Do you need to measure the true density of your powders according to ISO 12154?
Securing the quality of your metal and ceramic powders with ISO 12154
In the Aerospace, Space, and Defense (ASD) sectors, knowing the theoretical and true density of materials is a safety imperative. A deviation in true density can signal the presence of porosity or impurities, directly impacting the performance of your essential parts.
ISO 12154 specifies a method for determining the true density (or skeletal density) of solid materials by gas pycnometry (helium or nitrogen). Unlike geometric measurements, this technique excludes open pores and interparticle spaces to measure only the volume of the solid material itself.
FILAB, an expert in particle size analysis, supports manufacturers in the ASD supply chain with the physical characterization of their powders and solids according to ISO 12154. Our goal is clear: to ensure the reliability of your technical and industrial decisions.
ISO 12154 : a key challenge for material validation
Determination of true density by helium pycnometry according to ISO 12154
Gas pycnometry relies on Boyle's Law. The gas (usually helium due to its small atomic size) penetrates the finest pores of the sample, allowing for volume measurement with unmatched precision.
It is specifically used to:
- Calculate purity of an alloy or ceramic by comparing measured density to theoretical density.
- Determine the closed porosity rate of parts derived from Additive Manufacturing or sintering.
- Verify compliance of Titanium, Aluminum, or Nickel powders.
In the Aerospace and Defense industries, mastering this property according to ISO 12154 has a direct impact on:
- Internal structure control of high-tech materials.
- Lightweighting of structures (verifying real density vs. mass calculations).
- Long-term reliability of strategic components subjected to high pressures or extreme environments.
FILAB, a laboratory tailored to aerospace & defense requirements
An analytical park dedicated to ISO 12154 testing
Helium pycnometry according to ISO 12154 requires high-tech instrumentation capable of detecting minute pressure variations. To meet these requirements, FILAB provides its clients with high-performance equipment :
Dedicated material expertise services
At FILAB, analyses according to ISO 12154 are part of a comprehensive physical characterization approach. We do not just provide a density value: we interpret the result regarding your material’s history. Our teams work on :
True density measurement on metal and ceramic powders
R&D support for the development of new light alloys
Characterization of sintered parts or parts from MIM (Metal Injection Molding) processes
Why choose FILAB?
- 45 years of recognized expertise in analysis and materials science
- Dual competence: Chemistry / Materials
- Specializing in metallic alloys and critical applications
- Customer qualification : Safran, Dassault Aviation, and Framatome
- ISO 17025 Accreditation regarding metallic alloys
Analysis of Iron, Aluminium, Molybdenum, Copper, Tin, Chromium, Titanium, Lead, Nickel, Zinc
Learn moreOur analytical services based on ISO and ASTM standards for the ASD sector
Our analytical services in accordance with MIL requirements for the ASD sector
Our FAQ
Helium is an inert gas with extremely small atoms. This allows it to infiltrate the smallest crevices of the sample, ensuring that the measured volume is that of the solid skeleton only, without including open pores.
Apparent density (ASTM B212) includes the voids between powder grains. True density (ISO 12154) takes into account only the solid matter itself. The ratio between the two helps understand the packing arrangement of your powders.
ISO 12154 is perfectly suited for both. We can analyze powders, but also bulk samples (machined parts, tensile specimens), provided they fit into the pycnometer chamber.
Humidity adsorbed on the particle surface can distort the measured weight and volume. At FILAB, we apply rigorous drying and purging protocols before each test to guarantee optimal precision.
To get a quote, you can contact our teams via our contact form, by phone, or by email. Simply send us your requirements (type of material, desired analysis, specific standard, urgency, sample quantity...). We will then send you a personalized technical and price proposal within 24-48 hours.
