ASTM B899-21

Standard Terminology Relating to Non-ferrous Metals and Alloys

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
2.1 The terms defined in this document are generic in respect to the standards under the jurisdiction of Committee B02 on Nonferrous Metals and Alloys. The same terms may have different definitions in other ASTM technical committees.  
2.2 Some definitions may differ within the committee because of limitations on items such as weights or dimensions. In such cases the terms will be more precisely defined in the Terminology section of the standards in which these terms are used.
SCOPE
1.1 To promote precise understanding and interpretation of standards, reports, and other technical writings promulgated by Committee B02.  
1.2 To standardize the terminology used in these documents.  
1.3 To explain the meanings of technical terms used within these documents for those not conversant with them.  
1.4 Some definitions include a discussion section, which is a mandatory part of the definition and contains additional information that is relevant to the meaning of the defined term.  
1.5 Definitions of terms specific to a particular standard will appear in that standard and will supersede any definitions of identical terms in this standard.  
1.6 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-2021
• ICS: 77.120.01 - Non-ferrous metals in general
• Technical Committee: B02 - Nonferrous Metals and Alloys
• Drafting Committee: B02.91 - Terminology

Overview

ASTM B899-21: Standard Terminology Relating to Non-ferrous Metals and Alloys establishes a unified set of definitions for terms used in the context of non-ferrous metals and alloys under ASTM Committee B02. By standardizing technical terminology, this standard plays a crucial role in ensuring clear communication, consistency, and reliable interpretation of specifications, technical documentation, and material certifications throughout the global metals industry.

This standard is applicable to a wide range of non-ferrous metals and alloys, including but not limited to aluminum, zinc, nickel, cobalt, lead, tin, and their associated alloys. It acts as a foundational reference for manufacturers, engineers, researchers, quality assurance personnel, and other stakeholders involved in the production, specification, and testing of non-ferrous materials.

Key Topics

ASTM B899-21 covers several key topics to enhance understanding and usage of terms within non-ferrous metallurgy:

• Comprehensive Definitions: Provides precise definitions applicable to general and specific non-ferrous metals and alloy processes and products, reducing ambiguity in technical communication.
• Consistency in Standards: Promotes uniform terminology across all standards and documents published by ASTM Committee B02, aiding in industry-wide consistency.
• Scope and Exceptions: Clarifies that while the terms are generally applicable under Committee B02, definitions may differ in other ASTM committees or be further refined in individual standards.
• Mandatory Discussion Sections: Some definitions include explanatory discussions to supply additional context and ensure clarity of intent.
• Abbreviations and Symbols: Lists standard abbreviations, chemical symbols, and product designations (e.g., SHG for Special High Grade Zinc, ZA for zinc-aluminum alloys) commonly used in the non-ferrous metals sector.
• Cross-Referencing: Directs users to relevant product standards where definitions may present further specificity.

Applications

ASTM B899-21 is widely utilized in areas such as:

• Materials Certification and Quality Assurance: Ensures that test reports, certificates of compliance, and inspection documents use terminology consistently, facilitating accurate verification and traceability.
• Product Specification and Procurement: Assists organizations in drafting, interpreting, and comparing material specifications for products such as bars, billets, ingots, rods, wires, and castings.
• Manufacturing and Processing: Supports clear communication throughout melting, casting, forging, rolling, extrusion, and finishing processes involving non-ferrous metals.
• Technical Training and Documentation: Used as a reference for staff training, technical manuals, and educational resources within metallurgical and engineering fields.
• International Trade and Regulatory Compliance: Aids in fulfilling requirements for precise terminology as stipulated by international trade agreements and the World Trade Organization (WTO) Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) principles.

Related Standards

ASTM B899-21 is referenced by, or associated with, a wide array of product and material standards in the non-ferrous metals area, including:

• ASTM B6: Specification for Zinc
• ASTM B29: Specification for Refined Lead
• ASTM B39: Specification for Nickel
• ASTM B160, B161, B163, B164: Specifications for nickel and nickel alloy bars, rods, wires, pipes, tubes, and related products
• ASTM B69, B240, B327, B860: Specifications for zinc and zinc alloys in various forms
• ASTM B333, B407, B408, B511, B536, B541, B575, B599, B622, B625, B637: Various specifications for nickel, chromium, molybdenum, copper, and their alloys

ASTM B899-21 offers essential value by promoting a shared understanding of terminology critical for the integrity and efficiency of operations in the non-ferrous metals and alloys sector. It underpins product design, quality, and compliance across a range of industrial, commercial, and technical applications worldwide.

