ASTM B644-11(2017)

Standard Specification for Copper Alloy Addition Agents

ABSTRACT
This specification establishes the requirements for copper nickel, ferro copper, phosphor copper, and silicon copper master alloys in ingot, shot, and waffle form to be used as addition agents for cast and wrought alloys. Any material may be used which, when melted, will form an alloy of the required composition. Any manufacturing process may be used that will yield a product uniform in composition and free of defects of a nature that would render the product unsuitable for the intended application. The product in final form shall conform to the chemical composition requirements for the specified alloy. The sample for chemical analysis shall be done as specified. Composition shall be determined as the average of results from at least two replicate determinations for each element specified. For purposes of determining compliance with the specified limits for chemical composition, an observed or calculated value shall be rounded appropriately.
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
11.1 For purposes of determining compliance with the specified limits for chemical composition an observed or calculated value shall be rounded as indicated in accordance with the Rounding method of Practice E29.    
Property  
Rounded Unit for Observed or Calculated Value  
Chemical Composition  
Nearest unit in the last right-hand significant digit
used in expressing the limiting value
SCOPE
1.1 This specification establishes the requirements for copper nickel, ferro copper, phosphor copper, and silicon copper master alloys in ingot, shot, and waffle form to be used as addition agents for cast and wrought alloys.  
1.2 Units—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 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-2017
• ICS: 25.160.20 - Welding consumables
• Technical Committee: B05 - Copper and Copper Alloys
• Drafting Committee: B05.05 - Castings and Ingots for Remelting

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM B644-11 - Standard Specification for Copper Alloy Addition Agents
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2017
• Refers: ASTM B846-19a - Standard Terminology for Copper and Copper Alloys
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2019
• Refers: ASTM B846-19 - Standard Terminology for Copper and Copper Alloys
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2019
• Refers: ASTM B846-11a - Standard Terminology for Copper and Copper Alloys
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2011
• Refers: ASTM B846-11 - Standard Terminology for Copper and Copper Alloys
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2011
• Refers: ASTM B846-09a - Standard Terminology for Copper and Copper Alloys
• Effective Date: 15-Nov-2009
• Refers: ASTM B846-09 - Standard Terminology for Copper and Copper Alloys
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2009
• Refers: ASTM E478-08 - Standard Test Methods for Chemical Analysis of Copper Alloys
• Effective Date: 15-Dec-2008
• Refers: ASTM E29-08 - Standard Practice for Using Significant Digits in Test Data to Determine Conformance with Specifications
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2008
• Refers: ASTM E255-07 - Standard Practice for Sampling Copper and Copper Alloys for the Determination of Chemical Composition
• Effective Date: 15-Nov-2007
• Refers: ASTM E29-06b - Standard Practice for Using Significant Digits in Test Data to Determine Conformance with Specifications
• Effective Date: 15-Nov-2006
• Refers: ASTM B846-06a - Standard Terminology for Copper and Copper Alloys
• Effective Date: 15-Nov-2006
• Refers: ASTM E29-06a - Standard Practice for Using Significant Digits in Test Data to Determine Conformance with Specifications
• Effective Date: 15-Sep-2006
• Refers: ASTM B846-06 - Standard Terminology for Copper and Copper Alloys
• Effective Date: 15-May-2006
• Refers: ASTM E29-06 - Standard Practice for Using Significant Digits in Test Data to Determine Conformance with Specifications
• Effective Date: 01-May-2006

Overview

ASTM B644-11(2017) is the internationally recognized standard specification for copper alloy addition agents. Issued by ASTM International, this specification defines the quality requirements for copper nickel, ferro copper, phosphor copper, and silicon copper master alloys-primarily supplied in ingot, shot, or waffle form. These master alloys are used as addition agents during the production of cast and wrought alloys to modify or enhance alloy compositions. By providing clear guidelines for chemical composition, manufacturing, sampling, testing, and packaging, ASTM B644-11(2017) ensures consistent product quality and reliable performance in metallurgical processes.

Key Topics

• Product Forms: The standard covers copper alloy addition agents in ingot, shot, and waffle forms, used for subsequent alloy manufacturing.
• Chemical Composition Requirements: Specific chemical limits for copper, nickel, silicon, phosphorus, iron, and other elements are established to ensure product suitability and performance.
• Sampling and Testing:
  • Sampling methods ensure representative testing from lots.
  • Chemical analysis must use standardized practices and be conducted with at least two replicate determinations for each element.
  • Rounding of analytical results must follow ASTM Practice E29 to ensure consistency in reporting.
• Manufacturing Processes: Any process may be used provided the final product is uniform and free of defects that might impair its use.
• Compliance and Certification:
  • Products are inspected and, upon request, accompanied by certification of conformance.
  • Test results and retest provisions ensure reliability and resolve disputes between manufacturer and purchaser.
• Packaging and Marking:
  • Materials must be packaged to prevent loss or contamination; containers or bulk shipments require detailed identification and marking.

