ASTM A480/A480M-23b

Standard Specification for General Requirements for Flat-Rolled Stainless and Heat-Resisting Steel Plate, Sheet, and Strip

ABSTRACT
This specification covers general requirements for flat-rolled stainless and heat-resisting steel plate, sheet, and strip. The steel shall be made by one of the following processes: electric-arc, electric-induction, or other suitable processes. Heat and product analyses shall conform to the chemical requirements for each of the specific elements. The material shall undergo mechanical tests such as tension test, hardness test, and bend test. Special tests like intergranular corrosion test, permeability test, Charpy impact testing and tests for detrimental intermetallic phases in wrought duplex stainless steels shall be also be performed when required.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification2 covers a group of general requirements that, unless otherwise specified in the purchase order or in an individual specification, shall apply to rolled steel plate, sheet, and strip, under each of the following specifications issued by ASTM: Specifications A240/A240M, A263, A264, A265, A666, A693, A793, and A895.  
1.2 In the case of conflict between a requirement of a product specification and a requirement of this specification, the product specification shall prevail. In the case of conflict between a requirement of the product specification or a requirement of this specification and a more stringent requirement of the purchase order, the purchase order shall prevail. The purchase order requirements shall not take precedence if they, in any way, violate the requirements of the product specification or this specification; for example, by waiving a test requirement or by making a test requirement less stringent.  
1.3 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The SI units are shown in brackets, except that when A480M is specified, Annex A3 shall apply for the dimensional tolerances and not the bracketed SI values in Annex A2. The values stated in each system are not necessarily exact equivalents; therefore, to ensure conformance with the standard, each system shall be used independently of the other, and values from the two systems shall not be combined.  
1.4 This specification and the applicable material specifications are expressed in both inch-pound and SI units. However, unless the order specifies the applicable “M” specification designation [SI units], the material shall be furnished in inch-pound units.  
1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 31-Oct-2023
• ICS: 77.140.50 - Flat steel products and semi-products
• Technical Committee: A01 - Steel, Stainless Steel and Related Alloys
• Drafting Committee: A01.17 - Flat-Rolled and Wrought Stainless Steel

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM A480/A480M-23a - Standard Specification for General Requirements for Flat-Rolled Stainless and Heat-Resisting Steel Plate, Sheet, and Strip
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2023
• Refers: ASTM A370-24 - Standard Test Methods and Definitions for Mechanical Testing of Steel Products
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2024
• Refers: ASTM A941-24 - Standard Terminology Relating to Steel, Stainless Steel, Related Alloys, and Ferroalloys
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2024
• Refers: ASTM A240/A240M-23a - Standard Specification for Chromium and Chromium-Nickel Stainless Steel Plate, Sheet, and Strip for Pressure Vessels and for General Applications
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2023
• Refers: ASTM A370-23 - Standard Test Methods and Definitions for Mechanical Testing of Steel Products
• Effective Date: 15-Sep-2023
• Refers: ASTM A941-23 - Standard Terminology Relating to Steel, Stainless Steel, Related Alloys, and Ferroalloys
• Effective Date: 01-May-2023
• Refers: ASTM A240/A240M-23 - Standard Specification for Chromium and Chromium-Nickel Stainless Steel Plate, Sheet, and Strip for Pressure Vessels and for General Applications
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2023
• Referred By: ASTM A789/A789M-22 - Standard Specification for Seamless and Welded Ferritic/Austenitic Stainless Steel Tubing for General Service
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2023
• Referred By: ASTM A484/A484M-23a - Standard Specification for General Requirements for Stainless Steel Bars, Billets, Shapes, and Forgings
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2023
• Referred By: ASTM A693-22 - Standard Specification for Precipitation-Hardening Stainless and Heat-Resisting Steel Plate, Sheet, and Strip
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2023
• Referred By: ASTM A814/A814M-15(2019) - Standard Specification for Cold-Worked Welded Austenitic Stainless Steel Pipe
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2023
• Referred By: ASTM A358/A358M-19 - Standard Specification for Electric-Fusion-Welded Austenitic Chromium-Nickel Stainless Steel Pipe for High-Temperature Service and General Applications
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2023
• Referred By: ASTM C1767M-21 - Standard Specification for Stainless Steel Jacketing for Insulation
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2023
• Referred By: ASTM A688/A688M-18(2022) - Standard Specification for Seamless and Welded Austenitic Stainless Steel Feedwater Heater Tubes
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2023
• Referred By: ASTM A269/A269M-22 - Standard Specification for Seamless and Welded Austenitic Stainless Steel Tubing for General Service
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2023

Overview

ASTM A480/A480M-23b: Standard Specification for General Requirements for Flat-Rolled Stainless and Heat-Resisting Steel Plate, Sheet, and Strip establishes the general requirements for manufacturing, ordering, and testing flat-rolled stainless steel and heat-resistant steel products. Developed by ASTM International, this standard is foundational in ensuring quality, safety, and compatibility across a broad range of applications where stainless steel plate, sheet, and strip are used.

The specification applies to materials produced by a variety of melting processes, such as electric-arc and electric-induction, and provides unified requirements for mechanical properties, finishes, permissible dimensional variations, and testing procedures. ASTM A480/A480M serves as an umbrella for a range of specific product standards, ensuring consistency, traceability, and reliability in flat-rolled stainless steel products worldwide.

Key Topics

• Scope and Applicability: Covers general requirements for all flat-rolled stainless and heat-resisting steel plate, sheet, and strip manufactured to ASTM steel standards including A240/A240M, A263, A264, A265, A666, A693, A793, and A895.
• Ordering and Certification: Details specific purchasing requirements, such as material type, form, condition, finish, dimensions, and any special customer requests or testing needs.
• Manufacturing Processes: Defines acceptable steelmaking processes. Additional specific melting processes must be specified by the purchaser in the order.
• Chemical Analysis: Requires both heat and product analyses to verify compliance with chemical requirements of the applicable grade. If stricter chemical limits are needed, they must be specified by the purchaser.
• Mechanical and Special Testing: Mandates tension, hardness, and bend testing, with supplementary tests such as intergranular corrosion and permeability carried out if required by the order.
• Finishes and Edges: Lists available finishes for sheet, plate, and strip (e.g., No. 1, 2B, No. 4, bright annealed, mirror) and details edge conditions for cold-rolled strip.
• Dimensional Tolerances: References specific annexes for tolerances based on unit systems (inch-pound or SI), ensuring clear guidance for permissible variations.
• Test Methods: Calls for adherence to standardized ASTM test methods for mechanical properties and corrosion resistance.

Applications

ASTM A480/A480M-23b is widely implemented in industries such as:

• Aerospace and Defense: Provides materials with consistent tolerance, finish, and mechanical properties needed for critical components.
• Pressure Vessels and Chemical Processing: Ensures stainless steel materials meet stringent requirements for corrosion resistance and mechanical strength.
• Food and Beverage Processing: Governs selection of high-purity, easy-to-clean finishes for stringent hygienic standards.
• Automotive and Transportation: Supports reliable production of body panels, trims, structural supports, and heat-resistant components.
• Architectural and Structural: Establishes accepted finishes and tolerances for visible, decorative, or structural stainless steel elements in buildings and infrastructure.

By standardizing testing, reporting, and finish options, ASTM A480/A480M reduces the risk of material nonconformance and facilitates global trade by ensuring consistent product quality.

Related Standards

• ASTM A240/A240M: For chromium and chromium-nickel stainless steel plate, sheet, and strip.
• ASTM A263, A264, A265: Stainless steel and alloy-clad plates specifications.
• ASTM A666: For annealed or cold-worked austenitic stainless steel.
• ASTM A693: For precipitation-hardening stainless steel.
• ASTM A793: Rolled floor plate, stainless steel (withdrawn 2023).
• ASTM A895: For free-machining stainless steel plate, sheet, and strip.
• ASTM A370: Test methods for mechanical testing of steel products.
• ASTM A751: Test methods and practices for chemical analysis of steel products.
• ASTM E140: Hardness conversion tables.

These standards, referenced within ASTM A480/A480M, provide additional detail tailored to specific materials, applications, and testing requirements related to flat-rolled stainless and heat-resisting steel products.

---

Keywords: ASTM A480, stainless steel plate specification, heat-resisting steel sheet standard, flat-rolled steel requirements, stainless steel sheet finishes, ASTM steel standards, ordering stainless steel plate, mechanical testing of steel, corrosion resistance testing, steel dimensions tolerances.

