Spark test

Different spark patterns of different metals

The spark test (also known as grinding spark analysis ) is a material test for the rough determination of the quantitative chemical composition of ferrous materials. It is based on the different color and shape of the spark pattern when the test specimen is held against a rotating, soft grinding wheel in a dark room . By comparing the spark pattern obtained with reference standards listed in tables, it is possible to draw conclusions about the approximate composition, in particular the carbon content . The method is mainly used for testing in the workshop in order to rule out mix-ups.

literature

• A. Schulenburg (Ed.): Giesserei-Lexikon , Fachverlag Schiele & Schön, Berlin 1958, p. 724f. (Source citation there: "Schliff und Scheibe", No. 11/1956)
• Gerhart Tschorn: Schleiffunkenatlas for steels, cast iron, pig iron, ferro alloys and metals. VEB German publishing house for basic industry, Leipzig 1961.

Web links

• Material testing by spark test (accessed January 10, 2020)
• Colorful Sparks (accessed January 10, 2020)
• Review material show (accessed on January 10, 2020)