Since graphite classification by visual analysis exhibits large variations, a more integrative concept of graphite shape classification is required to evaluate the correlations of process, microstructure and properties, and to fulfill customers' requirements. The automatic digital image analysis is partly based on visual analysis, but it is not thoroughly defined for graphite shape classification. For example, nodules and thereby nodularity are only defined by the shape parameter roundness, although several studies suggest more sophisticated approaches. Within the first of three successive round robin tests, visual assignment for a variety of graphite particles was performed to obtain a universal digital data set of classified graphite particles. For this, the classification approach from standard EN ISO 945-1 was used and extended with degenerated graphite. The assigned particles were evaluated concerning different shape parameters showing that roundness and the assigned minimum limit value of 0.6 are not sufficient to distinguish nodules from less ideal graphite particle shapes. Furthermore, the current classification approach does not represent the full spectrum of graphite morphologies and needs to be extended. The development of a universal hierarchical classification method for nodules and other graphite shapes has been initiated, and the results will contribute to an improved image analysis standard for ductile iron, particularly ISO 945-4.
