Metals Standards & Training

ASTM Metal Standards

With over 30,000 volunteer members from more than 140 countries, ASTM plays a pivotal role in setting standards that ensure the quality and safety of materials across various industries, including metals, construction, plastics, textiles, and petroleums.

ASTM safety standards are essential for evaluating the material, chemical, mechanical, and metallurgical properties of metals. These standards along with those from other international standards developments organizations such as AENOR, AASHTO, API, and others drive innovation and safety for industry.

Below you will find a list of the ASTM metals standards, industry training and relevant technical publications.

These include standards for copper, steel, iron, nonferrous metals, light metals, metal powders, metallic coatings and more including magnetic properties, electrical conductivity, reactivity and refractory.

petridish
discussion

Online Access to International Metal Standards

Gain easy access to metals standards ASTM AENOR, AASHTO, API, and other international standards development organizations.

With ASTM Compass you can access up-to-date international metals standards anytime and anywhere with an internet connection. Compass can provide you one of the most comprehensive libraries of technical information available in the world including offering easy navigation through an extensive collection of standards, test methods, instructional videos, and more.

With the ability to download and print PDF standards, you can work even when offline. Experience streamlined workflow and quick access to the information you need with the power of ASTM Compass.

Steel, Stainless Steel and Related Alloys

ASTM metals standards cover the specifications for steel rails and accessories including standard tee rails, crane rails, girder rails, joint bars, tie plates, track spikes, screw spikes, and track nuts and bolts.

ASTM Standards in This Section Include:

  • A53/A53M Standard Specification for Pipe, Steel, Black and Hot-Dipped, Zinc-Coated, Welded and Seamless
  • A240 /A240M Standard Specification for Chromium and Chromium-Nickel Stainless Steel Plate, Sheet, and Strip for Pressure Vessels and for General Applications
  • A370 Standard Test Methods and Definitions for Mechanical Testing of Steel Products
  • A967/A967M Standard Specification for Chemical Passivation Treatments for Stainless Steel Parts

Contact Sales View Steel Publications

petridish

Steel and Stainless Steel Standards Sections

Steel Rails And Accessories

ASTM metals standards cover the specifications for steel rails and accessories including standard tee rails, crane rails, girder rails, joint bars, tie plates, track spikes, screw spikes, and track nuts and bolts.

Structural Steel For Bridges, Buildings, Rolling Stock And Ships

ASTM metals standards cover specification requirements for rolled steel plates, shapes, sheet piling and bars for structural use for bridges, buildings, ships, rolling stock, and general construction applications.

Steel Rod And Wire

ASTM metals standards cover the classifications, specifications, test methods, and the engineering use of alloyed and plain carbon steel rods and wire, including uncoated and non-metallic coated spring wire.

Steel Reinforcement

ASTM metals standards cover the development and maintenance of product specifications for (1) steel reinforcement for reinforced, prestressed, and precast concrete for structures, highway, railroad and masonry construction, and for all forms and grades of steel reinforcing bars, bar mats, wire, welded wire fabric, prestressing wire, bars and strand, can coated reinforcement and (2) steel fibers for fiber reinforced concrete and over the development and maintenance of test methods for the evaluation, inspection, and quality control of such products

Steel Forgings And Billets

ASTM metals standards cover Steel forgings, Steel blooms, billets, and slabs for forgings. Power Generation and Nuclear Forgings – This section has jurisdiction over standards for the manufacture and testing of forgings used for gas and steam turbines, generators, pressure vessels, and nuclear applications.

General Industrial And Railroad Forgings

This section is responsible for writing and maintaining standard specifications for forgings covering a wide range of sizes and applications and includes the forging standards. This section has the responsibility for managing the writing and maintenance activities for forging examination and testing practices.

Carbon Steel Tubular Products

Standards covering tubular products of carbon steels

Stainless And Alloy Steel Tubular Products

Specifications and standards covering tubular products of stainless and alloy steels.