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: A480/A480M − 23b
Standard Specification for
General Requirements for Flat-Rolled Stainless and Heat-
Resisting Steel Plate, Sheet, and Strip
This standard is issued under the fixed designation A480/A480M; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year
of original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.
A superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.
1. Scope* 1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
1.1 This specification covers a group of general require-
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
ments that, unless otherwise specified in the purchase order or
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
in an individual specification, shall apply to rolled steel plate,
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
sheet, and strip, under each of the following specifications
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
issued by ASTM: Specifications A240/A240M, A263, A264,
A265, A666, A693, A793, and A895.
2. Referenced Documents
1.2 In the case of conflict between a requirement of a
2.1 ASTM Standards:
product specification and a requirement of this specification,
A240/A240M Specification for Chromium and Chromium-
the product specification shall prevail. In the case of conflict
Nickel Stainless Steel Plate, Sheet, and Strip for Pressure
between a requirement of the product specification or a
Vessels and for General Applications
requirement of this specification and a more stringent require-
A262 Practices for Detecting Susceptibility to Intergranular
ment of the purchase order, the purchase order shall prevail.
Attack in Austenitic Stainless Steels
The purchase order requirements shall not take precedence if
A263 Specification for Stainless Chromium Steel-Clad Plate
they, in any way, violate the requirements of the product
A264 Specification for Stainless Chromium-Nickel Steel-
specification or this specification; for example, by waiving a
Clad Plate
test requirement or by making a test requirement less stringent.
A265 Specification for Nickel and Nickel-Base Alloy-Clad
Steel Plate
1.3 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units
A342/A342M Test Methods for Permeability of Weakly
are to be regarded separately as standard. The SI units are
Magnetic Materials
shown in brackets, except that when A480M is specified,
A370 Test Methods and Definitions for Mechanical Testing
Annex A3 shall apply for the dimensional tolerances and not
of Steel Products
the bracketed SI values in Annex A2. The values stated in each
A666 Specification for Annealed or Cold-Worked Austenitic
system are not necessarily exact equivalents; therefore, to
Stainless Steel Sheet, Strip, Plate, and Flat Bar
ensure conformance with the standard, each system shall be
A693 Specification for Precipitation-Hardening Stainless
used independently of the other, and values from the two
and Heat-Resisting Steel Plate, Sheet, and Strip
systems shall not be combined.
A700 Guide for Packaging, Marking, and Loading Methods
1.4 This specification and the applicable material specifica-
for Steel Products for Shipment
tions are expressed in both inch-pound and SI units. However,
A751 Test Methods and Practices for Chemical Analysis of
unless the order specifies the applicable “M” specification
Steel Products
designation [SI units], the material shall be furnished in
A763 Practices for Detecting Susceptibility to Intergranular
inch-pound units.
Attack in Ferritic Stainless Steels
A793 Specification for Rolled Floor Plate, Stainless Steel
(Withdrawn 2023)
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee A01 on Steel,
Stainless Steel and Related Alloys and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee
A01.17 on Flat-Rolled and Wrought Stainless Steel. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Current edition approved Nov. 1, 2023. Published November 2023. Originally contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
approved in 1962. Last previous edition approved in 2023 as A480/A480M – 23a. Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
DOI: 10.1520/A0480_A0480M-23B. the ASTM website.
2 4
For ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code applications see related Specifi- The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on
cation SA-480 in Section II of that Code. www.astm.org.
*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
A480/A480M − 23b
A895 Specification for Free-Machining Stainless Steel Plate, 4.1.5 Temper (if the applicable material specification re-
Sheet, and Strip quires this detail),
A923 Test Methods for Detecting Detrimental Intermetallic 4.1.6 Form (plate, sheet, or strip),
Phase in Duplex Austenitic/Ferritic Stainless Steels 4.1.7 Dimensions (thickness, width, and length),
A941 Terminology Relating to Steel, Stainless Steel, Related 4.1.7.1 Thickness shall be ordered to decimal or fractional
Alloys, and Ferroalloys thickness. The use of the gauge number is discouraged as being
A1084 Test Method for Detecting Detrimental Phases in an archaic term of limited usefulness not having general
Lean Duplex Austenitic/Ferritic Stainless Steels agreement on meaning. The gauge number shall not be a basis
E140 Hardness Conversion Tables for Metals Relationship for rejection.
Among Brinell Hardness, Vickers Hardness, Rockwell 4.1.7.2 Thickness, width, and length, when applicable,
Hardness, Superficial Hardness, Knoop Hardness, Sclero- should be ordered in the same units, for example, 0.060 in. by
scope Hardness, and Leeb Hardness 48 in. by 120 in. [1.52 mm by 1219 mm by 3048 mm].
2.2 AIAG Standard: 4.1.8 Edge, strip only (see Section 14 for cold-rolled strip),
B-5 Primary Metals Identification Tag Application Standard 4.1.9 Type or UNS designation, refer to the applicable
2.3 ASME Document: material specification,
ASME BPVC.IX Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, Section 4.1.10 Specification designation and date of issue,
IX: Welding, Brazing, and Fusing Qualifications 4.1.11 Additions to specification or special requirements,
2.4 Federal Standard: 4.1.12 Restrictions (if desired) on methods for determining
Fed. Std. No. 123 Marking for Shipment (Civil Agencies) yield strength (see appropriate footnote to mechanical proper-
ties table of the basic material specification),
3. Terminology
4.1.13 Marking requirements (see Section 25),
4.1.14 Preparation for delivery (see Section 25), and
3.1 Definitions:
3.1.1 For definitions of terms pertaining to this standard, not 4.1.15 Magnetic permeability test (when required). Refer to
Section 19.
otherwise listed in 3.2, reference should be made to Terminol-
ogy A941.
5. Process
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.2.1 cold work, n—the changing of mechanical properties
5.1 The steel shall be manufactured/produced by the follow-
by work hardening.
ing or as specified in the applicable material specification.
5.1.1 The steel shall be made by electric-arc, electric-
3.2.2 plate, n—material ⁄16 in. [5.00 mm] and over in
thickness and over 10 in. [250 mm] in width; finishes for plate induction, or other suitable processes.
5.1.2 If a specific type of melting is required by the
are shown in Section 13.
purchaser, it shall be so specified on the purchase order.
3.2.3 sheet, n—material under ⁄16 in. [5.00 mm] in thickness
and 24 in. [600 mm] and over in width; finishes for sheet are
6. Heat Analysis
shown in Section 11.
6.1 Methods and practices relating to chemical analysis
3.2.4 strip, n—cold-rolled material under ⁄16 in. [5.00 mm]
shall be in accordance with Test Methods, Practices, and
in thickness and under 24 in. [600 mm] in width; finishes are
Terminology A751.
detailed in Section 12 for strip, and strip edges in Section 14
for cold-rolled strip.
6.2 An analysis of each heat shall be made by the steel
producer to determine the percentages of the elements specified
4. Ordering Information
in the applicable material specification. This analysis shall be
4.1 It is the responsibility of the purchaser to specify all made from a test sample taken during the pouring of the melt,
requirements that are necessary for material ordered under this or from the in-process product later in the manufacturing flow.
specification. Such requirements may include, but are not 6.2.1 The heat analysis shall conform to the chemical
limited to, the following: requirements for each of the specified elements for the grade
4.1.1 Quantity (weight and number of pieces), ordered, as listed in the applicable product specification.
4.1.2 Name of material (stainless steel), 6.2.2 All commercial metals contain small amounts of
4.1.3 Condition (hot-rolled, cold-rolled, annealed, heat- elements other than those which are specified. It is neither
treated), practical nor necessary to specify limits for unspecified ele-
4.1.4 Finish (see Section 11 for sheet, Section 12 for strip, ments that can be present. The producer is permitted to analyze
and Section 13 for plates); in the case of polished finishes, for unspecified elements and is permitted to report such
specify whether one or both sides are to be polished, analyses. The presence of an unspecified element and the
reporting of an analysis for that element shall not be a basis for
rejection, unless the presence of that element causes the loss of
Available from Automotive Industry Action Group (AIAG), 26200 Lahser Rd.,
a property typically expected for that metal, for the type and
Suite 200, Southfield, MI 48033-7156, http://www.aiag.org.
Available from American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), ASME
quality ordered.
International Headquarters, Two Park Ave., New York, NY 10016-5990, http://
6.2.3 The purchaser is permitted to require in the purchase
www.asme.org.
order a maximum limit for an individual element not specified
Available from DLA Document Services, Building 4/D, 700 Robbins Ave.,
Philadelphia, PA 19111-5094, http://quicksearch.dla.mil. in the product specification. Such a requirement for an element
A480/A480M − 23b
not listed in the product specification, when acknowledged in sample for product analysis is permitted to be either above or
the order acceptance, shall be treated as a specified element, below the specified range. However, percentages must exhibit
with determination of chemical analysis and reporting of that
the same tendencies in all samples; that is, the several
analysis.
determinations of any individual element in a heat shall not
6.2.4 The purchaser is permitted to make the requirements
vary both above and below the specified range.
for any element more stringent; that is, require higher mini-
mums for elements having minimum requirements or ranges
8. Material Test Report and Certification
with minimum requirements, or requiring lower maximums for
8.1 A report of the results of all tests required by the product
elements having specified maximums, or ranges with maxi-
specification shall be supplied to the purchaser. This material
