ASTM B236/B236M-23

Standard Specification for Aluminum Bars for Electrical Purposes (Bus Bars)

ABSTRACT
This specification covers Aluminum 1350 bar for electric conductors in the tempers. The tempers are designated as H12, H112, and H111. The products covered by this specification shall be produced by extruding or rolling. Bars in the H12 temper shall be furnished with a rolled mill finish; bars in the H111 temper, with an as-extruded mill finish; and bars in the H112 temper, with a rolled mill finish except that the edges shall be as sawed. The bars shall be subjected to tension test to determine their tensile and yield strengths. Bars in the H12, and H111, and H112 tempers shall be capable of being bent flatwise at room temperature, through an angle of 90° around a pin or mandrel having a radius equal to the thickness of the specimen, without cracking or evidence of slivers or other imperfections. For a flatwise bend, the pin or mandrel shall be 90° from the working (extrusion or rolling) direction, and across the greater (width) dimension of the bar. The required 90° bend shall be in the working (extrusion or rolling) direction. Bars in the H12 and H111 tempers whose width-to-thickness ratios are not in excess of 12 and whose width is 100 mm or less, shall be capable of being bent at room temperature edgewise 90° around a mandrel without cracking or localized thinning to less than 90 % of the maximum thickness within the central 60° of the bend when measured along the outer edge of the bend. Electrical resistivity and conductivity shall be measured.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers Aluminum 1350 bar for electric conductors in the tempers shown in Table 1.  
1.2 Aluminum and temper designations are in accordance with ANSI H35.1/H35.1(M). The equivalent Unified Numbering System designation is A91350 in accordance with Practice E527.  
Note 1: For Alloy 6101 bus conductors, refer to Specification B317/B317M.
Note 2: Prior to 1975, Aluminum 1350 was designated as EC aluminum.  
1.3 The values stated in either SI or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems may result in non-conformance with the standard.  
1.4 For acceptance criteria for inclusion of new aluminum and aluminum alloys in this specification, see Annex A2.  
1.5 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 establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.6 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: 30-Nov-2023
• ICS: 29.060.10 - Wires
• ICS: 77.150.10 - Aluminium products
• Technical Committee: B07 - Light Metals and Alloys
• Drafting Committee: B07.03 - Aluminum Alloy Wrought Products

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM B236M-07(2015) - Standard Specification for Aluminum Bars for Electrical Purposes (Bus Bars) (Metric) (Withdrawn 2024)
• Effective Date: 12-Jan-2024
• Replaces: ASTM B236-07(2015) - Standard Specification for Aluminum Bars for Electrical Purposes (Bus Bars)
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2023
• Refers: ASTM E1004-23 - Standard Test Method for Determining Electrical Conductivity Using the Electromagnetic (Eddy Current) Method
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2023
• Refers: ASTM E1004-17 - Standard Test Method for Determining Electrical Conductivity Using the Electromagnetic (Eddy Current) Method
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2017

Overview

ASTM B236/B236M-23 is the standard specification for Aluminum 1350 bars used in electrical applications, particularly as bus bars for electric conductors. Published by ASTM International, this standard outlines the requirements for the manufacture, physical properties, and performance criteria for aluminum bars designed for high conductivity and reliability in electrical distribution systems. Covering tempers H12, H111, and H112, the specification ensures that aluminum bars meet stringent mechanical, chemical, and electrical standards crucial for safe and efficient energy transmission.

Key Topics

• Material Scope: Applies exclusively to Aluminum 1350 bars intended for electrical conductors in specified tempers (H12, H111, H112), manufactured by extrusion or rolling.
• Mechanical Properties: Sets minimum tensile and yield strength values for each temper and prescribes test methods for verification. Requires the ability to withstand flatwise and edgewise bending at room temperature without cracking.
• Chemical Composition: Defines strict element limits (e.g., minimum 99.50% aluminum) for maximum electrical conductivity and mechanical performance.
• Electrical Properties: Specifies a maximum electrical resistivity of 0.0283 Ω·mm²/m at 20°C, supporting a minimum conductivity of 61% International Annealed Copper Standard (IACS).
• Dimensional Tolerances: Demands adherence to ANSI H35.2 tolerance tables for thickness, width, straightness, and squareness.
• Identification & Packaging: Mandates clear marking of bars with producer and temper information when specified, and standardized packaging to ensure safe delivery.

