DIN 51306 is a legacy DIN standard associated with verifying pendulum impact testing machines (pendulum impact testers) used for impact testing workflows.
Because DIN 51306 has been withdrawn and replaced by newer references, labs typically align purchasing, calibration, and compliance documentation to the current standard named in the customer or regulatory requirement. If you need help matching an older DIN 51306 callout to today’s verification expectations, talk with our team.
DIN 51306: Material testing machines — verification of pendulum impact testing machines
DIN 51306 is commonly referenced as an older German standard focused on the verification (checking/confirming performance) of pendulum impact testing machines. In practice, it is most often encountered when reviewing legacy test specifications, older quality manuals, or historical calibration records for impact testers.
If a contract, drawing note, or internal procedure still cites DIN 51306, the key technical task is usually to determine the correct modern replacement standard to use for current verification and reporting.
Quick Definition
Document type: Standard focused on verification requirements for a machine type (pendulum impact testing machines), rather than a material test method for a specific specimen.
Primary intent: Support consistent, comparable impact test results by defining how the impact tester itself is checked.
Typical users: QA/QC teams, calibration programs, test labs, and manufacturing labs operating pendulum impact testers.
What This Standard Covers
DIN 51306 relates to verification of pendulum impact testing machines. Verification standards in this area typically address the tester’s ability to deliver repeatable, traceable impact energy measurements and reliable machine operation across the rated energy range.
Because this is a withdrawn legacy designation, the exact verification checklist and acceptance criteria should be taken from the currently applicable replacement document referenced by your customer, accreditation scope, or internal procedure.
Why This Standard Matters in Testing
Pendulum impact tests are often used to compare material toughness, lot-to-lot consistency, and heat-treatment or processing effects. If the impact tester is not checked to the appropriate current reference, results can drift due to factors such as mechanical losses, wear at supports/strikers, alignment issues, or indication/measurement errors.
For audits and accreditation environments, the most important outcome is clear traceability: which standard was used for verification, which edition, what checks were performed, and how results were recorded.
Common Materials, Product Types, or Applications Covered
DIN 51306 is machine-focused, so it is not limited to a single material. It is most relevant anywhere a pendulum impact tester is used as part of a materials qualification or QA workflow, such as:
- Metals testing labs running Charpy-style impact programs (typical in steel production, heat treatment validation, and failure analysis workflows).
- Plastics and polymer labs using pendulum impact methods (where the applicable verification framework may differ from metals-focused references).
- Education, R&D, and receiving inspection labs that maintain impact testing capability and need periodic verification records.
Common Test or Verification Workflow
DIN 51306 is generally encountered on the verification side of an impact testing program rather than the specimen test procedure itself.
Common workflow: (1) identify the machine type and rated energy, (2) identify the current verification standard that replaces the legacy DIN reference, (3) perform verification per that current document and record results, (4) link verification status to production or qualification test reports produced on the machine.
Revision sensitivity: Verification acceptance criteria, documentation requirements, and any machine capability limits can depend on the exact cited replacement standard and its edition.
Equipment Commonly Used for This Standard
Because DIN 51306 is tied to machine verification, equipment selection is primarily about the pendulum impact tester configuration and the tools needed to verify it to the currently applicable reference.
Common equipment: Pendulum impact testing machines (Charpy/pendulum-style), appropriate strikers and supports/anvils for the method in use, guarding and safety interlocks, and instrumentation (if used for instrumented impact workflows).
Common verification & support items: Calibration/verification services or kits aligned to the current verification standard, reference materials or reference specimens (where required), alignment and inspection tools, and documentation/reporting support for traceability.
If you are selecting a new impact tester or upgrading an existing system to meet current verification expectations, you can request a detailed quote for an equipment and verification package matched to your energy range and lab workflow.
How to Read This Designation or Revision
DIN standards are often cited with a date code indicating the edition. DIN 51306 is frequently referenced with an edition formatted like “DIN 51306:1983-09” (year-month).
Practical caution: Since DIN 51306 is a withdrawn legacy standard, always confirm what the customer, regulator, or accreditation body expects as the replacement reference, and document that substitution clearly in calibration and test records.
Related Standards, Methods, or Frameworks
In many labs, pendulum impact testing and verification is handled through a combination of a test method standard (how to run the specimen impact test) and a verification standard (how to verify the machine). Depending on the material and application, related references may include:
- DIN 51222 (a newer DIN document covering particular requirements and verification for certain pendulum impact testing machines).
- DIN EN ISO 148-1 (Charpy pendulum impact test method for metallic materials).
- DIN EN ISO 148-2 (verification of Charpy impact testing machines for metallic materials).
Always use the exact standard and edition specified by your governing requirement, especially when results support acceptance, certification, or regulatory compliance.
Get help matching DIN 51306 callouts to today’s impact tester requirements
If you are updating a calibration program, preparing for an audit, or quoting a new pendulum impact tester while a legacy DIN 51306 citation is still in your documents, contact our team to align the machine configuration and verification approach to the current standard your workflow requires.