Steel Plates For Boilers And Pressure Vessels

Specifications for carbon and alloy rolled steel plates for boilers, pressure vessels and other components. Specifications for steel plates that have material properties such as predictable low- and high-temperature short-time mechanical properties, notch toughness, low transition temperatures, creep resistance, and weldability.

Mechanical And Chemical Testing And Processing Methods Of Steel Products And Processes

Standards for mechanical and chemical testing evaluation of testing laboratories, processing methods, and other testing.

Bars

Standards pertaining to carbon and alloy steel bars in the as-rolled, cold finished, or heat-treated conditions for general engineering applications. The subcommittee also maintains standards for some products manufactured from steel bars, such as fence posts and industrial springs.

Methods Of Corrosion Testing

Standards for acceptance corrosion testing of and the descaling and cleaning of stainless steels and related alloys

Flat Rolled And Wrought Stainles Steel Products

Specifications covering wrought plate, sheet, strip, billet, bar, wire, structural shapes, and general purpose forgings of stainless steel and related alloys.

Steel Castings

Standards for steel, stainless steel, and related alloys in the form of castings for pressure containing parts and general engineering applications for use in benign as well as corrosive environments at low, ambient, and elevated temperatures.

Sheet Steel And Strip

Carbon, high-strength low-alloy, high strength, and alloy hot- and cold-rolled steel sheets and strip and cold-rolled carbon spring steel. Responsibilities of the subcommittee include the classification, specification requirements, methods of test, and questions of utility and related subjects dealing with such materials.

Tin Mill Products

Specification requirements, test methods, and related subjects pertaining to tin mill products. Tin mill products include electrolytic tin plate; electrolytic tin coated, cold-rolled sheet; black plate; black plate electrolytic chromium coated; and similar products.

Steel Forgings And Wrought Fittings For Piping Applications And Bolting Materials For Piping And Special Purpose Applications

Standards for steel forgings, flanges, forged valve bodies, and wrought fittings for piping applications in the utility, petroleum, chemical, nuclear, pressure vessel, and similar industries and bolting materials for high- and low-temperature use in piping and special purpose applications in these industries.

Steel Bolting Materials For Piping And Special Purpose Applications –

Standards for steel bolting and bolting materials for high- and low-temperature use in piping and special purpose applications in the utility, petroleum, chemical, nuclear, pressure vessel, and similar industries.

Wrought Steel Fittings For Piping Applications

Standards for wrought steel fittings for piping applications in the utility, petroleum, chemical, nuclear, pressure vessel, and similar industries.

Steel Forgings For Piping Applications

Steel forgings, flanges, and forged valve bodies for piping applications in the utility, petroleum, chemical, nuclear, pressure vessel, and similar industries.

Steel Chain

Specifications and practices for steel chain and related components. This includes welded link chain, stamped metal chain, weldless wire wrapped chain, sling assemblies, and common chain attachments and components.

Bearing Steels

Steels commonly used for ball and roller bearings.

Tool Steels

Standards and specifications for carbon, alloy, and high speed tool steels. The forms comprise rolled bar, plate, bar cut from plate, bar shapes, billets, forgings, and cast tools. Such products are commonly produced by forging, rolling, drawing, or casting.

discussion

Iron Castings Products

Include gray, malleable, ductile, white and compacted graphite iron. Standards for pipes, tubes and fittings made of iron castings may include requirement for joining the pipes, tubes and fittings and methods for protection of these pipes, tubes and fittings. Standards for couplings and gaskets used in joining pipes, tubes and fitting made of iron castings may include methods for testing and installation can also be found. Iron Castings standards include sections on grey and white iron castings, malleable and ductile iron castings, pipes and tubes, testing and gaskets and coupling for plumbing and sewer piping.

