Designation: E161 12

Standard Specification for

Precision Electroformed Sieves1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E161; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon () indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.

1. Scope 2. Referenced Documents

1.1 This specification covers the requirements for design 2.1 ASTM Standards:3
and construction of electroformed sieves. These sieves are used C430 Test Method for Fineness of Hydraulic Cement by the
to perform particle-size distribution analysis and in preparing 45-m (No. 325) Sieve
narrowly designated particle-size fractions. They may also be E11 Specification for Woven Wire Test Sieve Cloth and Test
used as reference standards when suitably calibrated. A method Sieves
of calibrating these sieves is included in Annex A1. E323 Specification for Perforated-Plate Sieves for Testing
Purposes
NOTE 1Complete instructions and procedures on the use and calibra- E1638 Terminology Relating to Sieves, Sieving Methods,
tion of testing sieves are contained in ASTM Manual 32.2 This publication and Screening Media
also contains a list of all published ASTM Standards on sieve analysis
procedures for specific materials or industries. 2.2 ISO Standard:4
ISO 565 Test sievesMetal Wire Cloth, Perforated Plate
1.2 The sieve analysis results from two testing sieves of the
and Electroformed Sheet-Nominal Aperture Sizes
same sieve designation may not be the same because of the
variances in sieve opening permitted by this specification. To
3. Terminology
minimize the differences in sieve analysis results, the use of
testing sieves matched on a performance basis is suggested. 3.1 DefinitionsFor definitions of related terms, refer to
Terminology E1638.
NOTE 2For other types of sieves, see Specifications E11 and E323. 3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
1.3 The values stated in SI units shall be considered 3.2.1 electroformed material, nelectrodeposited grid ma-
standard for the dimensions of the electroformed mesh open- terial consisting of precision openings used as the base material
ings and the size of the wires in the electroformed mesh. The for electroformed sieves.
values stated in inch-pound units shall be considered standard 3.2.2 electroformed sieves, nsee test sieve (electro-
with regard to the sieve frames. formed).
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the 3.2.3 non-standard frames (electroformed), nsieve frames
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the other than as specified in accordance with Table 2 of Specifi-
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- cation E161 that may be circular, square, rectangular, or
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica- non-metal.
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. 3.2.3.1 DiscussionThe frame may have the electroformed
sheet permanently attached, or it may be designed so the
electroformed sheet is replaceable.
3.2.4 support grid, nconductive metal grid mounted to the
sieve sheet.
1
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E29 on Particle
and Spray Characterization and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E29.01
3
on Sieves, Sieving Methods, and Screening Media on Sieves, Sieving Methods, and For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Screening Media. contact ASTM Customer Service at [email protected]. For Annual Book of ASTM
Current edition approved April 1, 2012. Published May 2012. Originally Standards volume information, refer to the standards Document Summary page on
approved in 1960. Last previous edition approved in 2010 as E161 00 (2010). the ASTM website.
4
DOI: 10.1520/E0161-12. Available from International Organization for Standardization (ISO), 1, ch. de
2
ASTM Manual 32, Manual on Test Sieving Methods, available from ASTM, la Voie-Creuse, Case postale 56, CH-1211, Geneva 20, Switzerland, http://
100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. www.iso.ch.