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: B899 − 21
Standard Terminology
Relating to Non-ferrous Metals and Alloys
This standard is issued under the fixed designation B899; 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* 3. Terminology
1.1 To promote precise understanding and interpretation of
General Nonferrous Metals and Alloys
standards, reports, and other technical writings promulgated by
3.1 Terms and Their Definitions:
Committee B02.
bar, n—an elongated, forged or rolled metal product with
1.2 Tostandardizetheterminologyusedinthesedocuments.
uniform strength, length and section (such as rectangular,
1.3 To explain the meanings of technical terms used within square, round, oval or hexagonal).
DISCUSSION—The term “bar” may have a similar definition, but with
these documents for those not conversant with them.
greater and more specific detail in the product standard.
1.4 Some definitions include a discussion section, which is
billet, n—a formed shape that may be further worked, or a
a mandatory part of the definition and contains additional
solid, semifinished, round, or rectangular product that has
information that is relevant to the meaning of the defined term.
been hot-worked by forging, rolling, or extrusion.
1.5 Definitions of terms specific to a particular standard will
appear in that standard and will supersede any definitions of
ellipsis, n—in a tabular entry, three periods (.) that indicate
identical terms in this standard. that there is no requirement.
1.6 This international standard was developed in accor-
heat, n—refer to melt.
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
ingot, n—a casting of simple shape suitable for hot-working or
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
remelting.
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
liquidus, n—the lowest temperature at which an alloy under
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
equilibrium conditions begins to freeze on cooling or is
completely melted on heating.
2. Significance and Use
lot, n—a quantity of metal made under conditions that, for
2.1 The terms defined in this document are generic in
sampling purposes, are considered uniform.
respect to the standards under the jurisdiction of Committee
B02 on Nonferrous Metals and Alloys. The same terms may
lot number, n—a unique alphanumeric designation for a lot
have different definitions in otherASTM technical committees.
that is traceable to manufacturing records.
2.2 Some definitions may differ within the committee be-
melt, n—all the metal that, while molten, was held at the same
cause of limitations on items such as weights or dimensions. In
time in the same holding vessel.
such cases the terms will be more precisely defined in the
nonferrous material, n—metals and alloys that do not contain
Terminology section of the standards in which these terms are
iron as the principal component.
used.
DISCUSSION—Theironcontentisnotalwaysstatedinthespecification
and is not always determined by chemical analysis. The iron content
may be taken to be 100 % minus the sum of the mean values permitted
by the specification for all other elements having a specified range or a
specified maximum. For conformance purposes, the mean value for
iron, whether specified or calculated, is compared on an individual
basis to the mean values permitted by the specification for each of the
other elements having a specified range or a specified maximum. If an
element other than iron is not specified, but is listed as remainder or
This terminology is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee B02 on
balance, then, for conformance purposes the mean value for iron is
Nonferrous Metals and Alloys and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee
compared to the calculated value for that other element.
B02.91 on Terminology.
Current edition approved Nov. 1, 2021. Published December 2021. Originally
plate, n—a flat-rolled metal product of same minimum thick-
approved in 1999. Last previous edition approved in 2018 as B899 – 18. DOI:
