ASTM B250/B250M-01

Standard Specification for General Requirements for Wrought Copper Alloy Wire

SCOPE
1.1 This specification establishes requirements common to wrought copper alloy wire and shall apply to Specifications B 16/B 16M, B 99/B 99M, B 134/B 134M, B 159/B 159M, B 197/B 197M, B 206/B 206M, B 272, and B 301/B 301M to the extent referenced therein.
1.2 The chemical composition, physical and mechanical properties, and all other requirements not included in this specification shall be prescribed in the product specification.
1.3 Units—The values stated in either SI units 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.

General Information

• Status: Historical
• Publication Date: 09-Nov-2001
• ICS: 77.150.30 - Copper products
• Technical Committee: B05 - Copper and Copper Alloys
• Drafting Committee: B05.02 - Rod, Bar, Wire, Shapes and Forgings

Relations

• Replaced By: ASTM B250/B250M-01e1 - Standard Specification for General Requirements for Wrought Copper Alloy Wire
• Effective Date: 10-Nov-2001
• Referred By: ASTM B99/B99M-15(2021) - Standard Specification for Copper-Silicon Alloy Wire for General Applications
• Effective Date: 10-Nov-2001
• Referred By: ASTM B301/B301M-13(2020) - Standard Specification for Free-Cutting Copper Rod, Bar, Wire, and Shapes
• Effective Date: 10-Nov-2001
• Referred By: ASTM B16/B16M-19 - Standard Specification for Free-Cutting Brass Rod, Bar and Shapes for Use in Screw Machines
• Effective Date: 10-Nov-2001
• Referred By: ASTM B272-12(2019) - Standard Specification for Copper Flat Products with Finished (Rolled or Drawn) Edges (Flat Wire and Strip)
• Effective Date: 10-Nov-2001
• Referred By: ASTM B981/B981M-19 - Standard Specification for Low-Leaded Brass Rod, Bar, Wire, and Shapes
• Effective Date: 10-Nov-2001
• Referred By: ASTM B974/B974M-16(2021) - Standard Specification for Free-Cutting Bismuth Brass Rod, Bar and Wire
• Effective Date: 10-Nov-2001
• Referred By: ASTM B453/B453M-19 - Standard Specification for Copper-Zinc-Lead Alloy (Leaded-Brass) Rod, Bar, and Shapes
• Effective Date: 10-Nov-2001
• Referred By: ASTM B1001-17 - Standard Specification for Copper Electrode Wire Used for Welding Seams of Steel Cans
• Effective Date: 10-Nov-2001
• Referred By: ASTM B134/B134M-15(2021) - Standard Specification for Brass Wire
• Effective Date: 10-Nov-2001
• Referred By: ASTM B950-22 - Standard Guide for Editorial Procedures and Form of Product Specifications for Copper and Copper Alloys
• Effective Date: 10-Nov-2001
• Referred By: ASTM B967/B967M-18(2023) - Standard Specification for Copper-Zinc-Tin-Bismuth Alloy Rod, Bar and Wire
• Effective Date: 10-Nov-2001
• Referred By: ASTM B206/B206M-12(2017) - Standard Specification for Copper-Nickel-Zinc (Nickel Silver) Wire and Copper-Nickel Alloy Wire
• Effective Date: 10-Nov-2001
• Referred By: ASTM B159/B159M-17 - Standard Specification for Phosphor Bronze Wire
• Effective Date: 10-Nov-2001
• Referred By: ASTM B197/B197M-20e1 - Standard Specification for Copper-Beryllium Alloy Wire
• Effective Date: 10-Nov-2001

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: B 250/B 250M – 01
Standard Specification for
General Requirements for Wrought Copper Alloy Wire
This standard is issued under the fixed designation B 250/B 250M; 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 (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the Department of Defense.
