ASTM F16-12(2017)

Standard Test Methods for Measuring Diameter or Thickness of Wire and Ribbon for Electronic Devices and Lamps

ABSTRACT
These test methods cover procedures for measuring the diameter or thickness of round and flat wire (ribbon) used in electronic devices and lamps. Anvils shall be used in determining the thickness. The flatness and parallelism of the wire shall be checked using a monochromatic light source, a small optical parallel, and a cylindrical master standard wire gage.
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
3.1 The methods contained in this standard are intended primarily for referee use, for laboratory measuring, and for certifying size of standard samples used for checking other measuring equipment that may be agreed upon between the supplier and the purchaser.
SCOPE
1.1 These test methods cover procedures for measuring the diameter or thickness of round and flat wire (ribbon) 0.060 in. (1.52 mm) maximum used in electronic devices and lamps.  
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 establish appropriate safety and health 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: Historical
• Publication Date: 31-May-2017
• ICS: 29.060.10 - Wires
• Technical Committee: F01 - Electronics
• Drafting Committee: F01.03 - Metallic Materials, Wire Bonding, and Flip Chip

Standards Content (Sample)

NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information
Designation: F16 − 12 (Reapproved 2017)
Standard Test Methods for
Measuring Diameter or Thickness of Wire and Ribbon for
Electronic Devices and Lamps
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F16; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of original
adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision.Anumber in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.Asuperscript
epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope measuring equipment that may be agreed upon between the
supplier and the purchaser.
1.1 These test methods cover procedures for measuring the
diameter or thickness of round and flat wire (ribbon) 0.060 in.
4. Apparatus
(1.52 mm) maximum used in electronic devices and lamps.
4.1 Either of two general types of apparatus may be used for
1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
measuring, depending on the accuracy desired and on the
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
availability of certified cylindrical master standards for gage
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only
setting, as follows:
and are not considered standard.
4.1.1 Apparatus A— For use with cylindrical master stan-
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
dards for gage setting.
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
4.1.2 Apparatus B— For use with gage block standards for
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
gage setting.
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
4.2 Apparatus A, shown in Fig. 1, shall have the following
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
features:
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
4.2.1 An adjustable anvil of the size and shape specified for
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
the material to be inspected. The anvil shall be nonrotating and
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
shall be adjustable for position by means of a micrometer or
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
precision adjusting screw, with means for locking the anvil in
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
any set position after adjustments have been made.
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
4.2.2 Asensing anvil of the size and shape specified for the
material to be measured, linked directly to a sensing and
2. Summary of Test Method
indicating device of specified precision and sensitivity.
2.1 In order to provide reliable determinations of physical
4.2.3 The adjustable fixed anvil and sensing anvil and the
dimensions of wire and ribbon products, these test methods are
sensing device shall be rigidly mounted with both anvils in
designed to mechanically measure the diameter or thickness
alignmentonthesameaxis.Thesensinganvilshallbemovable
with a high degree of precision. These test methods are based
with provisions for retracting the anvil for placing the speci-
on the use of a sensitive measuring head with calibrated
men in the measuring position.
pressure settings, shaped measuring anvils to reduce errors
4.2.4 Both anvils shall be properly fitted, lapped, and
caused by material curvature or waviness, and a method for
polished so the contacting surfaces are flat and parallel within
presetting the anvil spacing by means of gage blocks or
the accuracy specified.
cylindrical master standards.
4.2.5 The sensing device shall be provided with a means for
setting the indicator hand or scale to zero, and a calibrated
3. Significance and Use
scale or dial for setting the sensing anvil measuring pressure to
3.1 The methods contained in this standard are intended
thespecifiedvaluerequiredformeasuring.Thissettingshallbe
primarily for referee use, for laboratory measuring, and for
accurate to within6 10 % of the set value.
certifying size of standard samples used for checking other
4.3 Apparatus B, shown in Fig. 2, shall meet the require-
ments specified for Apparatus A in 4.2 with the following
additional features:
These test methods are under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F01 on
Electronics and are the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F01.03 on Metallic
4.3.1 The fixed anvil and support to which it is attached
Materials, Wire Bonding, and Flip Chip.
shallbefreetomovealongthemeasuringaxisbutshallbeheld
Current edition approved June 1, 2017. Published June 2017. Originally
in line with the sensing anvil by means of cantilever springs so
publishedin1961asF16 – 61 T.Lastpreviouseditionapprovedin2012asF16 –12.