Copyright ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States

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 E161 12
TABLE 1 Nominal Dimensions, Permissible Variations and Limits 5. Sieve Sheet Requirements
for Precision Electroformed Sieves
5.1 The material used in the manufacture of the sieve sheet
Tolerance Limits, Limits,
Nominal
on Sieve Openings per Openings per shall be nickel or a metal suitable for electrodeposition in a
Opening Size, Linear cmB Linear in. firm crystalline structure. The sheet shall have square or round
A Openings,
m
m Min Max Min Max openings with straight uniform sides and smooth, flat surfaces
500 2.0 15.35 16.14 39 41 except for a slight bevel along the edges of the openings. The
425 2.0 17.32 18.11 44 46 thickness of the sheet (exclusive of the supporting grid, see
355 2.0 19.29 20.87 49 53
300 2.0 22.83 24.41 58 62 5.2), is governed by the method of manufacture, the size of the
250 2.0 25.20 26.77 64 68 openings and the width of material between openings, but in no
212 2.0 31.89 33.46 81 85 case shall the thickness of material between the openings be
180 2.0 35.04 36.61 89 93
150 2.0 41.34 46.06 105 117 less than 10 m (0.0004 in.).
125 2.0 46.06 51.18 117 130
106 2.0 47.24 59.06 120 150
5.2 If a supporting grid is required for durability, the sieve
90 2.0 55.12 78.74 140 200 sheet shall be mounted to the supporting metal grid in such a
75 2.0 59.06 78.74 150 200 manner that the sheet is firmly bonded to the grid. The
63 2.0 66.93 98.43 170 250
53 2.0 78.74 110.24 200 280
supporting grid shall be of suitable thickness and strand width
45 2.0 90.55 118.11 230 300 to provide adequate support to the sheet. The sheet shall be
38 2.0 98.43 137.80 250 350 mounted on the supporting grid with the openings running in
32 2.0 110.24 157.48 280 400
25 2.0 118.11C 196.85C 300C 500C
the same direction as those of the supporting grid.
20 2.0 157.48C 295.28C 400C 750C 5.3 The finished and mounted sieve sheet from which the
15 2.0 157.48C 295.28C 400C 750C
10 2.0 196.85C 393.70C 500C 1000C sieves are constructed, shall conform to the requirements for
5 2.0 196.85C 590.55C 500C 1500C opening size and spacing as outlined in Table 1. Extraneous
A
These nominal size openings are from the preferred number series R40/3 and metal formed in or near the corners which does not restrict the
R10. (Openings on apertures 32 m and less are series R10.) These standard passage of a spheroidal particle shall be disregarded. The mean
designations correspond to the values for test sieve apertures recommended by
the International Standards Organization, Geneva, Switzerland, in ISO 565. Other dimension of these openings as defined in Table 1 establishes
opening sizes are not precluded. the designated size of the sieve.
B
These limits permit at least two adjacent sieves to be formed with the same
number of openings per cm. The percent open area must in no case be so great NOTE 3In instances where a support grid is required for durability,
that the width of metal between openings is less than 13 m. opening sizes smaller than the allowable tolerances will be observed. This
C
Because of their greater durability in routine testing, sieves made close to the occurs where the support grid overlaps the sieve openings in such a way
minimum limit are normally supplied. Sieves made close to the maximum limit may as to either block a portion of the opening or to create several smaller
be obtained only on special order but are preferable from the standpoint of logical openings. This is an unavoidable situation and has been determined to
progression and better test completion time.
have little measurable effect on the sieving open area or sieve perfor-
mance.
5.3.1 There shall be no punctures, missing or deformed
areas, or other obvious defects in the sieve sheet.
3.2.5 test sieve (electroformed), na sieve manufactured by
mounting electroformed material consisting of high precision 6. Test Sieve Frames
openings in a frame, designed for use in particle size analysis 6.1 General RequirementsFrames for precision electro-
by sieving. formed sieves shall be made from non-corrosive material such
as brass or stainless steel, and constructed in such a manner as
4. Ordering Information to be rigid.
4.1 Orders for items under this specification include the 6.1.1 The sieve sheet shall be mounted on the frame without
following information as necessary: distortion, looseness, or waviness.
4.1.1 Name of material (Electroformed Sieve), 6.1.2 To prevent the material being sieved from catching in
4.1.2 ASTM designation and year of issue (Specification the joint between the sieve sheet and the frame, the joint shall
E161 XX), be filled smoothly or constructed so that the material will not
4.1.3 Quantity of each item, and be trapped.
4.1.4 Standard sieve designation (Table 1, Column 1). 6.2 Standard Circular FramesSieve frames shall be
4.1.5 For testing sieves in standard circular frames: circular, of seamless construction, with nominal diameters of 3,
4.1.5.1 Nominal sieve frame diameter, and 3.94, 7.87, 8, and 12 in. (76.2, 100, 200, 203.2, and 304.8 mm)
4.1.5.2 Nominal sieve frame height. as may be specified. The dimensions shall conform to the
4.1.6 For sieve cloth not in frames or in non-standard requirements in Table 2.
frames: 6.2.1 The bottom of the frames shall be constructed so as to
4.1.6.1 Lateral dimension of sieve mesh, and provide an easy sliding fit with any sieve frames of the same
4.1.6.2 Description of non-standard frame. nominal diameter conforming to the specified dimensions.
4.1.7 For sieves requiring supporting grid: 6.2.2 The joint or fillet at the connection of the sieve sheet
4.1.7.1 Support grid desired, to the frames will provide a minimum clear sieving surface
4.1.7.2 Support grid mounted up or down, and with a diameter equal to the nominal diameter less 0.5 in. (13
4.1.8 Compatible sieve pans and covers. mm).

