ASTM B881-17

Standard Terminology Relating to Aluminum- and Magnesium-Alloy Products

SCOPE
1.1 This terminology covers the principal terms and definitions relating to aluminum- and magnesium-alloy products. It is published to encourage uniformity of terminology throughout Committee B07 product specifications.  
1.2 Certain definitions and definitions of terms specific to a standard will remain in the individual standards and will not be included in this terminology (see 3.4).  
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-Oct-2017
• ICS: 01.040.77 - Metallurgy (Vocabularies)
• ICS: 77.150.10 - Aluminium products
• ICS: 77.150.99 - Other products of non-ferrous metals
• Technical Committee: B07 - Light Metals and Alloys
• Drafting Committee: B07.03 - Aluminum Alloy Wrought Products

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM B881-09 - Standard Terminology Relating to Aluminum- and Magnesium- Alloy Products
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2017
• Refers: ASTM B491/B491M-23 - Standard Specification for Aluminum and Aluminum-Alloy Extruded Round Tubes for General-Purpose Applications
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2023
• Refers: ASTM B317/B317M-23 - Standard Specification for Aluminum-Alloy Extruded Bar, Rod, Tube, Pipe, Structural Profiles, and Profiles for Electrical Purposes (Bus Conductor)
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2023
• Refers: ASTM B660-23 - Standard Practices for Packaging/Packing of Aluminum and Magnesium Products
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2023
• Refers: ASTM B928/B928M-15(2023)e1 - Standard Specification for High Magnesium Aluminum-Alloy Products for Marine Service and Similar Environments
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2023
• Refers: ASTM B928/B928M-15(2023) - Standard Specification for High Magnesium Aluminum-Alloy Products for Marine Service and Similar Environments
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2023
• Refers: ASTM B746/B746M-22e1 - Standard Specification for Corrugated Aluminum Alloy Structural Plate for Field-Bolted Pipe, Pipe-Arches, and Arches
• Effective Date: 01-May-2022
• Refers: ASTM B646-19 - Standard Practice for Fracture Toughness Testing of Aluminum Alloys
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2019
• Refers: ASTM B179-18 - Standard Specification for Aluminum Alloys in Ingot and Molten Forms for Castings from All Casting Processes
• Effective Date: 15-May-2018
• Refers: ASTM B26/B26M-18 - Standard Specification for Aluminum-Alloy Sand Castings
• Effective Date: 15-May-2018
• Refers: ASTM B94-18 - Standard Specification for Magnesium-Alloy Die Castings
• Effective Date: 01-May-2018
• Refers: ASTM B234-17 - Standard Specification for Aluminum and Aluminum-Alloy Drawn Seamless Tubes for Surface Condensers, Evaporators, and Heat Exchangers
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2017
• Refers: ASTM B179-17 - Standard Specification for Aluminum Alloys in Ingot and Molten Forms for Castings from All Casting Processes
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2017
• Refers: ASTM B646-17 - Standard Practice for Fracture Toughness Testing of Aluminum Alloys
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2017
• Refers: ASTM B91-17 - Standard Specification for Magnesium-Alloy Forgings
• Effective Date: 01-May-2017

Overview

ASTM B881-17, Standard Terminology Relating to Aluminum- and Magnesium-Alloy Products, provides essential terms and definitions that are widely used in the aluminum and magnesium industry. Developed by ASTM Committee B07, this terminology standard aims to promote consistency and clarity across product specifications for aluminum- and magnesium-alloy materials. Accurate and standardized terminology is crucial for manufacturers, suppliers, engineers, and quality assurance professionals working with light metal products.

The scope of ASTM B881-17 covers the principal terms relevant to all forms of wrought and cast aluminum- and magnesium-alloy products. While it strives for broad harmonization, highly specialized or standard-specific definitions may still reside in individual ASTM standards.

Key Topics

ASTM B881-17 addresses a wide range of key terminology, including but not limited to:

• Material Forms: Definitions for common product forms such as bar, rod, wire, tube, plate, sheet, and foil-each with unique industrial and dimensional importance.
• Product Types and Processes: Terminology specific to various manufacturing processes, such as die casting, sand casting, permanent mold casting, centrifugal casting, investment casting, forging, extrusion, and rolling.
• Composite Products: Terms like "Alclad" (aluminum-clad product) and related product types, which involve metallurgically bonded aluminum layers for corrosion protection.
• Product Features: Descriptions for features such as mill finish, tread plate, bright or matte foil finishes, structural profiles, and forged rings.
• Heat Treatment: Definitions related to thermal or mechanical processing methods, including solution heat treatment and its specific variants for different forming methods.
• Supply and Distribution: Clear distinctions between producer, supplier, parent coil, and parent plate, ensuring accurate communication throughout the supply chain.

