Standard test sieves are laboratory screening tools used to separate and classify particles according to size. They are commonly used for particle size analysis, material classification, and quality control.

Dahan supplies standard test sieves in different diameters, nominal apertures, frame materials, and configurations. Woven wire test sieves can be supplied according to applicable ASTM, ISO, GB/T, and customer specifications.

Standard Test Sieve Specifications

 

Availability depends on sieve type, aperture, diameter, and customer requirements.

What Is a Standard Test Sieve?

A standard test sieve is a laboratory device used to separate particles according to size through a defined screening surface.

During sieve analysis, a sample is placed on one or more sieves with different apertures. Larger particles are retained while smaller particles pass through. The retained material can then be weighed to determine the particle size distribution.

The appropriate sieve should be selected according to the required aperture, sieve diameter, material, applicable standard, and testing method.

Standard Test Sieve Sizes and Apertures

The nominal aperture identifies the specified size of the sieve opening. Sieve numbers and other designations are commonly used to identify standard sieve sizes, but the required aperture should be confirmed against the applicable standard or test method.

Mesh number and nominal aperture are related but should not be treated as interchangeable terms; the nominal aperture should be confirmed against the applicable sieve standard when selecting a test sieve.

Common Test Sieve Sizes

For a more complete sieve size reference, see our ASTM E11 Test Sieve guide.

ASTM E11 Test Sieve

ASTM E11-24 is the ASTM specification for woven wire test sieve cloth and test sieves. It specifies requirements for sieve cloth, test sieve construction, standard and non-standard frame sizes, and procedures used to inspect sieve cloth and test sieves. Its scope covers woven wire test sieve cloth with nominal apertures from 125 mm down to 20 μm.

ASTM E11-24 also specifies different inspection confidence levels for Compliance, Inspection, and Calibration test sieves.

Common ASTM E11 Sieve Designations

Sieve Designation	Nominal Aperture
No. 4	4.75 mm
No. 10	2.00 mm
No. 20	850 μm
No. 40	425 μm
No. 60	250 μm
No. 100	150 μm
No. 200	75 μm
No. 325	45 μm
No. 635	20 μm

This is a selection of commonly used sizes, not the complete ASTM E11 series.

For more information, see our ASTM E11 Test Sieve Standard guide.

Standard Test Sieve Types

Woven wire mesh test sieves are commonly used for laboratory particle size analysis and are the primary sieve type addressed by ASTM E11-24.

Sieve Type	Typical Use	Relevant Standard Consideration
Woven Wire Mesh	General particle size analysis	ASTM E11-24 and applicable test method
Perforated Plate	Coarse materials and rigid openings	ASTM E323 where applicable
Electroformed	Fine and precision screening applications	ASTM E161 where applicable

ASTM E11-24 specifically addresses woven wire test sieve cloth and test sieves. Perforated-plate and electroformed sieve requirements are covered by separate ASTM standards where applicable.

Test Sieve Diameters and Materials

Sieve diameter affects the available screening area, sample handling, and compatibility with a sieve shaker.

 

Frame Material

The required diameter and material should be selected according to the test method, sample characteristics, and sieve shaker configuration.

ASTM, ISO and Other Test Sieve Standards

The applicable standard should be confirmed before ordering because sieve construction, apertures, tolerances, and inspection requirements may differ between standards.

Standard	Main Scope	Typical Application
ASTM E11-24	Woven wire test sieve cloth and test sieves	ASTM particle size testing
ISO 3310 series	Test sieves for particle size analysis	International testing
Applicable GB/T Standard	Chinese test sieve requirements	China-based testing
Customer Specification	Special dimensional or testing requirements	Customized applications

For ASTM applications, specify ASTM E11-24 when a woven wire test sieve is required to meet this specification.

How to Choose a Standard Test Sieve？

Do not select a sieve based on mesh number alone. Consider the complete testing requirement.

Detailed Selection Guide

Choose the Aperture

Select the nominal aperture according to the required particle size range and applicable test method.

Choose the Diameter

Choose the sieve diameter according to sample quantity, required screening area, and sieve shaker compatibility.

Choose the Material

Stainless steel is commonly selected when corrosion resistance, durability, and easy cleaning are important. Brass may be suitable for applications where it is permitted or specified.

Standard Test Sieve Applications

Standard test sieves are used for particle size analysis, material classification, and laboratory quality control.

Standard Test Sieve Quality Control

The accuracy of sieve analysis depends partly on the condition and dimensional accuracy of the sieve.

Inspection Item	What to Check
Aperture	Opening size meets the specified requirement
Wire Diameter	Conforms to the applicable specification
Mesh Condition	No broken or significantly deformed wires
Mesh Attachment	Securely mounted without excessive distortion
Frame	Correct size and suitable rigidity
Identification	Sieve designation and aperture clearly marked

ASTM E11-24 includes inspection requirements and distinguishes Compliance, Inspection, and Calibration test sieve levels.

For applications requiring a specific inspection or calibration level, the requirement should be stated when ordering.

Standard Test Sieve and Sieve Shaker

Standard test sieves are commonly used with laboratory sieve shakers for particle size analysis.

A typical sieve stack places larger apertures above smaller apertures, followed by a receiving pan. The shaker applies controlled motion to help particles pass through the appropriate openings.

For fine powders that tend to block the mesh, an ultrasonic sieve shaker or ultrasonic deblinding system may help reduce mesh blockage.

What Information Should You Provide When Ordering?

Providing the diameter, nominal aperture, material, applicable standard, and quantity helps match the sieve configuration to the intended application.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a standard test sieve?

A standard test sieve is a laboratory device used to separate particles according to size through a defined screening surface.

What are standard test sieve sizes?

Standard test sieves are available with different nominal apertures and frame diameters. ASTM E11-24 covers woven wire test sieve cloth with nominal apertures from 125 mm to 20 μm.

What is the difference between mesh and aperture?

Aperture is the specified size of an individual sieve opening. Sieve designations and mesh terminology are used to identify sieve sizes, but the required aperture should be confirmed against the applicable standard or test method.

What is ASTM E11-24?

ASTM E11-24 is the ASTM specification for woven wire test sieve cloth and test sieves. It covers sieve cloth requirements, test sieve construction, frame sizes, and inspection procedures.

How do I choose the right test sieve?

Choose the sieve according to the required aperture, diameter, material, applicable standard, sample quantity, and testing method.