ASTM B749-20

Standard Specification for Lead and Lead Alloy Strip, Sheet, and Plate Products

ABSTRACT
This specification covers the standard requirements for lead and lead alloy strip, sheet, and plate products intended for use in chemical plants, sound attenuation, roofing, vibration dampening, flashing and weather stripping, waterproofing, and radiation shielding. The lead sheet, strip, or plate shall be manufactured by rolling or extruding the product from a lead work piece which may be prepared by conventional casting into a mold or by direct continuous casting. Chemical analysis shall be performed on the samples which shall be taken during pouring the casting prior to working or during subsequent processing, such as rolling or cutting. The material shall conform to the product analysis variation in the chemical composition specifications for antimony, arsenic, tin, copper, silver, bismuth, zinc, tellurium, nickel, iron, and lead. Tension and hardness tests shall also be conducted on the specimens which shall be taken in the direction of rolling from the material in the final condition of rolling and heat treatment or in the case of continuously cast sheet in the casting direction and as cast state. The lead products shall be uniform in quality and hardness, smooth, commercially straight and flat, and free of injurious imperfections such as pits, dents, scratches, laminations, grit, foreign matter, porosity, or waves that may affect the serviceability of material.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers lead sheet, strip, and plate of various alloys intended for use in chemical plants, sound attenuation, roofing, vibration dampening, flashing and weather stripping, waterproofing, and radiation shielding.  
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 standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to become familiar with all hazards including those identified in the appropriate Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for this product/material as provided by the manufacturer, to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices, and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
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: 30-Sep-2020
• ICS: 77.150.60 - Lead, zinc and tin products
• Technical Committee: B02 - Nonferrous Metals and Alloys
• Drafting Committee: B02.02 - Refined Lead, Tin, Antimony, and Their Alloys

Relations

• Refers: ASTM E18-18 - Standard Test Methods for Rockwell Hardness of Metallic Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2018
• Refers: ASTM E18-17 - Standard Test Methods for Rockwell Hardness of Metallic Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2017
• Refers: ASTM B29-14 - Standard Specification for Refined Lead
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2014
• Refers: ASTM E10-14 - Standard Test Method for Brinell Hardness of Metallic Materials
• Effective Date: 01-May-2014
• Refers: ASTM E18-12 - Standard Test Methods for Rockwell Hardness of Metallic Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2012
• Refers: ASTM E112-12 - Standard Test Methods for Determining Average Grain Size
• Effective Date: 15-Nov-2012
• Refers: ASTM E10-12 - Standard Test Method for Brinell Hardness of Metallic Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2012
• Refers: ASTM E18-11 - Standard Test Methods for Rockwell Hardness of Metallic Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2011
• Refers: ASTM E37-05(2011) - Standard Test Methods for Chemical Analysis of Pig Lead (Withdrawn 2020)
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2011
• Refers: ASTM E112-10 - Standard Test Methods for Determining Average Grain Size
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2010
• Refers: ASTM E10-10 - Standard Test Method for Brinell Hardness of Metallic Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2010
• Refers: ASTM B29-03(2009) - Standard Specification for Refined Lead
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2009
• Refers: ASTM E10-08 - Standard Test Method for Brinell Hardness of Metallic Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2008
• Refers: ASTM E29-08 - Standard Practice for Using Significant Digits in Test Data to Determine Conformance with Specifications
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2008
• Refers: ASTM E18-08a - Standard Test Methods for Rockwell Hardness of Metallic Materials <a href="#fn00002"></a>
• Effective Date: 15-May-2008

Overview

ASTM B749-20 is the leading standard specification for lead and lead alloy strip, sheet, and plate products. Published by ASTM International, this standard outlines the requirements for manufacturing, chemical composition, mechanical properties, dimensions, and quality for lead and lead alloy products used in various industrial and construction applications. Common uses include chemical plants, roofing, sound attenuation, vibration dampening, flashing, weatherproofing, and radiation shielding. By adhering to ASTM B749-20, manufacturers, suppliers, and end users ensure uniformity, performance, and safety in products made from refined lead and lead alloys.