DOI: 10.1520/F0016-12R17. that parallelism with the sensing anvil is maintained. The
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
F16 − 12 (2017)
and free from kinks, dents, or other damage that would
interfere with measuring accuracy.
5.2 Wire or fine ribbon shall be drawn from the spool under
uniformly low tension to prevent elongation. If the material is
obviously contaminated with oil, dirt, or other foreign matter,
it shall be drawn gently through a lint-free cloth, wet with a
suitable solvent.
6. Test Conditions
6.1 The measuring device shall be used in a location that is
clean and free of dust and lint. Vibration, drafts, direct heat
from lamps, and temperature variations shall be minimized.
The equipment shall be kept clean and covered when not in
use.
6.2 For fine wire, smaller than 0.0008 in. (0.02 mm) in
diameter, extra precautions shall be taken to avoid all possible
causes (see 6.1) of inaccurate measurements. The measuring
devices shall be used in a small gage laboratory with tempera-
FIG. 1 Measuring Apparatus A for Use with Cylindrical Master
Standards for Gage Setting
ture variations kept to within6 5°C. The equipment shall be
laid out on a clean surface with tools and gage blocks on foam
rubber pads. All equipment used for measuring, and the
material samples, shall be stabilized by leaving them together
in the gage room for at least 1 h. Gage blocks shall be handled
with tongs to prevent temperature variations.
6.3 Gage blocks shall be recalibrated at least once every
year, using the block calibration size for the calibration setting.
Blocks must be carefully cleaned and handled to prevent
uneven wear with consequent introduction of errors into the
gage setting.
6.4 The device shall be cleaned, calibrated, and set for
measuring by means of certified gage blocks or cylindrical
master standards as specified in Section 11.
7. Setting Measuring Apparatus
7.1 Set the measuring apparatus by means of standards so
FIG. 2 Measuring Apparatus B for Use with Gage Block Stan- that the indicator hand or scale of the sensing device is at zero
dards for Gage Setting
when adjusted for the nominal size of the material to be
measured. This shall be done by means of certified cylindrical
master standards for Apparatus A and by means of certified
opposite end of the movable anvil support shall terminate in a gage blocks for Apparatus B.
ball contact having a diameter from 0.19 to 0.25 in. (4.8 to 6.4
7.2 Cylindrical master standards shall be certified for
mm). The total pressure of the support and springs shall exert
diameter, roundness, and surface finish by a metrology labo-
a force of 500 6 0 g on the gage block.
ratory. The master cylinders of wire shall be made of hardened
4.3.2 The gage block for setting shall be located directly in
steel having a Rockwell hardness of 63 to 65 HRC, and lapped
contact with the movable anvil support ball contact. The
to a finish of 1 µin. rms or a 4-µin. height (0.0001 mm).
opposite side of the gage block shall be supported at three
7.3 Gage blocks shall be certified for length, flatness,
places by hardened steel balls 0.09 to 0.12 in. (2.4 to 3.2 mm)
parallelism, and surface finish by a metrology laboratory. The
in diameter and equilaterally spaced to form a triangle.
exact thickness of the blocks shall be reported to the nearest
4.3.3 The three ball contacts shall be securely fixed to a
microinch (0.000025 mm) as measured near the center of each
support table and shall be movable for setting the measuring
block. The surface finish shall be equivalent to 1 µin. rms or a
device by means of a precision adjusting screw. Provision shall
4-µin. (0.0001-mm) height or better.
be made for securely locking the table in place after setting.
7.4 Set Apparatus A for the nominal material size to be
5. Test Specimens
measured by placing a cylindrical master standard between the
5.1 Test specimens shall be selected at least 3 ft (0.9 m) two anvils and adjusting the fixed anvil adjusting screw to get
from the end of a spool or coil of material and shall be straight a zero reading on the sensing device. Raise and lower the
F16 − 12 (2017)
sensing anvil against the standard several times and readjust 8.3 The wire specimen may be rotated between the anvils
the screw until three consecutive zero readings are obtained. for out-of-roundness measurements as specified in Section 11.