ASTM Standards in This Section Include:

  • A48/A48M Standard Specification for Gray Iron Castings
  • A74 Standard Specification for Cast Iron Soil Pipe and Fittings
  • A247 Standard Test Method for Evaluating the Microstructure of Graphite in Iron Castings
  • A532 Standard Specification for Abrasion-Resistant Cast Irons
  • A536 Standard Specification for Ductile Iron Castings

Contact Sales Iron Castings Publications

Metallic-Coated Iron and Steel Products

Standards in the area of iron and steel products protected against corrosion by use of metallic coatings, and non-metallic coatings which may be specified for use as supplemental protection. The types of standards developed include, but are not limited to, specifications, practices, test methods, and terminology. Standards include section on methods of testing, sheet specifications, wire specifications structural shapes and hardware specifications and corrugated steel pipe specifications.

ASTM Standards in This Section Include:

  • A123 / A123M Standard Specification for Zinc (Hot-Dip Galvanized) Coatings on Iron and Steel Products
  • A153 / A153M Standard Specification for Zinc Coating (Hot-Dip) on Iron and Steel Hardware
  • A653 / A653M Standard Specification for Steel Sheet, Zinc-Coated (Galvanized) or Zinc-Iron Alloy-Coated (Galvannealed) by the Hot-Dip
  • A924 / A924M Standard Specification for General Requirements for Steel Sheet, Metallic-Coated by the Hot-Dip Process

Contact Sales Metallic Coatings Publications

petridish
discussion

Magnetic Properties of Metals

Standards dealing with magnetic materials and test methods for determining magnetic properties. Determining the magnetic properties of electrical steels and other soft magnetic metallic alloys, soft ferrites and permanent magnet materials, in conjunction with materials specifications for these materials.

ASTM Standards in This Section Include:

  • A343/A343M Standard Test Method for Alternating-Current Magnetic Properties of Materials at Power Frequencies Using Wattmeter-Ammeter Voltmeter Method and 25-cm Epstein Test Frame
  • A677 Standard Specification for Nonoriented Electrical Steel Fully Processed Types
  • A683 Standard Specification for Nonoriented Electrical Steel, Semiprocessed Types
  • A773/A773M Standard Test Method for Direct Current Magnetic Properties of Low Coercivity Magnetic Materials Using Hysteresigraphs
  • A976 Standard Classification of Insulating Coatings for Electrical Steels by Composition, Relative Insulating Ability and Application
  • A977/A977M Standard Test Method for Magnetic Properties of HighCoercivity Permanent Magnet Materials Using Hysteresigraphs
  • A1054 Standard Specification for Sintered Ceramic Ferrite Permanent Magnets
  • Contact Sales View Magnetic Metals Publications

Electrical Conductors

Standards relating to electrical conductors, rods for drawing into wire, and non-conductor support wire and strand. Such electrical conductors may be for bare or insulated use. Coverings or insulations except for superconductors, are not included. This section includes standards on methods of test and sampling procedure, conductors of copper and copper alloys, conductors of ferrous metals, bi-metallic conductors and conductors of light metals.

ASTM Standards in This Section Include:

  • B193 Standard Test Method for Resistivity of Electrical Conductor Materials
  • B230/B230M Standard Specification for Aluminum 1350–H19 Wire for Electrical Purposes
  • B232/B232M Standard Specification for Concentric-Lay-Stranded Aluminum Conductors, Coated-Steel Reinforced (ACSR)
  • B398/B398M Standard Specification for Aluminum-Alloy 6201-T81 and 6201-T83 Wire for Electrical Purposes

Contact Sales View Electrical Conductor Publications

petridish
discussion

Nonferrous Metals and Alloys

Standards on compositions, properties, dimensions, test methods, classifications, and, terminology of nonferrous metals and alloys, and of solder and solder fluxes and materials used in the manufacture of electrical heating devices, electrical resistance devices, electrical contacts and conductors, and thermosensitive elements in thermostats. Standards in this section include sections on refined lead, tin, antimony, zinc, cadmium, precious metals, electrical contact materials, refined nickel, cobalt and all associated alloys.

Excluded are copper and copper alloys, light metals and alloys, reactive and refractory metals and alloys and engineered metal powders, electronic grade materials and wires, and certain accessories for use as electrical conductors.