mums. The purchaser is not permitted to make chemical
test report shall reference the product specification designation
requirements less stringent.
and year date indicating that the material was manufactured,
6.2.5 Analysis limits shall be established for specific
sampled, tested, and inspected in accordance with requirements
elements rather than groups of elements, including but not
of the product specification and has been found to meet those
limited to all others, rare earths, and balance, unless all
requirements. The material test report shall report the melting
elements in such a group are similar in technical effect and are
process when the purchase order requires either a specific type
associated in typical methods of chemical analysis.
of melting or requires that the melting process used is to be
6.3 Except as permitted in 6.3.1, the steel shall not contain
reported.
an unspecified element for the ordered grade to the extent that
8.1.1 The report shall indicate the type of steel. If certifying
the steel conforms to the requirements of another grade for
that the material conforms to the requirements for more than
which that element is a specified element having a required
one type of steel, the manufacturer may indicate each type of
minimum content. For this requirement, a grade is defined as
steel on the report, or may issue a separate report for each type
an alloy described individually and identified by its own UNS
of steel.
designation in a table of chemical requirements within this
specification or any specification listed within the scope as
8.2 A signature is not required on the report. However, the
being covered by the specification.
document shall clearly identify the organization submitting the
6.3.1 Unless otherwise specified to lower maximum limits
report. Not withstanding the absence of a signature, the
on the purchase order, maximum allowances for unspecified
organization submitting the document is responsible for its
elements will be established for Cu, Mo, Ti, and Nb for the
content.
specified grade if the amount of that element present in the
material conforms with composition limits for that element in 8.3 A material test report, certificate of inspection, or similar
another grade. These allowances are Cu, 0.75 %; Mo, 0.75 %; document printed from or used in electronic form from an
Ti, 0.10 %; and Nb, 0.10 %. electronic data interchange (EDI) transmission shall be re-
6.3.2 If any allowance in 6.3.1 is used to demonstrate garded as having the same validity as a counterpart printed in
non-substitution, then the element involved shall be reported as
the certifiers’ facility. The content of the EDI transmitted
if it were a specified element. document must meet the requirements of the invoked ASTM
standard(s) and conform to any existing EDI agreement be-
6.4 The producer is not permitted to certify that material is
tween the purchaser and the supplier. Notwithstanding the
in compliance with an ASTM product specification when the
absence of a signature, the organization submitting the EDI
purchase order has required that the material contain as a
transmission is responsible for the content of the report.
minimum or range an element that is neither a specified
element nor an intentionally added unspecified element for the
8.4 When finished material is supplied to a purchase order
ordered grade in accordance with the definitions of Test
specifying the product specification, the organization supply-
Methods, Practices, and Terminology A751.
ing that material shall provide the purchaser with a copy of the
6.5 The names columbium (Cb) and niobium (Nb) both original manufacturer’s test report.
refer to element 41. The name Niobium is preferred, but either
NOTE 1—Notwithstanding the absence of a signature, the organization
is acceptable for reporting composition.
submitting the report is responsible for the content of the report.
NOTE 2—The industry definition of EDI invoked herein is the
7. Product Analysis
computer-to-computer exchange of business information in a standard
format such as ANSI ASC X12.
7.1 The purchaser is permitted to perform a product analysis
(formerly check analysis) to verify the identity of the finished
8.4.1 When the original manufacturer’s test report was
material representing each heat or lot. Such analysis shall be
provided by EDI to the organization supplying the finished
made by any of the commonly accepted methods that will
material to the purchaser, the organization supplying the
positively identify the material.
finished material shall provide to the purchaser a printed form
of the original test report or shall retransmit the test report by
7.2 The chemical composition determined in accordance
EDI to the purchaser. In either case, the test report shall be
with 7.1 shall conform to the limits of the material specification
within the tolerances of Table A1.1, unless otherwise specified complete with the full identification of the original manufac-
turer and with all data provided on the test report of the original
in the applicable material specification or the purchase order.
The allowable variation of a particular element in a single manufacturer.
A480/A480M − 23b
generally be up to 40 μin. A skilled operator can generally blend this
9. Permitted Variations in Dimensions and Weight
finish. Surface roughness measurements differ with different instruments,
9.1 Sheet, strip, and plate shall conform to the permitted
laboratories, and operators. There may also be overlap in measurements of
variations in thickness, width, length and flatness, and other
surface roughness for both Nos. 3 and 4 finishes.
No. 4—A linearly textured finish that may be produced by either
properties when specified, as listed in Annex A2 and Annex A3
mechanical polishing or rolling. Average surface roughness (R ) may
a
for A480 and A480M respectively, for the ordered product
generally be up to 25 μin. A skilled operator can generally blend this
form, or as agreed upon by seller and user and specified in the
finish. Surface roughness measurements differ with different instruments,
purchase order.
laboratories, and operators. There may also be overlap in measurements of
surface roughness for both Nos. 3 and 4 finishes.
No. 6—This finish has a soft, satin appearance typically produced by
10. Workmanship
tampico brushing a No. 4 finish.
10.1 The material shall be of uniform quality consistent
No. 7—Has a high degree of reflectivity. It is produced by buffing a
with good manufacturing and inspection practices. The steel
finely ground surface, but the grit lines are not removed. It is chiefly used
for architectural or ornamental purposes.
shall have no imperfections of a nature or degree, for the type
No. 8—This is a highly reflective, smooth finish typically produced by
and quality ordered, that will adversely affect the stamping,
polishing with successively finer grit abrasives, then buffing. Typically,
forming, machining, or fabrication of finished parts.
very faint buff of polish lines may still be visible on the final product.
Blending after part assembly may be done with buffing.
10.2 Sheet, Strip, and Plate—For sheet and strip, restricted
TR Finish—The finish resulting from the cold-rolling of an annealed
only to material ordered to have a No. 1 finish in accordance
and descaled or bright annealed product to obtain mechanical properties
with 11.1.1 and 12.1.1 respectively, and for plate restricted to
higher than that of the annealed condition. Appearance will vary depend-
material ordered to hot-rolled and annealed or hot-rolled,
ing upon the starting finish, amount of cold work, and the alloy.
Architectural Finishes—Sometimes described as a No. 5 finish, these
annealed, and pickle finish in accordance with 13.1.1 and
are a separate category and may be negotiated between buyer and seller,
13.1.2 respectively, it is permitted to grind to remove surface
as there are many techniques and finish variations available throughout the
imperfections, provided such grinding does not reduce the
world.
thickness or width at any point beyond the permissible varia-
11.1.10 Architectural finish, No. 5, or other proprietary
tions in dimensions. An iron free abrasive wheel shall be used
names are special finishes.
for such grinding and shall be operated at a speed ample to
11.1.11 Note 3 is not meant to be restrictive or to be used as
ensure that defective areas are cleanly cut out.
a basis for rejection but is intended to give general guidelines.
Various production methods may be used to obtain these
11. Finish for Sheet
finishes.
11.1 The types of finish available on sheet products are:
11.1.12 Sheets can be produced with one or two sides
11.1.1 No. 1 Finish—Hot-rolled, annealed, and descaled.
polished. When polished on one side only, it is permitted to
11.1.2 No. 2D Finish—Cold-rolled, dull finish.
rough grind the other side in order to obtain the necessary
11.1.3 No. 2B Finish—Cold-rolled, bright finish.
flatness.
11.1.3.1 Bright Annealed Finish—A bright cold-rolled finish
retained by final annealing in a controlled atmosphere furnace.
12. Finish for Strip
11.1.4 No. 3 Finish—Intermediate polished finish, one or
12.1 The various types of finish procurable on cold-rolled
both sides.
strip products are:
11.1.5 No. 4 Finish—General purpose polished finish, one
or both sides. 12.1.1 No. 1 Finish—Cold-rolled to specified thickness,
annealed, and descaled.
11.1.6 No. 6 Finish—Dull satin finish, Tampico brushed,
one or both sides. 12.1.2 No. 2 Finish—Same as No. 1 finish, followed by a
11.1.7 No. 7 Finish—High luster finish. final light cold-roll pass, generally on highly polished rolls.
11.1.8 No. 8 Finish—Mirror finish. 12.1.3 Bright Annealed Finish—A bright cold-rolled finish
11.1.9 TR Finish—Cold-worked to obtain specified proper-
retained by final annealing in a controlled atmosphere furnace.
ties.
12.1.4 TR Finish—Cold-worked to obtain specified proper-
ties.
NOTE 3—Explanation of Sheet Finishes:
12.1.5 Polished Finish—Stainless steel strip is also avail-
No. 1—Commonly referred to as hot-rolled annealed and pickled or
descaled. This is a dull, nonreflective finish. able in polished finishes such as Nos. 3 and 4, which are
No. 2D—A smooth, nonreflective cold-rolled annealed and pickled or
explained in Note 3.
descaled finish. This nondirectional finish is favorable for retention of
lubricants in deep drawing applications. NOTE 4—Explanation of Strip Finishes:
No. 2B—A smooth, moderately reflective cold-rolled annealed and No. 1—Appearance of this finish varies from dull gray matte finish to
pickled or descaled finish typically produced by imparting a final light a fairly reflective surface, depending largely upon composition. This finish
cold-rolled pass using polished rolls. This general-purpose finish is more is used for severely drawn or formed parts, as well as for applications
readily polished than No. 1 or 2D finishes. Product with 2B finish is where the brighter No. 2 finish is not required, such as parts for heat