7.5 Set Apparatus B for nominal material size to be mea-
9. Procedure B for Measuring Large Round Wire
sured by means of gage blocks. Select two blocks with a
difference equal to the nominal size of the material. Use the
9.1 Measure round wire, which is between 0.010 and 0.060
exact length of the blocks as taken from the last certification.
in. (0.25 and 1.5 mm) in diameter, with combination flat and
Place the longer block between the three-ball support table and
cylindrical anvils as illustrated in Fig. 3. Lap the measuring
the ball end of the anvil support block, and carefully seat near
surface of the sensing anvil 0.115 to 0.135 in. (2.93 to 3.43
the center of the block. Turn the adjusting screw until the
mm) diameter) and polish to a surface finish of 1 µin. r/s or a
indicator on the sensing device is on zero. Raise the ball end of
4-µin. (0.0001-mm) height. The fixed anvil shall be cylindrical
the anvil support block, remove the longer gage block, and
in shape with a radius of approximately 0.040 in. (1.0 mm) and
replace it with the shorter block in the same position. This in
a length of approximately 0.4 in. (10 mm). Adjust the fixed
effect lowers the fixed measuring anvil from the first zero
anvil so that the contacting surfaces of the anvils are parallel
setting by an amount equal to the nominal size of the material
within 0.00001 in. (0.00025 mm).
to be measured. Leave this gage block in place while measure-
9.2 A wire location guide may be used on one side of the
ments are being made.
fixed anvil for locating each piece of wire in approximately the
7.6 To keep the effect of temperature variations to a
samepositionbetweentheanvils.Observetherequirementsfor
minimum, handle each block with insulated tongs whe
...

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: F16 − 12 F16 − 12 (Reapproved 2017)
Standard Test Methods for
Measuring Diameter or Thickness of Wire and Ribbon for
Electronic Devices and Lamps
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F16; 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.
1. Scope
1.1 These test methods cover procedures for measuring the diameter or thickness of round and flat wire (ribbon) 0.060 in. (1.52
mm) maximum used in electronic devices and lamps.
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 establish appropriate safety and health 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. Summary of Test Method
2.1 In order to provide reliable determinations of physical dimensions of wire and ribbon products, these test methods are
designed to mechanically measure the diameter or thickness with a high degree of precision. These test methods are based on the
use of a sensitive measuring head with calibrated pressure settings, shaped measuring anvils to reduce errors caused by material
curvature or waviness, and a method for presetting the anvil spacing by means of gage blocks or cylindrical master standards.
3. Significance and Use
3.1 The methods contained in this standard are intended primarily for referee use, for laboratory measuring, and for certifying
size of standard samples used for checking other measuring equipment that may be agreed upon between the supplier and the
purchaser.
4. Apparatus
4.1 Either of two general types of apparatus may be used for measuring, depending on the accuracy desired and on the
availability of certified cylindrical master standards for gage setting, as follows:
4.1.1 Apparatus A— For use with cylindrical master standards for gage setting.
4.1.2 Apparatus B— For use with gage block standards for gage setting.
4.2 Apparatus A, shown in Fig. 1, shall have the following features:
4.2.1 An adjustable anvil of the size and shape specified for the material to be inspected. The anvil shall be nonrotating and shall
be adjustable for position by means of a micrometer or precision adjusting screw, with means for locking the anvil in any set
position after adjustments have been made.
4.2.2 A sensing anvil of the size and shape specified for the material to be measured, linked directly to a sensing and indicating
device of specified precision and sensitivity.
4.2.3 The adjustable fixed anvil and sensing anvil and the sensing device shall be rigidly mounted with both anvils in alignment
on the same axis. The sensing anvil shall be movable with provisions for retracting the anvil for placing the specimen in the
measuring position.
These test methods are under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F01 on Electronics and are the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F01.03 on Metallic
MaterialsMaterials, Wire Bonding, and Flip Chip.
Current edition approved Feb. 1, 2012June 1, 2017. Published March 2012June 2017. Originally published in 1961 as F16 – 61 T. Last previous edition approved in
20062012 as F16 – 67F16(2006). –12. DOI: 10.1520/F0016-12.10.1520/F0016-12R17.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
F16 − 12 (2017)
FIG. 1 Measuring Apparatus A for Use with Cylindrical Master Standards for Gage Setting
4.2.4 Both anvils shall be properly fitted, lapped, and polished so the contacting surfaces are flat and parallel within the accuracy
specified.
4.2.5 The sensing device shall be provided with a means for setting the indicator hand or scale to zero, and a calibrated scale
or dial for setting the sensing anvil measuring pressure to the specified value required for measuring. This setting shall be accurate
to within6 10 % of the set value.
