ISO 3310 is the international standard for test sieves, published by the International Organization for Standardization, that specifies construction requirements, aperture sizes, and tolerances for test sieves used in particle size analysis. It is the global counterpart to North America's ASTM E11 and is the reference standard used throughout Europe, Asia, and most international markets for specifying screen openings and conducting sieve analysis.
ISO 3310 is divided into three parts: Part 1 covers woven wire cloth test sieves (the type most relevant to vibratory screening), Part 2 covers perforated plate test sieves, and Part 3 covers electroformed sieves for ultra-fine analysis. Unlike ASTM E11, which uses the US Standard Mesh numbering system, ISO 3310 designates each sieve by its nominal aperture size in millimeters or microns. For example, where ASTM E11 calls a sieve "100 mesh," ISO 3310 identifies the same sieve as "150 microns" (the nominal opening is 149 microns, rounded to 150 in the ISO R20 preferred number series).
ISO 3310 vs. ASTM E11 Comparison
| Feature | ISO 3310-1 | ASTM E11 |
|---|---|---|
| Publishing body | International Organization for Standardization | ASTM International |
| Geographic use | Europe, Asia, international markets | North America (US, Canada, Mexico) |
| Sieve designation | Nominal aperture in mm or microns | US Standard Mesh number |
| Woven wire range | 20 microns to 125 mm | 20 microns to 125 mm |
| Preferred number series | R20, R40, R20/3 | Fourth-root-of-two series |
| Sieve frame diameters | 200 mm and 300 mm standard | 3", 8", 12" standard |
| Opening tolerances | Defined by statistical method | Compliance and Inspection grades |
| Parts | 3 parts (wire, perforated, electroformed) | Single standard (wire cloth only) |
Why This Matters in Vibratory Screening
ISO 3310 is important for any operation that exports products internationally or serves customers who require ISO-referenced quality documentation.
- International trade compliance — Customers in Europe and Asia typically require particle size data referenced to ISO 3310 sieve designations. If your certificate of analysis lists mesh numbers instead of metric aperture sizes, international customers may reject the documentation.
- Harmonized opening sizes — At most common sizes, the nominal apertures in ISO 3310 and ASTM E11 are identical or within one micron. A 200 mesh ASTM E11 sieve and a 75-micron ISO 3310 sieve both have a 74-micron nominal opening. This means production screens specified to either standard are functionally interchangeable.
- Quality system requirements — ISO 9001 and other international quality management systems often require that test equipment (including sieves) conform to ISO standards. Facilities seeking or maintaining ISO certification should reference ISO 3310 in their sieve analysis procedures.
- Pharmaceutical and food applications — International pharmacopeias (Ph.Eur., JP) reference ISO 3310 sieve designations. Meeting these requirements is essential for pharmaceutical and food ingredient manufacturers serving global markets.
Related Glossary Terms
- ASTM E11 — The North American standard for woven wire test sieves
- US Standard Mesh — The mesh numbering system used in ASTM E11
- Tyler Mesh — Historical mesh sizing standard still referenced in North America
- Sieve Analysis — The laboratory test that uses ISO 3310 or ASTM E11 sieves
- Micron — The metric unit used by ISO 3310 to designate sieve openings
- Mesh Size — The openings-per-inch system used in ASTM E11
ISO 3310 FAQs
What is ISO 3310 and how does it relate to ASTM E11?
ISO 3310 is the international standard for test sieves that specifies aperture sizes and tolerances. It is the global counterpart to ASTM E11 (the North American standard). The two standards are largely harmonized — most common sieve opening sizes are identical. The main difference is that ISO 3310 designates sieves by their metric opening size (e.g., 150 microns), while ASTM E11 uses US Standard Mesh numbers (e.g., 100 mesh for a 149-micron opening).
Do I need ISO 3310 sieves for international customers?
If your customers or regulatory bodies require ISO-referenced particle size data, you should use ISO 3310 certified test sieves for your sieve analysis. However, for production screening on vibratory separators, the screen cloth specifications are functionally identical between ASTM E11 and ISO 3310 at standard sizes. ScreenerKing replacement screens conform to the same nominal opening sizes used by both standards.
What are the three parts of ISO 3310?
ISO 3310-1 covers woven wire cloth test sieves (the most relevant for vibratory screening). ISO 3310-2 covers perforated plate test sieves with round or square holes. ISO 3310-3 covers electroformed test sieves used for ultra-fine particle analysis below 20 microns. Part 1 is the standard most commonly referenced in industrial screening.
Replacement Screens to International Standards
ScreenerKing manufactures replacement screens with nominal openings matching both ASTM E11 and ISO 3310 specifications — from 25 microns to 4,750 microns in 304 SS, 316 SS, and T430 stainless steel. Compatible with Sweco, Kason, Midwestern Industries, Cleveland Vibratory, Russell Finex, and Rotex separators.
