---
code: "ASTM C230"
title: "Standard specification for flow table for use in tests of hydraulic cement"
institution: "ASTM"
category: "testing-analysis-systems"
revision: "2014"
scope: "Specifies design, materials, and geometry for the flow table, mould, shaft/cam drop mechanism, and flow caliper used in hydraulic-cement mortar flow tests (e.g. ASTM C1437)."
testMethod: "Apparatus spec only: table Ø 254 ± 2.5 mm, drop 12.7 ± 0.13 mm, moving mass 4.08 ± 0.05 kg; brass/bronze table top ≥25 HRB; mould and caliper dimensions per SI or inch-pound set."
specimenRequirements: "N/A — apparatus standard. Mount on ≥140 kg level concrete block; verify drop height and moving mass periodically."
url: "https://vectorbtc.com.tr/resources/standards/astm-c230/"
---

# ASTM C230 / C230M — Flow table specification

## Apparatus for hydraulic-cement flow tests

*Active designation: ASTM C230/C230M-14. Test procedure for spread measurement is typically **ASTM C1437**.*

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> **Legal notice**
>
> The information on this page is a summary prepared by Vector Scientific Testing Devices based on a review of the applicable standard; it does not replace the official standard. For the authoritative, complete text, obtain the standard from the relevant standards body (e.g. your national standards institute, ASTM International, CEN) through official channels. Vector accepts no liability for direct or indirect loss arising from reliance on this summary.

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## 1. Purpose and scope

**ASTM C230** standardizes the **flow table** and accessories used to assess **consistency / flow** of cement paste and mortar in methods such as **ASTM C1437** — not the test procedure itself.

**Dual units:** The standard gives **SI (metric)** and **inch-pound** dimensions as **separate compliant sets**. Values are not interchangeable between systems; manufacture and verification must stay in **one chosen system** (mould and caliper may be mixed only if each is internally consistent).

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## 2. Flow table — table top

| Requirement | Value |
|-------------|--------|
| **Material** | Corrosion-resistant **brass or bronze** alloy, Rockwell hardness **≥ 25 HRB** — not cast iron or stainless on the wearing surface |
| **Finish** | Smooth, flat, crack-free; **≥ 4 radial lines** from centre for spread measurement |
| **Diameter** | **254 ± 2.5 mm** (10 ± 0.1 in) |
| **Edge thickness** | **≥ 7 mm** (0.3 in) at rim |
| **Centre thickness** | **≥ 11 mm** (0.45 in) for rigidity |

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## 3. Cam, shaft, and drop mechanism

| Requirement | Value |
|-------------|--------|
| **Free drop height** | **12.7 ± 0.13 mm** (0.500 ± 0.005 in) when released from cam |
| **Shaft** | Hardened steel, vertical through bronze bushing; flat lower face contacts cam |
| **Cam** | Lifts shaft without imparting spin; releases sharply at peak so table falls onto anvil |
| **Moving mass** | Table top + shaft + fasteners = **4.08 ± 0.05 kg** (9.0 ± 0.1 lb) total |

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## 4. Frame and anvil

- **Frame:** Heavy rigid **cast iron** base with bolt holes for anchoring to a laboratory block.
- **Anvil:** Hardened steel impact face under the table; impact planes flat and perpendicular to the shaft axis.

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## 5. Mould (funnel shape)

**Material:** Brass or bronze, **≥ 25 HRB**.

**SI dimensions:**

| Dimension | Tolerance |
|-----------|-----------|
| Base inner diameter | **101.6 ± 0.5 mm** |
| Top inner diameter | **69.9 ± 0.5 mm** |
| Height | **50.8 ± 0.5 mm** |
| Wall thickness | **≥ 2.5 mm** |

**Inch-pound dimensions:** base **4.00 ± 0.02 in**, top **2.75 ± 0.02 in**, height **2.00 ± 0.02 in**, wall **≥ 0.11 in**.

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## 6. Flow caliper

- Aligns with table centre lines for spread diameter.
- Scale may read **percent flow** directly.
- Resolution at least **1 mm** or **1 % flow**.

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## 7. Installation and maintenance

### 7.1 Rigid mounting (critical)

Mount the cast frame on a **level concrete block ≥ 140 kg** with anchor bolts. Top surface level; **rubber or cork pad** under the block to damp vibration.

If the stand flexes or the base is loose, impact energy is absorbed and **flow spread reads low** (false stiff consistency).

### 7.2 Lubrication

Keep shaft and bronze bushing clean — no cement residue. Use **light machine oil** only; **grease** increases friction and slows drop, violating the standard.

### 7.3 Verification

- Check **12.7 mm** drop periodically with gauges; shim worn cam/shaft interfaces as needed.
- Inspect **cam–shaft contact** faces; replace worn parts that lose flatness.

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## 8. Vector equipment

The [Vector cement flow table](/products/testing-analysis-systems/cement-flow-table/) (VTR-1036) is built for motorized, repeatable lift-and-drop cycles aligned with **ASTM C230** geometry and **ASTM C1437** test practice. Program **drop count** and height on the HMI; verify total moving mass and drop against this specification after service.

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## 9. Related methods

- **ASTM C1437** — Standard test method for flow of hydraulic-cement mortar (uses this apparatus).
- European mortar/cement labs may also reference **EN 459-2**, **EN 1015-3**, and related national annexes for spread or consistency checks.

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*This document is a comprehensive summary of ASTM C230/C230M-14. For official use, obtain the current standard from ASTM International.*