Applications

Aluminum bus bars covered by ASTM B236/B236M-23 are essential in various industries where reliable electrical conductors are needed for power distribution and control systems. Typical applications include:

• Electrical substations and switchgear
• Power distribution panels and switchboards
• Industrial electrical installations
• Renewable energy systems including solar and wind farms
• Transportation infrastructure for electrified railways and transit systems
• Construction of transformers and electrical enclosures

By providing high electrical conductivity, favorable mechanical strength, and corrosion resistance, these aluminum bars help achieve efficient, lightweight, and cost-effective alternatives to copper conductors in modern power grids.

Related Standards

Several other ASTM and related standards provide complementary guidance for aluminum electrical conductors and materials, including:

• ASTM B317/B317M: Specification for Aluminum-Alloy Extruded Bar, Rod, Tube, Pipe, Structural Profiles, and Profiles for Electrical purposes (Bus Conductor) - For alloy 6101 bus bar applications.
• ASTM B193: Test Method for Resistivity of Electrical Conductor Materials - For determining electrical resistivity and conductivity.
• ASTM B557/B557M: Test Methods for Tension Testing Wrought and Cast Aluminum- and Magnesium-Alloy Products - For mechanical property verification.
• ASTM B660 & B666/B666M: Practices for packaging, packing, and identification marking of aluminum and magnesium products.
• ANSI H35.1/H35.1(M): Alloy and temper designation systems for aluminum.
• ANSI H35.2/H35.2M: Dimensional tolerances for aluminum mill products.

Meeting ASTM B236/B236M-23 supports both industry best practices and regulatory compliance for aluminum bus bars, fostering safety, reliability, and performance in critical electrical infrastructure.

Keywords: ASTM B236, aluminum bus bars, aluminum 1350, electrical conductors, ASTM standards, electrical distribution, bus bar specification, aluminum electrical bar, power transmission, mechanical properties, chemical composition, electrical conductivity.

