ASTM B301/B301M-13(2020)

Standard Specification for Free-Cutting Copper Rod, Bar, Wire, and Shapes

ABSTRACT
This specification establishes the requirements for free-cutting copper rod, bar, wire, and shapes of UNS Alloy Nos. C14500, C14510, C14520, C14700, and C18700, suitable for high-speed screw machine work or for general applications. The chemical composition, temper, electrical, tensile strength, and elongation requirements are detailed.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification establishes the requirements for free-cutting copper rod, bar, wire, and shapes of UNS Alloy Nos. C14500, C14510, C14520, C14700, and C18700, suitable for high-speed screw machine work or for general applications.  
1.2 Typically, product made to this specification is furnished as straight lengths. Sizes 1/2 in. [12 mm] and under may be furnished in coils when requested.  
1.3 Units—The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. Within the text, SI units are shown in brackets. The values stated in each system are not necessarily exact equivalents; therefore, to ensure conformance with the standard, each system shall be used independently of the other, and values from the two systems shall not be combined.  
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: Published
• Publication Date: 31-May-2020
• ICS: 77.150.30 - Copper products
• Technical Committee: B05 - Copper and Copper Alloys
• Drafting Committee: B05.02 - Rod, Bar, Wire, Shapes and Forgings

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM B301/B301M-13 - Standard Specification for Free-Cutting Copper Rod, Bar, Wire, and Shapes
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2020
• Replaces: ASTM B301M-96 - Standard Specification for Free-Cutting Copper Rod and Bar [Metric] (Withdrawn 1999)
• Effective Date: 10-Sep-1999
• Refers: ASTM E8/E8M-24 - Standard Test Methods for Tension Testing of Metallic Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2024
• Refers: ASTM B249/B249M-23 - Standard Specification for General Requirements for Wrought Copper and Copper-Alloy Rod, Bar, Shapes and Forgings
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2023
• Refers: ASTM B950-23 - Standard Guide for Editorial Procedures and Form of Product Specifications for Copper and Copper Alloys
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2023
• Refers: ASTM B249/B249M-19a - Standard Specification for General Requirements for Wrought Copper and Copper-Alloy Rod, Bar, Shapes and Forgings
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2019
• Refers: ASTM B250/B250M-19 - Standard Specification for General Requirements for Wrought Copper Alloy Wire
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2019
• Refers: ASTM B249/B249M-19 - Standard Specification for General Requirements for Wrought Copper and Copper-Alloy Rod, Bar, Shapes and Forgings
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2019
• Refers: ASTM B249/B249M-18a - Standard Specification for General Requirements for Wrought Copper and Copper-Alloy Rod, Bar, Shapes and Forgings
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2018
• Refers: ASTM B249/B249M-18 - Standard Specification for General Requirements for Wrought Copper and Copper-Alloy Rod, Bar, Shapes and Forgings
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2018
• Refers: ASTM B950-17 - Standard Guide for Editorial Procedures and Form of Product Specifications for Copper and Copper Alloys
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2017
• Refers: ASTM B249/B249M-17 - Standard Specification for General Requirements for Wrought Copper and Copper-Alloy Rod, Bar, Shapes and Forgings
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2017
• Refers: ASTM B250/B250M-16 - Standard Specification for General Requirements for Wrought Copper Alloy Wire
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2016
• Refers: ASTM B249/B249M-16 - Standard Specification for General Requirements for Wrought Copper and Copper-Alloy Rod, Bar, Shapes and Forgings
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2016
• Refers: ASTM E8/E8M-16 - Standard Test Methods for Tension Testing of Metallic Materials
• Effective Date: 15-Jul-2016

Overview

ASTM B301/B301M-13(2020) is the internationally recognized standard specification for free-cutting copper rod, bar, wire, and shapes. Developed by ASTM International, this standard covers the requirements for products made from several copper alloys, including UNS Alloys C14500, C14510, C14520, C14700, and C18700. The specification ensures that copper materials are suitable for applications such as high-speed screw machine work and general engineering uses. By defining the necessary chemical composition, temper, electrical, and mechanical properties, ASTM B301/B301M promotes quality and consistency in copper product manufacturing.

