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 shielded 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.

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