Key Topics

• Product Types: Covers lead products in strip, sheet, and plate form
  • Plate: Over 0.187 in. (4.75 mm) thickness and over 10 in. (254 mm) width
  • Sheet: Up to 0.187 in. thickness, 24 in. (610 mm) or more in width
  • Strip: Up to 0.187 in. thickness, less than 24 in. width
• Manufacturing: Stipulates manufacturing by rolling or extrusion; lead work pieces may be cast by conventional or continuous methods
• Chemical Composition: Strict limits for elements such as antimony, arsenic, tin, copper, silver, bismuth, zinc, tellurium, nickel, iron, and lead to ensure performance and safety
• Mechanical Properties: Requirements for tension and hardness testing with clearly defined lot sizes and sampling methods
• Tolerance and Dimensions: Specifies permissible variations in thickness, width, length, straightness, squareness, and flatness for each product form
• Workmanship and Appearance: Materials must be uniform, smooth, commercially straight and flat, and free from defects like pits, cracks, scratches, or foreign matter

Applications

Utilizing ASTM B749-20 specification ensures lead and lead alloy products perform reliably in demanding environments, including:

• Chemical Processing Plants: Corrosion-resistant lead sheets and plates are essential lining materials for chemical storage tanks, reaction vessels, and piping
• Sound Attenuation: Due to its high density, lead sheet is widely used for noise control in construction and industrial settings
• Roofing and Waterproofing: Lead sheet and flashing are popular in building envelopes for watertightness, weather stripping, and longevity
• Vibration Dampening: Lead strips help reduce machinery vibration, protecting equipment and structures
• Radiation Shielding: Lead plate and sheet provide critical protection in medical, nuclear, and research facilities, blocking harmful ionizing radiation

Related Standards

Several ASTM standards and test methods are referenced in ASTM B749-20 for ensuring product quality and consistency:

• ASTM B29: Specification for Refined Lead - covers lead composition and grading
• ASTM E8: Methods for tension testing of metallic materials
• ASTM E10, E18: Brinell and Rockwell hardness test methods for metallic materials
• ASTM E29: Procedures for significant digits in test data
• ASTM E112: Methods for determining average grain size

By referencing and applying ASTM B749-20 and its related standards, professionals in construction, chemical processing, acoustics, and radiation safety can reliably source and specify lead and lead alloy sheet, strip, and plate products that meet rigorous international requirements for quality, durability, and safety.

Keywords: ASTM B749-20, lead sheet, lead plate, lead strip, lead alloy, roofing, chemical plant, radiation shielding, sound attenuation, vibration dampening, specification, ASTM standard