1. Scope * B 846 Terminology for Copper and Copper Alloys
E 3 Practice for Preparation of Metallographic Specimens
1.1 This specification establishes requirements common to
E 8 Test Methods forTensionTesting of Metallic Materials
wrought copper alloy wire and shall apply to Specifications
E 8M Test Methods for Tension Testing of Metallic Mate-
B 16/B 16M, B 99/B 99M, B 134/B 134M, B 159/B 159M,
rials [Metric]
B 197/B 197M, B 206/B 206M, B 272, and B 301/B 301M to
E 18 Test Methods for Rockwell Hardness and Rockwell
the extent referenced therein.
Superficial Hardness of Metallic Materials
1.2 The chemical composition, physical and mechanical
E 18M Test Methods for Rockwell Hardness and Rockwell
properties, and all other requirements not included in this
Superficial Hardness of Metallic Materials [Metric]
specification shall be prescribed in the product specification.
E 29 Practice for Using Significant Digits in Test Data to
1.3 Units—The values stated in either SI units or inch-
Determine Conformance with Specifications
pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The
E 54 Test Methods for Chemical Analysis of Special
values stated in each system may not be exact equivalents;
Brasses and Bronzes
therefore,eachsystemshallbeusedindependentlyoftheother.
E 62 Test Methods for Chemical Analysis of Copper and
Combining values from the two systems may result in non-
Copper Alloys (Photometric Methods)
conformance with the standard.
E 75 Test Methods for ChemicalAnalysis of Copper-Nickel
2. Referenced Documents
and Copper-Nickel-Zinc Alloys
E 112 Test Methods for Determining Average Grain Size
2.1 ASTM Standards:
E 118 Test Methods for Chemical Analysis of Copper-
B 16/B 16M Specification for Free-Cutting Brass Rod, Bar,
Chromium Alloys
and Shapes for Use in Screw Machines
E 121 Test Methods for Chemical Analysis of Copper-
B 99/B 99M Specification for Copper-Silicon Alloy Wire
Tellurium Alloys
for General Applications
E 255 Practice for Sampling Copper and CopperAlloys for
B 134/B 134M Specification for Brass Wire
the Determination of Chemical Composition
B 159/B 159M Specification for Phosphor Bronze Wire
E 478 Test Methods for Chemical Analysis of Copper
B 193 Test Method for Resistivity of Electrical Conductor
Alloys
Materials
E 581 Test Methods for Chemical Analysis of Manganese-
B 194 Copper-Beryllium Alloy Plate, Strip, Sheet, and
Copper Alloys
Rolled Bar
B 197/B 197M Specification for Copper-Beryllium Alloy
3. Terminology
Wire
3.1 For definitions of terms related to copper and copper
B 206/B 206M Specification for Copper-Nickel-Zinc Alloy
2 alloys, refer to Terminology B 846.
(Nickel Silver) Wire and Copper-Nickel Alloy Wire
B 272 Specification for Copper Flat Products with Finished
4. Materials and Manufacture
(Rolled or Drawn) Edges (Flat Wire and Strip)
4.1 Materials:
B 301/B 301M Specification for Free-Cutting Copper Rod
4.1.1 The materials shall conform to the published compo-
and Bar
sitional requirements of the Copper Alloy UNS No. designa-
tion specified in the ordering information.
ThisspecificationisunderthejurisdictionofASTMCommitteeB05onCopper
and CopperAlloys and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee B05.02 on Rod,
Bar, Wire, Shapes, and Forgings.
Current edition approved Nov. 10, 2001. Published February 2002. Originally Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 03.01.
published as B 250 – 51 T. Last previous edition B 250 – 95. Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 14.02.
2 6
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 02.01. Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 03.05.
3 7
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 02.03. Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 03.06.
*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.
B 250/B 250M – 01
TABLE 1 Tolerances for Diameter or Distance Between Parallel
4.1.2 In the event heat identification or traceability is
Surfaces of Wire
required, the purchaser shall specify the details desired.
(Applicable to Specifications B 16/B 16M, B 99/B 99M Copper Alloy
UNS No. C65100, B 134/B 134M, and B 301/B 301M.)
