New ASTM Magnetic Properties Standard Provides High Humidity Corrosion Test

A new ASTM International test method will provide an effective screening method to identify magnets that are subject to excessive corrosion in high humidity environments. ASTM A1071/A1071M, Test Method for Evaluating Hygrothermal Corrosion Resistance of Permanent Magnet Alloys, was developed by Subcommittee A06.01 on Test Methods, part of ASTM International Committee A06 on Magnetic Properties.

According to Glenn Lawson, ASTM A1071 will allow magnet producers and users to screen products for latent corrosion issues. The test will be particularly useful for applications requiring high performance where clearances are tight and in aggressive environments in which high humidity and temperature cycling are common.

Lawson notes that sintered magnets can be prone to corrosion in high humidity environments.

“In some applications, particularly high performance direct current motors where clearances are very tight, corrosion debris can cause loss of system performance or failure,” says Lawson. Corrosion tests have varied, from high temperature, high humidity tests to autoclave (high pressure steam) testing. ASTM A1071 answers the great need in the industry to standardize the test conditions so that comparisons between magnets can be facilitated.

Interested parties are welcome to join in the standards developing activities of A06.

To purchase ASTM standards, visit www.astm.org and search by the standard designation number, or contact ASTM Customer Relations (phone: 610-832-9585; https://www.astm.org/contact/).  ASTM International welcomes and encourages participation in the development of its standards. For more information on becoming an ASTM member, visit www.astm.org/JOIN.

ASTM Committee A06 Next Meeting: Nov. 14-15, 2011, November Committee Week, Tampa, Fla.
Technical Contact: Glenn Lawson, Moog Components Group, Blacksburg, Va., Phone: 540-443-4369; glawson@moog.com
ASTM Staff Contact: Kelly Paul, Phone: 610-832-9745; kpaul@astm.org
ASTM PR Contact: Barbara Schindler, Phone: 610-832-9603; bschindl@astm.org  

Release #8987


Committee
A06
October 5, 2011