DIN EN 10274 is a European drop weight tear test (DWTT) method used to evaluate fracture behavior in metallic materials, with a defined approach for rating the fracture appearance of ferritic steels.
This standard is commonly referenced when buyers need a practical toughness / brittle-fracture screening method that complements Charpy impact testing—especially where fracture surface appearance (shear vs. brittle) is part of acceptance criteria. If you need help aligning your product requirement to the correct edition and setup, talk with our team.
DIN EN 10274: Metallic materials — Drop weight tear test
DIN EN 10274 is the German adoption of EN 10274 and describes a drop weight tear test used to break a notched test piece with a falling mass so the resulting fracture can be evaluated.
In many purchasing and qualification workflows, the DWTT result is used to support material selection or acceptance decisions where resistance to brittle fracture is a concern.
Quick definition
DIN EN 10274 in one line: A standardized high-energy drop test that fractures a notched metallic specimen so the fracture appearance (and, where applicable, absorbed energy) can be evaluated—particularly for ferritic steels.
What this standard covers
DIN EN 10274 specifies a DWTT procedure for metallic materials and includes a method for assessing fracture appearance for ferritic steels. For materials outside that category, evaluation may also be based on the energy absorbed in fracturing the test piece.
Because the standard is focused on a specific test type (DWTT), it primarily drives requirements for impact energy capacity, striker/support configuration, temperature control, and how fracture appearance is assessed and recorded.
Why this standard matters in testing
DWTT is used when a simple pass/fail impact number is not enough and the fracture surface behavior itself needs to be evaluated. This is especially relevant in safety-critical applications where brittle fracture susceptibility must be controlled.
For labs, DIN EN 10274 often becomes a gating requirement that impacts sample preparation capability (notching), conditioning to a specified temperature, and having the correct high-energy drop tower capacity to fully fracture the specimen in one event.
Common materials, product types, or applications covered
DIN EN 10274 is commonly applied to ferritic steels where fracture appearance is evaluated, and it is often used in toughness / fracture-control programs for steel plate and pipe-related product forms.
Typical use cases: Material qualification and acceptance testing where brittle-fracture resistance is critical (for example in pipe manufacturing supply chains and other welded structural applications that specify DWTT-style fracture appearance criteria).
Common test or verification workflow
Most DIN EN 10274 workflows follow a straightforward sequence: prepare a notched test piece, condition it to the required test temperature, fracture it using a controlled falling mass and defined support arrangement, then evaluate and report the result.
Common reporting outputs: Fracture appearance rating (for ferritic steels) and, where applicable, absorbed energy associated with fracturing the test piece.
Equipment commonly used for this standard
DIN EN 10274 is equipment-driven: the test requires a controlled drop event with enough capacity to fully fracture the specimen and a repeatable fixturing arrangement to support consistent results.
Common equipment: High-energy drop weight tear tester (drop tower), striker/hammer assembly, specimen supports/anvils, specimen temperature conditioning equipment (environmental chamber, cooling/heating setup appropriate to the required test temperature), and fracture evaluation tools (visual rating aids; optional high-speed video depending on lab practice).
Quoting note: The required energy range and available specimen geometries in your program can materially change the drop tower configuration. If you are comparing energy capacity, guarding, automation, or temperature-conditioning options, you can request pricing for a DWTT system matched to your specimen and throughput needs.
How to read this designation or revision
DIN EN 10274 indicates a DIN (German) adoption of an EN (European) standard numbered 10274.
DIN EN 10274:1999-07 indicates the edition dated July 1999. In purchasing specs and test reports, the same document may be cited as EN 10274:1999 or as the national adoption (for example DIN EN 10274:1999-07). Always match the exact cited designation/edition to your customer or product standard requirements.
Related standards, methods, or frameworks
DIN EN 10274 is commonly discussed alongside other DWTT-related references used in pipeline and steel qualification programs.
Often referenced alongside: API RP 5L3 (DWTT practice used in line-pipe contexts) and ASTM E436 (drop weight tear testing).
Get help selecting a DIN EN 10274 test setup
If your requirement calls out DIN EN 10274 and you need to align energy capacity, specimen support details, temperature conditioning, and reporting outputs to the cited edition, contact our team to review your application and equipment needs.