ISO 377-2017 PDF

Full title and description

Steel and steel products — Location and preparation of samples and test pieces for mechanical testing. ISO 377:2017 specifies requirements for identification, selection, location, orientation and preparation of samples and test pieces taken from steel sections, bars, rods, flat products and tubular products (as defined in ISO 6929) for use in mechanical tests.

Abstract

ISO 377:2017 gives rules for how and where to take samples and how to prepare test pieces for mechanical testing of steel products. It covers marking and identification, selection of sample positions and orientations, preparation methods (cutting, machining, grinding), dimensional tolerances for test pieces, handling and storage, and application to different product forms. The standard applies primarily to steel products listed in ISO 6929 but can be extended to other metallic products if agreed in the order; where a product or order specifies different requirements, those requirements take precedence.

General information

• Status: Published (current edition).
• Publication date: 16 June 2017 (ISO 377:2017).
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
• ICS / categories: 77.040.10 — Steels / Metallurgical testing.
• Edition / version: Edition 4 (2017). Amendment 1 published (2025).
• Number of pages: 22 pages (main publication).

Scope

Specifies requirements for identification, location and preparation of samples and test pieces intended for mechanical tests on steel sections, bars, rods, flat products and tubular products as defined in ISO 6929. The standard is intended to ensure representative sampling and consistent specimen preparation so test results are repeatable and comparable. It may be applied to other metallic products when agreed by purchaser and supplier. Where product standards or ordering documents differ, those specified requirements take precedence over ISO 377.

Key topics and requirements

• Identification and marking of sample positions on the parent product to ensure traceability.
• Rules for selecting representative locations for sampling from sections, bars, rods, flats and tubes.
• Orientation and alignment of specimens relative to product rolling or manufacturing direction.
• Preparation methods for test pieces (e.g., cutting, machining, grinding) and recommendations to minimise mechanical or thermal damage.
• Dimensional requirements, tolerances and finish for common specimen types used in mechanical tests.
• Handling, storage and conditioning of samples to preserve their condition prior to testing.
• Application guidance when product or test-method standards (for example tensile or impact standards) specify additional or differing requirements.
• Reference to related product‑form definitions (ISO 6929) and consistency with mechanical test methods standards.

Typical use and users

Used by steel manufacturers, inspection and testing laboratories, product certification bodies, procurement and quality engineers, designers and R&D teams who need consistent, representative sampling and specimen preparation for mechanical tests (tensile, impact, hardness-related specimen preparation requirements, etc.). Also used by standards committees and third‑party inspection agencies to harmonize sampling practices.

Related standards

Commonly used alongside ISO 6929 (product form definitions) and mechanical test method standards such as ISO 6892 (tensile testing of metallic materials) and impact/toughness test standards (e.g., Charpy tests). National/adopted versions (for example EN ISO 377 / UNE‑EN ISO 377) exist, and equivalent or complementary test-method standards from other systems (for example ASTM test methods for specimen preparation and testing) are often referenced when coordinating test programs.

Keywords

sample preparation, test specimen, specimen location, steel, mechanical testing, tensile specimen, impact specimen, machining, ISO 6929, specimen orientation, quality control

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO 377:2017 is an international standard that defines how to identify, locate and prepare samples and test pieces taken from steel products for mechanical testing, ensuring representative and comparable test results.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers marking and identification, selection of sampling locations and orientations, permitted preparation methods (cutting, machining, grinding), dimensional tolerances for specimens, handling and storage, and applicability to various steel product forms. It also clarifies that product or order-specific requirements take precedence where they differ.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Steel producers, testing and inspection laboratories, certification bodies, quality and procurement engineers, design and R&D teams, and standards committees use ISO 377 to standardize sampling and specimen preparation for mechanical testing.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The current edition is ISO 377:2017 (4th edition). The edition was confirmed in ISO review activity and has an amendment (Amendment 1) issued in 2025; as of March 1, 2026, ISO 377:2017 with its amendment is the current published text. Always check ordering or product standards for any specific, overriding requirements.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: ISO 377 is part of the family of standards addressing sampling, specimen preparation and mechanical testing of metallic materials and is intended to be used together with product-form standards (ISO 6929) and mechanical test-method standards (for example ISO 6892 for tensile testing).

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Sample preparation, specimen location, test pieces, steel, mechanical testing, ISO 6929, specimen orientation, machining, tensile, impact.