These definitions are grouped by subject and listed alphabetically to facilitate quick reference and ease of use.

Applications

The standardized terminology in ASTM B881-17 is valuable across a variety of industrial applications:

• Product Specification and Procurement: Ensures clear, mutual understanding when specifying material types, processing methods, and finished product characteristics in contracts and documentation.
• Manufacturing and Processing: Supports accurate process description and quality control by harmonizing terms around metal forming, casting, and fabrication.
• International Trade: Facilitates global commerce in aluminum- and magnesium-alloy products by aligning terminology with internationally recognized principles, including WTO TBT guidelines.
• Engineering and Design: Assists engineers and designers in selecting the correct material forms and finishes based on precise, universally accepted definitions.
• Education and Training: Provides foundational terminology for technical training programs related to metallurgy, material science, and manufacturing of light metals.

Related Standards

ASTM B881-17 references and supports a broad family of ASTM standards, including but not limited to:

• ASTM B209 / B209M – Aluminum and Aluminum-Alloy Sheet and Plate
• ASTM B85 – Aluminum-Alloy Die Castings
• ASTM B90 / B90M – Magnesium-Alloy Sheet and Plate
• ASTM B221 – Aluminum and Aluminum-Alloy Extruded Bars, Rods, Wire, Profiles, and Tubes
• ASTM B241 / B241M – Aluminum and Aluminum-Alloy Seamless Pipe and Tube
• ASTM B247 / B247M – Aluminum and Aluminum-Alloy Die Forgings, Hand Forgings, and Rolled Ring Forgings
• ASTM B955 / B955M – Aluminum-Alloy Centrifugal Castings
• ASTM B618 – Aluminum-Alloy Investment Castings

Consulting ASTM B881-17 in conjunction with these and other referenced standards ensures the consistent use of technical vocabulary throughout the aluminum- and magnesium-alloy supply chain.

---

For the latest edition and detailed implementation, refer to the official ASTM documentation at www.astm.org.

