Standardization News

ASTM International Committee A01 on Steel, Stainless Steel and Related Alloys encourages all interested parties to contribute to the ongoing revision of A262, Practices for Detecting Susceptibility to Intergranular Attack in Austenitic Stainless Steels.

A262 is a widely referenced standard under the jurisdiction of Subcommittee A01.14 on Methods of Corrosion Testing. The standard is frequently used to test the corrosion resistance of austenitic stainless steels in both specific environments and generally against intergranular attack. A262 is primarily used by manufacturers and purchasers of primary stainless steel products, as well as manufacturers and users of finished products.

According to Annemarie Appleton, chairman of A01.14, revisions are being undertaken to enhance the robustness, repeatability and reproducibility of A262.

"A01.14 would particularly like to hear from laboratories that work regularly with the methods described in A262 in order to collect test data histories, typical test setup information photomicrographs of casting microstructures and other information on the use of A262 in labs," says Appleton, vice president, manufacturing, Knickerbocker Machine Shop Inc./Alloy Stainless Products Co.

A01.14 has established an online collaboration area for A262 revision work, under work item number WK37157. Interested parties who would like to participate may contact the WK37157 task group chairman, John Grubb, ATI Metals.

Appleton also notes that, in addition to revising A262, the subcommittee is also developing a proposed new standard, WK33424, Test Method for Detecting Detrimental Intermetallic Phases in Lean Duplex Austenitic/Ferritic Stainless Steels. Participation in the development of WK33424 is also encouraged.

CONTACT Technical Information: Annemarie Appleton, Knickerbocker Machine Shop Inc./Alloy Stainless Products Co. • Totowa, N.J. • Phone: 800-631-8372 | ASTM Staff: Kevin Shanahan • Phone: 610-832-9737 | Upcoming Meeting: Nov. 12-15 • November Committee Week • Atlanta, Ga.