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: B236/B236M − 23
Standard Specification for
Aluminum Bars for Electrical Purposes (Bus Bars)
This standard is issued under the fixed designation B236/B236M; 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* 2.2 ASTM Standards:
B193 Test Method for Resistivity of Electrical Conductor
1.1 This specification covers Aluminum 1350 bar for elec-
Materials
tric conductors in the tempers shown in Table 1.
B317/B317M Specification for Aluminum-Alloy Extruded
1.2 Aluminum and temper designations are in accordance
Bar, Rod, Tube, Pipe, Structural Profiles, and Profiles for
with ANSI H35.1/H35.1(M). The equivalent Unified Number-
Electrical Purposes (Bus Conductor)
ing System designation is A91350 in accordance with Practice
B557 Test Methods for Tension Testing Wrought and Cast
E527.
Aluminum- and Magnesium-Alloy Products
NOTE 1—For Alloy 6101 bus conductors, refer to Specification B317/
B557M Test Methods for Tension Testing Wrought and Cast
B317M.
Aluminum- and Magnesium-Alloy Products (Metric)
NOTE 2—Prior to 1975, Aluminum 1350 was designated as EC
B660 Practices for Packaging/Packing of Aluminum and
aluminum.
Magnesium Products
1.3 The values stated in either SI or inch-pound units are to
B666/B666M Practice for Identification Marking of Alumi-
be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each
num and Magnesium Products
system may not be exact equivalents; therefore each system
B881 Terminology Relating to Aluminum- and Magnesium-
shall be used independently of the other. Combining values
Alloy Products
from the two systems may result in non-conformance with the
B985 Practice for Sampling Aluminum Ingots, Billets, Cast-
standard.
ings and Finished or Semi-Finished Wrought Aluminum
1.4 For acceptance criteria for inclusion of new aluminum
Products for Compositional Analysis
and aluminum alloys in this specification, see Annex A2.
E29 Practice for Using Significant Digits in Test Data to
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the
Determine Conformance with Specifications
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
E290 Test Methods for Bend Testing of Material for Ductil-
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
ity
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
E527 Practice for Numbering Metals and Alloys in the
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
Unified Numbering System (UNS)
1.6 This international standard was developed in accor-
E716 Practices for Sampling and Sample Preparation of
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
Aluminum and Aluminum Alloys for Determination of
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Chemical Composition by Spark Atomic Emission Spec-
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
trometry
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
E1004 Test Method for Determining Electrical Conductivity
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Using the Electromagnetic (Eddy Current) Method
E1251 Test Method for Analysis of Aluminum and Alumi-
2. Referenced Documents
num Alloys by Spark Atomic Emission Spectrometry
2.1 The following documents of the issue in effect on date
E3061 Test Method for Analysis of Aluminum and Alumi-
of order acceptance form a part of this specification to the
num Alloys by Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emis-
extent referenced herein:
sion Spectrometry (Performance Based Method)
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee B07 on Light
Metals and Alloys and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee B07.03 on
Aluminum Alloy Wrought Products. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Current edition approved Dec. 1, 2023. Published January 2024. Originally contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
approved in 1948. Last previous edition approved in 2015 as B236 – 07 (2015). Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
DOI: 10.1520/B0236_B0236M-23. 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
B236/B236M − 23
A,B
TABLE 1 Tensile Property Limits (US Customary [Metric SI])
US Customary [Metric SI]
Tensile Yield Strength Specified Thickness, mm Tensile Strength, min, Yield Strength, min
Specified
Strength, (0.2 % offset), (0.2 % Offset),
Temper
Thickness, in.
min, ksi min, ksi
Over Through MPa MPa
H12 0.125–1.000 12.0 8.0 3.20 25.00 85 55
H112 0.125–0.499 11.0 6.0 3.20 12.50 75 40
0.500–1.000 10.0 4.0 12.50 25.00 70 30
1.001–3.000 9.0 3.5 25.00 40.00 60 25
H111 All 8.5 3.5 All 60 25
A
For purposes of determining conformance with this specification, each value for tensile strength and yield strength shall be rounded to the nearest 0.1 ksi [1 MPa] in
accordance with the rounding method of Practice E29.
B