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:B749 −20
Standard Specification for
Lead and Lead Alloy Strip, Sheet, and Plate Products
This standard is issued under the fixed designation B749; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision.Anumber in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope Determine Conformance with Specifications
E37Test Methods for Chemical Analysis of Pig Lead
1.1 This specification covers lead sheet, strip, and plate of
(Withdrawn 2020)
various alloys intended for use in chemical plants, sound
E87Methods for ChemicalAnalysis of Lead,Tin,Antimony
attenuation, roofing, vibration dampening, flashing and
and Their Alloys (Photometric Method) (Withdrawn
weather stripping, waterproofing, and radiation shielding.
1983)
1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
E112Test Methods for Determining Average Grain Size
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only
3. Terminology
and are not considered standard.
3.1 Definitions:
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
3.1.1 lot, n—shall consist of all the lead sheet, strip, or plate
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
of the same alloy produced by one manufacturer and offered
responsibility of the user of this standard to become familiar
for delivery at one time for sampling and inspection from one
with all hazards including those identified in the appropriate
manufacturing or smelting heat.
Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for this product/material as provided
3.1.2 plate, n—any product over 0.187 in. (4.75 mm) in
by the manufacturer, to establish appropriate safety, health,
thickness and over 10 in. (254 mm) in width.
and environmental practices, and determine the applicability
3.1.3 sheet, n—products 0.187 in. (4.75 mm) and under in
of regulatory limitations prior to use.
thickness and 24 in. (610 mm) or more in width.
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
3.1.4 strip, n—anyproduct0.187in.(4.75mm)andunderin
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
thickness and less than 24 in. (610 mm) in width.
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
4. Ordering Information
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
4.1 Ordersformaterialtothisspecificationshallincludethe
following information:
2. Referenced Documents
4.1.1 Alloy (chemical composition) with variations speci-
2.1 ASTM Standards:
fied.
B29Specification for Refined Lead
4.1.2 Type (strip, sheet, or plate).
E8Test Methods for Tension Testing of Metallic Materials
4.1.3 Condition including mechanical properties where ap-
[Metric] E0008_E0008M
plicable.
E10Test Method for Brinell Hardness of Metallic Materials
4.1.4 Dimensions.
E18Test Methods for Rockwell Hardness of Metallic Ma-
4.1.5 Number of Pieces.
terials
4.1.6 Certification—State if certification is required.
E29Practice for Using Significant Digits in Test Data to
4.1.7 Sampling—Type of sampling required and whether
samples product (check) analysis shall be furnished.
4.1.8 Inspection Requirements—If purchaser wishes to wit-
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee B02 on
nesstestsorinspectionofmaterialattheplaceofmanufacture,
Nonferrous Metals and Alloys and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee
the purchase order must so state indicating which tests or
B02.02 on Refined Lead, Tin, Antimony, and Their Alloys.
inspections are to be witnessed.
Current edition approved, Oct. 1, 2020. Published October 2020. Originally
approved in 1985. Last previous edition approved in 2014 as B749–14. DOI: 4.1.9 Optional Requirements:
10.1520/B0749-20.
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.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
B749−20
