Yes. The standard explicitly allows a "virtual grid" overlaid on a captured image. However, the manual counting requirement remains (you click to count points rather than the software auto-detecting phases).
ASTM E562-19 remains a valuable standard for manual phase volume fraction estimation. While automatic image analysis has grown in capability, the manual point-count method offers a robust, unbiased, and statistically sound alternative when automation is impractical or unreliable. Its continued inclusion in the ASTM Volume 03.01 (Metallography) reflects its enduring relevance in materials characterization.
If you need to read the full standard, here are legal ways to access it:
ASTM E562-19 is widely used in:
The significance of ASTM E562:19 lies in its ability to offer a standardized methodology for quantifying the microstructure of materials. This is essential for understanding material properties, predicting performance, and ensuring quality control in manufacturing processes. The standard helps in: astm e56219 pdf
The "19" in the keyword astm e56219 pdf denotes the 2019 revision. While prior versions (such as E562-11) are still valid in some contexts, the 2019 update introduced several clarifications:
If you are auditing to ISO 17025 or Nadcap, you must ensure you are using the most current revision—typically E562-19.
The test procedure involves superimposing a grid of equally spaced points (e.g., 9, 16, or more points) onto microstructure images. The operator counts how many points fall on the phase of interest across multiple fields of view. The volume fraction ( V_v ) is estimated as the number of points hitting the target phase divided by the total points counted:
[ V_v = \fracP_pP_t ]
where ( P_p ) = points on phase, ( P_t ) = total points.
To achieve statistical significance, ASTM E562-19 requires counting a minimum total number of points (typically 400 to 1,000) across at least five or more random fields. The standard also provides guidelines for calculating 95% confidence intervals using the binomial distribution, ensuring the estimate's precision.
Step 1: Specimen Preparation The metallographic sample must be cut, mounted, ground, and polished to a scratch-free finish. Etching is required to reveal the phases of interest.
Step 2: Grid Selection Choose a grid spacing such that there are at least 3 to 5 grid points within the phase of interest. If the phase is small (e.g., fine pearlite), you need a finer grid. If you need to read the full standard
Step 3: Systematic Scanning Move the microscope stage in a systematic raster pattern (left to right, top to bottom). Do not move randomly.
Step 4: Counting Points For each field of view, count how many grid points fall on the phase of interest. Do not "guess" at boundaries; the standard defines rules for points falling exactly on edges.
Step 5: Total Count The standard requires a total of at least 400 to 1,000 counts (points) to achieve a 95% confidence level. For low-volume phases (e.g., 5% area), you may need to count 2,000+ points.