ASTM B683-20

Standard Specification for Pure Palladium Electrical Contact Material

ABSTRACT
This specification covers palladium in the form of rod, wire, strip, and sheet material for electrical contacts. Raw materials shall be of such quality and purity that the finished product (produced by cold working, annealing, turning, grinding, or pickling as are required) will have the properties and characteristics prescribed in this specification. The material shall conform to the chemical composition requirements prescribed for palladium, platinum group (iridium, platinum, rhodium, osmium, and ruthenium), gold, silver, and copper, total impurities, lead, antimony, bismuth, tin, arsenic, cadmium, zinc, iron, and other elements. Ultimate tensile strength, elongation, microhardness (Knoop or Vickers), hardness (Rockwell or Rockwell Superficial), or a combination of these mechanical properties may be specified as temper criterion. Tension and hardness tests shall be conducted to determine conformity to the ultimate tensile strength and elongation, and Rockwell and Knoop hardness, respectively. Inspection of furnished material shall be done by temper test, dimensional test, and spectrographic or chemical analysis when needed.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers palladium in the form of rod, wire, strip, and sheet material for electrical contacts.  
1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.  
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to become familiar with all hazards including those identified in the appropriate Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for this product/material as provided by the manufacturer, to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices, and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.4 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-Mar-2020
• ICS: 77.120.99 - Other non-ferrous metals and their alloys
• Technical Committee: B02 - Nonferrous Metals and Alloys
• Drafting Committee: B02.05 - Precious Metals and Electrical Contact Materials and Test Methods

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM B683-01(2012) - Standard Specification for Pure Palladium Electrical Contact Material
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2020
• Refers: ASTM B542-13(2019) - Standard Terminology Relating to Electrical Contacts and Their Use
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2019
• Refers: ASTM B542-13 - Standard Terminology Relating to Electrical Contacts and Their Use
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2013
• Refers: ASTM B589-94(2012) - Standard Specification for Refined Palladium
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2012
• Refers: ASTM B476-01(2012) - Standard Specification for General Requirements for Wrought Precious Metal Electrical Contact Materials
• Effective Date: 01-May-2012
• Refers: ASTM B542-07 - Standard Terminology Relating to Electrical Contacts and Their Use
• Effective Date: 01-May-2007
• Refers: ASTM B476-01(2006) - Standard Specification for General Requirements for Wrought Precious Metal Electrical Contact Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2006
• Refers: ASTM B589-94(2005) - Standard Specification for Refined Palladium
• Effective Date: 01-May-2005
• Refers: ASTM B542-04 - Standard Terminology Relating to Electrical Contacts and Their Use
• Effective Date: 01-May-2004
• Refers: ASTM B476-01 - Standard Specification for General Requirements for Wrought Precious Metal Electrical Contact Materials
• Effective Date: 10-May-2001
• Refers: ASTM B542-00 - Standard Terminology Relating to Electrical Contacts and Their Use
• Effective Date: 10-Oct-2000
• Refers: ASTM B589-94(1999)e1 - Standard Specification for Refined Palladium
• Effective Date: 10-May-1999

Overview

ASTM B683-20 is the internationally recognized standard specification for pure palladium electrical contact material. Developed by ASTM International, this standard sets forth the requirements for palladium used in rod, wire, strip, and sheet forms that are intended for electrical contact applications. The specification ensures that materials exhibit specific chemical compositions, mechanical properties, and manufacturing quality, supporting reliable performance in electrical components. Adhering to ASTM B683-20 helps manufacturers, suppliers, and users assure product consistency, performance, and compliance with industry benchmarks.

Key Topics

• Material Forms and Uses
  Covers palladium in rod, wire, strip, and sheet forms for use as electrical contact material.

• Chemical Composition Requirements
  Defines minimum palladium content (99.8%) and strict limits on impurities, including other platinum group elements (iridium, platinum, rhodium, osmium, ruthenium), gold, silver, copper, and trace elements like lead, antimony, and iron.

• Mechanical Properties
  Specifies requirements for ultimate tensile strength, elongation, and hardness (Knoop, Vickers, Rockwell), dependent on material temper (annealed, quarter-hard, half-hard, hard).

• Manufacturing Processes
  Allows for cold working, annealing, turning, grinding, or pickling to achieve the necessary properties and surface conditions.

• Inspection and Testing Procedures
  Outlines visual, dimensional, temper (tension or hardness), and chemical analysis tests to verify conformity to the specification. Purchasers may specify additional tests as needed.

• Ordering Guidelines
  When procuring material under ASTM B683-20, orders should specify dimensions, chemical composition, mechanical property requirements, certification needs, and any custom agreements.

• International Standardization
  Complies with globally recognized principles, facilitating trade and regulatory acceptance in international markets.

Applications

ASTM B683-20 pure palladium contact materials are widely utilized in industries that demand high-performance and durable electrical contacts, including:

• Electrical and Electronics Manufacturing:
  Used in switches, relays, connectors, and circuit breakers where corrosion resistance and consistent electrical conductivity are critical.

• Aerospace and Defense:
  Suitable for avionics and mission-critical systems needing reliable, precision electrical contacts.

• Automotive Industry:
  Applied in emissions control sensors and electrical contacts for vehicle control systems.

• Telecommunications:
  Implemented in high-reliability connectors and switches within telecom infrastructure.

• Instrumentation:
  Supports sensitive measurement and control equipment where stable electrical contacts are essential.

Utilizing materials conforming to ASTM B683-20 ensures long service life, reduces contact failure rates, and supports compliance with rigorous industry standards.