10.1520/B0899-21. ness and width arbitrarily dependent on the type of metal.
*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
B899 − 21
producer, n—the primary manufacturer of the material. flat sheet, n—sheet with sheared, silt, or sawed edges that has
been flattened or leveled.
sheet, n—a flat-rolled metal product of some maximum thick-
foundry casting, n—a casting process wherein a molten metal
nessandminimumwidtharbitrarilydependentonthetypeof
is poured by gravity into the cavity of a mold and solidified;
metal; it is thinner than plate.
also, a product of such a process.
solidus, n—thehighesttemperatureatwhichunderequilibrium
galvanic anode, n—a metal electrode that sacrificially cor-
conditions an alloy begins to melt on heating or is com-
rodes when coupled to a more noble metal in a conducting
pletely solid on cooling.
medium, thereby supplying a protective electric current to
sponge, n—a form of metal characterized by a porous condi-
the more noble electrode.
tion that is the result of decomposition or reduction of a
graphite permanent mold casting, n—a metal object pro-
compound without fusion.
duced by introducing molten metal by gravity or low
pressure into a graphite mold and allowing it to solidify.
strip, n—a flat-rolled metal product of some maximum thick-
ness and width arbitrarily dependent on the type of metal, it
hardener, n—an aluminum-base master alloy added to Special
is narrower than sheet.
High Grade Zinc (SHG) to produce a zinc alloy for die
casting.
test report, n—a document that presents the applicable quali-
tative or quantitative results obtained by applying one or
high fluidity alloy, n—azincalloybynatureofitscomposition
more given test methods.
is capable of producing die castings with thinner wall
DISCUSSION—A single document, containing test report information
sections compared to typical die cast alloys, often less than
and certificate of compliance information, may be used.
0.012 in. (0.30 mm) in thickness.
wire, n—a thin, flexible continuous length of metal, usually of
permanent mold casting, n—a metal object produced by
uniform, round cross section.
introducing molten metal by gravity or low pressure into a
mold constructed of durable material, usually iron or steel,
Refined Lead, Tin, Antimony, and Their Alloys
and allowing it to solidify. See also graphite permanent mold
3.2 Terms and Their Definitions:
casting.
pig, n—an oblong or square mass of metal that has been cast
pressure die-casting, n—same as die casting.
while still molten into a mold that gives the metal its
particular shape; most commonly used for lead and tin in
ribbon anode, n—a long, continuous sacrificial anode shape,
weights that can be handled manually.
with a diamond, square, rectangular, oval, or other cross-
section, most commonly made of zinc, magnesium or
Zinc and Cadmium
aluminum, having a core wire normally made of steel, that
3.3 Terms and Their Definitions:
is, usually supplied in coils or reels of 100 to 3600 ft
alloy composition, n—the composition is identified by a two depending upon size and cross-section.
or four-letter symbol and number. The letters typically
saline electrolyte, n—a solution customarily consisting of the
indicate the chemical symbol for the critical element in the
chlorides of the alkali metals.
solder and the number indicates the nominal percentage, by
weight, of the critical element in the solder.
shot, n—small spherically shaped particles of metal.
spin casting, n—a casting process in which molten metal is
brightener bar, n—brightener bar is a zinc alloy containing
poured into a rubber, polymer, graphite or metal mold and
aluminum which is added to the galvanizing bath to adjust
the aluminum content of the bath to: suppress the formation spun centrifugally until solidified, also a product produced
by such a process.
ofiron-zincalloylayers,increasethebrightnessandductility
of the galvanized coating, and improve the drainage of zinc
type 5, n—95 % zinc-5 % aluminum.
from the work as it exits the bath; also called brightener.
type 10, n—90 % zinc-10 % aluminum.
cathodic protection, n—protectio
...