Contact Sales View Nonferrous Metals Publications

Copper and Copper Alloys

Standards on copper refinery shapes, copper and copper alloy castings, and copper and copper alloy wrought products. Refinery shapes include cathodes, cakes, slabs, billets, wire rod and wire bars. Castings include ingots for remelting, deoxidizers, and hardeners for copper and copper-base alloys and sand, centrifugal, die, precision and continuous cast products. Wrought products include fabricated flat products (plate, bar, sheet, strip, foil, and flat wire), rod, wire shapes, forgings, pipe and tubular products, cartridge case and bullet jacket cups.

ASTM Standards in This Section Include:

  • B36/B36M Standard Specification for Brass Plate, Sheet, Strip, And Rolled Bar
  • B124/B124M Standard Specification for Copper and Copper Alloy Forging Rod, Bar, and Shapes
  • B152/B152M Standard Specification for Copper Sheet, Strip, Plate, and Rolled Bar
  • B280 Standard Specification for Seamless Copper Tube for Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Field Service

Contact Sales View Copper Publications

petridish
discussion

Light Metals and Alloys

Standard practices related to aluminum and magnesium and their alloys in cast and wrought mill product form. Included also are fabricated culvert materials, their structural design and installation. Standards in this section include aluminum alloy ingots and castings, aluminum alloy wrought products, magnesium alloy cast, wrought products, testing, corrugated aluminum pipe and corrugated aluminum structural plate.

ASTM Standards in This Section Include:

  • B94 Standard Specification for Magnesium-Alloy Die Castings
  • B26 / B26M Standard Specification for Aluminum-Alloy Sand
  • B209 Standard Specification for Aluminum and Aluminum-Alloy Sheet and Plate
  • B221 Standard Specification for Aluminum and Aluminum-Alloy Extruded Bars, Rods, Wire, Profiles, and Tubes
  • B557 / B557M Standard Test Methods for Tension Testing Wrought and Cast Aluminum and Magnesium-Alloy Products
  • B790 / B790M Standard Practice for Structural Design of Corrugated Aluminum Pipe, Pipe Arches, and Arches for Culverts, Storm Sewers, and Other Buried Conduits

Contact Sales View Light Metals and Alloys Publications

Metallic and Inorganic Coatings

These standards have, and continue to play, a preeminent role in all aspects important to the effective industrialization of metallic and inorganic coatings, inclusive of, but certainly not limited to, most aspects of electroplating, autocatalytic plating, hot dipping, immersion plating, vacuum processes, chemical conversion, anodic oxidation, and thermal coating processes, and porcelain enamel and ceramic metal coatings.

Standards focus on the properties, dimensions, test methods, classifications, terminology and nomenclature of nonferrous metals and alloys, and of solder and solder fluxes, and materials used in the manufacture of electrical heating devices, electrical resistance devices, electrical contacts and conductors, and thermosensitive elements in thermostats.

Excluded are copper and copper alloys, light metals and alloys, reactive and refractory metals and alloys, metal powders, electronic grade materials and wires, and certain accessories for use as electrical conductors.

Contact Sales View Metallic and Inorganic Coatings Publications

petridish

Metallic and Inorganic Coatings Standards Sections

Refined Lead, Tin, Antimony, and Their Alloys Zinc and Cadmium

Precious Metals and Electrical Contact Materials and Test Methods
Standards for refined gold, silver, the platinum group metals and their alloys, specifications for electrical contact materials, and test methods for electrical contacts and connectors, including sliding contacts, make-and-break contacts and static connectors and connections; the development of testing apparatus, methods and terminology and stimulation of research to accomplish the forementioned.

Thermostat Metals and Electrical Resistance Heating Materials

The formulation and standardization of specifications and methods for testing materials used in the construction of electrical heating devices and electrical resistance devices, including methods of determining basic temperature – resistance properties of materials, and research and development and accumulation of engineering information for thermostat metals and resistance alloys, as well as the standardization of research and standardization of nomenclature to accomplish the foregoing purposes.