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: B881 − 17
Standard Terminology Relating to
Aluminum- and Magnesium-Alloy Products
This standard is issued under the fixed designation B881; 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* B108 Specification for Aluminum-Alloy Permanent Mold
Castings
1.1 This terminology covers the principal terms and defini-
B179 Specification for Aluminum Alloys in Ingot and Mol-
tions relating to aluminum- and magnesium-alloy products. It
ten Forms for Castings from All Casting Processes
is published to encourage uniformity of terminology through-
B199 Specification for Magnesium-Alloy Permanent Mold
out Committee B07 product specifications.
Castings
1.2 Certain definitions and definitions of terms specific to a
B209 Specification for Aluminum and Aluminum-Alloy
standard will remain in the individual standards and will not be
Sheet and Plate
included in this terminology (see 3.4).
B209M Specification for Aluminum and Aluminum-Alloy
1.3 This international standard was developed in accor- Sheet and Plate (Metric)
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
B210 Specification for Aluminum and Aluminum-Alloy
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the Drawn Seamless Tubes
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
B211 Specification for Aluminum and Aluminum-Alloy
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Rolled or Cold Finished Bar, Rod, and Wire
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
B211M Specification for Aluminum and Aluminum-Alloy
Rolled or Cold-Finished Bar, Rod, and Wire (Metric)
2. Referenced Documents
B221 Specification forAluminum andAluminum-Alloy Ex-
truded Bars, Rods, Wire, Profiles, and Tubes
2.1 ASTM Standards:
B234 Specification for Aluminum and Aluminum-Alloy
B26/B26M Specification for Aluminum-Alloy Sand Cast-
Drawn Seamless Tubes for Surface Condensers,
ings
Evaporators, and Heat Exchangers
B80 Specification for Magnesium-Alloy Sand Castings
B236 Specification for Aluminum Bars for Electrical Pur-
B85 Specification for Aluminum-Alloy Die Castings
poses (Bus Bars)
B90/B90M Specification for Magnesium-Alloy Sheet and
B236M Specification for Aluminum Bars for Electrical Pur-
Plate
poses (Bus Bars) (Metric)
B91 Specification for Magnesium-Alloy Forgings
B241/B241M Specification for Aluminum and Aluminum-
B92/B92M Specification for Unalloyed Magnesium Ingot
Alloy Seamless Pipe and Seamless Extruded Tube
and Stick For Remelting
B247 Specification forAluminum andAluminum-Alloy Die
B93/B93M Specification for Magnesium Alloys in Ingot
Forgings, Hand Forgings, and Rolled Ring Forgings
Form for Sand Castings, Permanent Mold Castings, and
B247M Specification for Aluminum and Aluminum-Alloy
Die Castings
Die Forgings, Hand Forgings, and Rolled Ring Forgings
B94 Specification for Magnesium-Alloy Die Castings
(Metric)
B107/B107M Specification for Magnesium-Alloy Extruded
B308/B308M Specification for Aluminum-Alloy 6061-T6
Bars, Rods, Profiles, Tubes, and Wire
Standard Structural Profiles
B313/B313M Specification for Aluminum and Aluminum-
This terminology is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee B07 on Light
Alloy Round Welded Tubes
Metals and Alloys and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee B07.03 on
B316/B316M Specification for Aluminum and Aluminum-
Aluminum Alloy Wrought Products.
Alloy Rivet and Cold-Heading Wire and Rods
Current edition approved Nov. 1, 2017. Published November 2017. Originally
B317/B317M Specification for Aluminum-Alloy Extruded
approved in 1998. Last previous edition approved in 2009 as B881 – 09. DOI:
10.1520/B0881-17.
Bar, Rod, Tube, Pipe, Structural Profiles, and Profiles for
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Electrical Purposes (Bus Conductor)
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
B361 Specification for Factory-Made Wrought Aluminum
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. and Aluminum-Alloy Welding Fittings
*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
B881 − 17
B373 Specification forAluminum Foil for Capacitors (With- aluminum clad product, n—a composite aluminum product
drawn 2015) having an aluminum core and one or more metallurgically
B403 Specification for Magnesium-Alloy Investment Cast- bondedaluminumorothermetallayers,ononeorbothsides,
ings that are generally thinner than the core. Clad layers may be
B429/B429M Specification for Aluminum-Alloy Extruded applied for a variety of purposes including but not limited to
Structural Pipe and Tube brazing, corrosion protection, enhanced finishing response,
B483/B483M Specification for Aluminum and Aluminum- and improved formability. Typical clad products are plate,
Alloy Drawn Tube and Drawn Pipe for General Purpose rod, sheet, tube, and wire.
Applications
Alcladproduct,n—analuminumcladproducthavingbonded