normally supplied in the annealed plus lightly cold-rolled condition unless resistance.
a tensile-rolled product is specified. No. 2—This finish has a smoother and more reflective surface, the
Bright Annealed Finish—A smooth, bright, reflective finish typically appearance of which varies with composition. This is a general purpose
produced by cold rolling followed by annealing in a protective atmosphere finish, widely used for household and automotive trim, tableware, utensils,
so as to prevent oxidation and scaling during annealing. trays, and so forth.
No. 3—A linearly textured finish that may be produced by either Bright Annealed Finish—See Note 3.
mechanical polishing or rolling. Average surface roughness (R ) may TR Finish—See Note 3.
a
A480/A480M − 23b
order to meet corrosion test requirements. Consideration should be given
13. Finish for Plates
to the corrosive media before using a stabilization anneal at less than
13.1 The types of finish available on plates are:
1800 °F [982 °C], as such treatment is not equally effective for all media.
13.1.1 Hot-rolled or Cold-rolled, and Annealed or Heat
15.2.5 For the stabilized H types, it is noted that the heat
Treated—Scale not removed, an intermediate finish. Use of
treatment requirements shown in Table A1.2 differ as a
plates in this condition is generally confined to heat-resisting
function of whether the material was cold worked or hot
applications. Scale impairs corrosion resistance.
finished.
13.1.2 Hot-rolled or Cold-rolled, and Annealed or Heat
15.2.6 The chromium-manganese-nickel types (201, 202,
Treated, and Blast Cleaned or Pickled—Condition and finish
S20103, S20400, S20153, S21800, S21640, XM-11, XM-17,
commonly preferred for corrosion-resisting and most heat-
XM-18, XM-19, XM-29, and XM-31) shall be solution an-
resisting applications, essentially a No. 1 finish.
nealed to meet the mechanical property requirements of the
13.1.3 Hot-rolled or Cold-rolled, and Annealed or Heat
applicable material specification and to exhibit adequate resis-
Treated, and Surface Cleaned and Polished—Polish finish is
tance to intergranular corrosion (see 18.2). For S20161, the
generally No. 4 finish.
heat treatment is specified in Table A1.2. For S21640, see Note
13.1.4 Hot-rolled or Cold-rolled, and Annealed or Heat
5.
Treated, and Descaled, and Temper Passed—Smoother finish
15.2.6.1 Note that some of these types contain high carbon
for specialized applications.
content that can adversely affect resistance to intergranular
13.1.5 Hot-rolled or Cold-rolled, and Annealed or Heat
corrosion.
Treated, and Descaled; and Cold-rolled, and Annealed or Heat
Treated, and Descaled, and Optionally Temper Passed—
15.3 Duplex Types—The duplex types shall be solution
Smooth finish with greater freedom from surface imperfections
annealed in accordance with Table A1.2.
than in 13.1.4.
15.4 Martensitic and Ferritic Types:
15.4.1 The chromium steels (S32803, 400 Series, S40945,
14. Edges for Cold-rolled Strip
S41045, S41050, S41500, S43932, S44400, S44537, S44635,
14.1 The types of edges available on strip products are:
S44660, S44700, S44735, S44800, XM-27, and XM-33) shall
14.1.1 No. 1 Edge—A rolled edge, either round or square as
be heat treated in such a manner as to satisfy all the require-
specified.
ments for mechanical and bending properties specified in the
14.1.2 No. 3 Edge—An edge produced by slitting.
applicable material specification and (except for 400 Series,
14.1.3 No. 5 Edge—An approximately square edge pro-
S41050, and S41500) to provide for adequate resistance to
duced by rolling or filing after slitting.
intergranular attack.
15.4.2 For S41500, heat to 1750 °F [955 °C] minimum, air
15. Heat Treatment
cool to 200 °F [93 °C] or lower prior to any optional interme-
15.1 The heat treatments shown in this section are to be
diate temper and prior to final temper. The final temper shall be
followed unless otherwise specified in the applicable material
between 1050 °F and 1150 °F [566 °C and 621 °C].
specification. Heat treatment thermal cycles shall be separate
from other thermal processing cycles; for example, in-process
16. Number of Tests
thermal cycles are not permitted as a substitute for the separate
16.1 Unless otherwise specified by the applicable material
annealing cycle.
specification or by agreement between the seller and the
15.2 Austenitic Types:
purchaser to perform a greater number of tests, the following
15.2.1 The austenitic types shall be annealed in accordance
number of tests are to be performed.
with Table A1.2.
16.1.1 In the case of plate, sheet, and strip produced in coil
15.2.2 The material shall be annealed to meet the mechani-
form, two or more hardness tests (one from each end of the
cal property requirements of the applicable material specifica-
coil); one bend test, when required; one permeability test, when
tion unless otherwise stated in the material specification.
required; and one or more tension tests shall be made on
15.2.3 Except as indicated in Table A1.2, Series 300,
specimens taken from each coil. If the hardness difference
XM-15, N08800, S30415, S30815, S31725, S31726, and
between the two ends of the coil exceeds 5 HRB, or equivalent,
S32615 austenitic chromium-nickel steels, when specified on
or if the material is temper rolled, tensile properties must be
the purchase order, shall be capable of meeting the test for
determined on both coil ends.
resistance to intergranular corrosion specified in 18.2.
16.1.2 In the case of plate, sheet, or strip produced in cut
15.2.4 For grades stabilized with titanium or niobium, refer
lengths, one tension test; two tension tests if the material is
to Note 5.
temper rolled (one tension test for single piece lots); one bend
NOTE 5—Solution-annealing temperatures above 1950 °F [1066 °C]
test when required, and one or more hardness tests shall be
can impair the resistance to intergranular corrosion after subsequent
made on each 100 or less pieces of the same heat and nominal
exposure to sensitizing conditions in the stabilized grades, types 309Cb,
thickness rolled separately or continuously and heat treated
309HCb, 310Cb, 310HCb, 316Ti, 316Cb, 321, 321H, 347, 347H, 348,
348H, S21640, S31740, S33425, S35140, S35135, and S35125. When within the same operating period, either as a lot or continu-
intergranular corrosion is of concern, the purchaser should specify the
ously.
corrosion test of 18.2 (to be conducted on sensitized specimens). The
manufacturer is permitted, if necessary, use a lower temperature resolution NOTE 6—The term continuously, as applied to heat treatment, is meant
anneal or a stabilization anneal after a high temperature solution anneal in to describe a heat-treating operation in which one cut length follows
A480/A480M − 23b
another through the furnace. Interspersement of different melts is permis-
17.3.4 Bend test specimens taken from plates shall be in full
sible if they are of approximately the same nominal thickness and are heat 1
thickness of the material up to and including ⁄2 in. [12.7 mm]
treated in the same operating period and under the same conditions (time
in thickness, of suitable length, and between 1 in. and 2 in.
and temperature).
[25.4 mm and 50.8 mm] in width. It is permitted to remove the
16.1.3 One intergranular corrosion test, when required, shall
sheared edges to a depth of at least ⁄8 in. [3.2 mm] and it is
be selected from each heat and thickness subjected to the same
permitted to smooth the sides with a file. It is permitted to
heat treatment practice. It is permitted to obtain such speci-
break the corners of the cross section of the specimen with a
mens from specimens selected for mechanical testing.
file, but no appreciable rounding of the corners is permitted.
17.3.5 In the case of plates over ⁄2 in. [12.7 mm] in
17. Test Specimens
thickness, it is permitted to use bend test specimens, machined
to 1 in. [25.4 mm] nominal width by ⁄2 in. [12.7 mm] nominal
17.1 Tension Test:
thickness and at least 6 in. [152.4 mm] in length. One surface,
17.1.1 Tension test specimens shall be taken from finished
to be the outside surface in bending, shall be the original
material and shall be selected in either or both longitudinal and
surface of the plate; however, surface preparation by light
transverse direction. The tension test specimen shall conform
grinding is permitted. It is permitted to round the edges to a
to the appropriate sections of Test Methods and Definitions
⁄16 in. [1.6 mm] radius. When agreed by the seller and the
A370, unless otherwise specified in the applicable material
purchaser, it is permitted to modify the cross section to ⁄2 in.
specification or agreed upon by the seller and the purchaser.
[12.7 mm] nominal square.
17.1.2 The testing speed between the yield strength and the
17.3.6 In the case of plates over 1 in. [25.4 mm] in
fracture of the specimen, shall be conducted at a constant strain
1 1
thickness, bend tests must be agreed upon between the seller
rate between ⁄8 in. and ⁄2 in. [3.18 mm and 12.70 mm]
and the purchaser.
inclusive, per in. [25.40 mm] of gauge length per minute, or at
17.3.7 The bend test specimen shall withstand cold bending
a crosshead speed that will give a strain rate within this range.
through the angle specified in the applicable material specifi-
For the purposes of this specification, the rate of strain shall be
cation without cracking on the outside of the bent portion.
determined by a strain-rate pacer, indicator, or controller, or by
dividing the unit elongation by the elapsed time from yield
17.4 The bend shall be made over a diameter equal to the
strength to fracture.
number of thicknesses of flat stock shown in the applicable
material specification or over a single piece of flat stock equal
17.2 Hardness Test—It is permitted to perform hardness
to the number of thicknesses shown in the applicable material
tests on the grip ends of the tension specimens before they are
specification; or as follows:
subjected to the tension test.
17.4.1 Material up to and including ⁄8 in. [9.5 mm] in
17.2.1 Unless otherwise specified in the purchase order, the
thickness shall be bent over a piece (or pieces) of flat stock that
manufacturer may use an alternate hardness test procedure
has the same nominal thickness of the material being tested
when material size or form dictates. Hardness conversion shall
(1T), allowing the test material to form its natural curvature.
be done using the applicable tables in Test Methods and
17.4.2 Material over ⁄8 in. [9.5 mm] and up to and including
Definitions A370. When the material is too thin to allow
1 in. [25.4 mm] in thickness shall be bent over a piece (or
hardness testing using any of the Rockwell superficial hardness
pieces) of flat stock equalling two times the thickness of the
tests, the hardness requirement is waived.
material being tested (2T), allowing the test material to form its
17.3 Bend Test:
natural curvature.
17.3.1 Bend test specimens (when required) shall be taken