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: B899 − 18 B899 − 21
Standard Terminology
Relating to Non-ferrous Metals and Alloys
This standard is issued under the fixed designation B899; 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 To promote precise understanding and interpretation of standards, reports, and other technical writings promulgated by
Committee B02.
1.2 To standardize the terminology used in these documents.
1.3 To explain the meanings of technical terms used within these documents for those not conversant with them.
1.4 Some definitions include a discussion section, which is a mandatory part of the definition and contains additional information
that is relevant to the meaning of the defined term.
1.5 Definitions of terms specific to a particular standard will appear in that standard and will supersede any definitions of identical
terms in this standard.
1.6 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:
B6 Specification for Zinc
B29 Specification for Refined Lead
B32 Specification for Solder Metal
B39 Specification for Nickel
B69 Specification for Rolled Zinc
B86 Specification for Zinc and Zinc-Aluminum (ZA) Alloy Foundry and Die Castings
B160 Specification for Nickel Rod and Bar
B161 Specification for Nickel Seamless Pipe and Tube
B163 Specification for Seamless Nickel and Nickel Alloy Condenser and Heat-Exchanger Tubes
B164 Specification for Nickel-Copper Alloy Rod, Bar, and Wire
B165 Specification for Nickel-Copper Alloy Seamless Pipe and Tube
This terminology is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee B02 on Nonferrous Metals and Alloys and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee B02.91 on
Editorial and Terminology.
Current edition approved Nov. 1, 2018Nov. 1, 2021. Published January 2019December 2021. Originally approved in 1999. Last previous edition approved in 20162018
as B899B899 – 18. – 16. DOI: 10.1520/B0899-18.10.1520/B0899-21.
*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
B899 − 21
B166 Specification for Nickel-Chromium-Aluminum Alloy, Nickel-Chromium-Iron Alloys, Nickel-Chromium-Cobalt-
Molybdenum Alloy, Nickel-Iron-Chromium-Tungsten Alloy, and Nickel-Chromium-Molybdenum-Copper Alloy Rod, Bar,
and Wire
B167 Specification for Nickel-Chromium-Aluminum Alloys (UNS N06699), Nickel-Chromium-Iron Alloys (UNS N06600,
N06601, N06603, N06690, N06693, N06025, N06045, and N06696), Nickel-Chromium-Cobalt-Molybdenum Alloy (UNS
N06617), Nickel-Iron-Chromium-Tungsten Alloy (UNS N06674), and
B240 Specification for Zinc and Zinc-Aluminum (ZA) Alloys in Ingot Form for Foundry and Die Castings
B327 Specification for Master Alloys Used in Making Zinc Die Casting Alloys
B333 Specification for Nickel-Molybdenum Alloy Plate, Sheet, and Strip
B339 Specification for Pig Tin
B407 Specification for Nickel-Iron-Chromium Alloy Seamless Pipe and Tube
B408 Specification for Nickel-Iron-Chromium Alloy Rod and Bar
B418 Specification for Cast and Wrought Galvanic Zinc Anodes
B423 Specification for Nickel-Iron-Chromium-Molybdenum-Copper Alloy (UNS N08825, N08221, and N06845) Seamless
Pipe and Tube
B425 Specification for Nickel-Iron-Chromium-Molybdenum-Copper Alloys Rod and Bar
B434 Specification for Nickel-Molybdenum-Chromium-Iron Alloys (UNS N10003, UNS N10242) Plate, Sheet, and Strip
B435 Specification for UNS N06002, UNS N06230, UNS N12160, and UNS R30556 Plate, Sheet, and Strip
B444 Specification for Nickel-Chromium-Molybdenum-Columbium Alloys (UNS N06625 and UNS N06852) and Nickel-
Chromium-Molybdenum-Silicon Alloy (UNS N06219) Pipe and Tube
B445 Specification for Nickel-Chromium-Iron-Columbium-Molybdenum-Tungsten Alloy (UNS N06102)p Seamless Pipe and
Tube (Withdrawn 1995)
B446 Specification for Nickel-Chromium-Molybdenum-Columbium Alloy (UNS N06625), Nickel-Chromium-Molybdenum-
Silicon Alloy (UNS N06219), and Nickel-Chromium-Molybdenum-Tungsten Alloy (UNS N06650) Rod and Bar
B463 Specification for UNS N08020 Alloy Plate, Sheet, and Strip
