ASTM A679/A679M-17

Standard Specification for Steel Wire, High Tensile Strength, Cold Drawn

ABSTRACT
This specification covers round, uncoated, high tensile strength, cold-drawn steel spring wires having properties and quality suitable for the manufacture of mechanical springs and wire forms subject to high static stresses or infrequent dynamic load, or both. The steel shall be made by any commercially accepted steel making process. The steel shall either be ingot cast or continuous strand cast. The finished wire shall be free from detrimental pipe and undue segregation. The wire shall be cold drawn to produce the desired tensile strength. The wire finish shall be suitable for forming or coiling. It is not intended that this material be furnished with a metallic coating. Heat and product analysis shall be conducted wherein the material shall conform to the required chemical composition values of carbon, manganese, phosphorus, sulfur, and silicon. The material shall undergo tensile and wrap tests. The steel shall have fine pearlite microstructure and the wire surface shall not exhibit imperfections.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers round, uncoated, high tensile strength, cold drawn steel spring wire, having properties and quality suitable for the manufacture of mechanical springs and wire forms subject to high static stresses or infrequent dynamic load, or both.  
1.2 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system are not 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.  
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-Aug-2017
• ICS: 77.140.65 - Steel wire, wire ropes and link chains
• Technical Committee: A01 - Steel, Stainless Steel and Related Alloys
• Drafting Committee: A01.03 - Steel Rod and Wire

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM A679/A679M-06(2012) - Standard Specification for Steel Wire, High Tensile Strength, Cold Drawn
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2017
• Refers: ASTM A370-24 - Standard Test Methods and Definitions for Mechanical Testing of Steel Products
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2024
• Refers: ASTM A941-24 - Standard Terminology Relating to Steel, Stainless Steel, Related Alloys, and Ferroalloys
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2024
• Refers: ASTM A700-14(2019) - Standard Guide for Packaging, Marking, and Loading Methods for Steel Products for Shipment
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2019
• Refers: ASTM A370-19 - Standard Test Methods and Definitions for Mechanical Testing of Steel Products
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2019
• Refers: ASTM A370-17a - Standard Test Methods and Definitions for Mechanical Testing of Steel Products
• Effective Date: 15-Nov-2017
• Refers: ASTM A941-17 - Standard Terminology Relating to Steel, Stainless Steel, Related Alloys, and Ferroalloys
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2017
• Refers: ASTM A370-17 - Standard Test Methods and Definitions for Mechanical Testing of Steel Products
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2017
• Refers: ASTM A370-15 - Standard Test Methods and Definitions for Mechanical Testing of Steel Products
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2015
• Refers: ASTM A941-15 - Standard Terminology Relating to Steel, Stainless Steel, Related Alloys, and Ferroalloys
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2015
• Refers: ASTM A700-14 - Standard Guide for Packaging, Marking, and Loading Methods for Steel Products for Shipment
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2014
• Refers: ASTM A370-14 - Standard Test Methods and Definitions for Mechanical Testing of Steel Products
• Effective Date: 15-May-2014
• Refers: ASTM A751-14 - Standard Test Methods, Practices, and Terminology for Chemical Analysis of Steel Products
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2014
• Refers: ASTM A370-13 - Standard Test Methods and Definitions for Mechanical Testing of Steel Products
• Effective Date: 15-Nov-2013
• Refers: ASTM A941-13b - Standard Terminology Relating to Steel, Stainless Steel, Related Alloys, and Ferroalloys
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2013

Overview

ASTM A679/A679M-17 is the recognized standard specification for high tensile strength, cold drawn steel wire, specifically designed for the manufacture of mechanical springs and wire forms that are subjected to high static stresses or infrequent dynamic loads. Published and maintained by ASTM International, this specification ensures the consistent quality and performance of uncoated, round steel wire intended for demanding industrial and manufacturing applications. The standard outlines requirements for chemical composition, mechanical properties, manufacturing processes, testing, and packaging.