from finished material and shall be selected in the transverse
18. Special Tests
direction or as indicated in the applicable material specification
18.1 If other tests are required, the methods and acceptance
or as agreed upon by the seller and the purchaser. In the case
criteria shall be agreed upon between the seller and the
of transverse bend test specimens, the axis of bend shall be
purchaser and specified on the purchase order.
parallel to the direction of rolling.
18.2 Resistance to Intergranular Corrosion:
17.3.2 Bend test specimens from sheet and strip product
shall be the full thickness of the material and approximately 18.2.1 The intergranular corrosion test, Practice E of Prac-
tices A262, is not required unless it is specified on the purchase
1 in. [25.4 mm] in width. It is permitted to round the edges of
the test specimen to a radius equal to one half the specimen order. All austenitic chromium-nickel types except the H types
are expected to be capable of passing this test. However, it is
thickness.
not necessary to actually run the test unless it is specified on the
17.3.3 The width of strip for which bend tests can be made
purchase order. Note that Practices A262 requires the test to be
is subject to practical limitations on the length of the bend test
performed on sensitized specimens in the low-carbon and
specimen. For narrow strip, the following widths can be tested:
stabilized types and on specimens representative of the as-
Minimum Strip Width
Strip Thickness, in. [mm] and Minimum Specimen Length for
shipped condition for other types. In the case of low-carbon
Bend Tests, in. [mm]
types containing 3 % or more molybdenum in their specified
0.100 [2.5] and under ⁄2 [12.7]
composition, the applicability of the sensitizing treatment prior
Over 0.100 to 0.140 [2.5 to 3.5], excl 1 [25.4]
0.140 [3.5] and over 1 ⁄2 [38.1]
to testing shall be a matter for negotiation between the seller
Bend test specimens shall be of any suitable length over the and the purchaser. When specified, all flat rolled products of
specified minimum length. the chromium-nickel series (300 series) in thickness up to and
A480/A480M − 23b
including 2 in. [50.8 mm] nominal size shall be capable of 19.1.8 Intermetallic Phases (When Specified)—Test Meth-
passing the intergranular corrosion test in the as shipped ods A923 or A1084.
condition. In the case of heavier plates of types other than
304L, 304LN, 309Cb, 310Cb, 316Cb, 316L, 316LN, 316Ti, 20. Retests and Retreatment
317L, 321, 347, 348, S31725, S31726, and S31740, the
20.1 Retests are permitted in accordance with the provisions
applicability of this test shall be a matter for negotiation
of Test Methods and Definitions A370.
between the seller and the purchaser.
18.2.2 The H types are not normally subject to intergranular
20.2 If any test specimen shows defective machining or
corrosion tests. However, it is permitted to specify Practice E
develops flaws, it is permitted to discard the flawed specimen
of Practices A262 for Type 321H when intergranular corrosion
and substitute another specimen.
is of concern. In this case, the purchaser shall inform the seller
20.2.1 If the percentage of elongation of any tension speci-
and agree upon the requirements and these requirements shall
men is less than that specified and any part of the fracture is
be so stated on the purchase order.
more than ⁄4 in. [19.1 mm] from the center of the gauge length
18.2.3 Austenitic chromium-manganese-nickel types (201,
of the 2 in. [50.8 mm] specimen or is outside the middle half
202, XM-17, XM-18, XM-19, XM-29, XM-31, S20400,
of the gauge length of an 8 in. [203.2 mm] specimen, as
S21640, and S21800) are to be heat treated for intergranular
indicated by scribe marks placed on the specimen before
corrosion resistance. When intergranular corrosion tests are
testing, a retest shall be allowed.
required, they shall be as agreed upon between the seller and
20.3 If a bend test specimen fails, due to conditions of
the purchaser.
bending more severe than required by the specification, a retest
18.2.4 N08800 shall be heat treated for intergranular corro-
shall be permitted, either on a duplicate specimen or on a
sion resistance. When intergranular corrosion tests are
remaining portion of the failed specimen.
required, they shall be as agreed upon between the seller and
purchaser.
20.4 If the results of any test lot are not in conformance with
18.2.5 Corrosion tests are not normally required for the 400
the requirements of the applicable material specification, the
series types. Lower-carbon corrosion-resistant types (S44400,
producer is permitted the option of retreating such lots. The
S44635, S44660, S44700, S44800, S44735, XM-27, and XM-
material shall be accepted if the results of retests on retreated
33) are heat treated for resistance to corrosion. For S44400,
material are within the specified requirements.
S44635, S44660, S44700, S44800, S44735, XM-27, and XM-
33, intergranular corrosion testing of Practices A763, Practice 20.5 If any specimens selected to represent any heat fail to
X, Y, or Z shall be specified as agreed upon between the seller meet any of the test requirements as specified in the applicable
and the purchaser. material specification, it is permitted to reheat treat the material
represented and resubmit it for testing.
18.3 Detrimental Intermetallic Phases in Duplex Stainless
Steels—The tests for detrimental intermetallic phases in
20.6 If the product analysis fails to conform to the specified
wrought duplex stainless steels, Methods A, B, or C of Test
limits, analysis shall be made on a new sample. The results of
Methods A923 or A1084, are not required unless it is specified
this retest shall be within the specified requirements.
on the purchase order. All duplex (austenitic-ferritic) types that
are listed in Test Methods A923 or A1084 are expected to be
21. Repair of Plate by Welding
capable of passing these tests. However, it is not necessary to
21.1 Repair of surface defects of plate, by welding, is
actually run the tests unless specified on the purchase order.
permitted unless prohibited by other specifications or purchase
The applicability of these tests to duplex stainless steels not
order requirements.
listed in Test Methods A923 or A1084 shall be a matter for
negotiation between the seller and the purchaser.
21.2 Defect depth shall not exceed ⁄3 of the nominal
thickness, and the total area shall not exceed 1 % of the plate
19. Test Methods
surface area, unless prior approval from the purchaser is
19.1 The properties enumerated in applicable specifications obtained.
shall be determined in accordance with the following ASTM
21.3 Unacceptable imperfections shall be suitably prepared
standards.
for welding by grinding or machining. Open clean defects,
19.1.1 Tension Tests—Test Methods and Definitions A370.
such as pits or impressions, will not necessarily require
19.1.2 Brinell Tests—Test Methods and Definitions A370.
preparation.
19.1.3 Rockwell Hardness—Test Methods and Definitions
A370. 21.4 The welding procedure and the welders or welding
19.1.4 Hardness Equivalents—Tables E140. operators shall be qualified in accordance with Section IX of
19.1.5 Intergranular Corrosion (When Specified)—Practices the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code.
A262, Practices A763.
21.5 The welding consumables shall be suitable with the
19.1.6 Permeability Test (When Required)—Test Methods
plate.
A342/A342M.
19.1.7 Charpy Impact Testing (When Required)—Test 21.6 After repair welding, the welded area shall be ground
Methods and Definitions A370. smooth and blended uniformly to the surrounding surface.
A480/A480M − 23b
22. Inspection size as to be clearly legible. The marking shall be sufficiently
stable to withstand normal handling. Unless otherwise speci-
22.1 Inspection of the material by the purchaser’s represen-
fied by the purchaser, the marking, at the producers option, is
tative at the producing plant shall be made as agreed upon
permitted to be done with (1) marking fluid (if a specific
between the purchaser and the seller as part of the purchase
maximum impurity limit of designated elements in the marking
order.
fluid is required by the purchaser, it shall be so stated on the
22.2 Unless otherwise specified in the contract or purchase
purchase order), (2) low-stress blunt-nosed continuous or
order, (1) the seller is responsible for the performance of all the
low-stress blunt-nosed-interrupted-dot die stamp, (3) a vibra-
inspection and test requirements in this specification, (2) the
tory tool with a minimum tip radius of 0.005 in. [0.1 mm], or
seller is permitted to use own or other suitable facilities for the
(4) electrochemical etching.
performance of the inspection and testing, and (3) the pur-
25.1.1.2 Flat sheet, strip in cut lengths, and plate shall be
chaser shall have the right to perform any of the inspection and
marked in two places near the ends or shall be continuously
tests set forth in this specification. The manufacturer shall
line marked along one edge. For flat sheet, strip in cut lengths,
afford the purchaser’s inspector all reasonable facilities neces-
and plate whose length and width dimensions are both less than
sary to satisfy the inspector that the material is being furnished
48 in., it is permitted to mark such pieces in only one place.
in accordance with the specification. Inspection by the pur-
25.1.1.3 Sheet, strip, and plate in coil form shall be marked
chaser shall not interfere unnecessarily with the manufacturer.
near the outside end of the coil. The inside of the coil shall also
be marked or shall have a tag or label attached and marked with
23. Rejection
the information of 25.1.1.1.
23.1 Unless otherwise specified, any rejection based on tests
25.1.1.4 Material less than ⁄4 in. [6.4 mm] in thickness shall
made in accordance with this specification shall be reported to
not be marked with die stamps.
the seller within 60 working days from the receipt of the
25.1.1.5 The manufacturer’s test identification number shall
material by the purchaser.
be legibly stamped on each test specimen, if to be shipped to
23.2 Material that shows injurious imperfections as de-
the customer.
scribed in Section 10 subsequent to its acceptance at the
25.1.1.6 Material that conforms completely with the re-
purchaser’s works will be rejected and the seller shall be
quirements of two types of steel within the ordering specifica-
notified.
tion is permitted to be marked as both types of steel provided
that the manufacturer is certifying the material as meeting the
24. Rehearing
requirements of each of the types of steel. Such marking, if
24.1 Samples tested in accordance with this specification
used, shall be part of the same marking as used for a single type
that represent rejected material shall be retained for three
of steel, or shall be a separate but similar marking immediately
weeks from the date of the notification to the seller of the
adjacent to the marking used for a single type
...