NOTE 1—Because of the discontinuous nature of the processing of
A
castings into wrought products, it is not always practical to identify
Diameter or Distance
Tolerances, Plus and Minus
specific casting analysis with a specific quantity of finished material. Between Parallel
Round, Hexagonal, Octagonal,
Surfaces,
4.2 Manufacture: in. [mm] in. [mm]
in. [mm]
4.2.1 The material shall be produced by either hot- or
Up to 0.010 [0.25], incl 0.0001 [0.003] . . . . . .
Over 0.010–0.020 [0.25–0.50], incl 0.0002 [0.005] . . . . . .
cold-working operations, or both. It shall be finished, unless
Over 0.020–0.030 [0.50–0.75], incl 0.0003 [0.008] . . . . . .
otherwise specified, by such cold working and annealing or
Over 0.030–0.040 [0.75–1.0], incl 0.0004 [0.010] 0.0008 [0.020]
heat treatment as may be necessary to meet the properties
Over 0.040–0.050 [1.0–1.2], incl 0.0005 [0.013] 0.0010 [0.025]
Over 0.050–0.060 [1.2–1.5], incl 0.0006 [0.015] 0.0012 [0.030]
specified.
Over 0.060–0.080 [1.5–2.0], incl 0.0008 [0.020] 0.0016 [0.040]
4.2.2 Edges—The edges shall be drawn, extruded, or rolled:
Over 0.080–0.150 [2.0–3.8], incl 0.0010 [0.025] 0.002 [0.050]
refer to Dimensions and Permissible Variations section.
Over 0.150–0.500 [3.8–12], incl 0.0015 [0.040] 0.003 [0.075]
Over 0.500–0.750 [12–20], incl 0.002 [0.050] 0.004 [0.10]
A
If tolerances are specified as all plus or all minus, double the values given.
5. Chemical Composition
5.1 The material of manufacture shall conform to the
TABLE 2 Tolerances for Diameter or Distance Between Parallel
chemical composition requirements prescribed in the product
Surfaces of Wire
specification.
(Applicable to Specifications B 99/B 99M Copper Alloy UNS No.
5.1.1 When a product (check) sample is analyzed by the
C65500, B 159/B 159M, B 197/B 197M, and B 206/B 206M.)
purchaser, the material shall conform to the chemical compo- A
Diameter or Distance
Tolerances, Plus and Minus
sition requirements within the permitted analytical variance Between Parallel
Round, Hexagonal, Octagonal,
Surfaces,
given in the product specification.
in. [mm] in. [mm]
in. [mm]
5.2 The chemical compositional limits established for the
Up to 0.010 [0.25], incl 0.0002 [0.005] . . . . . .
Copper Alloy UNS No. designation specified in the product
Over 0.010–0.020 [0.25–0.50], incl 0.0003 [0.008] . . . . . .
specification does not preclude the presence of other elements.
Over 0.020–0.030 [0.50–0.75], incl 0.0005 [0.013] . . . . . .
Over 0.030–0.040 [0.75–1.0], incl 0.0007 [0.018] 0.002 [0.020]
Limits may be established and analysis required for unnamed
Over 0.040–0.050 [1.0–1.2], incl 0.0008 [0.020] 0.003 [0.025]
elements by agreement between the manufacturer or supplier
Over 0.050–0.060 [1.2–1.5], incl 0.0010 [0.025] 0.003 [0.030]
and the purchaser. Over 0.060–0.080 [1.5–2.0], incl 0.0015 [0.040] 0.004 [0.040]
Over 0.080–0.150 [2.0–3.8], incl 0.002 [0.050] 0.004 [0.050]
5.3 When chemical composition has been determined dur-
Over 0.150–0.500 [3.8–12], incl 0.002 [0.050] 0.004 [0.075]
ing the course of manufacture, analysis of the finished product
Over 0.500–0.750 [12–20], incl 0.003 [0.075] 0.005 [0.10]
by the manufacturer is not required unless specifically stipu-
lated in the contract or purchase order.
tolerancesshallbeshowninTable3andTable4fortheproduct
6. Dimensions and Permissible Variations
specification indicated:
6.1 General—For the purpose of determining conformance
Table 3—Thickness for flat (rectangular and square) wire
with the dimensional requirements prescribed in this specifi-
applicable to Specification B 134/B 134M.
cation, any measured value outside the specified limiting value
Table 4—Thickness tolerance for flat (rectangular and
for any dimension may be cause for rejection.
square) wire applicable to Specifications B 159/B 159M,
B 197/B 197M, and B 206/B 206M.