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 E161 12
TABLE 2 Dimensions of Standard Circular Frames
Proposed Revision Mean Diameter Comments Typical FrameA
Current Nominal Diameter, in. Nominal HeightB
Inside at TopC Outside on Skirt
3 3.000 in. + 0.030 0.000 3.000 in. + 0.000 0.030 1 in. (25.4 mm)
(76.20 mm + 0.76 0.00) (76.20 mm + 0.00 0.76)
8 8.000 in. + 0.030 0.000 8.000 in. + 0.000 0.030 2 in. (50.8 mm) FHD
(203.20 mm + 0.76 0.00) (203.20 mm + 0.00 0.76) 1 in. (25.4 mm) HHE
12 12.00 in. + 0.030 0.000 12.00 in. + 0.000 0.030 2 in. (50.8 mm) FH
(304.80 mm + 0.76 0.00) (304.80 mm + 0.00 0.76)
A
Other frame heights are not precluded.
B
Distance from the top of the frame to the sieve cloth surface.
C
Measured 0.2 in. (5 mm) below the top of the frame.
D
FH = Full height.
E
HH = Half height.

6.3 Non-Standard FramesOther sieve frames may be 7. Product Marking

either square, rectangular, or circular.
7.1 Each sieve shall bear a label marked with the following
6.3.1 The frame may have the sieve sheet permanently
installed or may be designed to permit replacement. information:
7.1.1 This ASTM designation,
NOTE 4Refer to Test Method C430, which contains requirements for
3-in. (76.2-mm) diameter by 3-in. (76.2-mm) high sieves used in the 7.1.2 The nominal size of the openings in micrometres,
mineral industries, especially the cement group. 7.1.3 The mean size in m, and
6.3.2 The provisions of 6.1 apply, except that the frames 7.1.4 The name of the manufacturer or the responsible
may also be made of other materials. distributor.
NOTE 5Exercise care to prevent loss of material when using non-
standard sieve frames. 8. Keywords
6.4 Pans and CoversPans and covers for use with sieves 8.1 opening; particle size; sieve; sieve analysis; sieve des-
shall be made so as to nest with the sieves. Pans with extended ignation; sieve sheet; test sieve
rims (stacking skirts) shall be furnished when specified. The
pans and covers shall conform to the dimensions in Table 2.

