The underlying purpose of this paper is to evaluate whether the CEN CWA 15627 "Small Punch Test Method for Metallic Materials" first published in 2006 has indeed succeeded in providing a stimulus for a wider implementation of the small punch test technique in industrial applications throughout Europe and indeed worldwide. A wealth of research progress has been apparent, as strongly evidenced in three dedicated SSTT (Small Specimen Testing Techniques) conferences held in Europe over the last five years, but also in the wider literature. In particular it is important to mention the recent publication of a Japanese standard and the announcement of parallel progress in China. The present paper concentrates on progress within Europe from the launch of the Code to the present day. In particular attention is focused on the need for industrial acceptance of the test methodology and methods for evaluating the results. Some scepticism still seems to prevail within sectors of the conventional power generation industry, an industry which can potentially benefit most from successful remanent lifetime extension tools of which small punch testing can be considered as a prime candidate. In spite of this, it is demonstrated that a major proportion of the Small Punch testing research of the last decade has been carried out on power plant steels. Meanwhile it is shown that there is evidence that the original remit of the methodology in assessing the integrity of irradiated nuclear plant remains active, new interest is developing for aerospace and next generation nuclear applications enhancing further the credibility of the Code.
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