See Annex A1.
2.3 The Aluminum Association: 4. Ordering Information
AS&D Aluminum Standards & Data
4.1 Orders for material to this specification shall include the
PK-1 Designations and Chemical Composition Limits for
following information:
Aluminum Alloys in the Form of Castings and Ingots
4.1.1 This specification designation (which includes the
(Pink Sheets)
number, the year, and the revision letter, if applicable),
TAN-1 Tempers for Aluminum and Aluminum Alloy Prod-
NOTE 3—For inch-pound orders, specify Specification B236; for metric
ucts Metric Edition (Tan Sheets)
orders specify Specification B236M. Do not mix units.
TEAL-1 International Alloy Designations and Chemical
4.1.2 Quantity in pieces or pounds [kilograms],
Composition Limits for Wrought Aluminum and Wrought
4.1.3 Temper (8.1),
Aluminum Alloys (Teal Sheets)
4.1.4 Edge contour (Section 12),
YL-1 Tempers for Aluminum and Aluminum Alloy Products
4.1.5 Diameter for rounds; distance across flats for square-
(Yellow Sheets)
cornered squares, hexagons, or octagons; width and depth for
2.4 ANSI Standards:
square-cornered rectangles,
H35.1/H35.1(M) Alloy and Temper Designation Systems for
4.1.6 Length (specific or stock) (Section 14),
Aluminum
H35.2 Dimensional Tolerances for Aluminum Mill Products
4.2 Additionally, orders for material to this specification
H35.2M Dimensional Tolerances for Aluminum Mill Prod-
shall include the following information when required by the
ucts (Metric)
purchaser:
2.5 CEN Standard:
4.2.1 Whether inspection or witness of inspection and tests
CEN EN 14242 Aluminium and Aluminium Alloys - Chemi-
by the purchaser’s representative is required prior to material
cal Analysis - Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emis-
shipment (16.1),
sion Spectrometric Analysis
4.2.2 Whether marking for identification is required (18.1),
2.6 Military Standard: 4.2.3 Whether Practices B660 applies and, if so, the levels
MIL-STD-129 Marking for Shipment and Storage
of preservation, packaging, and packing required (19.3), and
2.7 Federal Standard: 4.2.4 Whether certification of the material by the producer is
Fed. Std. No. 123 Marking for Shipment (Civil Agencies) required (Section 20).
5. Manufacture
3. Terminology
5.1 The products covered by this specification shall be
3.1 Definitions—Refer to Terminology B881 for definitions
produced by extruding or rolling, at the option of the producer,
of product terms used in this specification.
provided that the production method results in material that
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
meets all requirements of this specification.
3.2.1 capable of—the term capable of as used in this
5.2 Bars in the H12 temper shall be furnished with a rolled
specification means that the test need not be performed by the
mill finish; bars in the H111 temper, with an as-extruded mill
producer of the material; however, should testing by the
finish; and bars in the H112 temper, with a rolled mill finish
purchaser establish that the material does not meet these
except that the edges shall be as sawed.
requirements, the material shall be subject to rejection.
6. Responsibility for Quality Assurance
Available from Aluminum Association, 1400 Crystal Dr., Suite 430, Arlington,
6.1 Responsibility for Inspection and Tests—Unless other-
VA 22202, http://www.aluminum.org.
4 wise specified in the contract or purchase order, the producer is
Available from American National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St.,
responsible for the performance of all inspection and test
4th Floor, New York, NY 10036, http://www.ansi.org.
Available from European Committee for Standardization (CEN), Rue de la
requirements specified herein. Except as otherwise specified in
Science 23, B-1000, Brussels, Belgium, http://www.cen.eu.
the contract or order, the producer may use his own or any
Available from Standardization Documents Order Desk, DODSSP, Bldg. 4,
other suitable facilities for the performance of the inspection
Section D, 700 Robbins Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19111-5098, http://
www.dodssp.daps.mil. and test requirements specified herein, unless disapproved by
B236/B236M − 23
the purchaser. The purchaser shall have the right to perform 7.2.1 Methods of Sampling—Samples for chemical analysis
any of the inspections and tests set forth in this specification shall be taken in accordance with Practice B985.
where such inspections are deemed necessary to assure that 7.2.2 Methods of Analysis—Analysis shall be performed in
material conforms to prescribed requirements. accordance with Test Methods E1251, E3061, or CEN EN
14242 (ICP Method).
6.2 Lot Definition—An inspection lot shall consist of an
identifiable quantity of material of the same aluminum 7.3 Other methods of analysis or in the case of dispute may
