ISO 148-3 is an ISO Charpy pendulum impact standard focused on the preparation and characterization of Charpy V-notch test pieces used to indirectly verify (check) pendulum impact testing machines.
If you are setting up a verification program and need help aligning your machine, striker/anvil setup, and verification approach to the correct ISO 148 edition, you can contact our team for practical guidance.
ISO 148-3:2016 — Metallic materials — Charpy pendulum impact test — Part 3
ISO 148-3:2016 specifies requirements and methods used to qualify Charpy V-notch test pieces that are used for indirect verification of pendulum impact testing machines. This part supports machine verification activities performed in conjunction with ISO 148-2.
Unlike ISO 148-1 (which is used for running Charpy tests on product test specimens), ISO 148-3 is centered on reference-type test pieces used to evaluate whether a pendulum impact machine is performing consistently.
Quick Definition
ISO 148-3 in one line: It defines how Charpy V-notch test pieces are prepared and characterized for indirect verification of Charpy pendulum impact machines (per ISO 148-2).
What This Standard Covers
ISO 148-3:2016 addresses the test pieces used for indirect verification of pendulum impact testing machines.
- Requirements for the test pieces used in indirect verification.
- Preparation and characterization expectations for Charpy V-notch test pieces intended for verification use.
- Use of Charpy V-notch test pieces with nominal dimensions aligned to ISO 148-1, with tighter tolerances for this verification application.
Why This Standard Matters in Testing
Charpy impact results are often used for material qualification, process control, and comparative toughness assessment. When those results matter, confidence in the pendulum impact machine matters too.
ISO 148-3 helps organizations run an indirect verification program using qualified test pieces, supporting traceability and consistency over time (especially when multiple machines, operators, or sites are involved).
Common Materials, Product Types, or Applications Covered
This standard is used in metallic materials testing environments that rely on Charpy pendulum impact machines and need an indirect verification method.
Common users: QA/QC laboratories, production labs, independent test houses, and R&D groups running Charpy testing programs who must keep pendulum impact equipment in control.
Common Test or Verification Workflow
ISO 148-3 typically appears as part of a broader machine verification workflow.
- Confirm the applicable machine verification requirements (commonly referenced through ISO 148-2).
- Select the appropriate Charpy V-notch verification test pieces and energy level(s) relevant to your verification needs.
- Run indirect verification checks using the qualified test pieces, then document outcomes to support internal quality systems or external requirements.
Practical caution: Verification outcomes can be sensitive to the exact configuration of the pendulum system (including striker/anvil details and machine condition) and to the exact edition of the referenced ISO 148 parts.
Equipment Commonly Used for This Standard
ISO 148-3 does not function as a “materials test method” equipment list; instead, it points you toward the equipment needed to perform indirect verification of a Charpy pendulum impact machine using qualified test pieces.
Common equipment: Charpy pendulum impact testing machine, machine-specific striker and anvil set compatible with Charpy V-notch testing, and qualified Charpy V-notch verification test pieces used for indirect verification activities.
Also commonly needed: Tools and practices to control specimen condition and handling in a repeatable way, plus documentation/reporting tools to retain verification records.
How to Read This Designation or Revision
ISO 148-3 identifies Part 3 within the ISO 148 Charpy pendulum impact series.
ISO 148-3:2016 identifies the 2016 edition of Part 3. When a specification, purchase order, or quality manual cites ISO 148-3, always confirm whether it requires a specific year/edition or allows use of the latest published edition.
Related Standards, Methods, or Frameworks
ISO 148-3 is commonly used alongside other parts of ISO 148, especially where a lab must both run Charpy tests and maintain machine verification controls.
- ISO 148-1 (Charpy test method)
- ISO 148-2 (verification of testing machines)
Get help selecting a Charpy verification setup
If you are equipping a lab for Charpy testing and need a configuration that supports ISO 148 machine verification practices, you can request a detailed quote for a pendulum impact system and accessories matched to your verification and documentation needs.