A,B
TABLE 1 Chemical Requirements
7. Mechanical Properties
Composition (Weight Percent)
7.1 The material shall conform to the mechanical properties
Low Bismuth
specified in the purchase order by way of testing (see Section
Low Silver Refined Pure Pure Lead, Chemical-
Grade
D E
Pure Lead, Lead, max max Copper Lead 12).
C
max
Sb 0.0005 0.0005 0.001 0.001 max
8. Dimensions, Mass, and Permissible Variations
As 0.0005 0.0005 0.001 0.001 max
8.1 Thickness:
Sn 0.0005 0.0005 0.001 0.001 max
Sb As and Sn . . . . . . 0.002 0.002 max
8.1.1 Sheet and Strip—For sheet and strip up to 0.100 in.
Cu 0.0010 0.0010 0.0015 0.040–0.080
(2.54 mm), the variation in thickness shall not be more than
Ag 0.0010 0.0075 0.010 0.020 max
Bi 0.0015 0.025 0.05 0.025 max +0.008 in. (0.200 mm) or −0.006 in. (0.130 mm) or any
Zn 0.0005 0.001 0.001 0.001 max
combination but not less than a range of 0.014 in. (0.330 mm)
Te 0.0001 0.0001 . . . . . .
from the ordered thickness. For sheet and strip ordered in
Ni 0.0002 0.0002 0.0005 0.002 max
Fe . 0.001 0.001 0.002 max thickness over 0.100 in., the maximum variation shall not be
Se . 0.0005 .001 .001 max
more than 65% of the thickness specified as shown in Table
S . 0.001 .002 .001 max
2.
Al . 0.0005 .0005 .0005 max
Cd . 0.0005 .0005 .0003 max 8.1.2 Plate—Theplateshallnotvarymorethan 65%ofthe
Lead (min) by 99.99 99.97 99.94 99.90
specified thickness as shown in Table 2.
difference
8.1.3 Alternative Thickness—When specified, lead plate, as
UNS Number L50006 L50021 L50049 L51121
well as strip sheet over 0.100 in. (2.54 mm) shall not vary in
A
The following applies to all specified limits in Table 1: For the purpose of
thickness by more than +0.031 in. (0.79 mm) and −0 in. (0
determining conformance with this specification, an observed value obtained from
the analysis shall be rounded off “to the nearest unit” in the last right hand place
mm).
of figures used in expressing the limiting value, in accordance with the rounding
8.1.4 Where specified and agreed to between manufacturer
method of Practice E29.
B
By agreement between the purchaser and the supplier, analyses may be and purchaser, thickness variation looser or tighter than listed
required and limits established for elements or compounds not specified in Table
above may be applied.
1.
C
This grade is intended for chemical applications where low silver and low
8.2 Width and Length:
bismuth contents are required.
8.2.1 Rolls—Lead sheet or strip in rolls shall not vary from
D
This grade is intended for lead acid battery applications.
E
the ordered width by more than +0.250 in. (6.35 mm) or
This grade is intended for applications requiring corrosion protection and
formability.
−0.250 in. (6.35 mm) and for length of 25 ft (8 m) or less shall
be within 0.2% of the ordered length. For length greater than
25ft(8m),thelengthtoleranceshallbenegotiatedbetweenthe
producer and the buyer.
4.1.9.1 Strip and Sheet—Whether to be furnished in coils or
8.2.2 Cut Pieces—Lead sheet, strip, or plate in flat cut
in cut straight lengths.
pieces shall not vary from the ordered length or width by more
4.1.9.2 Sheet and Plate—Whether to be furnished in spe-
than 60.125 in. (3.18 mm).
cially flattened condition.
8.2.3 Slit Strip—Slit strip in coils shall not vary from the
4.1.9.3 Wrought Products—Minimum reduction required.
ordered width by more than 0.062 in. (1.59 mm).
5. Materials and Manufacture
8.3 Straightness:
5.1 The lead sheet, strip, or plate shall be manufactured by
rolling or extruding the product from a lead work piece of
TABLE 2 Permissible Thickness Variation
chemical composition specified in Table 1 or other specified
composition.Theworkpiecemaybepreparedbyconventional
NOTE 1—For ordering information, lead 1 in. thick weighs approxi-
casting int
...