designation, temper, and thickness subjected to inspection at be by agreement between the producer and purchaser.
one time.
8. Tensile Properties
7. Chemical Composition Requirements
8.1 Limits—The bars shall conform to the requirements for
7.1 The material shall conform to the composition in Table
tensile properties as specified in Table 1.
2. Conformance shall be determined by the producer by
8.2 Number of Specimens—One tension test specimen shall
analyzing samples taken at the time the ingots or continuously
be taken from a random bar representing each 3000 lb
cast bars are poured, or samples taken from the finished or
[1500 kg] of bar, or fraction thereof, of the same temper,
semifinished product. If the producer has determined the
thickness, and width in the shipment.
composition of the material during the course of manufacture,
8.3 Test Methods—The tension test shall be made in accor-
he shall not be required to sample and analyze the finished
dance with Test Methods B557 [B557M].
product.
NOTE 4—It is standard practice in the United States aluminum industry
9. Bend Properties
to determine conformance to the composition limits prior to further
processing of ingots into wrought products. Due to the continuous nature 9.1 Limits:
of the process, it is not practical to keep a specific ingot analysis identified
9.1.1 Flatwise Bend—Bars in the H12, and H111, and H112
with a specific quantity of finished material.
tempers shall be capable of being bent flatwise at room
7.2 If it becomes necessary to analyze bars, rod or wire for
temperature, through an angle of 90° around a pin or mandrel
conformance to chemical composition limits, the method used
having a radius equal to the thickness of the specimen, without
for determination of chemicals composition shall be by agree-
cracking or evidence of slivers or other imperfections. For a
ment between the producer and purchaser. Analysis shall be
flatwise bend, the pin or mandrel shall be 90° from the working
performed in accordance with Practices E716, Test Methods
(extrusion or rolling) direction, and across the greater (width)
E1251 or E3061, or CEN EN 14242 (ICP Method). The
dimension of the bar. The required 90° bend shall be in the
number of samples taken for determination of chemical com-
working (extrusion or rolling) direction. This is a longitudinal
position shall be as follows:
bend as defined and shown in Test Methods E290, Fig. 1.
9.1.2 Edgewise Bend—Bars in the H12 and H111 tempers
whose width-to-thickness ratios are not in excess of 12 and
A,E
TABLE 2 Chemical Composition Limits
whose width is 4 in. or less, shall be capable of being bent at
Element Composition, %
room temperature edgewise 90° around a mandrel having the
Silicon, max 0.10
radius shown in Table 3 without cracking or localized thinning
Iron, max 0.40
to less than 90 % of the maximum thickness within the central
Copper, max 0.05
Manganese, max 0.01
60° of the bend when measured along the outer edge of the
Chromium, max 0.01
bend. Bending requirements for bar wider than 4 in. [100 mm]
Zinc, max 0.05
shall be as agreed upon by the producer and the purchaser. For
Boron, max 0.05
Gallium, max 0.03
an edgewise bend, the pin or mandrel shall be 90° from the
Vanadium + titanium, total, max 0.02
working (extrusion or rolling) direction, and across the lesser
B
Other elements, each, max 0.03
B,C
(thickness) dimension of the bar. This is also a longitudinal
Other elements, total, max 0.10
D
Aluminum, min 99.50
bend as defined and shown in Test Methods E290, Fig. 1.
A
Analysis shall be made for the elements for which limits are shown in this table.
9.2 Test Specimens—Bend test specimens shall be a full
B
Others includes all unlisted metallic elements. The producer may analyze
samples for trace elements not specified in the specification. However, such section of the material.
analysis is not required and may not cover all metallic Others elements. Should
9.3 Test Methods—Bend tests shall be made in accordance
any analysis by the producer or the purchaser establish that an Others element
exceeds the limit of Each or that the aggregate of several Others elements with Test Methods E290.
exceeds the limit of Total, the material shall be considered non-conforming.
C
Other Elements—Total shall be the sum of unspecified metallic elements
10. Density
0.010 % or more, rounded to the second decimal before determining the sum.
D
The aluminum content shall be calculated by subtracting from 100.00 % the sum
10.1 The density of aluminum 1350 shall be taken as 0.0975
of all metallic elements present in amounts of 0.010 % or more each, rounded to
3 3 3
lb/in. [2.705 kg/m x 10 ].
the second decimal before determining the sum.
E
In case of any discrepancy in the values listed in
...