B491/B491M Specification for Aluminum and Aluminum-
aluminum layer or layers anodic to the core, thus electrolyti-
Alloy Extruded Round Tubes for General-Purpose Appli-
cally protecting the core against corrosion. If only one side is
cations
clad, the product is often named “Alclad One Side”.
B547/B547M Specification for Aluminum and Aluminum-
B209, B209M, B210, B211, B211M, B221, B234, B241/
Alloy Formed and Arc-Welded Round Tube
B241M, B313/B313M, B547/B547M
B594 Practice for Ultrasonic Inspection ofAluminum-Alloy
bar, n—solid wrought product that is long in relation to its
Wrought Products
cross section which is square or rectangular (excluding plate
B618 Specification for Aluminum-Alloy Investment Cast-
and flattened wire) with sharp or rounded corners or edges,
ings
or is a regular hexagon or octagon, typically supplied in
B632/B632M Specification for Aluminum-Alloy Rolled
straight lengths.
Tread Plate
NOTE 1: In North America, the minimum perpendicular
B646 Practice for Fracture Toughness Testing of Aluminum
distance between at least one set of parallel faces of a bar is
Alloys
0.375 in. or >10 mm; below this limit the product is called
B660 Practices for Packaging/Packing of Aluminum and
“wire”.
Magnesium Products
NOTE 2: In Europe, bar is supplied in straight length; if
B666/B666M Practice for Identification Marking of Alumi-
supplied in coiled form, the product is called "wire".
num and Magnesium Products
B107/B107M, B211, B211M, B221, B236, B236M, B317/
B686 Specification for Aluminum Alloy Castings, High-
B317M, B594, B666/B666M
Strength
B744/B744M Specification for Aluminum Alloy Sheet for bus bar, n— rigid electric conductor in the form of a bar.
Corrugated Aluminum Pipe
B236, B236M, B317/B317M, B666/B666M
B745/B745M Specification for Corrugated Aluminum Pipe
extruded bar, n—bar brought to final dimensions by hot
for Sewers and Drains
extruding. B107/B107M, B221, B236, B236M, B317/B317M
B746/B746M Specification for CorrugatedAluminumAlloy
rolled bar, n—bar brought to final dimensions by hot rolling.
Structural Plate for Field-Bolted Pipe, Pipe-Arches, and
B211, B211M, B236, B236M
Arches
saw-plate bar, n—bar brought to final thickness by hot or
B807/B807M Practice for Extrusion Press Solution Heat
cold rolling and to final width by sawing. B236, B236M
Treatment for Aluminum Alloys
B917/B917M Practice for Heat Treatment of Aluminum-
bus conductor, n—rigid electric conductor of any cross
Alloy Castings from All Processes
section. B236, B236M, B317/B317M
B918 Practice for Heat Treatment of Wrought Aluminum
casting, n—product at or near finished shape, formed by
Alloys
solidification of the metal in a mold or a die.
B928/B928M Specification for High Magnesium
B666/B666M, B686
Aluminum-Alloy Products for Marine Service and Similar
Environments
centrifugal casting, n—casting produced by introducing
B945 Practice forAluminumAlloy Extrusions Press Cooled
molten metal into a rotating mold and allowing it to solidify as
from an Elevated Temperature Shaping Process for Pro-
the mold is spun about a horizontal, inclined or vertical axis.
duction of T1, T2, T5 and T10–Type Tempers
B955/B955M
B947 Practice for Hot Rolling Mill Solution Heat Treatment
centrifuged casting, n—a casting produced in a mold, a
for Aluminum Alloy Plate
number of which may be mounted around a central sprue. The
B955/B955M SpecificationforAluminum-AlloyCentrifugal
molds are rotated, in a vertical position, about a central axis
Castings
concentric with the central sprue, B955/B955M
die casting, n—casting produced by introducing molten
3. Terminology
metal under substantial pressure, typically above 100 bars, into
3.1 Definitions—The definitions are grouped by subject and
a metal die and characterized by a high degree of fidelity to the
listed in alphabetical order.
die cavity. The term “pressure die casting” or “high pressure
die casting” is often used for this concept. B85, B94
investment casting, n—precision casting formed by a three
The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on
www.astm.org. step process comprising:
B881 − 17
a) fabrication of a ceramic mold around a wax or thermo- forging) or closed dies (drop or die forging).
plastic pattern with a refractory slurry that sets at room B91, B247, B247M, B666/B666M
temperature;
blocker-type forging, n—forging made in a single set of
b) removal of the pattern through the use of heat;
impressions to the general contour of a finished part.
c) pouring metal into this mold and allowing it to solidify.
B247, B247M
B403, B618
die forging, n—forging shaped by working in closed dies.
permanent mold casting, n—casting produced by introduc-
B91, B247, B247M, B594, B666/B666M
ing molten metal by gravity or low pressure into a mold
hammer forging, n—forging produced by repeated blows of
constructed of durable material, usually iron or steel, and
a forging hammer. B91
allowing it to solidify.