NOTE 2—Blank spaces in the tolerance tables indicate either that the
6.4 Width—The method of specifying width shall be in
material is not generally available or that no tolerances have been
decimal fractions of an inch or in mm. The tolerances shall be
established.
that shown in Table 5 and Table 6.
6.2 Diameter or Distance Between Parallel Surfaces—The
method of specifying wire diameter or distances between
TABLE 3 Thickness Tolerances for Flat (Rectangular and
parallel surfaces shall be in decimal fractions of an inch or in
Square) Wire
millimetres. The tolerances shall be that shown in Table 1 and
(Applicable to Specification B 134/B 134M.)
Table 2 for the product specification indicated.
Thickness Tolerances, Plus and
Table 1—Tolerances for diameter or distances between A
Minus, in. [mm] for Widths Given in
Inches [mm]
parallel surfaces of wire applicable to Specifications B 16/
Thickness, in. [mm]
B 16M, B 99/B 99M (Alloy C65100) and B 134/B 134M. 1 1
Over ⁄2 [12] to 1 ⁄4
Up to ⁄2 [12], incl
[32], incl
Table 2—Tolerances for diameter or distances between
Up to 0.013 [0.33], incl 0.0010 [0.025] 0.0013 [0.033]
parallel surfaces of wire applicable to Specifications B 99/
Over 0.013–0.050 [0.33–1.25], incl 0.0013 [0.033] 0.0015 [0.040]
B 99M (Alloy C65500), B 159/B 159M, B 197/B 197M,
Over 0.050–0.090 [1.25–2.30], incl 0.0015 [0.040] 0.002 [0.050]
B 206/B 206M, and B 301/B 301M.
Over 0.090–0.130 [2.30–3.30], incl 0.002 [0.050] 0.0025 [0.065]
Over 0.130–0.188 [3.30–4.80], incl 0.003 [0.075] 0.0035 [0.090]
6.3 Thickness—The method of specifying thickness of wire
A
shall be in decimal fractions of an inch or in mm. The If tolerances are specified as all plus or all minus, double the values given.
B 250/B 250M – 01
TABLE 4 Thickness Tolerances for Flat (Rectangular and TABLE 7 Length Tolerances for Straight Lengths (Specific and
Square) Wire Stock) of Flat (Rectangular and Square) Wire
(Applicable to Specifications B 159/B 159M, B 197/B 197M, and (Applicable to Specifications B 134/B 134M, B 159/B 159M, B 197/
B 206/B 206M.) B 197M, and B 206/B 206M.)
Thickness Tolerances, Plus and Length Tolerances Applicable Only to
Lengths
A A
Minus, in. [mm] for Widths Given in Full Length Pieces in. [mm]
Inches [mm]
Thickness, in. [mm]
Specific lengths ⁄8 [10]
1 1
Over ⁄2 to 1 ⁄4 [12 Specific lengths with ends 1 [25]
Up to ⁄2 [12], incl
B
to 32], incl Stock lengths with or without ends 1 [25]
A
Up to 0.050 [1.2], incl 0.0015 [0.040] 0.002 [0.050] Tolerances are all plus; if all minus tolerances are desired, use the same
Over 0.050–0.090 [1.2–2.3], incl 0.002 [0.050] 0.003 [0.075] values; if tolerances plus and minus are desired, halve the values given.
B
Over 0.090–0.130 [2.3–3.3], incl 0.003 [0.075] 0.004 [0.10] As stock lengths are cut and placed in stock in advance of orders, departure
Over 0.130–0.188 [3.3–4.8], incl 0.004 [0.10] 0.0045 [0.11] from this tolerance is not practicable.