4.3 Apparatus B, shown in Fig. 2, shall meet the requirements specified for Apparatus A in 4.2 with the following additional
features:
4.3.1 The fixed anvil and support to which it is attached shall be free to move along the measuring axis but shall be held in line
with the sensing anvil by means of cantilever springs so that parallelism with the sensing anvil is maintained. The opposite end
of the movable anvil support shall terminate in a ball contact having a diameter from 0.19 to 0.25 in. (4.8 to 6.4 mm). The total
pressure of the support and springs shall exert a force of 500 6 100 g on the gage block.
4.3.2 The gage block for setting shall be located directly in contact with the movable anvil support ball contact. The opposite
side of the gage block shall be supported at three places by hardened steel balls 0.09 to 0.12 in. (2.4 to 3.2 mm) in diameter and
equilaterally spaced to form a triangle.
4.3.3 The three ball contacts shall be securely fixed to a support table and shall be movable for setting the measuring device
by means of a precision adjusting screw. Provision shall be made for securely locking the table in place after setting.
FIG. 2 Measuring Apparatus B for Use with Gage Block Standards for Gage Setting
F16 − 12 (2017)
5. Test Specimens
5.1 Test specimens shall be selected at least 3 ft (0.9 m) from the end of a spool or coil of material and shall be straight and
free from kinks, dents, or other damage that would interfere with measuring accuracy.
5.2 Wire or fine ribbon shall be drawn from the spool under uniformly low tension to prevent elongation. If the material is
obviously contaminated with oil, dirt, or other foreign matter, it shall be drawn gently through a lint-free cloth, wet with a suitable
solvent.
6. Test Conditions
6.1 The measuring device shall be used in a location that is clean and free of dust and lint. Vibration, drafts, direct heat from
lamps, and temperature variations shall be minimized. The equipment shall be kept clean and covered when not in use.
6.2 For fine wire, smaller than 0.0008 in. (0.02 mm) in diameter, extra precautions shall be taken to avoid all possible causes
(see 6.1) of inaccurate measurements. The measuring devices shall be used in a small gage laboratory with temperature variations
kept to within6 5°C. The equipment shall be laid out on a clean surface with tools and gage blocks on foam rubber pads. All
equipment used for measuring, and the material samples, shall be stabilized by leaving them together in the gage room for at least
1 h. Gage blocks shall be handled with tongs to prevent temperature variations.
6.3 Gage blocks shall be recalibrated at least once every year, using the block calibration size for the calibration setting. Blocks
must be carefully cleaned and handled to prevent uneven wear with consequent introduction of errors into the gage setting.
6.4 The device shall be cleaned, calibrated, and set for measuring by means of certified gage blocks or cylindrical master
standards as specified in Section 11.
7. Setting Measuring Apparatus
7.1 Set the measuring apparatus by means of standards so that the indicator hand or scale of the sensing device is at zero when
adjusted for the nominal size of the material to be measured. This shall be done by means of certified cylindrical master standards
for Apparatus A and by means of certified gage blocks for Apparatus B.
7.2 Cylindrical master standards shall be certified for diameter, roundness, and surface finish by a metrology laboratory. The
master cylinders of wire shall be made of hardened steel having a Rockwell hardness of 63 to 65 HRC, and lapped to a finish of
1 μin. rms or a 4-μin. height (0.0001 mm).
7.3 Gage blocks shall be certified for length, flatness, parallelism, and surface finish by a metrology laboratory. The exact
thickness of the blocks shall be reported to the nearest microinch (0.000025 mm) as measured near the center of each block. The
surface finish shall be equivalent to 1 μin. rms or a 4-μin. (0.0001-mm) height or better.
7.4 Set Apparatus A for the nominal material size to be measured by placing a cylindrical master standard between the two
anvils and adjusting the fixed anvil adjusting screw to get a zero reading on the sensing device. Raise and lower the sensing anvil
against the standard several times and readjust the screw until three consecutive zero readings are obtained.
7.5 Set Apparatus B for nominal material size to be measured by means of gage blocks. Select two blocks with a difference equal
to the nominal size of the material. Use the exact length of the blocks as taken from the last certification. Place the longer block
between the three-ball support table and the ball end of the anvil support block, and carefully seat near the center of the block.
Turn the adjusting screw until the indicator on the sensing device is on zero. Raise the ball end of the anvil support block, remove
the longer gage block, and replace it with the shorter block in the same position. This in effect lowers the fixed measuring anvil
from the first zero setting by an amount equal to the nominal size of the material to be measured. Leave this gage block in place
while measurements are being made.