B471 Specification for UNS N08020, UNS N08026, and UNS N08024 Nickel Alloy Spring Wire (Withdrawn 1999)
B473 Specification for UNS N08020, UNS N08024, and UNS N08026 Nickel Alloy Bar and Wire
B475 Specification for UNS N08020, UNS N08024, and UNS N08026 Nickel Alloy Round Weaving Wire
B511 Specification for Nickel-Iron-Chromium-Silicon Alloy Bars and Shapes
B512 Specification for Nickel-Chromium-Silicon Alloy Billets and Bars
B518 Specification for Nickel-Chromium-Iron-Columbium-Molybdenum-Tungsten Alloy (UNS N06102) Rod and Bar
B522 Specification for Gold-Silver-Platinum Electrical Contact Alloy
B535 Specification for Nickel-Iron-Chromium-Silicon Alloys (UNS N08330 and N08332) Seamless Pipe and Tube
B536 Specification for Nickel-Iron-Chromium-Silicon Alloys Plate, Sheet, and Strip
B540 Specification for Palladium Electrical Contact Alloy
B541 Specification for Gold Electrical Contact Alloy
B575 Specification for Low-Carbon Nickel-Chromium-Molybdenum, Low-Carbon Nickel-Chromium-Molybdenum-Copper,
Low-Carbon Nickel-Chromium-Molybdenum-Tantalum, Low-Carbon Nickel-Chromium-Molybdenum-Tungsten, and Low-
Carbon Nickel-Molybdenum-Chromium Alloy Plate, Sheet, and Strip
B582 Specification for Nickel-Chromium-Iron-Molybdenum-Copper Alloy Plate, Sheet, and Strip
B599 Specification for Nickel-Iron-Chromium-Molybdenum-Niobium Stabilized Alloy Plate, Sheet, and Strip
B620 Specification for Nickel-Iron-Chromium-Molybdenum Alloy (UNS N08320) Plate, Sheet, and Strip
B622 Specification for Seamless Nickel and Nickel-Cobalt Alloy Pipe and Tube
B625 Specification for Ni-Fe-Cr-Mo-Cu-N Low-Carbon Alloy, Ni-Fe-Cr-Si Alloy, Cr-Ni-Fe-N Low-Carbon Alloy, Fe-Ni-Cr-
Mo-Cu-N Alloy, and Ni-Fe-Cr-Mo-N Alloy Plate, Sheet, and Strip
B637 Specification for Precipitation-Hardening and Cold Worked Nickel Alloy Bars, Forgings, and Forging Stock for Moderate
or High Temperature Service
B639 Specification for Precipitation Hardening Cobalt-Containing Alloys (UNS R30155 and UNS R30816) Rod, Bar, Forgings,
and Forging Stock for High-Temperature Service
B649 Specification for Ni-Fe-Cr-Mo-Cu-N Low-Carbon Alloy and Cr-Ni-Fe-N Low-Carbon Alloy Bar and Wire, Ni-Cr-Fe-
Mo-N Alloy Wire, and Ni-Fe-Cr-Mo-N Alloy Bar
B667 Practice for Construction and Use of a Probe for Measuring Electrical Contact Resistance
B672 Specification for Nickel-Iron-Chromium-Molybdenum-Columbium Stabilized Alloy (UNS N08700) Bar and Wire
B677 Specification for Nickel-Iron-Chromium-Molybdenum and Iron-Nickel-Chromium-Molybdenum-Copper Seamless Pipe
and Tube
B688 Specification for Chromium-Nickel-Molybdenum-Iron (UNS N08367) Plate, Sheet, and Strip
B690 Specification for Iron-Nickel-Chromium-Molybdenum Alloy (UNS N08367) Seamless Pipe and Tube
B691 Specification for Iron-Nickel-Chromium-Molybdenum Alloy (UNS N08367) Rod, Bar, and Wire
B899 − 21
B709 Specification for Iron-Nickel-Chromium-Molybdenum Alloy (UNS N08028) Plate, Sheet, and Strip
B710 Specification for Nickel-Iron-Chromium-Silicon Alloy Welded Pipe
B718 Specification for Nickel-Chromium-Molybdenum-Cobalt-Tungsten-Iron-Silicon Alloy (UNS N06333) Plate, Sheet, and
Strip
B719 Specification for Nickel-Chromium-Molybdenum-Cobalt-Tungsten-Iron-Silicon Alloy Bar
B722 Specification for Nickel-Chromium-Molybdenum-Cobalt-Tungsten-Iron-Silicon Alloy (UNS N06333) Seamless Pipe and
Tube (Withdrawn 2021)
B723 Specification for Nickel-Chromium-Molybdenum-Cobalt-Tungsten-Iron-Silicon Alloy Welded Pipe
B726 Specification for Nickel-Chromium-Molybdenum-Cobalt-Tungsten-Iron-Silicon Alloy (UNS N06333) Welded Tube
B729 Specification for Seamless Nickel-Iron-Chromium-Molybdenum-Copper Nickel Alloy Pipe and Tube
B739 Specification for Nickel-Iron-Chromium-Silicon Alloy Welded Tube
B749 Specification for Lead and Lead Alloy Strip, Sheet, and Plate Products
,
B750 Specification for GALFAN (Zinc-5 % Aluminum-Mischmetal) Alloy in Ingot Form for Hot-Dip Coatings
B751 Specification for General Requirements for Nickel and Nickel Alloy Welded Tube
