Introduction and related specifications of standard test sieves

Saturday April-26 2025  18:47:20

Standard test sieves are key tools for particle size analysis and follow standards such as ISO3310-1 or ASTME11. The core lies in the precise mesh size, which is usually expressed in mesh number or micron (µm). The higher the mesh number, the smaller the aperture. For example, the aperture of a 200-mesh sieve is about 75 microns. Common specifications include 200mm/300mm diameter, full-height/half-height sieve frame, and stainless steel/brass material. When selecting, the appropriate mesh number should be determined based on the sample particle size range and the required accuracy to ensure the accuracy and comparability of the analysis results. Standard test sieves are widely used in quality control, research and development and other fields.

How does the standard test sieves work?

Place the material to be tested on the top sieve, and stack the sieves with the largest apertures to the smallest apertures in sequence.

The material is layered by particle size through a standard test sieve(electromagnetic vibration, ultrasonic vibration or mechanical vibration) or manual shaking.

Each layer of sieve intercepts particles of a specific particle size, and the particle size distribution is calculated after weighing, which is often used to analyze whether the particles meet the requirements (such as <50μm).

Related specifications of standard test sieves

Standard test sieves are the core tools for particle size analysis of granular materials. They classify samples through sieves of different apertures and are widely used in quality control and research and development in metallurgy, chemical industry, building materials, food, medicine and other fields. Its core function is to accurately determine the particle size distribution of materials and provide data support for production process optimization and product performance evaluation.

(1) Comparison of mesh number and aperture (ISO 3310-1 standard)

Mesh number (mesh/inch)	nominal aperture (μm)	typical application materials	typical application materials
20	850	±25	coarse sand, gravel classification
50	300	±15	cement, quartz sand
100	150	±7.5	flour, talcum powder
200	75	±4.0	metal powder, pigment
400	38	±2.5	ultrafine powder (such as nanomaterials)

(2) Screen frame size and capacity

Screen frame diameter (mm)	height (mm)	single layer volume (L)	applicable scenarios
75	25	0.1	micro sample (<50g) laboratory analysis
200	50	1.5	routine testing (100g~1kg)
300	75	5. 0	Industrial batch screening (>5kg)

(3) Screen weaving method and accuracy

Plain weave: standard method, suitable for most materials, aperture range 20μm~5mm

Twill weave: Enhanced screen strength, suitable for high-impact particles (such as metal chips)

Electroforming screen: laser drilling, accuracy ±1μm (for ultra-fine screening with aperture <20μm)

(4) Screen aperture specifications: Tyler system (Tyler) and international standard system (ISO) comparison

Tyler mesh number (Mesh)	Aperture (μm)	ISO standard sieve number (Rounded)	Typical application scenarios
10	2000	-	Coarse particle pre-grading (such as ore)
20	850	-	Building sand and gravel grading
40	425	ISO 45 (R40/3)	Cement raw material control
60	250	ISO 63 (R40/3)	Metal powder particle size detection
100	150	ISO 100 (R40/3)	Pigment dispersion evaluation
200	75	ISO 200 (R40/3)	Pharmaceutical particle analysis (such as API)
325	45	ISO 325 (R40/3)	Nanomaterial agglomerate detection

Aperture accuracy:

Adopting electroforming process screen, aperture deviation ≤±2μm (high precision series).

Laser perforated screen, aperture consistency of more than 98%, suitable for strict particle size control (such as semiconductor materials).

Main parameters of standard test sieve

Sieve frame diameter: common 200mm, 300mm

Sieve mesh: commonly used from 5 mesh (4000μm) to 400 mesh (38μm), which can cover the screening needs from coarse particles to ultrafine powders.

Sieve hole accuracy: the allowable error of the aperture is generally within ±2%, ensuring the accuracy of screening detection.

Parameter	Recommended range	Influence
Sieving time	5-15 minutes (automatic vibrating screen machine amplitude 1~3mm, frequency 1400rpm)	Time is too short → classification is not thorough; too long → particle crushing
Sample amount	Sieve area × 0.2 (g/cm²), such as 200mm sieve frame ≤200g	Excessive→Sieve blockage, efficiency decreases
Environmental temperature and humidity	Temperature 20±5℃, humidity <70%	High humidity→Particles agglomerate, screening error increases

What can standard test sieves be used for?

The standard test sieve is a precision screening tool for particle size analysis, manufactured according to standards, and used in laboratories or production sites to classify powder and granular materials and detect particle size distribution.

Typical applications:

Gradation analysis of building materials (sand, cement)

Quality control of chemical powders (pigments, catalysts)

Particle size detection in the food industry (flour, powdered sugar)

Screening efficiency verification in the mining industry (ore, coal powder)

The standard test sieve provides traceable quantitative data for particle analysis through precise aperture control and strict manufacturing standards, and is an indispensable basic tool in the field of materials science.