ASTM A601/A601M-10(2020)

Standard Specification for Electrolytic Manganese Metal

ABSTRACT
This specification covers electrolytic manganese classified into Grades A (regular), B (intermediate hydrogen), C (low hydrogen), D (4.5% nitrogen bearing), E (6%nitrogen bearing) and F (weld graded powder). The specimens shall conform to the required chemical compositions of manganese, sulfur, hydrogen, nitrogen, iron, carbon, phosphorus, silicon, and aluminum.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers several grades of electrolytic manganese designated as follows:    
Grade    
Regular  
A  
Intermediate Hydrogen  
B  
Low Hydrogen  
C  
4.5 % Nitrogen Bearing  
D  
6 % Nitrogen Bearing  
E  
Weld Grade Powder  
F  
1.2 Units—The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems may result in nonconformance with the standard.  
1.2.1 This specification is expressed in both inch-pound units and in SI units (within the text, the SI units are shown in brackets); however, unless the purchase order or contract specifies the applicable M specification designation (SI units), the inch-pound units shall apply.  
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: 29-Feb-2020
• ICS: 77.140.20 - Stainless steels
• Technical Committee: A01 - Steel, Stainless Steel and Related Alloys
• Drafting Committee: A01.18 - Castings

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM A601/A601M-10(2015) - Standard Specification for Electrolytic Manganese Metal
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2020
• Refers: ASTM A1025/A1025M-10(2015) - Standard Specification for Ferroalloys and Other Alloying Materials, General Requirements
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2015
• Refers: ASTM E11-13 - Standard Specification for Woven Wire Test Sieve Cloth and Test Sieves
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2013
• Refers: ASTM A1025/A1025M-10 - Standard Specification for Ferroalloys, General Requirements
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2010
• Refers: ASTM E11-09e1 - Standard Specification for Woven Wire Test Sieve Cloth and Test Sieves
• Effective Date: 01-May-2009
• Refers: ASTM E11-04 - Standard Specification for Wire Cloth and Sieves for Testing Purposes
• Effective Date: 01-May-2004
• Refers: ASTM E11-95 - Standard Specification for Wire Cloth and Sieves for Testing Purposes
• Effective Date: 10-May-2001
• Refers: ASTM E11-01 - Standard Specification for Wire Cloth and Sieves for Testing Purposes
• Effective Date: 10-May-2001
• Referred By: ASTM A1025/A1025M-10(2020) - Standard Specification for Ferroalloys and Other Alloying Materials, General Requirements
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2020

Overview

ASTM A601/A601M-10(2020) - Standard Specification for Electrolytic Manganese Metal defines the requirements for several grades of electrolytic manganese metal used in various industrial applications. Developed by ASTM International, this specification outlines chemical composition, size, and delivery requirements to ensure quality and consistency across the manganese supply chain. This standard is recognized internationally and is compliant with the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) guidelines, supporting global interoperability and trade.

Key Topics

• Grades of Electrolytic Manganese

  • Regular (Grade A)
  • Intermediate Hydrogen (Grade B)
  • Low Hydrogen (Grade C)
  • 4.5% Nitrogen Bearing (Grade D)
  • 6% Nitrogen Bearing (Grade E)
  • Weld Grade Powder (Grade F)

• Chemical Requirements

  • Manganese content, both total and metallic, must meet minimum thresholds
  • Maximum levels specified for sulfur, hydrogen, iron, carbon, phosphorus, silicon, and aluminum
  • Nitrogen content requirements for Grades D and E

• Size and Tolerances

  • Plate size and powder specifications, with tolerances defined by standard sieve sizes
  • Size and friability designed to accommodate transportation and handling requirements

• Color Coding for Grades

  • Each manganese grade may be identified by standardized color codes for shipment labeling and handling

• Units of Measurement

  • Standard provides requirements in both SI and inch-pound units; users must not mix the two systems in the same application

Applications

Electrolytic manganese metal, as specified by ASTM A601/A601M-10(2020), is essential for numerous applications, especially where high purity, controlled hydrogen, or nitrogen levels are required:

• Steel Manufacturing

  • Used as an alloying agent to improve strength, hardness, and ductility
  • Low hydrogen grades are critical to high-quality specialty steels

• Aluminum Alloy Production

  • Contributes to corrosion resistance and mechanical properties

• Welding Consumables

  • Weld grade electrolytic manganese powder specifically caters to welding rod and electrode production

• Battery and Electronics Industry

  • High-purity manganese supports advanced battery technologies and electronics manufacturing

• Chemical Processing

  • Certain nitrogen-bearing grades are valuable for producing specialty chemicals and catalysts

Due to strict requirements on chemical composition and physical properties, electrolytic manganese metal manufactured under this standard ensures consistent performance and compatibility in critical industrial uses.