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: B749 − 14 B749 − 20
Standard Specification for
Lead and Lead Alloy Strip, Sheet, and Plate Products
This standard is issued under the fixed designation B749; 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 specification covers lead sheet, strip, and plate of various alloys intended for use in chemical plants, sound attenuation,
roofing, vibration dampening, flashing and weather stripping, waterproofing, and radiation shielding.
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 standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility
of the user of this standard to become familiar with all hazards including those identified in the appropriate Material Safety Data
Sheet (MSDS)(SDS) for this product/material as provided by the manufacturer, to establish appropriate safety safety, health, and
healthenvironmental practices, and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
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.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
B29 Specification for Refined Lead
E8 Test Methods for Tension Testing of Metallic Materials [Metric] E0008_E0008M
E10 Test Method for Brinell Hardness of Metallic Materials
E18 Test Methods for Rockwell Hardness of Metallic Materials
E29 Practice for Using Significant Digits in Test Data to Determine Conformance with Specifications
E37 Test Methods for Chemical Analysis of Pig Lead (Withdrawn 2020)
E87 Methods for Chemical Analysis of Lead, Tin, Antimony and Their Alloys (Photometric Method) (Withdrawn 1983)
E112 Test Methods for Determining Average Grain Size
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions:
3.1.1 lot, n—shall consist of all the lead sheet, strip, or plate of the same alloy produced by one manufacturer and offered for
delivery at one time for sampling and inspection from one manufacturing or smelting heat.
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee B02 on Nonferrous Metals and Alloys and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee B02.02 on Refined
Lead, Tin, Antimony, and Their Alloys.
Current edition approved, Oct. 1, 2014Oct. 1, 2020. Published December 2014October 2020. Originally approved in 1985. Last previous edition approved in 20092014
as B749 – 03 (2009).B749 – 14. DOI: 10.1520/B0749-14.10.1520/B0749-20.
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.
The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on www.astm.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
B749 − 20
3.1.2 plate, n—any product over 0.187 in. (4.75 mm) in thickness and over 10 in. (254 mm) in width.
3.1.3 sheet, n—products 0.187 in. (4.75 mm) and under in thickness and 24 in. (610 mm) or more in width.
3.1.4 strip, n—any product 0.187 in. (4.75 mm) and under in thickness and less than 24 in. (610 mm) in width.
4. Ordering Information
4.1 Orders for material to this specification shall include the following information:
4.1.1 Alloy (chemical composition) with variations specified.
4.1.2 Type (strip, sheet, or plate).
4.1.3 Condition including mechanical properties where applicable.
4.1.4 Dimensions.
4.1.5 Number of Pieces.
4.1.6 Certification—State if certification is required.
4.1.7 Sampling—Type of sampling required and whether samples product (check) analysis shall be furnished.
4.1.8 Inspection Requirements—If purchaser wishes to witness tests or inspection of material at the place of manufacture, the
purchase order must so state indicating which tests or inspections are to be witnessed.
A,B
TABLE 1 Chemical Requirements
Composition (Weight Percent)
Low Bismuth
Low Silver Refined Pure Pure Lead, Chemical-
Grade
D E
Pure Lead, Lead, max max Copper Lead
C
max
Sb 0.0005 0.0005 0.001 0.001 max
As 0.0005 0.0005 0.001 0.001 max
Sn 0.0005 0.0005 0.001 0.001 max
Sb As and Sn . . . . . . 0.002 0.002 max
Cu 0.0010 0.0010 0.0015 0.040–0.080
Ag 0.0010 0.0075 0.010 0.020 max
Bi 0.0015 0.025 0.05 0.025 max
Zn 0.0005 0.001 0.001 0.001 max
Te 0.0001 0.0001 . . . . . .
Ni 0.0002 0.0002 0.0005 0.002 max
Fe . 0.001 0.001 0.002 max
Se . 0.0005 .001 .001 max
S . 0.001 .002 .001 max
Al . 0.0005 .0005 .0005 max
Cd . 0.0005 .0005 .0003 max
Lead (min) by 99.99 99.97 99.94 99.90
difference
UNS Number L50006 L50021 L50049 L51121
A
The following applies to all specified limits in Table 1: For the purpose of
determining conformance with this specification, an observed value obtained from
the analysis shall be rounded off “to the nearest unit” in the last right hand place
of figures used in expressing the limiting value, in accordance with the rounding
method of Practice E29.
B
By agreement between the purchaser and the supplier, analyses may be
required and limits established for elements or compounds not specified in Table
1.
C
This grade is intended for chemical applications where low silver and low
bismuth contents are required.
D
This grade is intended for lead acid battery applications.
E
This grade is intended for applications requiring corrosion protection and
formability.
B749 − 20
4.1.9 Optional Requirements:
4.1.9.1 Strip and Sheet—Whether to be furnished in coils or in cut straight lengths.
4.1.9.2 Sheet and Plate—Whether to be furnished in specially flattened condition.
4.1.9.3 Wrought Products—Minimum reduction required.
5. Materials and Manufacture
5.1 The lead sheet, strip, or plate shall be manufactured by rolling or extruding the product from a lead work piece of chemical
composition specified in Table 1 or other specified composition. The work piece may be prepared by conventional casting into a
mold or by continuous casting. Lead sheet or strip may also be produced by direct continuous casting to the desired thickness.
6. Chemical Composition
6.1 Lead sheet, strip, and plate shall conform to the chemical composition limits specified in the purchase order. The appropriate
ASTM or UNS alloy may be designated where applicable. Table 1 lists the chemical requirements of several grades of lead for
information purposes.
NOTE 1—Soft lead sheet, strip, and plate is generally produced from Specification B29 grade copper-bearing lead.
6.2 If a product (check) analysis is performed by the purchaser, the material shall conform to the product analysis variation in
chemical composition specified in the purchase agreement or in the applicable alloy specification.
7. Mechanical Properties
7.1 The material shall conform to the mechanical properties specified in the purchase order by way of testing (see Section 12).
8. Dimensions, Mass, and Permissible Variations
8.1 Thickness:
8.1.1 Sheet and Strip—For sheet and strip up to 0.100 in. (2.54 mm), the variation in thickness shall not be more than +0.008 in.
(0.200 mm) or −0.006 in. (0.130 mm) or any combination but not less than a range of 0.014 in. (0.330 mm) from the ordered
thickness. For sheet and strip ordered in thickness over 0.100 in., the maximum variation shall not be more than 65 % of the
thickness specified as shown in Table 2.
TABLE 2 Permissible Thickness Variation
NOTE 1—For ordering information, lead 1 in. thick weighs approxi-
mately 60 lb/ft .
Maximum
Specified Maximum Maximum
Over Alternate,
Thickness, in. Under, in. Over, in.
in. (see 8.1.3)
0.015–0.100 0.005 0.005
0.101–0.130 0.006 0.006 0.031
0.131–0.150 0.007 0.007 0.031
0.151–0.170 0.008 0.008
...