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: B236 − 07 (Reapproved 2015) B236/B236M − 23
Standard Specification for
Aluminum Bars for Electrical Purposes (Bus Bars)
This standard is issued under the fixed designation B236;B236/B236M; 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 Aluminum 1350 bar for electric conductors in the tempers shown in Table 1.
1.2 Aluminum and temper designations are in accordance with ANSI H35.1/H35.1(M). The equivalent Unified Numbering System
designation is A91350 in accordance with Practice E527.
NOTE 1—For Alloy 6101 bus conductors, refer to Specification B317/B317M.
NOTE 2—Prior to 1975, Aluminum 1350 was designated as EC aluminum.
1.3 A complete metric companion to SpecificationThe values stated in either SI or inch-pound units are to be B236 has been
developed—regarded separately as standard.B236M; therefore, no metric equivalents appear in this specification. The values stated
in each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values
from the two systems may result in non-conformance with the standard.
1.4 For acceptance criteria for inclusion of new aluminum and aluminum alloys in this specification, see Annex A2.
1.5 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 establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of
regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.6 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 The following documents of the issue in effect on date of order acceptance form a part of this specification to the extent
referenced herein:
2.2 ASTM Standards:
B193 Test Method for Resistivity of Electrical Conductor Materials
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee B07 on Light Metals and Alloys and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee B07.03 on Aluminum
Alloy Wrought Products.
Current edition approved Oct. 1, 2015Dec. 1, 2023. Published October 2015January 2024. Originally approved in 1948. Last previous edition approved in 20072015 as
B236 – 07.B236 – 07 (2015). DOI: 10.1520/B0236-07R15.10.1520/B0236_B0236M-23.
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
B236/B236M − 23
A,B
TABLE 1 Tensile Property Limits
Tensile Yield Strength
Specified
H12 0.125–1.000 12.0 8.0
Temper Strength, (0.2 % offset),
Thickness, in.
min, ksi min, ksi
H112 0.125–0.499 11.0 6.0
0.500–1.000 10.0 4.0
1.001–3.000 9.0 3.5
H111 All 8.5 3.5
A,B
TABLE 1 Tensile Property Limits (US Customary [Metric SI])
US Customary [Metric SI]
Tensile Yield Strength Specified Thickness, mm Tensile Strength, min, Yield Strength, min
Specified
Strength, (0.2 % offset), (0.2 % Offset),
Temper
Thickness, in.
min, ksi min, ksi
Over Through MPa MPa
H12 0.125–1.000 12.0 8.0 3.20 25.00 85 55
H112 0.125–0.499 11.0 6.0 3.20 12.50 75 40
0.500–1.000 10.0 4.0 12.50 25.00 70 30
1.001–3.000 9.0 3.5 25.00 40.00 60 25
H111 All 8.5 3.5 All 60 25
A
For For purposes of determining conformance with this specification, each value for tensile strength and yield strength shall be rounded to the nearest 0.1 ksi [1 MPa]
in accordance with the rounding method of Practice E29.
B
See See Annex A1.
B317/B317M Specification for Aluminum-Alloy Extruded Bar, Rod, Tube, Pipe, Structural Profiles, and Profiles for Electrical
Purposes (Bus Conductor)
B557 Test Methods for Tension Testing Wrought and Cast Aluminum- and Magnesium-Alloy Products
B557M Test Methods for Tension Testing Wrought and Cast Aluminum- and Magnesium-Alloy Products (Metric)
B660 Practices for Packaging/Packing of Aluminum and Magnesium Products
B666/B666M Practice for Identification Marking of Aluminum and Magnesium Products
B881 Terminology Relating to Aluminum- and Magnesium-Alloy Products
B985 Practice for Sampling Aluminum Ingots, Billets, Castings and Finished or Semi-Finished Wrought Aluminum Products for
Compositional Analysis
E29 Practice for Using Significant Digits in Test Data to Determine Conformance with Specifications
E34 Test Methods for Chemical Analysis of Aluminum and Aluminum-Base Alloys (Withdrawn 2017)
E55 Practice for Sampling Wrought Nonferrous Metals and Alloys for Determination of Chemical Composition
E290 Test Methods for Bend Testing of Material for Ductility
E527 Practice for Numbering Metals and Alloys in the Unified Numbering System (UNS)
E607 Test Method for Atomic Emission Spectrometric Analysis Aluminum Alloys by the Point to Plane Technique Nitrogen
Atmosphere (Withdrawn 2011)
E716 Practices for Sampling and Sample Preparation of Aluminum and Aluminum Alloys for Determination of Chemical
Composition by Spark Atomic Emission Spectrometry
E1004 Test Method for Determining Electrical Conductivity Using the Electromagnetic (Eddy Current) Method
E1251 Test Method for Analysis of Aluminum and Aluminum Alloys by Spark Atomic Emission Spectrometry
E3061 Test Method for Analysis of Aluminum and Aluminum Alloys by Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission
Spectrometry (Performance Based Method)
2.3 The Aluminum Association:
AS&D Aluminum Standards & Data
PK-1 Designations and Chemical Composition Limits for Aluminum Alloys in the Form of Castings and Ingots (Pink Sheets)
TAN-1 Tempers for Aluminum and Aluminum Alloy Products Metric Edition (Tan Sheets)
TEAL-1 International Alloy Designations and Chemical Composition Limits for Wrought Aluminum and Wrought Aluminum
Alloys (Teal Sheets)
YL-1 Tempers for Aluminum and Aluminum Alloy Products (Yellow Sheets)
2.4 ANSI Standards:
H35.1/H35.1(M) Alloy and Temper Designation Systems for Aluminum
H35.2 Dimensional Tolerances for Aluminum Mill Products
H35.2M Dimensional Tolerances for Aluminum Mill Products (Metric)
The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on www.astm.org.Available from Aluminum Association, 1400 Crystal Dr., Suite 430, Arlington, VA
22202, http://www.aluminum.org.
