This standard specifies the method and apparatus for

• the measurement of the delta ferrite content, expressed as Ferrite Number (FN), in largely austenitic and duplex ferritic-austenitic stainless steel¹ weld metal through the attractive force between a weld metal sample and a standard permanent magnet;

• the preparation and measurement of standard pads for shielded metal arc covered electrodes. The general method is also recommended for the ferrite measurement of production welds and for weld metal from other processes, such as gas tungsten arc welding, gas metal arc welding, and submerged arc welding (in these cases, the way of producing the pad should be defined);

• the calibration of other instruments to measure FN.

The method described in this standard is intended for use on weld metals in the as-welded state and on weld metals after thermal treatments causing complete or partial transformation of ferrite to any non-magnetic phase. Austenitizing thermal treatments which alter the size and shape of the ferrite will change the magnetic response of the ferrite.

The method is not intended for measurement of the ferrite content of cast, forged or wrought austenitic or duplex ferritic-austenitic steel samples.

Safety and health issues and concerns are beyond the scope of this standard; some safety and health information is provided, but such issues are not fully addressed herein. Safety and health information is available from the following sources:

American Welding Society:

(1) ANSI Z49.1, Safety in Welding, Cutting, and Allied Processes

(2) AWS Safety and Health Fact Sheets

(3) Other safety and health information on the AWS website

Material or Equipment Manufacturers:

(1) Safety Data Sheets supplied by materials manufacturers

(2) Operating Manuals supplied by equipment manufacturers

Applicable Regulatory Agencies

Work performed in accordance with this standard may involve the use of materials that have been deemed hazardous and may involve operations or equipment that may cause injury or death. This standard does not purport to address all safety and health risks that may be encountered. The user of this standard should establish an appropriate safety program to address such risks as well as to meet applicable regulatory requirements. ANSI Z49.1 should be considered when developing the safety program.

¹ The term “austenitic-ferritic (duplex) stainless steel” is sometimes applied in place of “duplex ferritic-austenitic stainless steel”.