Related Standards

Understanding and implementing ASTM A601/A601M-10(2020) may require familiarity with additional relevant standards:

• ASTM A1025/A1025M - Specification for Ferroalloys and Other Alloying Materials, General Requirements. All shipments must conform to these general conditions in addition to the specific requirements of A601/A601M.
• ASTM E11 - Specification for Woven Wire Test Sieve Cloth and Test Sieves, referenced for defining sieve sizes in the size tolerances section.

Keywords: electrolytic manganese, manganese metal, ASTM A601, nitrogen-bearing manganese, weld grade manganese, standard specification, chemical composition, industrial alloying, steelmaking, welding, battery materials

By adhering to ASTM A601/A601M-10(2020), manufacturers, suppliers, and end users can ensure the reliable quality and traceability of electrolytic manganese products throughout global supply chains.

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: A601/A601M −10 (Reapproved 2020)
Standard Specification for
Electrolytic Manganese Metal
This standard is issued under the fixed designationA601/A601M; 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. General Conditions for Delivery
1.1 This specification covers several grades of electrolytic
3.1 Materials furnished to this specification shall conform to
manganese designated as follows:
the requirements of Specification A1025/A1025M, including
Grade
any supplementary requirements that are indicated in the
Regular A
purchase order. Failure to comply with the general require-
Intermediate Hydrogen B
Low Hydrogen C ments of Specification A1025/A1025M constitutes nonconfor-
4.5 % Nitrogen Bearing D
mance with this specification. In case of conflict between the
6 % Nitrogen Bearing E
requirements of this specification and Specification A1025/
Weld Grade Powder F
A1025M, this specification shall prevail.
1.2 Units—The values stated in either SI units or inch-
pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The
4. Chemical Requirements
values stated in each system may not be exact equivalents;
therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other.
4.1 The various grades shall conform to the requirements as
Combining values from the two systems may result in noncon-
to chemical composition specified in Tables 1 and 2.
formance with the standard.
4.2 The manufacturer shall furnish an analysis of each
1.2.1 This specification is expressed in both inch-pound
units and in SI units (within the text, the SI units are shown in shipment showing the percentage of each element specified in
brackets); however, unless the purchase order or contract the applicable table.
specifies the applicable M specification designation (SI units),
the inch-pound units shall apply. 5. Size
1.3 This international standard was developed in accor-
5.1 The various grades are available in the sizes listed in
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
Table 3.
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
5.2 The sizes listed in Table 3 are typical as shipped from
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical the manufacturer’s plant. These alloys exhibit varying degrees
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee. of friability; therefore, some attrition may be expected in
transit, storage, and handling (see 5.3 and Specification A1025/
2. Referenced Documents A1025M).
2.1 ASTM Standards:
5.3 Friability Ratings:
A1025/A1025M Specification for Ferroalloys and Other Al-
Grades A, B, C No. 6
loying Materials, General Requirements
Grades D, E No. 5
E11 Specification for Woven Wire Test Sieve Cloth and Test
Sieves 6. Chemical Analysis
6.1 Chemical analysis methods are subject to agreement
between the purchaser and the supplier.
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee A01 on Steel,
Stainless Steel and Related Alloys and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee
7. Packaging
A01.18 on Castings.
Current edition approved March 1, 2020. Published March 2020. Originally
7.1 Color coding shall be used when shipment is made in
approved in 1969. Last previous edition approved in 2015 as A601/A601M – 10
(2015). DOI: 10.1520/A0601_A0601M-10R20.
containers. The color coding may be used in lieu of grade
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM web
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