Key Topics

• Material Composition: Specifies the acceptable range of elements such as carbon, manganese, phosphorus, sulfur, and silicon to ensure wire strength and consistency.
• Manufacturing Processes: Steel used may be produced by any commercially recognized steelmaking process and can be either ingot cast or continuous strand cast.
• Cold Drawing: Wire must be cold drawn to meet specific tensile strength requirements, resulting in a fine pearlite microstructure.
• Mechanical Properties: Strict requirements on tensile strength and ductility, verified through tension and wrap tests. The standard covers wire diameters from 0.50 mm to 5.00 mm (0.020 in. to 0.207 in.).
• Surface and Finish: The wire finish must be smooth and suitable for forming or coiling with no metallic coating; surface imperfections are tightly limited.
• Quality Assurance: Includes guidance for heat and product analysis, testing frequency, and certification, ensuring consistency across production batches.
• Marking and Packaging: Details on identification tags, coil packaging, and compliance with federal marking standards where applicable.

Applications

ASTM A679/A679M-17 high tensile strength, cold drawn steel wire is widely used in sectors that require components with reliable performance under stress. Typical practical applications include:

• Mechanical Springs: Used in automotive, industrial machinery, and electronics for springs requiring high strength and resistance to deformation under load.
• Wire Forms: Ideal for custom wire-formed components subject to significant static or occasional dynamic loads, such as retaining clips, tension devices, and fasteners.
• Construction Hardware: Utilized in fastening systems and anchoring products where strength and durability are critical.
• General Engineering: Suitable for any engineered application where uncoated, formable, and resilient high-tensile wire is required.

Related Standards

Several referenced and related standards complement ASTM A679/A679M-17 by providing specifications for base materials, definitions, and test methods. Key examples include:

• ASTM A370 - Standard Test Methods and Definitions for Mechanical Testing of Steel Products
• ASTM A510/A510M - General Requirements for Wire Rods and Coarse Round Wire, Carbon Steel, and Alloy Steel
• ASTM A700 - Guide for Packaging, Marking, and Loading Methods for Steel Products for Shipment
• ASTM A751 - Test Methods, Practices, and Terminology for Chemical Analysis of Steel Products
• ASTM A941 - Terminology Relating to Steel, Stainless Steel, Related Alloys, and Ferroalloys
• ANSI B32.100 - Preferred Metric Sizes for Round, Square, Rectangle, and Hexagon Metal Products
• Fed. Std. No. 123 - Marking for Shipment (Civil Agencies)

Summary

Adhering to ASTM A679/A679M-17 ensures that high tensile strength, cold drawn steel wire meets strict criteria for chemical composition, physical properties, and usability, contributing to the efficiency and safety of mechanical springs and wire forms in critical applications. Organizations involved in manufacturing, engineering, or supplying steel wire products will benefit from compliance, which facilitates compatibility, performance, and international recognition.