B756 Specification for Nickel-Chromium-Molybdenum-Tungsten Alloy(UNS N06110) Rod and Bar (Withdrawn 2021)
B759 Specification for Nickel-Chromium-Molybdenum-Tungsten Alloys (UNS N06110) Pipe and Tube (Withdrawn 2021)
B775 Specification for General Requirements for Nickel and Nickel Alloy Welded Pipe
B791 Specification for Zinc-Aluminum (ZA) Alloy Foundry and Die Castings (Withdrawn 1999)
B792 Specification for Zinc Alloys in Ingot Form for Slush Casting
B805 Specification for Precipitation Hardening Nickel Alloys Bar and Wire
B814 Specification for Nickel-Chromium-Iron-Molybdenum-Tungsten Alloy(UNS N06920) Plate, Sheet, and Strip
B818 Specification for Cobalt-Chromium-Nickel-Molybdenum-Tungsten Alloy(UNS R31233) Plate, Sheet and Strip
B834 Specification for Pressure Consolidated Powder Metallurgy Iron-Nickel-Chromium-Molybdenum (UNS N08367),
Nickel-Chromium-Molybdenum-Columbium (Nb) (UNS N06625), Nickel-Chromium-Iron Alloys (UNS N06600 and
N06690), and Nickel-Chromium-Iron-Columbium-Molybdenum (UNS N07718) A
B860 Specification for Zinc Master Alloys for Use in Hot Dip Galvanizing
B892 Specification for ACuZinc5 (Zinc-Copper-Aluminum) Alloy in Ingot Form for Die Castings
B894 Specification for ACuZinc5 (Zinc-Copper-Aluminum) Alloy Die Castings
B897 Specification for Configuration of Zinc and Zinc Alloy Jumbo, Block, Half Block, and Slab Ingot
B907 Specification for Zinc, Tin and Cadmium Base Alloys Used as Solders
B908 Practice for the Use of Color Codes for Zinc Casting Alloy Ingot
B914 Practice for Color Codes on Zinc and Zinc Alloy Ingot for Use in Hot-Dip Galvanizing of Steel
B943 Specification for Zinc and Tin Alloy Wire Used in Thermal Spraying for Electronic Applications
B952/B952M Specification for Zinc Alloys in Ingot Form for Spin Casting
B989 Specification for High Fluidity (HF) Zinc-Aluminum Alloy in Ingot Form for Thin Wall Die Castings
B997 Specification for Zinc-Aluminum Alloys in Ingot Form for Hot-Dip Coatings
2. Significance and Use
2.1 The terms defined in this document are generic in respect to the standards under the jurisdiction of Committee B02 on
Nonferrous Metals and Alloys. The same terms may have different definitions in other ASTM technical committees.
2.2 Some definitions may differ within the committee because of limitations on items such as weights or dimensions. In such cases
the terms will be more precisely defined in the Terminology section of the standards in which these terms are used.
4. Index of Terms
4.1 Alphabetical Listing of Terms
average diameter
bar
billet
can
cathodic protection
cobalt alloy
coiled sheet
compact
contact resistance
contact resistance probe
B899 − 21
die casting
ellipsis
fill pin
fineness
flat sheet
foundry casting
galvanic anode
graphite permanent mold casting
heat
ingot
liquidus
lot
lot number
melt
nickel
nickel alloy
nickel-base alloy
nickel-based alloy
nominal wall
nonferrous material
part
permanent mold casting
pig
pipe
plate
platinum group metal
powder
powder blend
precious metals
precipitation hardening
pressure die-casting
producer
ribbon anode
rod
rough part
saline electrolyte
sand casting
seamless pipe
semi-permanent mold casting
shapes
sheet
shot
solidus
sponge
spring wire
strip
test report
thin-wall tube
tube
weaving wire
welded pipe
wire
B899 − 21
3. Terminology
General Nonferrous Metals and Alloys
3.1 Terms and Their Definitions:
bar, n—an elongated, forged or rolled metal product with uniform strength, length and section (such as rectangular, square,
round, oval or hexagonal).
DISCUSSION—
The term “bar” may have a similar definition, but with greater and more specific detail in the product standard.
billet, n—a formed shape that may be further worked, or a solid, semifinished, round, or rectangular product that has been
hot-worked by forging, rolling, or extrusion.
ellipsis, n—in a tabular entry, three periods (.) that indicate that there is no requirement.
heat, n—refer to melt.
ingot, n—a casting of simple shape suitable for hot-working or remelting.