ANNEXES

(Mandatory Information)

A1. METHOD OF CALIBRATING PRECISION ELECTROFORMED SIEVES

A1.1 The unique manner of forming the sieve sheet makes A1.2.2 Measurements must be sensitive to 0.5 m. Bottom
it easier and more precise to measure the openings rather than illumination of preferably monochromatic light with essen-
the nominal width of metal between adjacent openings as is tially parallel rays is necessary. It is also a distinct advantage to
frequently done in the case of wire-cloth sieves. In some cases, have vertical illumination through the objective. The magnifi-
electrodeposition produces small spurs or bulges of metal cation of the apparatus, and filar micrometer if used, is
which project several m into the open area in the plane of the determined by means of a calibrated-stage micrometre certified
sheet, thereby restricting the passage of spheroidal particles to 60.5 m for the 0.01 mm scale divisions and not greater
which would go through a normally perfect opening. than 60.5 m accumulated error for the complete scale.

A1.2 Scan the entire area with a wide-angle binocular A1.2.3 Calibration is accomplished by focusing the micro-
microscope having a magnifying power of approximately 50 scope at the narrowest point of the open area, aligning the cross
to determine if the sheet conforms to the specifications given in hair of the micrometer with the edges of the opening, and
5.3, and if the edges between the sheet and frame are sealed measuring across the opening to the opposite edge. By turning
completely. the micrometer in only one direction any instrument backlash
is avoided. Only openings with straight sides (no spurs or
A1.2.1 Most microscopes will accommodate the 76.2-mm bulges projecting more than 1 m into the opening from the
(3-in.) sieve on the existing stage without modifications. A center portion of the side) are measured. The number of
microscope fitted with a 20 or 40 objective and a filar openings actually measured and the number of openings that
micrometer eyepiece of 10 or 12.5 power is sufficient for most would have been measured except for the presence of spurs or
of the sieves. bulges are noted. It is recommended that these measurements

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 E161 12
be made in at least 20 fields chosen at random over the area of conformance to specifications. Periodic tests on such material
the sieve. At least five actual measurements shall be made in will serve to detect the presence of broken meshes that might
each field. Half of the openings shall be measured in one not be observed by microscopical scanning. Calibrated glass
direction and half in the other. sphere reference materials may be obtained from the U.S.
Department of Commerce National Institute of Standards and
A1.2.4 Sieves with openings less than 25 m in size shall be
Technology (NIST). Currently, five glass sphere SRMs are
measured with the microscope fitted with the 40 objective.
available from the NIST SRM Program;5 they are: SRM 1003b
A1.2.5 It is necessary to attain considerable experience in which consists of glass spheres with diameters ranging from 10
the use of the equipment and in making measurements before to 60 m; SRM 1004a glass spheres with diameters ranging
the desired accuracy is attained. Therefore, it is recommended from 40 to 170 m; SRM 1017b glass spheres with diameters
that several operators measure a sieve several times in order to ranging from 100 to 400 m; SRM 1019a glass spheres with
detect personal variations. diameters ranging from 760 to 2160 m. Detailed instructions
for use are provided in the certificate which accompanies each
A1.3 If suitable standard materials having spheroidal par- SRM unit.
ticles in a known size distribution are available, they may be
used as a standard for calibrating sieves. Values from such 5
Available from National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST),
calibrations are not as accurate as those obtained from micro- Standard Reference Materials, 100 Bureau Drive, Stop 2300, Gaithersburg, MD
scopic measurements but will serve as an approximation of the 20899-2300, http://www.nist.gov.

A2. CLEANING AND REPAIR

A2.1 Particles can be removed from metal framed precision A2.2 If the sieve sheet is broken, it can be repaired by
electroformed sieves with the aid of an ultrasonic bath of mild applying epoxy cement with the point of a fine needle or
detergent and distilled water or any other chemical recom- applying small spheres of metal solder with a pencil-point iron.
mended by sieve manufacturer. The sieve shall be placed in the In both procedures a low power (10 to 50) binocular
vertical position. 150 watts maximum ultrasonic energy shall microscope is a necessary aid.
be used for not more than 15 s at a time to prevent cavitation
damage to the sieve sheet. Remove the sieve, flush with
distilled water, and dry. Do not use a brush or pressurized air
to clean the sieve sheet.

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