ASTM C371 Wire Cloth Sieve Analysis for Nonplastic Ceramic Powders
ASTM C371 measures the particle size distribution of nonplastic ceramic powders like silica, alumina, feldspar, nepheline syenite, pyrophyllite, titanates, talc, and zircon using wire cloth sieves. The values stated in SI units are regarded as standard.

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ASTM C371 Wire-Cloth Sieve Analysis of Nonplastic Ceramic Powders
- Overview
- Scope, Applications, and Benefits
- Test Process
- Specifications
- Instrumentation
- Results and Deliverables
Overview
ASTM C371 specifies a test method for determining the particle-size distribution of nonplastic ceramic powders by wire-cloth sieve analysis. The test separates particles by size, passing them through a series of standardized sieves.
This method is widely used in the ceramics, refractories, and powder-processing industries. It helps ensure a proper particle-size distribution, which directly influences material properties such as packing density, sintering behavior, and final product performance.

Scope, Applications, and Benefits
Scope
ASTM C371 evaluates the particle size distribution of nonplastic ceramic powders by mechanical sieving. The test determines the proportion of particles retained on each sieve size.
The test evaluates:
- Particle size distribution of ceramic powders
- Percentage of material retained on each sieve
- Uniformity and consistency of powder
- Suitability for processing and sintering
- Quality control of raw materials
Applications
- Ceramic and refractory powders
- Glass and mineral powders
- Advanced ceramic materials
- Powder metallurgy processes
- Raw material quality control
- Industrial powder processing
Benefits
- Provides accurate particle size distribution data
- Ensures consistency in powder processing
- Supports optimization of sintering and forming
- Assists in material selection and quality control
- Enables comparison of powder characteristics
Test Process
Sample Preparation
Powder samples are dried and weighed before testing.
1Sieve Arrangement
A stack of wire-cloth sieves with decreasing mesh sizes is arranged.
2Sieving Operation
The sample is mechanically shaken through the sieve stack.
3Data Recording & Evaluation
Material retained on each sieve is weighed and percentage distribution is calculated.
4Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Applicable Materials | Nonplastic ceramic powders |
| Sieve Sizes | ~45 µm to 2 mm |
| Sample Mass | ~50 g to 200 g |
| Sieving Time | ~10 to 20 minutes |
| Measurement Accuracy | ±1% |
| Measured Outputs | Particle size distribution (%) |
Instrumentation Used for Testing
- Mechanical sieve shaker
- Wire-cloth sieves (standard mesh sizes)
- Analytical balance (±0.001 g)
- Drying oven
- Sample containers
- Data recording system
Results and Deliverables
- Particle size distribution data (%)
- Sieve retention analysis
- Powder uniformity evaluation
- Quality control assessment
- Test condition summary
- ASTM compliance report
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Looking for a trusted partner to achieve your research goals? Schedule a meeting with us, send us a request, or call us at (888) 878-3090 to learn more about our services and how we can support you. Request a Quote
Frequently Asked Questions
ASTM C371 includes sieve size selection, sample mass, shaking duration, sieve stack configuration, and particle distribution measurement, evaluating particle size distribution of nonplastic ceramic powders under controlled sieving conditions.
ASTM C371 determines percentage retained on each sieve, providing particle size distribution data for ceramic powders.
ASTM C371 is commonly applied to nonplastic ceramic powders used in refractories, ceramics, and industrial applications.
ASTM C371 requires wire-cloth sieves, mechanical sieve shaker, and precision balance to perform accurate particle size analysis.
ASTM C371 may not accurately measure very fine particles due to agglomeration or sieve limitations, requiring additional methods such as laser diffraction for comprehensive particle size analysis.

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