7.6 To keep the effect of temperature variations to a minimum, handle each block with insulated tongs when placed into
position. Both blocks may also be inserted and interchanged by means of a shifting device for moving either block into the proper
position. This keeps handling to a minimum and prevents hands from contacting the blocks when changing.
8. Procedure A for Measuring Fine Round Wire
8.1 Measure fine round wire less than 0.0008 in. (0.0203 mm) in diameter with anvils as illustrated in Fig. 3 except fixed anvil
shall have a radius of 1 in. (25.4 mm). Measure fine round wire more than 0.0008 in. (0.0203 mm) and less than 0.010 in. (0.25
mm) in diameter with flat parallel anvils having a diameter from 0.115 in. to 0.135 in. (2.9 to 3.4 mm). Lap both anvils flat and
parallel and polish to a surface finish of 1 μin. r/s or a 4-μin. (0.0001-mm) height. Observe the basic requirements for measuring,
including anvil pressure and overall precision of the anvils and measuring apparatus, as specified in Table 1.
8.2 Set the apparatus for measuring as specified in Section 11. Retract the upper anvil by means of the lifting level and insert
the wire specimen between the anvils. Lower the sensing anvil against the specimen and read the deviation of the diameter from
the nominal size directly on the indicator and scale of the sensing device. Report the wire size as the average of three separate
determinations made on specimens from the same spool.
F16 − 12 (2017)
FIG. 3 Arrangement of Anvils for Measuring Large Round Wire
8.3 The wire specimen may be rotated between the anvils for out-of-roundness measurements as specified in Section 11.
9. Procedure B for Measuring Large Round Wire
9.1 Measure round wire, which is between 0.010 and 0.060 in. (0.25 and 1.5 mm) in diameter, with combination flat and
cylindrical anvils as illustrated in Fig. 3. Lap the measuring surface of the sensing anvil 0.115 to 0.135 in. (2.93 to 3.43 mm)
diameter) and polish to a surface finish of 1 μin. r/s or a 4-μin. (0.0001-mm) height. The fixed anvil shall be cylindrical in shape
with a radius of approximately 0.040 in. (1.0 mm) and a length of approximately 0.4 in. (10 mm). Adjust the fixed anvil so that
the contacting surfaces of the anvils are parallel within 0.00001 in. (0.00025 mm).
9.2 A wire location guide may be used on one side of the fixed anvil for locating each piece of wire in approximately the same
position between the anvils. Observe the requirements for measuring, including anvil pressure and maximum overall precision of
the anvils and measuring apparatus, as specified in Table 2.
9.3 Set the apparatus for measuring as specified in Section 7. Retract the sensing anvil and insert the wire specimen between
the anvils and against the back wire positioning guide. Lower the sensing anvil slowly against the specimen and read the deviation
of the wire diameter from the nominal size on the scale and indicator of the sensing device. Report the wire diameter as the average
of three separate determinations made on specimens from the same spool.
9.4 The wire specimen may be rotated between anvils for out-of-roundness measurements as specified in Section 11.
10. Procedure C for Measuring Thickness of Flat Wire and Ribbon
10.1 Measure flat wire and ribbon by means of the following anvils:
10.1.1 For flat wire up to 0.060 in. (1.5 mm) in thickness use the anvils specified in 9.1 and illustrated in Fig. 3.
10.1.2 For ribbon and strip materials up to 0.030 in. (0.8 mm) in thickness measure with two cylindrical anvils crossed at right
angles as illustrated in Fig. 4. The sensing anvil and the fixed anvil shall have a radius of 0.40 in. (10 mm) and a length of
approximately 0.40 in. (10 mm).
10.2 Observe the requirements of measuring, including anvil pressure and maximum overall precision of the anvils and
apparatus, as specified in Table 3.
10.3 The measuring apparatus shall be set, calibrated and used as specified in Section 7 and 9.3.
11. Measuring Out-of-Roundness
11.1 The apparatus specified in Sections 8 and 9 for measuring wire diameters shall be used for measuring out-of-roundness.
11.2 For wire under 0.010 in. (0.25 mm) in diameter, hold the wire in a rotating device designed to turn the wire about its
longitudinal axis between the anvils of the measuring device.
11.3 For wire between 0.010 and 0.060 in. (0.25 and 1.5 mm) in diameter, hold one end of the wire in a small pin vice or
between the fingers and rotate it between the measuring anvils. One end of the wire may be turned up to form a flag so that t
...