A
If tolerances are specified as all plus or all minus, double the values given.
TABLE 8 Schedule of Lengths (Specific and Stock) With Ends
for Flat (Rectangular and Square) Wire Furnished in Straight
TABLE 5 Width Tolerances for Flat (Rectangular) Wire
Lengths
(Applicable to Specification B 134/B 134M.)
(Applicable to Specifications B 134/B 134M, B 159/B 159M, B 197/
(For Square Wire Use Thickness Tolerances in Table 3.)
B 197M, and B 206/B 206M.)
Tolerances, Plus and
Width, in. [mm]
A Shortest Permissible Maximum Permissible
Minus, in. [mm]
A
Nominal Length, ft [mm] Length (in%of Weight of Ends
Up to 0.050 [1.25], incl 0.0013 [0.025]
Nominal Length) (in % of Lot Weight)
Over 0.050–0.090 [1.25–2.30], incl 0.0015 [0.040]
6–14 [2000–4500], incl 75 20
Over 0.090–0.130 [2.30–3.30], incl 0.002 [0.050]
A
Expressed to the nearest ⁄2 ft [150 mm].
Over 0.130–0.188 [3.30–4.80], incl 0.003 [0.075]
Over 0.188–0.500 [4.80–12.5], incl 0.0035 [0.090]
Over 0.500–1.25 [12.5–32.0], incl 0.005 [0.125]
A
If tolerances are specified as all plus or all minus, double the values given.
lengths applicable to Specifications B 134/B 134M, B 197/
B 197M, and B 206/B 206M.
TABLE 6 Width Tolerances for Flat (Rectangular) Wire 6.6 Straightness—For flat (rectangular and square) wire, the
(Applicable to Specifications B 159/B 159M, B 197/B 197M, and
deviation from straightness shall not exceed the limitations
B 206/B 206M.)
specified in Table 9. To determine compliance with this
(For Square Wire Use Thickness Tolerances in Table 4.)
tolerance, the lengths shall, in case of disagreement, be
Tolerances, Plus and
Width, in. [mm]
checked by placing the lengths on a level table so that the arc
A
Minus, in. [mm]
or departure from straightness is horizontal. Measure the depth
Up to 0.050 [1.2], incl 0.0015 [0.040]
of the arc to the nearest ⁄32 in. [1 mm] using a straight-edge.
Over 0.050–0.090 [1.2–2.3], incl 0.002 [0.050]
Over 0.090–0.130 [2.3–3.3], incl 0.003 [0.075] 6.7 Edge Contours—Flat (rectangular and square) wire
Over 0.130–0.188 [3.3–4.8], incl 0.004 [0.10]
applicable to Specifications B 134/B 134M, B 197/B 197M,
Over 0.188–0.500 [4.8–12], incl 0.005 [0.13]
and B 206/B 206M shall, unless otherwise specified in the
Over 0.500–1.25 [12–32], incl 0.007 [0.18]
A contract or purchase order, be finished with commercially
If tolerances are specified as all plus or all minus, double the values given.
square corners with a maximum permissible radius of ⁄100 in.
1 1
[0.3 mm] for wire ⁄32to ⁄16 in. [1 to 1.5 mm] inclusive in
1 1 3
thickness, and of ⁄64 in. [0.4 mm] for wire over ⁄16 to ⁄16 in.
Table 5—Width tolerances for flat (rectangular and square)
[1.5 to 5 mm] inclusive in thickness.
wire applicable to Specification B 134/B 134M.
6.7.1 Sharp Corners—When specified in the contract or
Table 6—Width tolerances for flat (rectangular and square)
purchaser order, the corner radius shall be 0.003 in. [0.080
wire applicable to Specifications B 159/B 159M, B 197/
B 197M, and B 206/B 206M.
6.5 Length:
TABLE 9 Straightness Tolerances for Flat (Rectangular and
Square) Wires
6.5.1 Round, hexagonal, and octagonal wire shall be fur-
(Applicable Specifications B 134/B 134M, B 159/B 159M, B 197/
nished in coils or reels, consisting of a single leng
...