Refined Nickel and Cobalt and Their Alloys

One standard on refined nickel and numerous specifications for the mill product forms of a variety of nickel, nickel alloy and cobalt alloy materials. In addition, many of the ferrous alloys with high nickel contents continue to be covered by specifications under the jurisdiction of this subcommittee. These materials are used in a wide range of applications since, collectively, they offer aqueous corrosion resistance, elevated temperature resistance, high strength at both room and elevated temperatures, as well as fabricability. Applications for these materials include the chemical, petrochemical, power generation, industrial heating, transportation and defense industries, as well as household consumer products.

discussion

Metal Powders and Metal Powder Products

ASTM standards for metal powders and metal powder products are essential for industries relying on powder metallurgy. These standards govern the properties of metal powders used in manufacturing, including their particle size, shape, and distribution. They also cover methods of testing and quality control to ensure consistency and performance in end products. By adhering to these standards, manufacturers can ensure that their products possess the necessary structural integrity and performance characteristics required in demanding applications. These standards include section on base metal powders, refractory metal powders, bearings, structural parts, cemented carbides, powder metallurgy and near full density powder metallurgy materials.

ASTM Standards in This Section Include:

  • B212 Standard Test Method for Apparent Density of Free-Flowing Metal Powders Using the Hall Flowmeter Funnel
  • B213 Standard Test Methods for Flow Rate of Metal Powders Using the Hall Flowmeter Funnel
  • B214 Standard Test Method for Sieve Analysis of Metal Powders
  • B215 Standard Practices for Sampling Metal Powders
  • B311 Standard Test Method for Density of Powder Metallurgy (PM) Materials Containing Less Than Two Percent Porosity
  • B438 Standard Specification for Bronze-Base Powder Metallurgy (PM) Bearings (Oil-Impregnated)
  • B527 Standard Test Method for Tap Density of Metal Powders and Compounds
  • B946 Standard Test Method for Surface Finish of Powder Metallurgy (P/M) Products
  • B962 Standard Test Methods for Density of Compacted or Sintered Powder Metallurgy (PM) Products Using Archimedes’ Principle

Contact Sales

Reactive and Refractory Metals and Alloys

The ASTM standards for reactive and refractory metals and alloys play a crucial role in ensuring the quality and performance of these materials. These metals, which include titanium, zirconium, and niobium among others, are known for their high melting points and resistance to corrosion and heat.

These standards cover various aspects such as chemical composition, mechanical properties, and manufacturing processes. They ensure that the metals meet specific requirements for their intended applications, such as in aerospace, medical implants, and chemical processing industries. Adherence to these standards is vital for ensuring the safety, reliability, and longevity of products made from these metals.

Contact Sales View Reactive and Refactory Metals Publications

petridish

Popular Standards for Reactive and Refractory Metals and Alloys

Titanium

  • B265 Standard Specification for Titanium and Titanium Alloy Strip, Sheet, and Plate
  • B338 Standard Specification for Seamless and Welded Titanium and Titanium Alloy Tubes for Condensers and Heat Exchangers
  • B348 Standard Specification for Titanium and Titanium Alloy Bars and Billets
  • B367 Standard Specification for Titanium and Titanium Alloy Castings
  • B381 Specification for Titanium and Titanium Alloy Forgings
  • B600 Standard Guide for Descaling and Cleaning Titanium and Titanium Alloy Surfaces

Zirconium and Hafnium

  • B350/B350M Standard Specification for Zirconium and Zirconium Alloy Ingots for Nuclear Application
  • B352/B352M Specification for Zirconium and Zirconium Alloy Sheet, Strip, and Plate for Nuclear Application
  • B550/ B550M Specification for Zirconium and Zirconium Alloy Bar and Wire
  • B551/ B551M Specification for Zirconium and Zirconium Alloy Strip, Sheet, and Plate