Applications

Copper alloy addition agents compliant with ASTM B644-11(2017) are essential in the metallurgical industry. They are used to achieve precise compositions in various:

• Casting and Foundry Applications: Ensuring controlled addition of copper, nickel, silicon, or phosphorus to achieve desired alloy properties in castings.
• Wrought Alloy Production: Used to fine-tune alloy chemistry during the melt phase before forming wrought products such as bars, rods, wires, and sheets.
• Industrial Manufacturing: Critical for industries requiring stringent control over alloy ingredients, such as electrical, marine, automotive, or aerospace sectors.
• Quality Control Procedures: Standardized sampling and testing practices help quality assurance teams verify alloy composition and ensure batch-to-batch consistency.

Adhering to ASTM B644-11(2017) helps manufacturers, foundries, and suppliers guarantee the performance and reliability of copper-based master alloys in their product offerings.

Related Standards

Several standards are referenced or associated with ASTM B644-11(2017), including:

• ASTM B846 - Terminology for Copper and Copper Alloys: Provides definitions relevant to this standard.
• ASTM E29 - Practice for Using Significant Digits in Test Data to Determine Conformance with Specifications.
• ASTM E255 - Practice for Sampling Copper and Copper Alloys for Chemical Analysis.
• ISO 4748 - Methods for determining iron content.
• ASTM B900 - Packaging of Copper and Copper Alloy Mill Products.
• Military and Federal packaging/marking standards, such as MIL-STD-129 and Fed. Std. No. 185, may apply for government procurement.

Summary

Compliance with ASTM B644-11(2017) ensures that copper alloy addition agents meet industry-accepted criteria for chemical composition, quality, and traceability. This standard supports critical manufacturing processes and global trade by setting out clear expectations for suppliers and end-users in the copper alloys sector, contributing to product reliability, consistent material quality, and industrial efficiency.

Keywords: copper alloy addition agents, ASTM B644, copper-nickel master alloys, phosphor copper, silicon copper, chemical composition, metallurgical standards, addition agents for alloys.

