ASTM A101-04(2019)

Standard Specification for Ferrochromium

ABSTRACT
This specification covers two types of ferrochromium designated as high carbon and low carbon, the latter including nitrogen-bearing and vacuum grades. The grades which are available in different sizes shall conform to the required chemical composition for chromium, carbon, silicon, sulfur, phosphorus, and nitrogen.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers two types of ferrochromium designated as high carbon and low carbon, the latter including nitrogen-bearing and vacuum grades.  
1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.  
1.3 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 31-Oct-2019
• ICS: 77.100 - Ferroalloys
• Technical Committee: A01 - Steel, Stainless Steel and Related Alloys
• Drafting Committee: A01.18 - Castings

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM A101-04(2014)e1 - Standard Specification for Ferrochromium
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2019
• Refers: ASTM A1025/A1025M-10(2015) - Standard Specification for Ferroalloys and Other Alloying Materials, General Requirements
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2015
• Refers: ASTM A1025/A1025M-10 - Standard Specification for Ferroalloys, General Requirements
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2010
• Refers: ASTM E363-09 - Standard Test Methods for Chemical Analysis of Chromium and Ferrochromium
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2009
• Refers: ASTM E363-83(2003)e1 - Standard Test Methods for Chemical Analysis of Chromium and Ferrochromium
• Effective Date: 10-Jun-2003
• Referred By: ASTM A1025/A1025M-10(2020) - Standard Specification for Ferroalloys and Other Alloying Materials, General Requirements
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2019
• Referred By: ASTM E363-23 - Standard Test Methods for Chemical Analysis of Chromium and Ferrochromium
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2019

Overview

ASTM A101-04(2019): Standard Specification for Ferrochromium defines the requirements for two main types of ferrochromium alloy: high carbon and low carbon. This U.S. and international standard ensures that ferrochromium, used widely in steelmaking and various metallurgical applications, meets strict guidelines regarding chemical composition, form, and quality. The specification also includes special grades such as nitrogen-bearing and vacuum low carbon ferrochromium to meet diverse industry demands. ASTM A101-04(2019) is maintained by ASTM International and aligns with the principles of the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

Key Topics

• Ferrochromium Grades: The standard covers multiple grades of both high carbon and low carbon ferrochromium. Variants include nitrogen-bearing and vacuum low carbon types.
• Chemical Composition Requirements: Each grade must meet minimum and maximum limits for elements such as chromium, carbon, silicon, sulfur, phosphorus, and nitrogen. Additional elements are restricted in supplementary requirements.
• Size and Friability: Ferrochromium is produced in a range of standardized sizes with specific tolerances. The standard provides guidelines on friability and acceptable attrition during handling.
• Sampling and Analysis: Chemical analysis methods are agreed upon between supplier and purchaser, with ASTM E363 specified as the referee method for disputes.
• International Standardization: Developed in accordance with globally recognized principles to facilitate international trade and product consistency.

Applications

Ferrochromium specified by ASTM A101-04(2019) is essential in industries such as:

• Stainless Steel Production: As a primary source of chromium, ferrochromium is critical for producing corrosion-resistant and durable stainless steels.
• Alloy Steel Manufacturing: High carbon grades are commonly used for producing hard-wearing alloy steels, while low carbon grades are used where ductility and weldability are critical.
• Metallurgical Operations: The range of grades, including nitrogen-bearing and vacuum low carbon, allows for precise control of steel composition and properties.
• Foundries: Specialized grades are employed in casting and foundry applications to tailor final product performance.

The specification is especially valuable for buyers, manufacturers, and quality control departments ensuring that raw materials meet stringent compositional and physical requirements. Adherence to ASTM A101-04(2019) supports material consistency, regulatory compliance, and overall product quality.

Related Standards

ASTM A101-04(2019) connects with several key documents in the ferroalloy and metallurgical fields, including:

• ASTM A1025/A1025M: Specification for ferroalloys and other alloying materials - establishes general requirements referenced in ASTM A101.
• ASTM E363: Test Methods for Chemical Analysis of Chromium and Ferrochromium - outlines recognized chemical analysis procedures.
• Other Metallurgical Standards: Related to analysis, handling, and performance of alloying materials.

Compliance with ASTM A101-04(2019) ensures that ferrochromium materials are safe, effective, and suitable for global industrial applications. The standard builds trust between suppliers and buyers and supports efficient international trade in the steel and alloy industries.

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: A101 −04 (Reapproved 2019)
Standard Specification for
Ferrochromium
This standard is issued under the fixed designation A101; 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 any supplementary requirements that are indicated in the
purchase order. Failure to comply with the general require-
1.1 This specification covers two types of ferrochromium
ments of Specification A1025/A1025M constitutes nonconfor-
designated as high carbon and low carbon, the latter including
mance with this specification. In case of conflict between the
nitrogen-bearing and vacuum grades.
requirements of this specification and Specification A1025/
1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
A1025M, this specification shall prevail.
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
4. Chemical Composition
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only
and are not considered standard.
4.1 The grades shall conform to the requirements as to
chemical composition specified in Table 1. The manufacturer
1.3 This international standard was developed in accor-
shall furnish an analysis of each shipment showing the ele-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
ments specified in Table 1.
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
5. Size
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
5.1 The various grades are available in sizes as listed in
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Table 2.
2. Referenced Documents
5.2 The sizes listed in Table 2 are typical, as shipped from
2.1 ASTM Standards:
the manufacturer’s plant. These alloys exhibit varying degrees
A1025/A1025M Specification for Ferroalloys and Other Al-
of friability; therefore, some attrition may be expected in
loying Materials, General Requirements
transit, storage, and handling. A quantitative test is not avail-
E363 Test Methods for ChemicalAnalysis of Chromium and
able for rating relative friability of ferroalloys. A code system
Ferrochromium
has been developed, therefore, for this purpose, and a number
rating for each product type is shown in the last column of
3. General Conditions for Delivery
Table 2. Definitions applicable to these code numbers are given
3.1 Materials furnished to this specification shall conform to
in Specification A1025/A1025M.
the requirements of Specification A1025/A1025M, including
6. Chemical Analysis
6.1 The chemical analysis method shall be agreed upon by
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee A01 on Steel,
Stainless Steel and Related Alloys and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee
the purchaser and supplier.
A01.18 on Castings.
6.2 In cases of discrepancy, Test Methods E363 shall be
Current edition approved Nov. 1, 2019. Published November 2019. Originally
approved in 1925. Last previous edition approved in 2014 as A101 – 04 (2014).
used for referee purposes.
DOI: 10.1520/A0101-04R19.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or 7. Keywords
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
7.1 ferroalloys; ferrochromium; high carbon; low carbon;
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. nitrogen-bearing; vacuum low carbon
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
A101 − 04 (2019)
TABLE 1 Chemical Requirements
Composition, %
Type Ferrochromium
Sulfur, Phosphorus,
Grade Chromium Carbon Silicon Nitrogen
max max
High carbon A 51.0–56.0 6.0–8.0 6.0 max 0.040 0.030 .
B 56.0–62.0 6.0–8.0 8.0–14.0 0.050 0.030 .
C 62.0 min 6.0–8.0 3.0 max 0.050 0.030 .
Low carbon A 60.0–67.0 0.025 max 1.0–8.0 0.025 0.030 . . .
B 67.0–75.0 0.025 max 1.0 max 0.025 0.030 . . .
C 67.0–75.0 0.050 max 1.0 max 0.025 0.030 . . .
D 67.0–75.0 0.75 max 1.0 max 0.025 0.030 . . .
Vacuum low carbon E 66.0–70.0
...