liquidus, n—the lowest temperature at which an alloy under equilibrium conditions begins to freeze on cooling or is completely
melted on heating.
lot, n—a quantity of metal made under conditions that, for sampling purposes, are considered uniform.
lot number, n—a unique alphanumeric designation for a lot that is traceable to manufacturing records.
melt, n—all the metal that, while molten, was held at the same time in the same holding vessel.
nonferrous material, n—metals and alloys that do not contain iron as the principal component.
DISCUSSION—
The iron content is not always stated in the specification and is not always determined by chemical analysis. The iron content may be taken to be 100 %
minus the sum of the mean values permitted by the specification for all other elements having a specified range or a specified maximum. For
conformance purposes, the mean value for iron, whether specified or calculated, is compared on an individual basis to the mean values permitted by
the specification for each of the other elements having a specified range or a specified maximum. If an element other than iron is not specified, but
is listed as remainder or balance, then, for conformance purposes the mean value for iron is compared to the calculated value for that other element.
plate, n—a flat-rolled metal product of same minimum thickness and width arbitrarily dependent on the type of metal.
producer, n—the primary manufacturer of the material.
sheet, n—a flat-rolled metal product of some maximum thickness and minimum width arbitrarily dependent on the type of metal;
it is thinner than plate.
solidus, n—the highest temperature at which under equilibrium conditions an alloy begins to melt on heating or is completely
solid on cooling.
sponge, n—a form of metal characterized by a porous condition that is the result of decomposition or reduction of a compound
without fusion.
strip, n—a flat-rolled metal product of some maximum thickness and width arbitrarily dependent on the type of metal, it is
narrower than sheet.
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test report, n—a document that presents the applicable qualitative or quantitative results obtained by applying one or more given
test methods.
DISCUSSION—
A single document, containing test report information and certificate of compliance information, may be used.
wire, n—a thin, flexible continuous length of metal, usually of uniform, round cross section.
Refined Lead, Tin, Antimony, and Their Alloys
3.2 Terms and Their Definitions:
pig, n—an oblong or square mass of metal that has been cast while still molten into a mold that gives the metal its particular
shape; most commonly used for lead and tin in weights that can be handled manually.
Zinc and Cadmium
3.3 Terms and Their Definitions:
alloy composition, n—the composition is identified by a two or four-letter symbol and number. The letters typically indicate the
chemical symbol for the critical element in the solder and the number indicates the nominal percentage, by weight, of the critical
element in the solder.
brightener bar, n—brightener bar is a zinc alloy containing aluminum which is added to the galvanizing bath to adjust the
aluminum content of the bath to: suppress the formation of iron-zinc alloy layers, increase the brightness and ductility of the
galvanized coating, and improve the drainage of zinc from the work as it exits the bath; also called brightener.
cathodic protection, n—protection of a metal from corrosion by making it a cathode through the galvanic sacrifice of a less
noble metal or through an impressed electric current.
coiled sheet, n—sheet in coils with slit edges.
color code, n—code to follow the quick identification of ingots.
die casting, n—a casting process in which molten metal is injected under high velocity and pressure into a metal die and
solidified; also, a product produced by such a process; alternately known as pressure die casting.
flat sheet, n—sheet with sheared, silt, or sawed edges that has been flattened or leveled.