Available from American National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St., 4th Floor, New York, NY 10036, http://www.ansi.org.
B236/B236M − 23
2.5 CEN Standard:
CEN EN 14242 Aluminium and Aluminium Alloys - Chemical Analysis - Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission
Spectrometric Analysis
2.6 Military Standard:Available from Standardization Documents Order Desk, DODSSP, Bldg. 4, Section D, 700 Robbins Ave.,
Philadelphia, PA 19111-5098, http://www.dodssp.daps.mil.Standard:
MIL-STD-129 Marking for Shipment and Storage
2.7 Federal Standard:
Fed. Std. No. 123 Marking for Shipment (Civil Agencies)
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions: Definitions—Refer to Terminology B881 for definitions of product terms used in this specification.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.2.1 capable of—the term capable of as used in this specification means that the test need not be performed by the producer of
the material. However,material; however, should testing by the purchaser establish that the material does not meet these
requirements, the material shall be subject to rejection.
4. Ordering Information
4.1 Orders for material to this specification shall include the following information:
4.1.1 This specification designation (which includes the number, the year, and the revision letter, if applicable),
NOTE 3—For inch-pound orders, specify Specification B236; for metric orders specify Specification B236M. Do not mix units.
4.1.2 Quantity in pieces or pounds,pounds [kilograms],
4.1.3 Temper (8.1),
4.1.4 Edge contour (Section 12),
4.1.5 Diameter for rounds; distance across flats for square-cornered squares, hexagons, or octagons; width and depth for
square-cornered rectangles,
4.1.6 Length (specific or stock) (Section 14),
4.2 Additionally, orders for material to this specification shall include the following information when required by the purchaser:
4.2.1 Whether inspection or witness of inspection and tests by the purchaser’s representative is required prior to material shipment
(16.1),
4.2.2 Whether marking for identification is required (18.1),
4.2.3 Whether Practices B660 applies and, if so, the levels of preservation, packaging, and packing required (19.3), and
4.2.4 Whether certification of the material by the producer is required (Section 20).
5. Manufacture
5.1 The products covered by this specification shall be produced by extruding or rolling, at the option of the producer, provided
that the production method results in material that meets all requirements of this specification.
Available from Aluminum Association, Inc., 1525 Wilson Blvd., Suite 600, Arlington, VA 22209, http://www.aluminum.org.European Committee for Standardization
(CEN), Rue de la Science 23, B-1000, Brussels, Belgium, http://www.cen.eu.
Available from Standardization Documents Order Desk, DODSSP, Bldg. 4, Section D, 700 Robbins Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19111-5098, http://www.dodssp.daps.mil.
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5.2 Bars in the H12 temper shall be furnished with a rolled mill finish; bars in the H111 temper, with an as-extruded mill finish;
and bars in the H112 temper, with a rolled mill finish except that the edges shall be as sawed.
6. Responsibility for Quality Assurance
6.1 Responsibility for Inspection and Tests—Unless otherwise specified in the contract or purchase order, the producer is
responsible for the performance of all inspection and test requirements specified herein. Except as otherwise specified in the
contract or order, the producer may use his own or any other suitable facilities for the performance of the inspection and test
requirements specified herein, unless disapproved by the purchaser. The purchaser shall have the right to perform any of the
inspections and tests set forth in this specification where such inspections are deemed necessary to assure that material conforms
to prescribed requirements.
6.2 Lot Definition—An inspection lot shall consist of an identifiable quantity of material of the same aluminum designation,
temper, and thickness subjected to inspection at one time.
7. Chemical Composition Requirements
7.1 The material shall conform to the composition in Table 2. Conformance shall be determined by the producer by analyzing
samples taken at the time the ingots or continuously cast bars are poured, or samples taken from the finished or semifinished
product. If the producer has determined the composition of the material during the course of manufacture, he shall not be required
to sample and analyze the finished product.
NOTE 4—It is standard practice in the United States aluminum industry to determine conformance to the composition limits prior to further processing
of ingots into wrought products. Due to the continuous nature of the process, it is not practical to keep a specific ingot analysis identified with a specific
quantity of finished material.
7.2 Number of Samples— If it becomes necessary to analyze bars, rod or wire for conformance to chemical composition limits,
the method used for determination of chemicals composition shall be by agreement between the producer and purchaser. Analysis
A,E
TABLE 2 Chemical Composition Limits
Element Composition, %
Silicon, max 0.10
Iron, max 0.40
Copper, max 0.05
Manganese, max 0.01
Chromium, max 0.01
Zinc, max 0.05
Boron, max 0.05
Gallium, max 0.03
Vanadium + titanium, total, max 0.02
B
Other elements, each, max 0.03
B,C
Other elements, total, max 0.10
D
Aluminum, min 99.50
A
Analysis Analysis shall be made for the elements for which limits are shown in
this table.
B
Others includes all unlisted metallic elements. The producer may analyze
samples for trace elements not specified in the specification. However, such