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:A679/A679M −17
Standard Specification for
Steel Wire, High Tensile Strength, Cold Drawn
This standard is issued under the fixed designationA679/A679M; 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* Determine Conformance with Specifications
2.2 ANSI Standard:
1.1 This specification covers round, uncoated, high tensile
B32.100 Preferred Metric Sizes for Round, Square,
strength, cold drawn steel spring wire, having properties and
Rectangle, and Hexagon Metal Products
quality suitable for the manufacture of mechanical springs and
2.3 Federal Standard:
wire forms subject to high static stresses or infrequent dynamic
Fed. Std. No. 123 Marking for Shipment (Civil Agencies)
load, or both.
1.2 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units
3. Terminology
are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in
3.1 Definitions—For definitions of terms used in this
each system are not exact equivalents; therefore, each system
specification, refer to Terminology A941.
shall be used independently of the other. Combining values
from the two systems may result in non-conformance with the
4. Ordering Information
standard.
4.1 It shall be the responsibility of the purchaser to specify
1.3 This international standard was developed in accor-
all requirements that are necessary for material under this
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
specification. Such requirements may include, but are not
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
limited to, the following:
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
4.1.1 Quantity (mass),
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
4.1.2 Name of material (steel wire, high tensile strength,
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
cold drawn),
4.1.3 Dimensions (Table 1 and Section 9),
2. Referenced Documents
4.1.4 Packaging (Section 15),
2.1 ASTM Standards:
4.1.5 ASTM designation and year of issue.
A370 Test Methods and Definitions for Mechanical Testing
4.2 Thepurchasershallhavetheoptiontospecifyadditional
of Steel Products
requirements, including but not limited to:
A510/A510M Specification for General Requirements for
4.2.1 Requirements for certifications, heat analysis or test
Wire Rods and Coarse Round Wire, Carbon Steel, and
reports (see Sections 6.2 and 14),
Alloy Steel
4.2.2 Special packing, marking, and loading requirements
A700 Guide for Packaging, Marking, and Loading Methods
(see Section 15), and
for Steel Products for Shipment
4.2.3 Other special requirements, if any.
A751 Test Methods, Practices, and Terminology for Chemi-
4.2.4 For wire diameters over 5.00 mm [0.207 in.] or
cal Analysis of Steel Products
smaller than 0.50 mm [0.020 in.], mechanical properties and
A941 TerminologyRelatingtoSteel,StainlessSteel,Related
permissible variations in wire diameter shall be negotiated
Alloys, and Ferroalloys
between purchaser and supplier and shall be included on the
E29 Practice for Using Significant Digits in Test Data to
order information.
NOTE 1—A typical ordering description is as follows: 20 Mg high
tensile strength, cold drawn steel mechanical spring wire, 5.00-mm
This specification is under the jurisdiction ofASTM Committee A01 on Steel,
diameter, 500-kg coils to ASTM A679/A679M dated ____ , or for
Stainless Steel and Related Alloys and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee
inch-pound units, 40 000-lb high tensile strength, cold drawn steel
A01.03 on Steel Rod and Wire.
mechanical spring wire, 0.192-in. diameter, in 1000-lb coils to ASTM
Current edition approved Sept. 1, 2017. Published September 2017. Originally
approved in 1973. Last previous edition approved in 2012 as A679/
A679M – 06 (2012). DOI: 10.1520/A0679_A0679M-17.
2 3
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or Available from American National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St.,
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM 4th Floor, New York, NY 10036.
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on Available from Standardization Documents Order Desk, DODSSP, Bldg. 4,
the ASTM website. Section D, 700 Robbins Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19111-5098.
*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
A679/A679M−17
TABLE 1 Tensile Requirements
When requested, in the purchase order, the heat analysis shall
SI Units Inch-Pound Units be reported to the purchaser.
Tensile Strength, MPa Tensile Strength, ksi
Diameter,
A
Diameter, in.
6.3 Product Analysis—An analysis may be made by the
A,B
mm
min max min max
purchaser from finished wire representing each heat of steel.
The chemical composition thus determined, as to elements
0.50 2400 2650 0.020 350 387
0.55 2380 2620 0.023 343 380
required or restricted, shall conform to the product analysis
0.60 2350 2600 0.026 337 373
requirements specified in Table 7 of Specification A510/
0.65 2320 2580 0.029 331 366
A510M.
0.70 2300 2550 0.032 327 361
0.80 2250 2500 0.035 322 356
6.4 For referee purposes, Test Methods, Practices, and
0.90 2200 2450 0.041 314 347
1.00 2150 2400 0.048 306 339 Terminology A751 shall be used.
1.10 2120 2380 0.054 300 331
1.20 2100 2350 0.062 293 324
7. Mechanical Properties
1.40 2050 2300 0.072 287 317
1.60 2000 2250 0.080 282 312
7.1 Tension Test:
1.80 1980 2220 0.092 275 304
7.1.1 Requirements—The material as represented by tension
2.00 1950 2200 0.106 268 296
2.20 1900 2150 0.120 263 290
test specimens shall conform to the requirements prescribed in
2.50 1850 2100 0.135 258 285
Table 1.
2.80 1820 2050 0.148 253 279
7.1.2 Number of Tests—One test specimen shall be taken for
3.00 1800 2000 0.162 249 275
3.50 1750 1950 0.177 245 270
each 10 coils or fraction thereof, in a lot. Each heat in a given
4.00 1700 1900 0.192 241 267
lot shall be tested.
4.50 1680 1880 0.207 238 264
7.1.3 Test Method—The tension test shall be made in
5.00 1650 1850
A accordance with Test Methods and Definitions A370.
Tensile strength values for intermediate diameters shall be interpolated.
B
Preferred sizes. For a complete list, refer to ANSI B32.100. 7.1.4 Location of Test—It shall be permissible to take
specimens from either end of the coil.
7.2 Wrap Test:
A679/A679M dated ____ .
7.2.1 Requirements—The material as represented by the
wrap test specimens shall conform to the requirements speci-
5. Materials and Manufacture
fied in Table 3.
5.1 The steel may be made by any commercially accepted
7.2.2 Number of Tests—One test specimen shall be taken for
steel-making process.The rod to be used in the manufacture of
each 10 coils, or fraction thereof, in a lot. Each heat in a given
wire furnished to this specification shall be in accordance with
lot shall be tested.
Specification A510/A510M.
7.2.3 Location of Test—It shall be permissible to take test
5.2 The finished wire shall be free from detrimental pipe
specimens from either end of the coil.
and undue segregation.
7.2.4 Test Method—The
...