hand forging, n—forging worked between flat or simply
NOTE: Permanent mold casting where the metal solidifies in
shaped dies by repeated strokes or blows and manipulation of
a metal mold under low pressure (typically less than 1 bar
the piece, intending to convert the metallurgical structure from
above atmospheric pressure) is also referred to as “low
cast to wrought prior to machining into a final part.
pressure die casting”. B108, B199
B247, B247M, B594, B666/B666M
precision casting, n—casting which fulfils special require-
rolled ring forging, n—cylindrical product of relatively short
ments concerning tolerances on form and dimensions.
height, circumferentially rolled from a hollow section.
Precision castings can be produced by different casting
B247, B247M, B594
processes.
sand casting, n—casting produced by pouring molten metal
forging stock, n—solid product, typically ingot, rod, bar or
into a sand mold and allowing it to solidify. B26/B26M, B80
profile, intended and suitable for forging. Forging stock is
typically a cast product or an extruded product.
semi-permanent mold casting, n—permanent mold casting
B247, B247M
which is made using an expendable core such as sand.
B108, B199
ingot, n—cast product intended and suitable for remelting or
forming by hot or cold working.
circle, n—circular blank fabricated from plate, sheet, or foil.
B92/B92M, B93/B93M, B179, B666/B666M
B666/B666M
mill finish, adj—having a naturally occurring finish after
extrudate, n—material exiting an extrusion die subject to
rolling which may vary from piece to piece and within a
further processing (quenching, stretching, cutting), to be-
piece,andwhichmaynotbeentirelyfreeofstainsoroil.See
come an extruded profile. B807/B807M
also mill finish sheet & mill finish plate.
extrusion billet, n—final length of material charged into the B209, B209M, B632/B632M
extrusion press. It is usually cut to length from extrusion log
parent coil, n—coil processed to final temper as a single unit,
but may be a wrought product or sintered from powder
intended to be slit and/or cut into smaller coils or into
compact. B807/B807M
individual sheets or plates. (Also known as master coil, the
extrusion ingot, n—ingot, intended and suitable for extruding, preferred term outside of North America.) B209, B209M
typically of solid circular cross-section, sometimes with a
parent plate, n—plate processed to final temper as a single
central hollow or a flattened cross-section. B807/B807M
unit, intended to be cut into smaller plates. B209, B209M
extrusion log, n—extrusion ingot not cut to length.
pipe, n—tube in standardized combination of outside diameter
B807/B807M
and wall thickness, commonly designated by “Nominal Pipe
foil, n—generally, a rolled product of rectangular in cross-
Sizes” and “ANSI Schedule Numbers.”
sectionofthicknessequaltoorlessthan0.0079in.(0.20mm B241/B241M, B317/B317M, B429/B429M, B666/B666M
[200 microns]). (Formerly 0.006 inch (0.15 mm), changed to
drawn pipe, n—pipe brought to final dimensions by drawing
0.079 inch (0.20 mm) for international harmonization.There
through a die. B241/B241M
is an overlap in the thickness range 0.006-0.0079 in. (0.15-
extruded pipe, n—pipe formed by hot extruding.
0.20 mm) defined for foil and sheet. Foil products in this
B241/B241M, B317/B317M, B429/B429M
thickness range are supplied to foil product specifications.
B373, B666/B666M
seamless pipe, n—pipe which does not contain any junction
lines or welds of any type resulting from the method of
bright two-side foil, n—foil having a uniform bright specular
manufacture.
finish on both sides. B373
NOTE: This product may be produced by extruding or by
matte one-side foil, n—foil having a diffuse reflecting finish
drawing using either die and mandrel or hot piercer processes.
on one side and a bright specular finish on the other. (Also
B241/B241M
called pack rolled foil.) B373
structural pipe, n—pipe commonly used for structural appli-
forging, n—wrought product formed by hammering or cations which may contain junction lines resulting from the
pressing, typically when hot, between open dies (hand methodofmanufactureusingportholetypeextrusiondies.This
B881 − 17
productmaybeproducedbyextrudingorbydrawingandisnot rivet rod, n—See cold-heading rod. B316/B316M
considered to be seamless. B429/B429M shape, n—this term is no longer recommended; the term
profile is preferred. See profile.
plate, n—rolled product that is rectangular in cross section,
with thickness not less than 0.250 in. (6.30 mm) and sheared
sheet, n—generally a rolled product that is rectangular in cross
or sawed edges. B90/B90M, B209, B209M, B632/B632M, section with nominal thickness less than 0.250 in. (outside
B660, B666/B666M, B928/B928M the USA less than 6.3 mm) but greater than 0.006 in.
(0.15 mm) with slit, sheared, or sawed edges.
Alclad plate, n—clad plate having a bo
...

