: The choice of Rockwell scale (e.g., HRC, HRB) is based on material type, thickness, and the specific hardness range being tested.
For the listed material properties in the Manta Materials data tables, the Rockwell hardness values are determined according to the average of multiple test points across the specimen surface to account for material heterogeneity and ensure accurate characterization.
Electrical Conductivity Testing of Ceramics
We have outlined our general procedure for electrical conductivity testing of ceramics at room temperature. This structured approach ensures reliable and consistent data for material characterization and quality control purposes in accordance with ISO 29117 and ASTM D257 standards.
While we have provided a summary of our process here, it is essential to refer to the full standards for detailed guidance on preparing test specimens, conducting electrical conductivity tests, and interpreting the results.
Both standards aim to determine the electrical conductivity of ceramics but differ in aspects such as specimen dimensions, test methods, and calculation of electrical properties. Our materials database incorporates both approaches to provide comprehensive data representation.
Specimen Preparation
All test specimens were prepared using precise machining techniques to ensure they meet the required dimensions and surface conditions. Specimens were made flat, smooth, and free from defects such as voids or surface irregularities that could affect the electrical conductivity measurements.
- ISO 29117: Specifies using flat specimens with a minimum thickness of 1 mm and a sufficient size to ensure proper contact with electrodes. The surface should be smooth to ensure uniform electrical contact.
- ASTM D257: Recommends using flat, rectangular specimens with a minimum thickness of 1 mm and dimensions large enough to accommodate the electrodes. The surface must be free of contaminants and polished to ensure good electrical contact.

# | Specimen Requirements | ISO 29117 | ASTM D257 |
---|---|---|---|
1 | Minimum Thickness | 1 mm | 1 mm |
2 | Specimen Size | Sufficient to ensure proper electrode contact | Large enough to accommodate electrodes |
3 | Surface Condition | Smooth and free from defects | Polished and free of contaminants |
Specimen testing and conditioning were conducted at room temperature, defined as 23°C ± 5°C (73.4°F ± 9°F).
Apparatus
All testing was conducted using a resistivity meter or electrometer capable of measuring low conductivity materials, equipped with electrodes suitable for ceramics. The testing apparatus was calibrated in accordance with ISO 29117 and ASTM D257 standards to ensure accurate measurements of electrical conductivity.
The apparatus was equipped with a high-impedance voltage source and sensitive current measuring device to detect small currents passing through the specimen, ensuring precise determination of electrical conductivity.
Procedure
The following test procedure was used for electrical conductivity testing of ceramics according to each standard:
- Specimen Preparation: Each specimen was prepared to meet the specified dimensions and surface condition requirements. Specimens were cut or machined to provide a flat testing surface free of any surface imperfections or contaminants.
- Conditioning: The specimens were conditioned at 23°C ± 5°C (73.4°F ± 9°F) and 50% relative humidity for at least 16 hours to reach equilibrium with the testing environment, as recommended by both standards.
- Specimen Placement: The specimen was placed between the electrodes of the resistivity meter, ensuring proper alignment and contact to avoid any gaps that could affect the measurements.
- Applying Voltage: A specified voltage was applied across the specimen while the current passing through it was measured. The voltage and current were monitored to ensure they remained within the limits specified by the standards.
- Data Collection: The electrical conductivity (σ) was calculated based on the measured current, applied voltage, and specimen dimensions. Multiple measurements were taken to ensure consistency and repeatability of results.
Test Outcomes
The following electrical properties are determined from the electrical conductivity test data for ceramics:
- Electrical Conductivity (σ): The ability of a ceramic material to conduct electric current, calculated based on the measured current, applied voltage, and specimen dimensions. It is expressed in siemens per meter (S/m).
- Volume Resistivity (ρ): The measure of a material's resistance to electric current flow through its volume, inversely related to electrical conductivity. It is expressed in ohm-meters (Ω·m).
For the listed material properties in the Manta Materials data tables, the values are averaged from multiple test specimens per standard, with adjustments made for testing tolerances and uncertainties.