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1. Objective
The activity aims to:
1.1 Identify the different types of ferrous metals and their properties through spark test
2. Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
The student shall be able to:
2.1 Identify the Ferrous metals and their properties based on the data gathered
through spark test.
2.2 Describe the procedures and observation in determining the ferrous metals.
2.3 Properly use the equipment in conducting the activity.
2.4 Develop professional work ethics, including precision, neatness, safety and ability
to follow instruction.
3. Discussion
This is a simple identification test used to observe the color, spacing, and quantity of
sparks produced by grinding. It is a fast and convenient method of sorting mixed steels with
known spark characteristics. This test is best conducted by holding the steel stationary and
touching a high-speed portable grinder to the steel with sufficient pressure to throw a spark
stream about 12 inches long. The characteristics of sparks generated by a spark grinding test
are shown in Figure. These spark patterns provide general information about the type of steel,
cast iron, or alloy steel. In all cases, it is best to use standard samples of metal when
comparing their sparks with that of the test sample.
A sprig is a spark stream that divides into more lines at the end of the stream. They
occur in different locations on the carrier line. These sprigs are called either fan bursts or stars.
At times, a carrier line slightly enlarges for a short length, continues, and then enlarges for a
short period. When you see heavier portions at the end of the carrier line, they are called buds
or spear points.
If there is a presence of high sulfur levels, it results in thicker areas in the carrier lines.
These thick areas are called spearheads.
Cast iron metal has extremely short streams
Most alloy steels and low-carbon steels have relatively long streams.
Steels usually have white to yellow color sparks
Cast irons are reddish to straw yellow
Sparks in long streaks that have a tendency to burst into a sparkler effect are seen with
.0.15 percent carbon steel.
Carbon tool steel exhibits pronounced bursting
1.00% Carbon Steel shows minute and brilliant sparklers or explosions. As the carbon
content increases, the intensity of bursting increases.
To perform a standard spark test, you’ll need a bench or handheld grinder equipped
with a 24-grit carborundum wheel. The grinder produces a steady stream of sparks from a
metal piece in a safe, reliable manner. If the metal sample is small enough to handle easily,
use the bench grinder. If you’re testing a piece that’s too big to safely use with a bench unit,
bring a handheld grinder to it.
4.2 Materials
Other observations:
Other observations:
Other observations:
Other observations:
7. Conclusion
Through performing this experiment we are able to identify the processes on spark testing and on how to operate
the equipment need for the said experiment. We have identified the parts and the functions of the equipment we
use for this kind of testing, regarding to the test proper, using visual observation of the spark produced by our
workpiece, we are able to categorize and identify the certain type of metal through the spark that it emits regarding
to the standard table provided. We also prove that different type of metals produce different spark that can be
differentiate, how long and the volume that was produce.
8. References