foundry casting, n—a casting process wherein a molten metal is poured by gravity into the cavity of a mold and solidified; also,
a product of such a process.
galvanic anode, n—a metal electrode that sacrificially corrodes when coupled to a more noble metal in a conducting medium,
thereby supplying a protective electric current to the more noble electrode.
graphite permanent mold casting, n—a metal object produced by introducing molten metal by gravity or low pressure into a
graphite mold and allowing it to solidify.
hardener, n—an aluminum-base master alloy added to Special High Grade Zinc (SHG) to produce a zinc alloy for die casting.
high fluidity alloy, n—a zinc alloy by nature of its composition is capable of producing die castings with thinner wall sections
compared to typical die cast alloys, often less than 0.012 in. (0.30 mm) in thickness.
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permanent mold casting, n—a metal object 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. See also graphite permanent mold casting.
pressure die-casting, n—same as die casting.
ribbon anode, n—a long, continuous sacrificial anode shape, with a diamond, square, rectangular, oval, or other cross-section,
most commonly made of zinc, magnesium or aluminum, having a core wire normally made of steel, that is, usually supplied
in coils or reels of 100 to 3600 ft depending upon size and cross-section.
saline electrolyte, n—a solution customarily consisting of the chlorides of the alkali metals.
shot, n—small spherically shaped particles of metal.
spin casting, n—a casting process in which molten metal is poured into a rubber, polymer, graphite or metal mold and spun
centrifugally until solidified, also a product produced by such a process.
type 5, n—95 % zinc-5 % aluminum.
type 10, n—90 % zinc-10 % aluminum.
type 15, n—85 % zinc-15 % aluminum.
3.4 Abbreviations:
CGG—continuous galvanizing grade zinc.
HG—High Grade Zinc.
MM—mischmetal.
PW—Prime Western Zinc.
SHG—Special High Grade Zinc.
UNS—Unified Numbering System.
V–12—zinc-12 % aluminum master alloy used to produce die casting alloy #3.
ZA—zinc-aluminum.
ZA–8—zinc-8 % aluminum-1 % copper die casting alloy.
ZA–12—zinc-11 % aluminum-1 % copper die casting and foundry alloy.
ZA–27—zinc-27 % aluminum-2 % copper die casting and foundry alloy.
Zn-5Al-MM—zinc-5 % aluminum-mischmetal galvanizing alloy.
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85/15 Zn/Al—85 % zinc-5 % aluminum alloy.
95/5 Zn/Al—95 % zinc-5 % aluminum alloy.
90/10 Zn/Al—90 % zinc-10 % aluminum alloy.
90/10 Al/Sb—90 % zinc-10 % antimony alloy.
Precious Metals and Electrical Contact Materials
3.5 Terms and Their Definitions:
fineness, n—a measure of the purity of precious metals expressed in parts per thousand.
precious metals, n—the eight noble metals: gold, silver, palladium, platinum, rhodium, iridium, osmium, and ruthenium.
platinum group metal, n—these metals are palladium, platinum, rhodium, iridium, osmium, and ruthenium.
Refined Nickel and Cobalt and Their Alloys
3.6 Terms and Their DefinitionsDefinitions:
alloy composition, n—the composition is identified by a two or four-letter symbol and number. The letters typically indicate the
chemical symbol for the critical element in the solder and the number indicates the nominal percentage, by weight, of the critical
element in the solder. B907, B943
average diameter, n—the average of the maximum and minimum outside the diameters, as determined at any one section of
the pipe or tube. B160, B161, B163, B165, B167, B407,B423, B444, B445, B535, B622, B677, B690, B710, B722, B723, B726,
B729, B739, B751, B759, B775
bar, n—an elongated, forged or rolled metal product with uniform strength, length and section (such as rectangular, square,
round, oval or hexagonal). B327, B518
NOTE 1—In the following standards the term “bar” has a similar definition, but with gre
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