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: A480/A480M − 23a A480/A480M − 23b
Standard Specification for
General Requirements for Flat-Rolled Stainless and Heat-
Resisting Steel Plate, Sheet, and Strip
This standard is issued under the fixed designation A480/A480M; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year
of original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.
A superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.
1. Scope*
1.1 This specification covers a group of general requirements that, unless otherwise specified in the purchase order or in an
individual specification, shall apply to rolled steel plate, sheet, and strip, under each of the following specifications issued by
ASTM: Specifications A240/A240M, A263, A264, A265, A666, A693, A793, and A895.
1.2 In the case of conflict between a requirement of a product specification and a requirement of this specification, the product
specification shall prevail. In the case of conflict between a requirement of the product specification or a requirement of this
specification and a more stringent requirement of the purchase order, the purchase order shall prevail. The purchase order
requirements shall not take precedence if they, in any way, violate the requirements of the product specification or this
specification; for example, by waiving a test requirement or by making a test requirement less stringent.
1.3 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The SI units are shown in
brackets, except that when A480M is specified, Annex A3 shall apply for the dimensional tolerances and not the bracketed SI
values in Annex A2. The values stated in each system are not necessarily exact equivalents; therefore, to ensure conformance with
the standard, each system shall be used independently of the other, and values from the two systems shall not be combined.
1.4 This specification and the applicable material specifications are expressed in both inch-pound and SI units. However, unless
the order specifies the applicable “M” specification designation [SI units], the material shall be furnished in inch-pound units.
1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization
established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued
by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
A240/A240M Specification for Chromium and Chromium-Nickel Stainless Steel Plate, Sheet, and Strip for Pressure Vessels and
for General Applications
A262 Practices for Detecting Susceptibility to Intergranular Attack in Austenitic Stainless Steels
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee A01 on Steel, Stainless Steel and Related Alloys and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee A01.17
on Flat-Rolled and Wrought Stainless Steel.
Current edition approved Sept. 1, 2023Nov. 1, 2023. Published September 2023November 2023. Originally approved in 1962. Last previous edition approved in 2023 as
A480/A480M – 23.A480/A480M – 23a. DOI: 10.1520/A0480_A0480M-23A.10.1520/A0480_A0480M-23B.
For ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code applications see related Specification SA-480 in Section II of that Code.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
A480/A480M − 23b
A263 Specification for Stainless Chromium Steel-Clad Plate
A264 Specification for Stainless Chromium-Nickel Steel-Clad Plate
A265 Specification for Nickel and Nickel-Base Alloy-Clad Steel Plate
A342/A342M Test Methods for Permeability of Weakly Magnetic Materials
A370 Test Methods and Definitions for Mechanical Testing of Steel Products
A666 Specification for Annealed or Cold-Worked Austenitic Stainless Steel Sheet, Strip, Plate, and Flat Bar
A693 Specification for Precipitation-Hardening Stainless and Heat-Resisting Steel Plate, Sheet, and Strip
A700 Guide for Packaging, Marking, and Loading Methods for Steel Products for Shipment
A751 Test Methods and Practices for Chemical Analysis of Steel Products
A763 Practices for Detecting Susceptibility to Intergranular Attack in Ferritic Stainless Steels
A793 Specification for Rolled Floor Plate, Stainless Steel (Withdrawn 2023)
A895 Specification for Free-Machining Stainless Steel Plate, Sheet, and Strip
A923 Test Methods for Detecting Detrimental Intermetallic Phase in Duplex Austenitic/Ferritic Stainless Steels
A941 Terminology Relating to Steel, Stainless Steel, Related Alloys, and Ferroalloys
A1084 Test Method for Detecting Detrimental Phases in Lean Duplex Austenitic/Ferritic Stainless Steels
E140 Hardness Conversion Tables for Metals Relationship Among Brinell Hardness, Vickers Hardness, Rockwell Hardness,
Superficial Hardness, Knoop Hardness, Scleroscope Hardness, and Leeb Hardness
2.2 AIAG Standard:
B-5 Primary Metals Identification Tag Application Standard
2.3 ASME Document:
ASME BPVC.IX Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, Section IX: Welding, Brazing, and Fusing Qualifications
2.4 Federal Standard:
Fed. Std. No. 123 Marking for Shipment (Civil Agencies)
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions:
3.1.1 For definitions of terms pertaining to this standard, not otherwise listed in 3.2, reference should be made to Terminology
A941.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.2.1 cold work, n—the changing of mechanical properties by work hardening.
3.2.2 plate, n—material ⁄16 in. [5.00 mm] and over in thickness and over 10 in. [250 mm] in width; finishes for plate are shown
in Section 13.
3.2.3 sheet, n—material under ⁄16 in. [5.00 mm] in thickness and 24 in. [600 mm] and over in width; finishes for sheet are shown
in Section 11.
3.2.4 strip, n—cold-rolled material under ⁄16 in. [5.00 mm] in thickness and under 24 in. [600 mm] in width; finishes are detailed
in Section 12 for strip, and strip edges in Section 14 for cold-rolled strip.
4. Ordering Information
4.1 It is the responsibility of the purchaser to specify all requirements that are necessary for material ordered under this
specification. Such requirements may include, but are not limited to, the following:
4.1.1 Quantity (weight and number of pieces),
4.1.2 Name of material (stainless steel),
4.1.3 Condition (hot-rolled, cold-rolled, annealed, heat-treated),
The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on www.astm.org.
Available from Automotive Industry Action Group (AIAG), 26200 Lahser Rd., Suite 200, Southfield, MI 48033-7156, http://www.aiag.org.
Available from American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), ASME International Headquarters, Two Park Ave., New York, NY 10016-5990, http://
www.asme.org.
Available from DLA Document Services, Building 4/D, 700 Robbins Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19111-5094, http://quicksearch.dla.mil.
A480/A480M − 23b
4.1.4 Finish (see Section 11 for sheet, Section 12 for strip, and Section 13 for plates); in the case of polished finishes, specify
whether one or both sides are to be polished,
4.1.5 Temper (if the applicable material specification requires this detail),
4.1.6 Form (plate, sheet, or strip),
4.1.7 Dimensions (thickness, width, and length),
4.1.7.1 Thickness shall be ordered to decimal or fractional thickness. The use of the gauge number is discouraged as being an
archaic term of limited usefulness not having general agreement on meaning. The gauge number shall not be a basis for rejection.
4.1.7.2 Thickness, width, and length, when applicable, should be ordered in the same units, for example, 0.060 in. by 48 in. by
120 in. [1.52 mm by 1219 mm by 3048 mm].
4.1.8 Edge, strip only (see Section 14 for cold-rolled strip),
4.1.9 Type or UNS designation, refer to the applicable material specification,
4.1.10 Specification designation and date of issue,
4.1.11 Additions to specification or special requirements,
4.1.12 Restrictions (if desired) on methods for determining yield strength (see appropriate footnote to mechanical properties table
of the basic material specification),
4.1.13 Marking requirements (see Section 25),
4.1.14 Preparation for delivery (see Section 25), and
4.1.15 Magnetic permeability test (when required). Refer to Section 19.
5. Process
5.1 The steel shall be manufactured/produced by the following or as specified in the applicable material specification.
5.1.1 The steel shall be made by electric-arc, electric-induction, or other suitable processes.
5.1.2 If a specific type of melting is required by the purchaser, it shall be so specified on the purchase order.
6. Heat Analysis
6.1 Methods and practices relating to chemical analysis shall be in accordance with Test Methods, Practices, and Terminology
A751.
6.2 An analysis of each heat shall be made by the steel producer to determine the percentages of the elements specified in the
applicable material specification. This analysis shall be made from a test sample taken during the pouring of the melt, or from the
in-process product later in the manufacturing flow.
6.2.1 The heat analysis shall conform to the chemical requirements for each of the specified elements for the grade ordered, as
listed in the applicable product specification.
6.2.2 All commercial metals contain small amounts of elements other than those which are specified. It is neither practical nor
necessary to specify limits for unspecified elements that can be present. The producer is permitted to analyze for unspecified
elements and is permitted to report such analyses. The presence of an unspecified element and the reporting of an analysis for that
element shall not be a basis for rejection, unless the presence of that element causes the loss of a property typically expected for
that metal, for the type and quality ordered.
A480/A480M − 23b
6.2.3 The purchaser is permitted to require in the purchase order a maximum limit for an individual element not specified in the
product specification. Such a requirement for an element not listed in the product specification, when acknowledged in the order
acceptance, shall be treated as a specified element, with determination of chemical analysis and reporting of that analysis.
6.2.4 The purchaser is permitted to make the requirements for any element more stringent; that is, require higher minimums for
elements having minimum requirements or ranges with minimum requirements, or requiring lower maximums for elements having
specified maximums, or ranges with maximums. The purchaser is not permitted to make chemical requirements less stringent.
6.2.5 Analysis limits shall be established for specific elements rather than groups of elements, including but not limited to all
others,rare earths, and balance, unless all elements in such a group are similar in technical effect and are associated in typical
methods of chemical analysis.
6.3 Except as permitted in 6.3.1, the steel shall not contain an unspecified element for the ordered grade to the extent that the steel
conforms to the requirements of another grade for which that element is a specified element having a required minimum content.
For this requirement, a grade is defined as an alloy described individually and identified by its own UNS designation in a table
of chemical requirements within this specification or any specification listed within the scope as being covered by the specification.
6.3.1 Unless otherwise specified to lower maximum limits on the purchase order, maximum allowances for unspecified elements
will be established for Cu, Mo, Ti, and Nb for the specified grade if the amount of that element present in the material conforms
with composition limits for that element in another grade. These allowances are Cu, 0.75 %; Mo, 0.75 %; Ti, 0.10 %; and Nb,
0.10 %.
6.3.2 If any allowance in 6.3.1 is used to demonstrate non-substitution, then the element involved shall be reported as if it were
a specified element.
6.4 The producer is not permitted to certify that material is in compliance with an ASTM product specification when the purchase
order has required that the material contain as a minimum or range an element that is neither a specified element nor an
intentionally added unspecified element for the ordered grade in accordance with the definitions of Test Methods, Practices, and
Terminology A751.
6.5 The names columbium (Cb) and niobium (Nb) both refer to element 41. The name Niobium is preferred, but either is
acceptable for reporting composition.
7. Product Analysis
7.1 The purchaser is permitted to perform a product analysis (formerly check analysis) to verify the identity of the finished
material representing each heat or lot. Such analysis shall be made by any of the commonly accepted methods that will positively
identify the material.
7.2 The chemical composition determined in accordance with 7.1 shall conform to the limits of the material specification within
the tolerances of Table A1.1, unless otherwise specified in the applicable material specification or the purchase order. The allowable
variation of a particular element in a single sample for product analysis is permitted to be either above or below the specified range.
However, percentages must exhibit the same tendencies in all samples; that is, the several determinations of any individual element
in a heat shall not vary both above and below the specified range.
8. Material Test Report and Certification
8.1 A report of the results of all tests required by the product specification shall be supplied to the purchaser. This material test
report shall reference the product specification designation and year date indicating that the material was manufactured, sampled,
tested, and inspected in accordance with requirements of the product specification and has been found to meet those requirements.
The material test report shall report the melting process when the purchase order requires either a specific type of melting or
requires that the melting process used is to be reported.
8.1.1 The report shall indicate the type of steel. If certifying that the material conforms to the requirements for more than one type
of steel, the manufacturer may indicate each type of steel on the report, or may issue a separate report for each type of steel.
A480/A480M − 23b
8.2 A signature is not required on the report. However, the document shall clearly identify the organization submitting the report.
Not withstanding the absence of a signature, the organization submitting the document is responsible for its content.
8.3 A material test report, certificate of inspection, or similar document printed from or used in electronic form from an electronic