Key Topics

• Applicability: This specification covers free-cutting copper in various forms (rod, bar, wire, and shapes) mainly for high-speed machining and other general industrial applications.
• Copper Alloys Included: UNS C14500, C14510, C14520, C14700, and C18700.
• Physical Requirements:
  • Chemical Composition: Specific limits are set for copper, tellurium, sulfur, lead, and phosphorus, depending on the alloy.
  • Temper: Products are supplied in half-hard (H02) or hard (H04) tempers, as defined under the standard.
  • Mechanical Properties: Minimum tensile strength and elongation requirements are established for each product form and temper type.
  • Electrical Properties: Certain alloys must meet minimum electrical conductivity requirements, important for applications where conductivity is critical.
• Product Forms and Delivery:
  • Delivered as straight lengths by default, with coils available for smaller sizes upon request.
  • Provided in various cross-sections, including round, hexagonal, and rectangular.
• Testing and Quality Assurance:
  • References to standardized test methods for chemical analysis and physical properties.
  • Requirements for sampling, certifications, mill test reports, and inspection methods.

Applications

Products manufactured according to ASTM B301/B301M are widely used in industries where fast and reliable machining is critical. Key application areas include:

• Screw Machine Components: The enhanced machinability of these copper alloys makes them ideal for automatic and high-speed screw machining operations, such as the production of precision fasteners, electrical connectors, and valve parts.
• General Engineering: Copper rods, bars, and wires are used for busbars, transformer parts, switchgear, and other electrical or mechanical components that require good conductivity and formability.
• Lead- and Tellurium-Alloyed Copper Parts: These are often chosen for parts where a combination of high conductivity, strength, and ease of fabrication is required.

The standard also supports the needs of the U.S. Department of Defense and complies with internationally recognized principles, ensuring broad industrial acceptance.

Related Standards

ASTM B301/B301M refers to, and is supported by, several additional ASTM standards, including:

• ASTM B193 - Test Method for Resistivity of Electrical Conductor Materials
• ASTM B249/B249M - General Requirements for Wrought Copper and Copper-Alloy Rod, Bar, Shapes and Forgings
• ASTM B250/B250M - General Requirements for Wrought Copper Alloy Wire
• ASTM E8/E8M - Test Methods for Tension Testing of Metallic Materials
• ASTM E478 - Test Methods for Chemical Analysis of Copper Alloys

These standards are referenced to ensure comprehensive coverage of testing, manufacturing, and quality control for copper products.

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Keywords: ASTM B301, free-cutting copper, copper rod, copper bar, copper wire, UNS C14500, machinable copper, high-speed screw machine, copper alloy specification, electrical conductivity, industrial copper applications.