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: B644 −11 (Reapproved 2017)
Standard Specification for
Copper Alloy Addition Agents
This standard is issued under the fixed designation B644; 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* E1371 Test Method for Gravimetric Determination of Phos-
phorus in Phosphorus-Copper Alloys or Phosphorus-
1.1 This specification establishes the requirements for cop-
Copper-Silver Alloys (Withdrawn 2006)
per nickel, ferro copper, phosphor copper, and silicon copper
2.2 ISO Standard:
master alloys in ingot, shot, and waffle form to be used as
No. 4748 Determination of Iron Content; Na2EDTA Titri-
addition agents for cast and wrought alloys.
metric Method
1.2 Units—Values stated in inch-pound units are to be
regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are
3. Terminology
mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for
3.1 For definitions of terms related to copper and copper
information only and are not considered standard.
alloys, refer to Terminology B846.
1.3 This international standard was developed in accor-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
4. Ordering Information
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
4.1 Include the following information when placing orders
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
for product under this specification, as applicable:
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
4.1.1 ASTM designation and year of issue (for example
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
B644 – XX).
4.1.2 Alloy number and letter; generic name (Table 1),
2. Referenced Documents
4.1.3 Form; size, weight, screen distribution,
2.1 ASTM Standards:
4.1.4 Quantity or total weight; each form, size, weight,
B846 Terminology for Copper and Copper Alloys
screen distribution.
E29 Practice for Using Significant Digits in Test Data to
Determine Conformance with Specifications
5. Material and Manufacture
E255 Practice for Sampling Copper and Copper Alloys for
5.1 Material:
the Determination of Chemical Composition
5.1.1 Any material may be used which, when melted, will
E54 Test Methods for ChemicalAnalysis of Special Brasses
form an alloy of the required composition.
and Bronzes (Withdrawn 2002)
5.2 Manufacture:
E62 Test Methods for Chemical Analysis of Copper and
5.2.1 Any manufacturing process may be used that will
CopperAlloys (Photometric Methods)(Withdrawn 2010)
yield a product uniform in composition and free of defects of
E76 Test Methods for Chemical Analysis of Nickel-Copper
a nature that would render the product unsuitable for the
Alloys (Withdrawn 2003)
intended application.
E478 Test Methods for ChemicalAnalysis of CopperAlloys
6. Chemical Composition
ThisspecificationisunderthejurisdictionofASTMCommitteeB05onCopper 6.1 The product in final form shall conform to the require-
and Copper Alloys and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee B05.05 on
ments prescribed in Table 1 for the specified alloy.
Castings and Ingots for Remelting.
6.1.1 Thesespecificationlimitsdonotprecludethepresence
Current edition approved April 1, 2017. Published April 2017. Originally
of other elements. Limits may be established and analysis
approved in 1982. Last previous edition approved in 2011 as B644-11. DOI:
10.1520/B0644-11R17.
required for unnamed elements by agreement between the
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
manufacturer and the purchaser.
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.
3 4
The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on Available fromAmerican National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St.,
www.astm.org. 4th Floor, New York, NY 10036, http://www.ansi.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
B644 − 11 (2017)
TABLE 1 Chemical Requirements
Composition, max, % (unless shown as a range or minimum)
Copper-
Element Ferro Copper Phosphor Copper Silicon Copper
Nickel
Alloy 1A Alloy 2A Alloy 2B Alloy 3A Alloy 3B Alloy 4A Alloy 4B Alloy 4C Alloy 4D
Copper, min 46.5 88.7 48.2
Nickel (incl. cobalt) 48.0–51.0 0.10 0.10
Silicon 0.05 9.0–11.0 13.5–16.5 18.5–21.5 28.5–31.5
Copper + silicon + iron 99.4 min 99.4 min 99.4 min 99.4 min
Phosphorus 14.0 min 8.0–8.8
Phosphorus + copper 99.75 min 99.75 min
Iron 1.20 9.0–11.0 48.5–51.5 0.15 0.15 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50
Aluminum 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25
Tin 0.10 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25
Calcium 0.15 0.15 0.15 0.15
Carbon 0.05 0.05 0.05
Sulfur 0.02
Lead 0.05
Zinc 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10
Manganese 0.7 0.10 0.10
7. Sampling 8.2.1.2 The retest shall be as directed in 8.1 except the
numberofreplicatedeterminationsshallbetwicethatnormally
7.1 The inspection lot size, portion size, and selection of
required by this specification.All determinations shall conform
portion pieces shall be as follows:
to specification requirements. Failure to comply shall be cause
7.1.1 LotSize—An inspection lot shall consist of all product
for lot rejection.
from a single heat.
7.1.2 Portion Size:
9. Specimen Preparation
7.1.2.1 Ingot and Shot—The portion size shall be not less
9.1 Chemical Composition—Preparation of the analytical
than 1 ingot.
7.1.2.2 ShotandWaffle—Theportionsizeforproductinshot specimen shall be the responsibility of the reporting laboratory.
or waffle form shall be not less than 1 lb (0.453 kg) and shall
beselectedtoconsistofanaverageofallsizesofproductinthe 10. Test Methods
lot.
10.1 Test methods used for quality control or production
7.1.3 Selection of Portion Pieces—The individual pieces
control, or both, for the determination of conformance to
shall be randomly selected.
chemical compositional requirements are discretionary.
7.2 Chemical Analysis: 10.1.1 Test methods used for obtaining data for the prepa-
ration of certification or test report shall be made available to
7.2.1 The sample for chemical analysis shall be taken from
the pieces selected in 7.1.2 in accordance with Practice E255. the purchaser on request.
The minimum weight of the composite sample shall be 150 g.
10.2 Chemical Composition:
7.2.2 Instead of sampling in accordance with Practice E255,
10.2.1 In case of disagreement, the test method to be
the manufacturer shall have the option of sampling during the
followed for a specific element and concentration shall be as
pouring of the product.At least two samples shall be taken for
indicated in the following table:
each lot poured from the same source of molten metal.
Element Range or Max % Method
7.2.2.1 When the manufacturer determines chemical com-
Aluminum 0.25 E478
position during the course of manufacture, sampling of the Carbon 0.05 E76
Copper 99.75 E478
finished product is not required.
Iron 1.25 E478
9.0–11.0 ISO 4748; Titrimetric
8. Number of Tests and Retests 48.5–51.5 ISO 4748; Titrimetric
Lead 0.05 E478; Atomic Absorption
8.1 Tests:
Manganese 0.10–0.7 E62
Nickel 0.10 E478; Photometric
8.1.1 Chemical Analysis—Composition shall be determined
incl Cobalt 48–51 E76
as the average of results from at least two replicate determi-
Phosphorus 0.01–1.0 E62
nations for each element specified in Table 1 for the specified
8.0–14.0 E1371
Silicon 0.05–32 E54; Perchloric Acid Dehydration
alloy.
Sulfur 0.05–0.08 E76; Direct Combustion
8.2 Retests: Tin 0.01–1 E478 Photometric
Zinc 0.
...