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: B881 − 09 B881 − 17
Standard Terminology Relating to
Aluminum- and Magnesium-Alloy Products
This standard is issued under the fixed designation B881; 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 This terminology covers the principal terms and definitions relating to aluminum- and magnesium-alloy products. It is
published to encourage uniformity of terminology throughout Committee B07 product specifications.
1.2 Certain definitions and definitions of terms specific to a standard will remain in the individual standards and will not be
included in this terminology (see 3.4).
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.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
B26/B26M Specification for Aluminum-Alloy Sand Castings
B80 Specification for Magnesium-Alloy Sand Castings
B85 Specification for Aluminum-Alloy Die Castings
B90/B90M Specification for Magnesium-Alloy Sheet and Plate
B91 Specification for Magnesium-Alloy Forgings
B92/B92M Specification for Unalloyed Magnesium Ingot and Stick For Remelting
B93/B93M Specification for Magnesium Alloys in Ingot Form for Sand Castings, Permanent Mold Castings, and Die Castings
B94 Specification for Magnesium-Alloy Die Castings
B107/B107M Specification for Magnesium-Alloy Extruded Bars, Rods, Profiles, Tubes, and Wire
B108 Specification for Aluminum-Alloy Permanent Mold Castings
B179 Specification for Aluminum Alloys in Ingot and Molten Forms for Castings from All Casting Processes
B199 Specification for Magnesium-Alloy Permanent Mold Castings
B209 Specification for Aluminum and Aluminum-Alloy Sheet and Plate
B209M Specification for Aluminum and Aluminum-Alloy Sheet and Plate (Metric)
B210 Specification for Aluminum and Aluminum-Alloy Drawn Seamless Tubes
B211 Specification for Aluminum and Aluminum-Alloy Rolled or Cold Finished Bar, Rod, and Wire
B211M Specification for Aluminum and Aluminum-Alloy Rolled or Cold-Finished Bar, Rod, and Wire (Metric)
B221 Specification for Aluminum and Aluminum-Alloy Extruded Bars, Rods, Wire, Profiles, and Tubes
B234 Specification for Aluminum and Aluminum-Alloy Drawn Seamless Tubes for Surface Condensers, Evaporators, and Heat
Exchangers
B236 Specification for Aluminum Bars for Electrical Purposes (Bus Bars)
B236M Specification for Aluminum Bars for Electrical Purposes (Bus Bars) (Metric)
B241/B241M Specification for Aluminum and Aluminum-Alloy Seamless Pipe and Seamless Extruded Tube
B247 Specification for Aluminum and Aluminum-Alloy Die Forgings, Hand Forgings, and Rolled Ring Forgings
B247M Specification for Aluminum and Aluminum-Alloy Die Forgings, Hand Forgings, and Rolled Ring Forgings (Metric)
B308/B308M Specification for Aluminum-Alloy 6061-T6 Standard Structural Profiles
B313/B313M Specification for Aluminum and Aluminum-Alloy Round Welded Tubes
This terminology 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 June 1, 2009Nov. 1, 2017. Published July 2009November 2017. Originally approved in 1998. Last previous edition approved in 20052009 as
B881 – 05.B881 – 09. DOI: 10.1520/B0881-09.10.1520/B0881-17.
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
B881 − 17
B316/B316M Specification for Aluminum and Aluminum-Alloy Rivet and Cold-Heading Wire and Rods
B317/B317M Specification for Aluminum-Alloy Extruded Bar, Rod, Tube, Pipe, Structural Profiles, and Profiles for Electrical
Purposes (Bus Conductor)
B345/B345M Specification for Aluminum and Aluminum-Alloy Seamless Pipe and Seamless Extruded Tube for Gas and Oil
Transmission and Distribution Piping Systems (Withdrawn 2017)
B361 Specification for Factory-Made Wrought Aluminum and Aluminum-Alloy Welding Fittings
B373 Specification for Aluminum Foil for Capacitors (Withdrawn 2015)
B403 Specification for Magnesium-Alloy Investment Castings
B404/B404M Specification for Aluminum and Aluminum-Alloy Seamless Condenser and Heat-Exchanger Tubes with Integral
Fins (Withdrawn 2006)
B429/B429M Specification for Aluminum-Alloy Extruded Structural Pipe and Tube
B479 Specification for Annealed Aluminum and Aluminum-Alloy Foil for Flexible Barrier, Food Contact, and Other
Applications (Withdrawn 2015)
B483/B483M Specification for Aluminum and Aluminum-Alloy Drawn Tube and Drawn Pipe for General Purpose Applications
B491/B491M Specification for Aluminum and Aluminum-Alloy Extruded Round Tubes for General-Purpose Applications
B547/B547M Specification for Aluminum and Aluminum-Alloy Formed and Arc-Welded Round Tube
B594 Practice for Ultrasonic Inspection of Aluminum-Alloy Wrought Products
B618 Specification for Aluminum-Alloy Investment Castings
B632/B632M Specification for Aluminum-Alloy Rolled Tread Plate
B646 Practice for Fracture Toughness Testing of Aluminum Alloys
B660 Practices for Packaging/Packing of Aluminum and Magnesium Products
B666/B666M Practice for Identification Marking of Aluminum and Magnesium Products
B686 Specification for Aluminum Alloy Castings, High-Strength
B736 Specification for Aluminum, Aluminum Alloy and Aluminum-Clad Steel Cable Shielding Stock (Withdrawn 2015)
B744/B744M Specification for Aluminum Alloy Sheet for Corrugated Aluminum Pipe