Related Standards

• ASTM B476: General requirements for wrought precious metal electrical contact materials.
• ASTM B542: Terminology relating to electrical contacts and their use.
• ASTM B589: Specification for refined palladium.

These related standards provide foundational definitions, baseline requirements, and additional material specifications relevant to the application and procurement of pure palladium electrical contact materials.

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Keywords: ASTM B683-20, pure palladium, electrical contact material, palladium rod, palladium wire, palladium sheet, palladium strip, electrical contacts, chemical composition, mechanical properties, hardness, tensile strength, electrical conductivity, standards compliance, ASTM International.

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:B683 −20
Standard Specification for
Pure Palladium Electrical Contact Material
This standard is issued under the fixed designation B683; 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* 4. General Requirements
1.1 This specification covers palladium in the form of rod,
4.1 The provisions of Specification B476 shall apply to all
wire, strip, and sheet material for electrical contacts. materials produced to this specification.
1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
5. Ordering Information
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only
5.1 Orders for this material under this specification shall
and are not considered standard.
include the following information:
5.1.1 Dimensions,
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
5.1.2 Chemical composition,
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
5.1.3 Mechanical property requirements,
responsibility of the user of this standard to become familiar
5.1.4 Certification, and
with all hazards including those identified in the appropriate
5.1.5 Other requirements as agreed upon between the seller
Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for this product/material
and the user.
as provided by the manufacturer, to establish appropriate
safety, health, and environmental practices, and determine the
6. Materials and Manufacture
applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
6.1 Raw materials shall be of such quality and purity that
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
the finished product will have the properties and characteristics
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
prescribed in this specification.
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
6.2 The material shall be finished by such operations (cold
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
working, annealing, turning, grinding, or pickling) as are
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
required to produce the prescribed properties.
2. Referenced Documents
7. Chemical Composition
2.1 ASTM Standards:
B476 Specification for General Requirements for Wrought
7.1 Materialproducedunderthisspecificationshallmeetthe
Precious Metal Electrical Contact Materials
requirements of chemical composition prescribed in Table 1.
B542 Terminology Relating to Electrical Contacts and Their
NOTE 1—The chemical requirements for unfabricated palladium (re-
Use
fined material) are covered in Specification B589.
B589 Specification for Refined Palladium
7.2 By agreement between the purchaser and the
3. Terminology
manufacturer, analysis may be required and limits established
for elements or compounds not specified in the table of
3.1 Refer to Terminology B542 for terms related to electri-
chemical composition.
cal contacts and their use.
8. Mechanical Property Requirements
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee B02 on
Nonferrous Metals and Alloys and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee
8.1 The contract or order may specify ultimate tensile
B02.05 on Precious Metals and Electrical Contact Materials.
strength, elongation, microhardness (Knoop or Vickers), hard-
Current edition approved April 1, 2020. Published April 2020. Originally
ness (Rockwell or Rockwell Superficial), or a combination of
approved in 1980. Last previous edition approved in 2012 as B683 – 01 (2012).
DOI: 10.1520/B0683-20.
these mechanical properties as temper criterion. If the contract
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
or order does not specify a temper criterion, then the criter
...

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: B683 − 01 (Reapproved 2012) B683 − 20
Standard Specification for
Pure Palladium Electrical Contact Material
This standard is issued under the fixed designation B683; 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 Scope*
1.1 This specification covers palladium in the form of rod, wire, strip, and sheet material for electrical contacts.
1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility
of the user of this standard to become familiar with all hazards including those identified in the appropriate Material Safety Data
Sheet (MSDS) for this product/material as provided by the manufacturer, to establish appropriate safety safety, health, and
healthenvironmental practices, and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.4 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:
B476 Specification for General Requirements for Wrought Precious Metal Electrical Contact Materials
B542 Terminology Relating to Electrical Contacts and Their Use
B589 Specification for Refined Palladium
3. Terminology
3.1 Refer to Terminology B542 for terms related to electrical contacts and their use.
4. General Requirements
4.1 The provisions of Specification B476 shall apply to all materials produced to this specification.
5. Ordering Information
5.1 Orders for this material under this specification shall include the following information:
5.1.1 Dimensions,
5.1.2 Chemical composition,
5.1.3 Mechanical property requirements,
5.1.4 Certification, and
5.1.5 Other requirements as agreed upon between the seller and the user.
6. Manufacture Materials and Manufacture
6.1 Raw materials shall be of such quality and purity that the finished product will have the properties and characteristics
prescribed in this specification.
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee B02 on Nonferrous Metals and Alloys and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee B02.05 on
Precious Metals and Electrical Contact Materials.
Current edition approved May 1, 2012April 1, 2020. Published May 2012April 2020. Originally approved in 1980. Last previous edition approved in 20062012 as
B683 – 01 (2006).(2012). DOI: 10.1520/B0683-01R12.10.1520/B0683-20.
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
B683 − 20
6.2 The material shall be finished by such operations (cold working, annealing, turning, grinding, or pickling) as are required
to produce the prescribed properties.
7. Chemical Composition
7.1 Material produced under this specification shall meet the requirements of chemical composition prescribed in Table 1.
NOTE 1—The chemical requirements for unfabricated palladium (refined material) are covered in Specification B589.
7.2 By agreement between the purchaser and the manufacturer, analysis may be required and limits established for elements or
compounds not specified in the table of chemical composition.
8. Mechanical Property Requirements
8.1 The contract or order may specify ultimate tensile strength, elongation, microhardness (Knoop or Vickers), hardness
(Rockwell or Rockwell Superficial), or a combination of these mechanical properties as temper criterion. If the contract or order
does not specify a temper criterion, then the criterion for temper designation will be ultimate tensile s
...