data interchange (EDI) transmission shall be regarded as having the same validity as a counterpart printed in the certifiers’ facility.
The content of the EDI transmitted document must meet the requirements of the invoked ASTM standard(s) and conform to any
existing EDI agreement between the purchaser and the supplier. Notwithstanding the absence of a signature, the organization
submitting the EDI transmission is responsible for the content of the report.
8.4 When finished material is supplied to a purchase order specifying the product specification, the organization supplying that
material shall provide the purchaser with a copy of the original manufacturer’s test report.
NOTE 1—Notwithstanding the absence of a signature, the organization submitting the report is responsible for the content of the report.
NOTE 2—The industry definition of EDI invoked herein is the computer-to-computer exchange of business information in a standard format such as ANSI
ASC X12.
8.4.1 When the original manufacturer’s test report was provided by EDI to the organization supplying the finished material to the
purchaser, the organization supplying the finished material shall provide to the purchaser a printed form of the original test report
or shall retransmit the test report by EDI to the purchaser. In either case, the test report shall be complete with the full identification
of the original manufacturer and with all data provided on the test report of the original manufacturer.
9. Permitted Variations in Dimensions and Weight
9.1 Sheet, strip, and plate shall conform to the permitted variations in thickness, width, length and flatness, and other properties
when specified, as listed in Annex A2 and Annex A3 for A480 and A480M respectively, for the ordered product form, or as agreed
upon by seller and user and specified in the purchase order.
10. Workmanship
10.1 The material shall be of uniform quality consistent with good manufacturing and inspection practices. The steel shall have
no imperfections of a nature or degree, for the type and quality ordered, that will adversely affect the stamping, forming,
machining, or fabrication of finished parts.
10.2 Sheet, Strip, and Plate—For sheet and strip, restricted only to material ordered to have a No. 1 finish in accordance with
11.1.1 and 12.1.1 respectively, and for plate restricted to material ordered to hot-rolled and annealed or hot-rolled, annealed, and
pickle finish in accordance with 13.1.1 and 13.1.2 respectively, it is permitted to grind to remove surface imperfections, provided
such grinding does not reduce the thickness or width at any point beyond the permissible variations in dimensions. An iron free
abrasive wheel shall be used for such grinding and shall be operated at a speed ample to ensure that defective areas are cleanly
cut out.
11. Finish for Sheet
11.1 The types of finish available on sheet products are:
11.1.1 No. 1 Finish—Hot-rolled, annealed, and descaled.
11.1.2 No. 2D Finish—Cold-rolled, dull finish.
11.1.3 No. 2B Finish—Cold-rolled, bright finish.
11.1.3.1 Bright Annealed Finish—A bright cold-rolled finish retained by final annealing in a controlled atmosphere furnace.
11.1.4 No. 3 Finish—Intermediate polished finish, one or both sides.
11.1.5 No. 4 Finish—General purpose polished finish, one or both sides.
A480/A480M − 23b
11.1.6 No. 6 Finish—Dull satin finish, Tampico brushed, one or both sides.
11.1.7 No. 7 Finish—High luster finish.
11.1.8 No. 8 Finish—Mirror finish.
11.1.9 TR Finish—Cold-worked to obtain specified properties.
NOTE 3—Explanation of Sheet Finishes:
No. 1—Commonly referred to as hot-rolled annealed and pickled or descaled. This is a dull, nonreflective finish.
No. 2D—A smooth, nonreflective cold-rolled annealed and pickled or descaled finish. This nondirectional finish is favorable for retention of lubricants
in deep drawing applications.
No. 2B—A smooth, moderately reflective cold-rolled annealed and pickled or descaled finish typically produced by imparting a final light cold-rolled
pass using polished rolls. This general-purpose finish is more readily polished than No. 1 or 2D finishes. Product with 2B finish is normally supplied in
the annealed plus lightly cold-rolled condition unless a tensile-rolled product is specified.
Bright Annealed Finish—A smooth, bright, reflective finish typically produced by cold rolling followed by annealing in a protective atmosphere so
as to prevent oxidation and scaling during annealing.
No. 3—A linearly textured finish that may be produced by either mechanical polishing or rolling. Average surface roughness (R ) may generally be
a
up to 40 μin. A skilled operator can generally blend this finish. Surface roughness measurements differ with different instruments, laboratories, and
operators. There may also be overlap in measurements of surface roughness for both Nos. 3 and 4 finishes.
No. 4—A linearly textured finish that may be produced by either mechanical polishing or rolling. Average surface roughness (R ) may generally be
a
up to 25 μin. A skilled operator can generally blend this finish. Surface roughness measurements differ with different instruments, laboratories, and
operators. There may also be overlap in measurements of surface roughness for both Nos. 3 and 4 finishes.
No. 6—This finish has a soft, satin appearance typically produced by tampico brushing a No. 4 finish.
No. 7—Has a high degree of reflectivity. It is produced by buffing a finely ground surface, but the grit lines are not removed. It is chiefly used for
architectural or ornamental purposes.
No. 8—This is a highly reflective, smooth finish typically produced by polishing with successively finer grit abrasives, then buffing. Typically, very
faint buff of polish lines may still be visible on the final product. Blending after part assembly may be done with buffing.
TR Finish—The finish resulting from the cold-rolling of an annealed and descaled or bright annealed product to obtain mechanical properties higher
than that of the annealed condition. Appearance will vary depending upon the starting finish, amount of cold work, and the alloy.
Architectural Finishes—Sometimes described as a No. 5 finish, these are a separate category and may be negotiated between buyer and seller, as there
are many techniques and finish variations available throughout the world.
11.1.10 Architectural finish, No. 5, or other proprietary names are special finishes.
11.1.11 Note 3 is not meant to be restrictive or to be used as a basis for rejection but is intended to give general guidelines. Various
production methods may be used to obtain these finishes.
11.1.12 Sheets can be produced with one or two sides polished. When polished on one side only, it is permitted to rough grind
the other side in order to obtain the necessary flatness.
12. Finish for Strip
12.1 The various types of finish procurable on cold-rolled strip products are:
12.1.1 No. 1 Finish—Cold-rolled to specified thickness, annealed, and descaled.
12.1.2 No. 2 Finish—Same as No. 1 finish, followed by a final light cold-roll pass, generally on highly polished rolls.
12.1.3 Bright Annealed Finish—A bright cold-rolled finish retained by final annealing in a controlled atmosphere furnace.
12.1.4 TR Finish—Cold-worked to obtain specified properties.
12.1.5 Polished Finish—Stainless steel strip is also available in polished finishes such as Nos. 3 and 4, which are explained in Note
3.
NOTE 4—Explanation of Strip Finishes:
No. 1—Appearance of this finish varies from dull gray matte finish to a fairly reflective surface, depending largely upon composition. This finish is
used for severely drawn or formed parts, as well as for applications where the brighter No. 2 finish is not required, such as parts for heat resistance.
No. 2—This finish has a smoother and more reflective surface, the appearance of which varies with composition. This is a general purpose finish,
widely used for household and automotive trim, tableware, utensils, trays, and so forth.
A480/A480M − 23b
Bright Annealed Finish—See Note 3.
TR Finish—See Note 3.
13. Finish for Plates
13.1 The types of finish available on plates are:
13.1.1 Hot-rolled or Cold-rolled, and Annealed or Heat Treated—Scale not removed, an intermediate finish. Use of plates in this
condition is generally confined to heat-resisting applications. Scale impairs corrosion resistance.
13.1.2 Hot-rolled or Cold-rolled, and Annealed or Heat Treated, and Blast Cleaned or Pickled—Condition and finish commonly
preferred for corrosion-resisting and most heat-resisting applications, essentially a No. 1 finish.
13.1.3 Hot-rolled or Cold-rolled, and Annealed or Heat Treated, and Surface Cleaned and Polished—Polish finish is generally No.
4 finish.
13.1.4 Hot-rolled or Cold-rolled, and Annealed or Heat Treated, and Descaled, and Temper Passed—Smoother finish for
specialized applications.
13.1.5 Hot-rolled or Cold-rolled, and Annealed or Heat Treated, and Descaled; and Cold-rolled, and Annealed or Heat Treated,
and Descaled, and Optionally Temper Passed—Smooth finish with greater freedom from surface imperfections than in 13.1.4.
14. Edges for Cold-rolled Strip
14.1 The types of edges available on strip products are:
14.1.1 No. 1 Edge—A rolled edge, either round or square as specified.
14.1.2 No. 3 Edge—An edge produced by slitting.
14.1.3 No. 5 Edge—An approximately square edge produced by rolling or filing after slitting.
15. Heat Treatment
15.1 The heat treatments shown in this section are to be followed unless otherwise specified in the applicable material
specification. Heat treatment thermal cycles shall be separate from other thermal processing cycles; for example, in-process
thermal cycles are not permitted as a substitute for the separate annealing cycle.
15.2 Austenitic Types:
15.2.1 The austenitic types shall be annealed in accordance with Table A1.2.
15.2.2 The material shall be annealed to meet the mechanical property requirements of the applicable material specification unless
otherwise stated in the material specification.
15.2.3 Except as indicated in Table A1.2, Series 300, XM-15, N08800, S30415, S30815, S31725, S31726, and S32615 austenitic
chromium-nickel steels, when specified on the purchase order, shall be capable of meeting the test for resistance to intergranular
corrosion specified in 18.2.
15.2.4 For grades stabilized with titanium or niobium, refer to Note 5.
NOTE 5—Solution-annealing temperatures above 1950 °F [1066 °C] can impair the resistance to intergranular corrosion after subsequent exposure to
sensitizing conditions in the stabilized grades, types 309Cb, 309HCb, 310Cb, 310HCb, 316Ti, 316Cb, 321, 321H, 347, 347H, 348, 348H, S21640,
S31740, S33425, S35140, S35135, and S35125. When intergranular corrosion is of concern, the purchaser should specify the corrosion test of 18.2 (to
be conducted on sensitized specimens). The manufacturer is permitted, if necessary, use a lower temperature resolution anneal or a stabilization anneal
after a high temperature solution anneal in order to meet corrosion test requirements. Consideration should be given to the corrosive media before using
a stabilization anneal at less than 1800 °F [982 °C], as such treatment is not equally effective for all media.
A480/A480M − 23b
15.2.5 For the stabilized H types, it is noted that the heat treatment requirements shown in Table A1.2 differ as a function of
whether the material was cold worked or hot finished.
15.2.6 The chromium-manganese-nickel types (201, 202, S20103, S20400, S20153, S21800, S21640, XM-11, XM-17, XM-18,
XM-19, XM-29, and XM-31) shall be solution annealed to meet the mechanical property requirements of the applicable material
specification and to exhibit adequate resistance to intergranular corrosion (see 18.2). For S20161, the heat treatment is specified
in Table A1.2. For S21640, see Note 5.
15.2.6.1 Note that some of these types contain high carbon content that can adversely affect resistance to intergranular corrosion.
15.3 Duplex Types—The duplex types shall be solution annealed in accordance with Table A1.2.
15.4 Martensitic and Ferritic Types:
15.4.1 The chromium steels (S32803, 400 Series, S40945, S41045, S41050, S41500, S43932, S44400, S44537, S44635, S44660,
S44700, S44735, S44800, XM-27, and XM-33) shall be heat treated in such a manner as to satisfy all the requirements for
mechanical and bending properties specified in the applicable material specification and (except for 400 Series, S41050, and
S41500) to provide for adequate resistance to intergranular attack.
15.4.2 For S41500, heat to 1750 °F [955 °C] minimum, air cool to 200 °F [93 °C] or lower prior to any optional intermediate
temper and prior to final temper. The final temper shall be between 1050 °F and 1150 °F [566 °C and 621 °C].
16. Number of Tests
16.1 Unless otherwise specified by the applicable material specification or by agreement between the seller and the purchaser to
perform a greater number of tests, the following number of tests are to be performed.
16.1.1 In the case of plate, sheet, and strip produced in coil form, two or more hardness tests (one from each end of the coil); one
bend test, when required; one permeability test, when required; and one or more tension tests shall be made on specimens taken
from each coil. If the hardness difference between the two ends of the coil exceeds 5 HRB, or equivalent, or if the material is
temper rolled, tensile properties must be determined on both coil ends.
16.1.2 In the case of plate, sheet, or strip produced in cut lengths, one tension test; two tension tests if the material is temper rolled
(one tension test for single piece lots); one bend test when required, and one or more hardness tests shall be made on each 100
or less pieces of the same heat and nominal thickness rolled separately or continuously and heat treated within the same operating
period, either as a lot or continuously.
NOTE 6—The term continuously, as applied to heat treatment, is meant to describe a heat-treating operation in which one cut length follows another
through the furnace. Interspersement of different melts is permissible if they are of approximately the same nominal thickness and are heat treated in the
same operating period and under the same conditions (time and temperature).
16.1.3 One intergranular corrosion test, when required, shall be selected from each heat and thickness subjected to the same heat