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: A679/A679M − 06 (Reapproved 2012) A679/A679M − 17
Standard Specification for
Steel Wire, High Tensile Strength, Cold Drawn
This standard is issued under the fixed designation A679/A679M; 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 round, uncoated, high tensile strength, cold-drawn cold drawn steel spring wire, having properties
and quality suitable for the manufacture of mechanical springs and wire forms subject to high static stresses or infrequent dynamic
load, or both.
1.2 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each
system are not exact equivalents; therefore, each system mustshall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the
two systems may result in non-conformance with the 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.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
A370 Test Methods and Definitions for Mechanical Testing of Steel Products
A510A510/A510M Specification for General Requirements for Wire Rods and Coarse Round Wire, Carbon Steel, and Alloy
Steel
A510M Specification for General Requirements for Wire Rods and Coarse Round Wire, Carbon Steel (Metric) (Withdrawn
2011)
A700 Guide for Packaging, Marking, and Loading Methods for Steel Products for Shipment
A751 Test Methods, Practices, and Terminology for Chemical Analysis of Steel Products
A941 Terminology Relating to Steel, Stainless Steel, Related Alloys, and Ferroalloys
E29 Practice for Using Significant Digits in Test Data to Determine Conformance with Specifications
2.2 ANSI Standard:
B32.4B32.100 Preferred Metric Sizes for Round, Square, Rectangle, and Hexagon Metal Products
2.3 Federal Standard:
Fed. Std. No. 123 Marking for Shipment (Civil Agencies)
2.4 AIAG Standard:
AIAGB-5 02.00 Primary Metals Identification Tag Application Standard
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions—For definitions of terms used in this specification, refer to Terminology A941.
4. Ordering Information
4.1 It shall be the responsibility of the purchaser to specify all requirements that are necessary for material under this
specification. Such requirements may include, but are not limited to, the following:
4.1.1 Quantity (mass),
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee A01 on Steel, Stainless Steel and Related Alloys and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee A01.03
on Steel Rod and Wire.
Current edition approved March 1, 2012Sept. 1, 2017. Published March 2012September 2017. Originally approved in 1973. Last previous edition approved in 20062012
as A679/A679M – 06.A679/A679M – 06 (2012). DOI: 10.1520/A0679_A0679M-06R12.10.1520/A0679_A0679M-17.
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.
Available from American National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St., 4th Floor, New York, NY 10036.
Available from Standardization Documents Order Desk, DODSSP, Bldg. 4, Section D, 700 Robbins Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19111-5098.
*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
A679/A679M − 17
4.1.2 Name of material (steel wire, high tensile strength, hardcold drawn),
4.1.3 Dimensions (Table 1 and Section 9),
4.1.4 Packaging (Section 15),
4.1.5 Heat analysis report, if requested (6.2),
4.1.6 Certification or test report, or both, if specified (Section 14), and
4.1.5 ASTM designation and year of issue.
NOTE 1—A typical ordering description is as follows: 20 Mg high tensile strength, hard-drawn steel mechanical spring wire, 5.00-mm diameter, 500-kg
coils to ASTM A679/A679M dated ____ , or for inch-pound units, 40 000-lb high tensile strength, hard-drawn steel mechanical spring wire, 0.192-in.
