ISO 11125-2:2018

Overview

ISO 11125-2:2018 specifies a laboratory test method for the determination of particle size distribution of metallic blast‑cleaning abrasives by sieving. It is part of the ISO 11125 series of test methods for metallic abrasives used in the preparation of steel substrates before painting. The standard defines sampling and test‑portion requirements, apparatus, sieving procedure, result expression, precision considerations and reporting essentials for quality control and compliance testing.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Scope: Sieving-based granulometric analysis of metallic blast‑cleaning abrasives (shot, grit, wire cut, etc.) as one part of the ISO 11125 test series.
• Apparatus:
  • Balance accurate to 0.1 g.
  • Circular test sieves (25–50 mm high, ≈200 mm diameter) with square openings per ISO 565.
  • Sieve shaker producing a 3‑D motion (rotating/tapping or vibratory) for effective separation.
  • 1/1 sample divider for representative subsampling.
• Sample size and replication:
  • Use a test portion of (120 ± 20) g obtained by the sample divider; carry out determinations in duplicate.
  • If duplicates differ by more than 10 % (relative), repeat the test.
• Procedure highlights:
  • Arrange sieves with largest aperture on top; include the full set of sieves specified for the grade (see ISO 11124 for grade/sieve tables).
  • Agitate until the “final point” is reached - defined so that an additional 1 minute of sieving changes cumulative retained mass by no more than 1 %.
  • Weigh each retained fraction to 0.1 g and calculate percentage retained.
• Expression of results:
  • Report percentage by mass retained on each sieve and cumulative retained values; results reported to the nearest 1 %.
• Precision and calibration:
  • Check sieve calibration and freedom from retained abrasive; variation in sieve openings (per ISO 565 tolerances) can significantly affect results.
• Reporting:
  • Test report must identify the product (see ISO 11124), reference ISO 11125-2:2018, give results, note any deviations, test date and operator.

Applications and users

ISO 11125-2:2018 is used for:

• Quality control of metallic abrasives by manufacturers and suppliers.
• Incoming inspection and acceptance testing by coating applicators, steel fabricators and blasting contractors.
• Contract compliance verification in surface‑preparation specifications for painting, coating and corrosion protection projects.
• Laboratory testing and R&D where granulometry affects blasting performance and surface cleanliness.

Primary users: blast abrasive producers, independent testing laboratories, paint and coating specifiers, surface preparation engineers and procurement/QA teams.

Related standards

• ISO 11125 series (test methods for metallic blast‑cleaning abrasives) - Part 1, Part 3–9 (as applicable).
• ISO 11124 series (specifications and grading for metallic blast‑cleaning abrasives).
• ISO 565 (test sieves - nominal sizes and construction) - referenced for sieve apertures and tolerances.