analysis is not required and may not cover all metallic Others elements. Should
any analysis by the producer or the purchaser establish that an Others element
exceeds the limit of Each or that the aggregate of several Others elements
exceeds the limit of Total, the material shall be considered non-conforming.
C
Other Elements—Total shall be the sum of unspecified metallic elements
0.010 % or more, rounded to the second decimal before determining the sum.
D
The The aluminum content shall be calculated by subtracting from 100.00 % the
sum of all metallic elements present in amounts of 0.010 % or more each, rounded
to the second decimal before determining the sum.
E
In case of any discrepancy in the values listed in this table when compared to
those listed in the “Teal Sheets” (International Alloy Designations and Chemical
Composition Limits for Wrought Aluminum and Wrought Aluminum Alloys), the
composition limits registered with The Aluminum Association and published in the
“Teal Sheets” shall be considered the controlling composition. The “Teal Sheets”
are available at http://www.aluminum.org/tealsheets.
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shall be performed in accordance with Practices E716, Test Methods E1251 or E3061, or CEN EN 14242 (ICP Method). The
number of samples taken for determination of chemical composition shall be as follows:
7.2.1 Methods of Sampling—When samples are taken at the time the ingots are poured, at least one sample Samples for chemical
analysis shall be taken for each group ofin accordance with Practice B985ingots poured simultaneously from the same source of
molten metal.
7.2.2 Methods of Analysis—When samples are taken from the finished or semifinished product, a sample shall be taken to represent
each 4000 lb, or fraction thereof, in the shipment, except thatAnalysis shall be performed in accordance with Test Methods
E1251not, E3061more than one sample shall be required per piece., or CEN EN 14242 (ICP Method).
7.3 Methods of Sampling—Samples for determination of chemical composition shall be taken in accordance with one of the
following methods:
7.3.1 Samples for chemical analysis shall be taken from the material by drilling, sawing, milling, turning, or clipping a
representative piece or pieces to obtain a prepared sample of not less than 75 g. Sampling shall be in accordance with Practice E55.
7.3.2 Sampling for spectrochemical analysis shall be in accordance with Practices E716. Samples for other methods of analysis
shall be taken by methods suitable for the form of material being analyzed and the type of analytical method used.
7.3 Methods of Analysis—The determination of chemical composition shall be made in accordance with suitable chemical (Test
Methods E34) or spectrochemical (Test Methods E607 and E1251) methods. Other methods may be used only when no published
ASTM method is available. In case of dispute, the methods of analysis shall be agreed uponOther methods of analysis or in the
case of dispute may be by agreement between the producer and purchaser.
8. Tensile Properties
8.1 Limits—The bars shall conform to the requirements for tensile properties as specified in Table 1.
8.2 Number of Specimens—One tension test specimen shall be taken from a random bar representing each 3000 lb [1500 kg] of
bar, or fraction thereof, of the same temper, thickness, and width in the shipment.
8.3 Test Methods—The tension test shall be made in accordance with Test Methods B557. [B557M].
9. Bend Properties
9.1 Limits:
9.1.1 Flatwise Bend—Bars in the H12, and H111, and H112 tempers shall be capable of being bent flatwise at room temperature,
through an angle of 90° around a pin or mandrel having a radius equal to the thickness of the specimen, without cracking or
evidence of slivers or other imperfections. For a flatwise bend, the pin or mandrel shall be 90° from the working (extrusion or
rolling) direction, and across the greater (width) dimension of the bar. The required 90° bend shall be in the working (extrusion
or rolling) direction. This is a longitudinal bend as defined and shown in Test Methods E290, Fig. 1.
9.1.2 Edgewise Bend—Bars in the H12 and H111 tempers whose width-to-thickness ratios are not in excess of 12 and whose width
is 4 in. or less, shall be capable of being bent at room temperature edgewise 90° around a mandrel having the radius shown in Table
3 without cracking or localized thinning to less than 90 % of the maximum thickness within the central 60° of the bend when
measured along the outer edge of the bend. Bending requirements for bar wider than 4 in. [100 mm] shall be as agreed upon by
the producer and the purchaser. For an edgewise bend, the pin or mandrel shall be 90° from the working (extrusion or rolling)
direction, and across the lesser (thckness)(thickness) dimension of the bar. This is also a longitudinal bend as defined and shown
in Test Methods E290, Fig. 1.
9.2 Test Specimens—Bend test specimens shall be a full section of the material.
9.3 Test Methods—Bend tests shall be made in accordance with Test Methods E290.
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TABLE 3 Edgewise Bend Radii
US Customary [Metric SI]
Specified Width, mm
Specified Width, in. Mandrel Radius, in. Over Through Mandrel Radius, mm
0.500 and under ⁄2 { 12.50 12.5
0.501–1.000 1 12.50 25.00 25
1.001–1.500 1 ⁄2 25.00 40.00 40
1.501–2.000 2 40.00 50.00 50
2.001–2.500 2 ⁄2 50.00 65.00 65
2.501–3.000 3 65.00 75.00 75
3.001–3.500 3 ⁄2 75.00 90.00 90
3.501–4.000 4 90.00 100.00 100
10. Density
3 3 3
10.1 The density of aluminum 1350 shall be taken as 0.0970.0975 lb/in. [2.705 kg/m x 10 ].
11. Electrical Properties
11.1 Limits—The resistivity of specimens selected shall not exceed 0.0283 Ω·mm /m at 20°C20
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