treatment practice. It is permitted to obtain such specimens from specimens selected for mechanical testing.
17. Test Specimens
17.1 Tension Test:
17.1.1 Tension test specimens shall be taken from finished material and shall be selected in either or both longitudinal and
transverse direction. The tension test specimen shall conform to the appropriate sections of Test Methods and Definitions A370,
unless otherwise specified in the applicable material specification or agreed upon by the seller and the purchaser.
17.1.2 The testing speed between the yield strength and the fracture of the specimen, shall be conducted at a constant strain rate
1 1
between ⁄8 in. and ⁄2 in. [3.18 mm and 12.70 mm] inclusive, per in. [25.40 mm] of gauge length per minute, or at a crosshead
speed that will give a strain rate within this range. For the purposes of this specification, the rate of strain shall be determined by
a strain-rate pacer, indicator, or controller, or by dividing the unit elongation by the elapsed time from yield strength to fracture.
A480/A480M − 23b
17.2 Hardness Test—It is permitted to perform hardness tests on the grip ends of the tension specimens before they are subjected
to the tension test.
17.2.1 Unless otherwise specified in the purchase order, the manufacturer may use an alternate hardness test procedure when
material size or form dictates. Hardness conversion shall be done using the applicable tables in Test Methods and Definitions A370.
When the material is too thin to allow hardness testing using any of the Rockwell superficial hardness tests, the hardness
requirement is waived.
17.3 Bend Test:
17.3.1 Bend test specimens (when required) shall be taken from finished material and shall be selected in the transverse direction
or as indicated in the applicable material specification or as agreed upon by the seller and the purchaser. In the case of transverse
bend test specimens, the axis of bend shall be parallel to the direction of rolling.
17.3.2 Bend test specimens from sheet and strip product shall be the full thickness of the material and approximately 1 in.
[25.4 mm] in width. It is permitted to round the edges of the test specimen to a radius equal to one half the specimen thickness.
17.3.3 The width of strip for which bend tests can be made is subject to practical limitations on the length of the bend test
specimen. For narrow strip, the following widths can be tested:
Minimum Strip Width
Strip Thickness, in. [mm] and Minimum Specimen Length for
Bend Tests, in. [mm]
0.100 [2.5] and under ⁄2 [12.7]
Over 0.100 to 0.140 [2.5 to 3.5], excl 1 [25.4]
0.140 [3.5] and over 1 ⁄2 [38.1]
Bend test specimens shall be of any suitable length over the specified minimum length.
17.3.4 Bend test specimens taken from plates shall be in full thickness of the material up to and including ⁄2 in. [12.7 mm] in
thickness, of suitable length, and between 1 in. and 2 in. [25.4 mm and 50.8 mm] in width. It is permitted to remove the sheared
edges to a depth of at least ⁄8 in. [3.2 mm] and it is permitted to smooth the sides with a file. It is permitted to break the corners
of the cross section of the specimen with a file, but no appreciable rounding of the corners is permitted.
17.3.5 In the case of plates over ⁄2 in. [12.7 mm] in thickness, it is permitted to use bend test specimens, machined to 1 in. [25.4
mm] nominal width by ⁄2 in. [12.7 mm] nominal thickness and at least 6 in. [152.4 mm] in length. One surface, to be the outside
surface in bending, shall be the original surface of the plate; however, surface preparation by light grinding is permitted. It is
permitted to round the edges to a ⁄16 in. [1.6 mm] radius. When agreed by the seller and the purchaser, it is permitted to modify
the cross section to ⁄2 in. [12.7 mm] nominal square.
17.3.6 In the case of plates over 1 in. [25.4 mm] in thickness, bend tests must be agreed upon between the seller and the purchaser.
17.3.7 The bend test specimen shall withstand cold bending through the angle specified in the applicable material specification
without cracking on the outside of the bent portion.
17.4 The bend shall be made over a diameter equal to the number of thicknesses of flat stock shown in the applicable material
specification or over a single piece of flat stock equal to the number of thicknesses shown in the applicable material specification;
or as follows:
17.4.1 Material up to and including ⁄8 in. [9.5 mm] in thickness shall be bent over a piece (or pieces) of flat stock that has the
same nominal thickness of the material being tested (1T), allowing the test material to form its natural curvature.
17.4.2 Material over ⁄8 in. [9.5 mm] and up to and including 1 in. [25.4 mm] in thickness shall be bent over a piece (or pieces)
of flat stock equalling two times the thickness of the material being tested (2T), allowing the test material to form its natural
curvature.
18. Special Tests
18.1 If other tests are required, the methods and acceptance criteria shall be agreed upon between the seller and the purchaser and
specified on the purchase order.
A480/A480M − 23b
18.2 Resistance to Intergranular Corrosion:
18.2.1 The intergranular corrosion test, Practice E of Practices A262, is not required unless it is specified on the purchase order.
All austenitic chromium-nickel types except the H types are expected to be capable of passing this test. However, it is not necessary
to actually run the test unless it is specified on the purchase order. Note that Practices A262 requires the test to be performed on
sensitized specimens in the low-carbon and stabilized types and on specimens representative of the as-shipped condition for other
types. In the case of low-carbon types containing 3 % or more molybdenum in their specified composition, the applicability of the
sensitizing treatment prior to testing shall be a matter for negotiation between the seller and the purchaser. When specified, all flat
rolled products of the chromium-nickel series (300 series) in thickness up to and including 2 in. [50.8 mm] nominal size shall be
capable of passing the intergranular corrosion test in the as shipped condition. In the case of heavier plates of types other than 304L,
304LN, 309Cb, 310Cb, 316Cb, 316L, 316LN, 316Ti, 317L, 321, 347, 348, S31725, S31726, and S31740, the applicability of this
test shall be a matter for negotiation between the seller and the purchaser.
18.2.2 The H types are not normally subject to intergranular corrosion tests. However, it is permitted to specify Practice E of
Practices A262 for Type 321H when intergranular corrosion is of concern. In this case, the purchaser shall inform the seller and
agree upon the requirements and these requirements shall be so stated on the purchase order.
18.2.3 Austenitic chromium-manganese-nickel types (201, 202, XM-17, XM-18, XM-19, XM-29, XM-31, S20400, S21640, and
S21800) are to be heat treated for intergranular corrosion resistance. When intergranular corrosion tests are required, they shall be
as agreed upon between the seller and the purchaser.
18.2.4 N08800 shall be heat treated for intergranular corrosion resistance. When intergranular corrosion tests are required, they
shall be as agreed upon between the seller and purchaser.
18.2.5 Corrosion tests are not normally required for the 400 series types. Lower-carbon corrosion-resistant types (S44400,
S44635, S44660, S44700, S44800, S44735, XM-27, and XM-33) are heat treated for resistance to corrosion. For S44400, S44635,
S44660, S44700, S44800, S44735, XM-27, and XM-33, intergranular corrosion testing of Practices A763, Practice X, Y, or Z shall
be specified as agreed upon between the seller and the purchaser.
18.3 Detrimental Intermetallic Phases in Duplex Stainless Steels—The tests for detrimental intermetallic phases in wrought duplex
stainless steels, Methods A, B, or C of Test Methods A923 or A1084, are not required unless it is specified on the purchase order.
All duplex (austenitic-ferritic) types that are listed in Test Methods A923 or A1084 are expected to be capable of passing these
tests. However, it is not necessary to actually run the tests unless specified on the purchase order. The applicability of these tests
to duplex stainless steels not listed in Test Methods A923 or A1084 shall be a matter for negotiation between the seller and the
purchaser.
19. Test Methods
19.1 The properties enumerated in applicable specifications shall be determined in accordance with the following ASTM
standards.
19.1.1 Tension Tests—Test Methods and Definitions A370.
19.1.2 Brinell Tests—Test Methods and Definitions A370.
19.1.3 Rockwell Hardness—Test Methods and Definitions A370.
19.1.4 Hardness Equivalents—Tables E140.
19.1.5 Intergranular Corrosion (When Specified)—Practices A262, Practices A763.
19.1.6 Permeability Test (When Required)—Test Methods A342/A342M.
19.1.7 Charpy Impact Testing (When Required)—Test Methods and Definitions A370.
19.1.8 Intermetallic Phases (When Specified)—Test Methods A923 or A1084.
A480/A480M − 23b
20. Retests and Retreatment
20.1 Retests are permitted in accordance with the provisions of Test Methods and Definitions A370.
20.2 If any test specimen shows defective machining or develops flaws, it is permitted to discard the flawed specimen and
substitute another specimen.
20.2.1 If the percentage of elongation of any tension specimen is less than that specified and any part of the fracture is more than
⁄4 in. [19.1 mm] from the center of the gauge length of the 2 in. [50.8 mm] specimen or is outside the middle half of the gauge
length of an 8 in. [203.2 mm] specimen, as indicated by scribe marks placed on the specimen before testing, a retest shall be
allowed.
20.3 If a bend test specimen fails, due to conditions of bending more severe than required by the specification, a retest shall be
permitted, either on a duplicate specimen or on a remaining portion of the failed specimen.
20.4 If the results of any test lot are not in conformance with the requirements of the applicable material specification, the producer
is permitted the option of retreating such lots. The material shall be accepted if the results of retests on retreated material are within
the specified requirements.
20.5 If any specimens selected to represent any heat fail to meet any of the test requirements as specified in the applicable material
specification, it is permitted to reheat treat the material represented and resubmit it for testing.
20.6 If the product analysis fails to conform to the specified limits, analysis shall be made on a new sample. The results of this
retest shall be within the specified requirements.
21. Repair of Plate by Welding
21.1 Repair of surface defects of plate, by welding, is permitted unless prohibited by other specifications or purchase order
requirements.
21.2 Defect depth shall not exceed ⁄3 of the nominal thickness, and the total area shall not exceed 1 % of the plate surface area,
unless prior approval from the purchaser is obtained.
21.3 Unacceptable imperfections shall be suitably prepared for welding by grinding or machining. Open clean defects, such as pits
or impressions, will not necessarily require preparation.
21.4 The welding procedure and the welders or welding operators shall be qualified in accordance with Section IX of the ASME
Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code.
21.5 The welding consumables shall be suitable with the plate.
21.6 After repair welding, the welded area shall be ground smooth and blended uniformly to the surrounding surface.
22. Inspection
22.1 Inspection of the material by the purchaser’s representative at the producing plant shall be made as agreed upon between the
purchaser and the seller as part of the purchase order.
22.2 Unless otherwise specified in the contract or purchase order, (1) the seller is responsible for the performance of all the
inspection and test requirements in this specification, (2) the seller is permitted to use own or other suitable facilities for the
performance of the inspection and testing, and (3) the purchaser shall have the right to perform any of the inspection and tests set
forth in this specification. The manufacturer shall afford the purchaser’s inspector all reasonable facilities necessary to satisfy the
inspector that the material is being furnished in accordance with the specification. Inspection by the purchaser shall not interfere
unnecessarily with the manufacturer.
A480/A480M − 23b
23. Rejection
23.1 Unless otherwise specified, any rejection based on tests made in accordance with this specification shall be reported to the
seller within 60 working days from the receipt of the material by the purchaser.
23.2 Material that shows injurious imperfections as described in Section 10 subsequent to its acceptance at the purchaser’s works
will be rejected and the seller shall be notified.
24. Rehearing
24.1 Samples tested in accordance with this specification that represent rejected material shall be retained for three weeks from
the date of the notification to the seller of the rejection. In case of dissatisfaction with the results of the test, the seller is permitted
to make claim for a rehearing within that time.
25. Packaging, Marking, and Loading
25.1 For Commercial Procurement:
25.1.1 Marking—Unless otherwise specified in the applicable material specification or the purchase order, marking shall be
conducted as follows:
25.1.1.1 Sheet, strip, and plate shall be marked on one face, in the location indicated below with the specification designation
number, type of steel (type or UNS designation), material identification number, and the name or mark of the manufacturer. For
sheet, strip, and plate whose length and width dimensions are both less than 24 in., each piece shall be marked with the type of
steel and material identification number. The specification and designation number, and name or mark of the manufacturer shall
be marked on the piece(s) or attached to the item or bundle. The characters shall be of such size as to be clearly legible. The
marking shall be sufficiently stable to withstand normal handling. Unless otherwise specified by the purchaser, the marking, at the
producers option, is permitted to be done with (1) marking fluid (if a specific maximum impurity limit of designated elements in
the marking fluid is required by the purchaser, it shall be so stated on the purchase order), (2) low-stress blunt-nosed continuous
or low-stress blunt-nosed-interrupted
...