B745/B745M Specification for Corrugated Aluminum Pipe for Sewers and Drains
B746/B746M Specification for Corrugated Aluminum Alloy Structural Plate for Field-Bolted Pipe, Pipe-Arches, and Arches
B807/B807M Practice for Extrusion Press Solution Heat Treatment for Aluminum Alloys
B917/B917M Practice for Heat Treatment of Aluminum-Alloy Castings from All Processes
B918 Practice for Heat Treatment of Wrought Aluminum Alloys
B928/B928M Specification for High Magnesium Aluminum-Alloy Products for Marine Service and Similar Environments
B945 Practice for Aluminum Alloy Extrusions Press Cooled from an Elevated Temperature Shaping Process for Production of
T1, T2, T5 and T10–Type Tempers
B947 Practice for Hot Rolling Mill Solution Heat Treatment for Aluminum Alloy Plate
B955/B955M Specification for Aluminum-Alloy Centrifugal Castings
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions—The definitions are grouped by subject and listed in alphabetical order.
Alclad,aluminum clad product, adj—n—a composite aluminum product having an aluminum or aluminum-alloy coating that is
metallurgically bonded to either one side or both surfaces of an aluminum alloy product, and that is anodic to the alloy to which
it is bonded, thus electrolytically protecting the core alloy against corrosion. (See also individual product type such as core and
one or more metallurgically bonded aluminum or other metal layers, on one or both sides, that are generally thinner than the
core. Clad layers may be applied for a variety of purposes including but not limited to brazing, corrosion protection, enhanced
finishing response, and improved formability. Typical clad products are Alclad plate,Alclad rod,sheet,tube, and so wire.forth).
B209, B210, B211, B221, B234, B241/B241M, B313/B313M, B345/B345M, B404/B404M, B547/B547M
Alclad product, n—an aluminum clad product having bonded aluminum layer or layers anodic to the core, thus electrolytically
protecting the core against corrosion. If only one side is clad, the product is often named “Alclad One Side”.
B209, B209M, B210, B211, B211M, B221, B234, B241/B241M, B313/B313M, B547/B547M
bar,n—solid wrought product that is long in relation to its cross section which is square or rectangular (excluding plate and
flattened wire) with sharp or rounded corners or edges, or is a regular hexagon or octagon, typically supplied in straight
lengthlengths.
NOTE 1: In North America, the minimum perpendicular distance between at least one set of parallel faces of a bar is 0.375
in. or >10 mm; below this limit the product is called “wire”.
NOTE 2: In Europe, a bar is supplied in straight length; if supplied in coiled form, the product is called "wire". B107/B107M,
B211, B211M, B221, B236, B236M, B317/B317M, B594, B666/B666M
The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on www.astm.org.
B881 − 17
bus bar,n— rigid electric conductor in the form of a bar. B236, B236M, B317/B317M, B666/B666M
extruded bar,n—bar brought to final dimensions by hot extruding. B107/B107M, B221, B236, B236M, B317/B317M
rolled bar,n—bar brought to final dimensions by hot rolling. B211, B211M, B236, B236M
saw-plate bar,n—bar brought to final thickness by hot or cold rolling and to final width by sawing. B236, B236M
bus conductor,n—rigid electric conductor of any cross section. B236, B236M, B317/B317M
casting,n—product at or near finished shape, formed by solidification of the metal in a mold or a die.
B666/B666M, B686
centrifugal casting, n—casting produced by introducing molten metal into a rotating mold and allowing it to solidify as the mold
is spun about a horizontal, inclined or vertical axis. B955/B955M
centrifuged casting, n—a casting produced in a mold, a number of which may be mounted around a central sprue. The molds
are rotated, in a vertical position, about a central axis concentric with the central sprue, B955/B955M
die casting,n—casting produced by introducing molten metal under substantial pressure pressure, typically above 100 bars, into
a metal die and characterized by a high degree of fidelity to the die cavity. The term “pressure die casting” or “high pressure die
casting” is often used for this concept. B85, B94
investment casting,n—precision casting formed by a three step process comprising:
a) fabrication of a ceramic mold around a wax or thermoplastic pattern with a refractory slurry that sets at room temperature;
b) removal of the pattern through the use of heat;
c) pouring metal into this mold and allowing it to solidify. B403, B618
permanent mold casting,n—casting produced by introducing molten metal by gravity or low pressure into a mold constructed
of durable material, usually iron or steel, and allowing it to solidify.
NOTE: permanentPermanent mold casting where the metal solidifies in a metal mold under low pressure (typically less than 1
bar above atmospheric pressure) is also referred to as “low pressure die casting”. B108, B199
precision casting, n—casting which fulfils special requirements concerning tolerances on form and dimensions.
Precision castings can be produced by different casting processes.
sand casting,n—casting produced by pouring molten metal into a sand mold and allowing it to solidify. B26/B26M, B80
