What is the difference between ASTM E8 and ASTM A370?

The ASTM E8 and ASTM A370 are both standards established by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), but they pertain to different aspects of materials testing, specifically concerning mechanical properties evaluation.

ASTM E8:

ASTM E8 is a standard test method used for determining the tensile properties of metallic materials. It's focused on assessing the behavior of metals under tension, providing crucial information about their strength, ductility, and other mechanical properties.

Key Points about ASTM E8:

1. Tensile Testing: ASTM E8 involves subjecting a metallic specimen (usually in the form of a cylindrical or flat specimen) to axial tension until it breaks.

2. Parameters Evaluated: It measures various properties such as yield strength, ultimate tensile strength, elongation, and reduction in area.

3. Procedure: The test involves loading the specimen in tension at a controlled rate until it fractures. The force and deformation (strain) applied during the test are measured to determine the material's behavior under tension.

4. Applications: This test method is widely used in industries such as manufacturing, construction, and aerospace to assess the quality and suitability of metallic materials for specific applications.

ASTM A370:

ASTM A370 is a broader standard that covers the mechanical testing of steel products. It incorporates various test methods, including tension, bend, hardness, impact, and others, to evaluate the mechanical properties of different steel products.

Key Points about ASTM A370:

1. Scope: ASTM A370 defines and details the mechanical testing methods used for different types of steel products, including bars, plates, tubes, and structural shapes.

2. Inclusion of Multiple Tests: Apart from tension testing (similar to ASTM E8), it includes procedures for bend testing, impact testing, hardness testing, etc., depending on the specific requirements of the steel product being evaluated.

3. Quality Assessment: The standard helps in ensuring that steel materials meet specified mechanical property requirements and quality standards.

4. Applications: ASTM A370 is applied across various industries where steel is used, including construction, manufacturing, automotive, and more.

Difference:

The primary difference between ASTM E8 and ASTM A370 lies in their scope and focus:

• ASTM E8 specifically addresses the tensile testing of metallic materials and is focused on assessing tensile properties such as strength and ductility in metals.

• ASTM A370 encompasses a broader range of mechanical tests and is specifically tailored to cover the mechanical testing requirements for different types of steel products, incorporating various testing methods beyond tensile testing.

In essence, while both standards involve evaluating mechanical properties of materials, ASTM E8 concentrates on the tensile properties of metallic materials, whereas ASTM A370 covers a wider range of mechanical tests, particularly targeting steel products to ensure compliance with industry standards and specifications.