diameter, in 1000-lb coils to ASTM A679/A679M dated ____ .
4.2 The purchaser shall have the option to specify additional requirements, including but not limited to:
4.2.1 Requirements for certifications, heat analysis or test reports (see Sections 6.2 and 14),
4.2.2 Special packing, marking, and loading requirements (see Section 15), and
4.2.3 Other special requirements, if any.
4.2.4 For wire diameters over 5.00 mm [0.207 in.] or smaller than 0.50 mm [0.020 in.], mechanical properties and permissible
variations in wire diameter shall be negotiated between purchaser and supplier and shall be included on the order information.
NOTE 1—A typical ordering description is as follows: 20 Mg high tensile strength, cold drawn steel mechanical spring wire, 5.00-mm diameter, 500-kg
coils to ASTM A679/A679M dated ____ , or for inch-pound units, 40 000-lb high tensile strength, cold drawn steel mechanical spring wire, 0.192-in.
diameter, in 1000-lb coils to ASTM A679/A679M dated ____ .
5. Materials and Manufacture
5.1 The steel may be made by any commercially accepted steel making process. The steel may be either ingot cast or continuous
strand cast. The steel-making process. The rod to be used in the manufacture of wire furnished to this specification shall be in
accordance with SpecificationsSpecification A510A510/A510M or A510M.
5.2 The finished wire shall be free from detrimental pipe and undue segregation.
5.3 The wire shall be cold drawn to produce the desired mechanical properties.
5.4 The wire finish shall be suitable for forming or coiling. It is not intended that this material be furnished with a metallic
coating.
6. Chemical Composition
6.1 The steel shall conform to the requirements for chemical composition prescribed in Table 2.
TABLE 1 Tensile Requirements
SI Units Inch-Pound Units
Tensile Strength, MPa Tensile Strength, ksi
Diameter,
A
Diameter, in.
A,B
mm
min max min max
0.50 2400 2650 0.020 350 387
0.55 2380 2620 0.023 343 380
0.60 2350 2600 0.026 337 373
0.65 2320 2580 0.029 331 366
0.70 2300 2550 0.032 327 361
0.80 2250 2500 0.035 322 356
0.90 2200 2450 0.041 314 347
1.00 2150 2400 0.048 306 339
1.10 2120 2380 0.054 300 331
1.20 2100 2350 0.062 293 324
1.40 2050 2300 0.072 287 317
1.60 2000 2250 0.080 282 312
1.80 1980 2220 0.092 275 304
2.00 1950 2200 0.106 268 296
2.20 1900 2150 0.120 263 290
2.50 1850 2100 0.135 258 285
2.80 1820 2050 0.148 253 279
3.00 1800 2000 0.162 249 275
3.50 1750 1950 0.177 245 270
4.00 1700 1900 0.1927 241 267
4.00 1700 1900 0.192 241 267
4.50 1680 1880 0.207 238 264
5.00 1650 1850
A
Tensile strength values for intermediate diameters shall be interpolated.
B
Preferred sizes. For a complete list, refer to ANSI B32.4B32.100.
A679/A679M − 17
TABLE 2 Chemical Requirements
Element Composition, %
A
Carbon 0.65–1.00
B
Manganese 0.20–1.30
Phosphorus, max 0.040
Sulfur, max 0.050
Silicon 0.15–0.35
A
Carbon in any one lot shall not vary more than 0.13 %.
B
Manganese in any one lot shall not vary more than 0.30 %.
6.2 Heat Analysis—Each heat of steel shall be analyzed by the manufacturer to determine the percentage of elements prescribed
in Table 2. This analysis shall be made from a test specimen preferably taken during the pouring of the heat. When requested, in
the purchase order, the heat analysis shall be reported to the purchaser.
6.3 Product Analysis—An analysis may be made by the purchaser from finished wire representing each heat of steel. The
chemical composition thus determined, as to elements required or restricted, shall conform to the product analysis requirements
specified in Table 7 of SpecificationsSpecification A510A510/A510M or A510M.
6.4 For referee purposes, Test Met
...