Niobium, Tantalum, and Vanadium

  • B364 Specification for Tantalum and Tantalum Alloy Ingots
  • B365 Specification for Tantalum and Tantalum Alloy Rod and Wire
  • B392 Specification for Niobium and Niobium Alloy Bar, Rod, and Wire
  • B393 Standard Specification for Niobium and Niobium Alloy Strip, Sheet, and Plate
  • B708 Standard Specification for Tantalum and Tantalum Alloy Plate, Sheet, and Strip

Molybdenum and Tungsten

  • B386 Specification for Molybdenum and Molybdenum Alloy Plate, Sheet, Strip, and Foil
  • B387 Standard Specification for Molybdenum and Molybdenum Alloy Bar, Rod, and Wire
  • B760 Specification for Tungsten Plate, Sheet, and Foil
  • B777 Standard Specification for Tungsten Base, High-Density Metal
  • B1024/B1024M Standard Specification for Isotropic Pure Molybdenum
discussion

Metals Training

ASTM has been the leader in standardization of Steel, Stainless Steel, and Related Alloys since its beginning in 1898. Our expert-driven training can help you advance your skills and gain an in-depth understanding of ASTM Standards related to metals.

ASTM offers expert-driven training programs to help professionals, including engineers, enhance their understanding of ASTM Standards related to metals. These training sessions are designed to advance skills and provide an in-depth understanding of the practical applications of these standards in the metal industry.

ASTM Metals Training

Metals Training

  • ASTM Hardness Testing: Best Practices Covering Theory, Operation, and Various Hardness Testing Applications
  • ASTM Carbon & Alloy Steel Specifications & Material Test Reports
  • ASTM Steel Metallurgy, Heat Treatment & Material Test Reports
  • ASTM Steel Specifications Mechanical Testing and Material Test Reports
  • ASTM Austenitic Stainless Specifications & Material Test Reports
  • ASTM | EnginZone NDT Training
  • ASTM | ASM Mechanical Testing of Metals
  • Mechanical Testing and Definitions eLearning Program
  • A370 Standard Test Methods and Definitions for Mechanical Testing of Steel Products
  • E10 Standard Test Method for Brinell Hardness of Metallic Materials
  • E18 Standard Test Method for Rockwell Hardness of Metallic Materials
  • E23 Standard Test Methods for Notched Bar Impact Testing of Metallic Materials
  • E384 Standard Test Method for Knoop and Vickers Hardness of Materials
  • Metal Failure Analysis
  • Principles of Metallurgy

ASM Courses

  • ASTM | ASM Mechanical Testing of Metals
  • ASM Digital Short Course: Corrosion Testing and Monitoring
  • ASM Digital Short Course: Materials Characterization and the Selection Process
  • ASM Digital Short Course: Mechanical Properties and Their Measurement
  • ASM Digital Short Course: Types of Corrosion
  • ASM Digital Short Course: Metallographic Techniques, Part 1
  • ASM Digital Short Course: Metallographic Techniques, Part 2
  • ASM Digital Short Course: Basics of Welding

American Welding Society Courses

  • American Welding Society Learning | Understanding Welding Symbols
  • American Welding Society Learning | WPS/PQR Explained
  • American Welding Society Learning | Welding Sales Representative
  • American Welding Society Learning | Economics of Welding
  • American Welding Society Learning | Welding Fundamentals I
  • American Welding Society Learning | Welding Fundamentals II
  • American Welding Society Learning | Welding Fundamentals III
  • American Welding Society Learning | The Science of Nondestructive Testing
  • American Welding Society Learning | Destructive Testing
  • American Welding Society Learning | Metallurgy II
  • American Welding Society Learning | Fabrication Math I
  • American Welding Society Learning | Fabrication Math II
  • American Welding Society Learning | API 1104 Code Clinic

CASTI Courses

  • ASTM Standards: Carbon & Alloy Steel
  • ASTM Standards: ASTM Steel Standards Structure
  • ASTM Standards: Steel Plates, Pipes, Shapes, Forging, and Castings