semi-permanent mold casting,n—permanent mold casting which is made using an expendable core such as sand.
B108, B199
circle,n—circular blank fabricated from plate, sheet, or foil. B666/B666M
extrudate,n—material exiting an extrusion die subject to further processing (quenching, stretching, cutting), to become an
extruded profile. B807/B807M
extrusion billet,n—extrusion ingot cut to length and used as the final length of material charged into the extrusion press cylinder.
press. It is usually a cast product cut to length from extrusion log but may be a wrought product or sintered from powder
compact. B807/B807M
extrusion ingot,n—ingot, intended and suitable for extruding, typically of solid circular cross-section, sometimes with a central
hollow or a flattened cross-section. B807/B807M
extrusion log,n—extrusion ingot not cut to length. Extrusion log is usually produced in lengths from which shorter extrusion billets
are cut. B807/B807M
foil,n—flat generally, a rolled product of rectangular in cross-section with uniform of thickness equal to or less than 0.0079 in. (0.20
mm [200 microns]). In the USA there (Formerly 0.006 inch (0.15 mm), changed to 0.079 inch (0.20 mm) for international
harmonization. There is an overlap in the thickness range 0.006-0.0079 in. (0.15-0.20 mm) defined for foil and sheet. Foil
products in this gagethickness range are supplied to foil product specifications. B373, B479, B666/B666M
bright two-side foil,n—foil having a uniform bright specular finish on both sides. B373, B479
matte one-side foil,n—foil having a diffuse reflecting finish on one side and a bright specular finish on the other. (Also called
pack rolled foil.) B373, B479
forging,n—wrought product formed by hammering or pressing, typically when hot, between open dies (hand forging) or closed
dies (drop or die forging).
B91, B247, B247M, B666/B666M
blocker-type forging,n—forging made in a single set of impressions to the general contour of a finished part.
B247, B247M
die forging,n—forging shaped by working in closed dies. B91, B247, B247M, B594, B666/B666M
B881 − 17
hammer forging,n—forging produced by repeated blows of a forging hammer. B91
hand forging,n—forging worked between flat or simply shaped dies by repeated strokes or blows and manipulation of the piece,
intending to convert the metallurgical structure from cast to wrought prior to machining into a final part.
B247, B247M, B594, B666/B666M
rolled ring forging,n—cylindrical product of relatively short height, circumferentially rolled from a hollow section.
B247, B247M, B594
forging stock,n—solid product, typically ingot, rod, bar or profile, intended and suitable for forging. Forging stock is typically a
cast product or an extruded product.
B247, B247M
ingot,n—cast product intended and suitable for remelting or forming by hot or cold working.
B92/B92M, B93/B93M, B179, B666/B666M
mill finish,adj—having a naturally occurring finish after rolling which may vary from piece to piece and within a piece, and which
may not be entirely free of stains or oil. See also mill finish sheet & mill finish plateplate.
. B209, B209M, B632/B632M
parent coil,n—coil processed to final temper as a single unit, intended to be slit and/or cut into smaller coils or into individual
sheets or plates. (Also known as master coil)coil, the preferred term outside of North America.) B209, B209M
parent plate,n—plate processed to final temper as a single unit, intended to be cut into smaller plates. B209, B209M
pipe,n—tube in standardized combination of outside diameter and wall thickness, commonly designated by “Nominal Pipe Sizes”
and “ANSI Schedule Numbers.”
B241/B241M, B317/B317M, B345/B345M, B429/B429M, B666/B666M
drawn pipe,n—pipe brought to final dimensions by drawing through a die. B241/B241M, B345/B345M
extruded pipe,n—pipe formed by hot extruding.
B241/B241M, B317/B317M, B345/B345M, B429/B429M
seamless pipe,n—extruded or drawn pipe which does not contain any line junctures junction lines or welds of any type resulting
from the method of manufacture.
NOTE: This product may be produced by extruding or by drawing using either die and mandrel or hot piercer processes.
B241/B241M, B345/B345M
structural pipe,n—pipe commonly used for structural purposes.applications which may contain junction lines resulting from the
method of manufacture using porthole type extrusion dies. This product may be produced by extruding or by drawing and is not
considered to be seamless. B429/B429M
plate,n—rolled product that is rectangular in cross section, with thickness not less than 0.250 in. (6.30 mm) and sheared or sawed
edges. B90/B90M, B209, B209M, B632/B632M, B660, B666/B666M, B928/B928M
Alclad plate,n—clad plate having on one or both surfaces a metallurgically bonded aluminum coating that isa bonded aluminum
layer or layers anodic to the core, thus electrolytically protecting the core against corrosion. If ononly one side only is clad, the
product is often named “Alclad One Side Plate.”Plate”.
B209, B209M, B547/B547M
mill finish plate,n—plate having a finish defined by the act
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