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: B301/B301M −13 (Reapproved 2020)
Standard Specification for
Free-Cutting Copper Rod, Bar, Wire, and Shapes
This standard is issued under the fixed designation B301/B301M; 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* B950 Guide for Editorial Procedures and Form of Product
Specifications for Copper and Copper Alloys
1.1 This specification establishes the requirements for free-
E8/E8M Test Methods for Tension Testing of Metallic Ma-
cutting copper rod, bar, wire, and shapes of UNS Alloy Nos.
terials
C14500, C14510, C14520, C14700, and C18700, suitable for
E121 Test Methods for Chemical Analysis of Copper-
high-speed screw machine work or for general applications.
Tellurium Alloys (Withdrawn 2010)
1.2 Typically, product made to this specification is furnished
E478 Test Methods for ChemicalAnalysis of CopperAlloys
as straight lengths. Sizes ⁄2 in. [12 mm] and under may be
furnished in coils when requested.
3. General Requirements
1.3 Units—The values stated in either SI units or inch-
3.1 The following sections of Specification B249/B249M or
pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. Within
B250/B250M constitute a part of this specification:
the text, SI units are shown in brackets. The values stated in
3.1.1 Terminology;
each system are not necessarily exact equivalents; therefore, to
3.1.2 Materials and Manufacture;
ensure conformance with the standard, each system shall be
3.1.3 Dimensions and Permissible Variations;
used independently of the other, and values from the two
3.1.4 Workmanship, Finish, and Appearance;
systems shall not be combined.
3.1.5 Sampling;
3.1.6 Number of Tests and Retests;
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
3.1.7 Specimen Preparation;
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
3.1.8 Test Methods;
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
3.1.9 Inspection;
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
3.1.10 Significance of Numerical Limits;
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
3.1.11 Rejection and Rehearing;
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
3.1.12 Certification;
3.1.13 Test Reports;
2. Referenced Documents
3.1.14 Packaging and Package Marking; and
2.1 ASTM Standards:
3.1.15 Supplementary Requirements.
B193 Test Method for Resistivity of Electrical Conductor
3.2 In addition, when a section with a title identical to that
Materials
referenced in 3.1 appears in this specification, it contains
B249/B249M Specification for General Requirements for
additional requirements which supplement those appearing in
Wrought Copper and Copper-Alloy Rod, Bar, Shapes and
Specification B249/B249M or B250/B250M.
Forgings
B250/B250M Specification for General Requirements for
4. Ordering Information
Wrought Copper Alloy Wire
4.1 Include the following specified choices when placing
orders for products under this specification, as applicable:
4.1.1 ASTM designation and year of issue;
This specification is under the jurisdiction ofASTM Committee B05 on Copper
4.1.2 Copper UNS No. designation;
and CopperAlloys and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee B05.02 on Rod,
Bar, Wire, Shapes and Forgings.
4.1.3 Product (rod, bar, wire, or shape);
Current edition approved June 1, 2020. Published June 2020. Originally
4.1.4 Cross section (round, hexagonal, square, and so forth);
approved in 1955. Last previous edition approved in 2013 as B301/B301M – 13.
4.1.5 Temper (Section 6);
DOI: 10.1520/B0301_B0301M-13R20.
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 last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on
the ASTM website. www.astm.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
B301/B301M − 13 (2020)
4.1.6 Dimensions, diameter or distance between parallel 7. Physical Property Requirements
surfaces; width and thickness;
7.1 Electrical Requirements:
4.1.7 How furnished: straight lengths, coils, or reels;
7.1.1 The product produced from Copper UNS Nos.
4.1.8 Length (Section 9.3);
C14500, C14520, C14700, and C18700 shall conform to the
4.1.9 Total length, or number of pieces of each size;
following electrical requirements, when tested in accordance
4.1.10 Total weight of each size; and
with Test Method B193, at a temperature of 68 °F [20 °C].
4.1.11 Intended application.
2 A
UNS No. Resistivity, max,Ω,g/m Conductivity, min, % IACS
4.2 The following options are available but may not be
C14500 0.180 33 85.0
included unless specified at the time of placing of the order
C14520 0.204 37 75.0
when required:
C14700 0.170 30 90.0
4.2.1 Certification (Specification B249/B249M or B250/ C18700 0.170 30 90.0
B250M),
A
International Annealed Copper Standard.
4.2.2 Mill Test Reports (Specification B249/B249M or
B250/B250M),
7.1.2 Copper UNS No. C14510 is not intended for electrical
4.2.3 Yield strength tests (Section 8),
applications. This alloy, therefore, has no electrical require-
4.2.4 Resistivity tests (Section 7),
ments.
4.2.5 Automatic screw machine use (9.4), and
7.1.3 Electrical resistivity tests need not be made except
4.2.6 When product is purchased for agencies of the U.S.
when indicated by the purchaser at the time of placing the
Government (Specification B249/B249M or B250/B250M).
order. The electrical resistivity tests shall be made on annealed
test specimens.
5. Chemical Composition
5.1 The material shall conform to the chemical composition
8. Mechanical Property Requirements
requirements in Table 1 for the UNS N
...