ASTM B613-17(2023)
(Guide)Standard Guide for Preparing Specifications for Miniature Brushes of Composite Materials for Sliding Electric Contacts
Standard Guide for Preparing Specifications for Miniature Brushes of Composite Materials for Sliding Electric Contacts
ABSTRACT
This guide defines the criteria for composition, properties, and other requirements for miniature brushes of composite materials containing a matrix of one or more conducting metallic elements or alloys and one or more lubricating lamellar solids intended for sliding electric contacts. Each constituent of the material should be listed individually by weight percent including tolerances using any analytical technique while the apparent density for the material should be defined using the measurement and weight method. The resistivity; Rockwell superficial hardness, transverse strength, and shear strength; and microstructural properties such as cracks and defects should also be defined and should conform to the required electrical, mechanical, and structural properties of the brush materials.
SCOPE
1.1 This guide defines the criteria for composition, properties, and other requirements for brushes containing a matrix of one or more conducting metallic elements or alloys and one or more lubricating lamellar solids.
1.2 The resulting specification is intended for use where the size (for example, 5 mm by 3 mm by 2 mm), shape, or other factors preclude the determination of properties on specimens of the bulk material from which individual brushes are made.
1.3 The requirements recommended herein have been found to be desirable for most brush material composites. Care must be taken in preparing a specification for a pre-existing material that imposition of one or more provisions herein does not alter the material or its performance.
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.
1.5 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.
1.6 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-Mar-2023
- Technical Committee
- B02 - Nonferrous Metals and Alloys
Relations
- Effective Date
- 01-Jul-2018
- Effective Date
- 01-Jul-2017
- Effective Date
- 01-Dec-2012
- Effective Date
- 01-Nov-2011
- Effective Date
- 01-Feb-2010
- Effective Date
- 01-Feb-2010
- Effective Date
- 01-May-2009
- Effective Date
- 15-May-2008
- Effective Date
- 15-Mar-2008
- Effective Date
- 15-Mar-2008
- Effective Date
- 15-Jan-2008
- Effective Date
- 01-Jan-2008
- Effective Date
- 15-Dec-2007
- Effective Date
- 01-Jul-2007
- Effective Date
- 01-Apr-2007
Overview
The ASTM B613-17(2023) - Standard Guide for Preparing Specifications for Miniature Brushes of Composite Materials for Sliding Electric Contacts - is an internationally recognized document developed by ASTM International. This standard provides comprehensive guidance for defining material composition, physical and mechanical properties, and performance characteristics for miniature brushes made from composite materials. These brushes, containing a matrix of conducting metallic elements or alloys and lubricating lamellar solids, are critical for reliable operation in sliding electric contacts where size and geometry may prevent the use of standard test specimens.
Key Topics
Material Composition
- Each component of the composite material must be listed by weight percent, including agreed-upon tolerances.
- Any suitable analytical technique can be used to determine composition as mutually agreed by producer and user.
Physical Properties
- Apparent Density: Should be specified using the measurement and weight method, with preference for procedures outlined in NEMA CB-1.
- Electrical Resistivity: Must be defined along at least one axis. Test procedures may require modification for very small brushes.
Mechanical Properties
- Hardness: Measured by approved methods such as Rockwell superficial hardness (ASTM E18) or Knoop microindentation (ASTM E384).
- Strength: Transverse strength per NEMA CB-1 is ideal for sufficiently large brushes. Shear strength or similar tests may be required for smaller specimens.
Microstructural Integrity
- Brushes must be visually free from structural defects like cracks, when examined at 50× magnification.
- Pressing direction and laminations must be specified as per the purchase order.
Safety and Compliance
- Users are responsible for understanding and addressing all relevant safety, health, and environmental concerns, referring to the manufacturer's Safety Data Sheet (SDS).
- The standard aligns with internationally accepted principles, including those of the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade Committee.
Applications
Miniature brushes of composite materials covered by ASTM B613-17(2023) are essential components in applications that require reliable sliding electric contacts, particularly when:
- The size, shape, or configuration of the brush makes bulk material testing impractical.
- Composite materials are needed to optimize electrical conductivity, mechanical strength, lubrication, and wear resistance.
- Specific performance parameters must be met for use in small motors, precision instruments, medical devices, and other electrical assemblies.
By following this guide, manufacturers and users can ensure that miniature brushes meet the necessary quality and performance standards, supporting consistency and reliability in critical electrical contact applications.
Related Standards
- ASTM E18: Test Methods for Rockwell Hardness of Metallic Materials
- ASTM E384: Test Method for Microindentation Hardness of Materials
- NEMA CB-1: Brushes for Electrical Machines (National Electrical Manufacturers Association)
These related standards complement ASTM B613-17(2023) by providing detailed procedures for measuring key material properties, helping ensure robust and repeatable evaluation of brushes for sliding electric contacts.
Keywords: miniature brushes, composite materials, sliding electric contacts, ASTM B613, electrical contact materials, material composition, hardness, density, strength, NEMA CB-1, Rockwell hardness, lamellar solids
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Frequently Asked Questions
ASTM B613-17(2023) is a guide published by ASTM International. Its full title is "Standard Guide for Preparing Specifications for Miniature Brushes of Composite Materials for Sliding Electric Contacts". This standard covers: ABSTRACT This guide defines the criteria for composition, properties, and other requirements for miniature brushes of composite materials containing a matrix of one or more conducting metallic elements or alloys and one or more lubricating lamellar solids intended for sliding electric contacts. Each constituent of the material should be listed individually by weight percent including tolerances using any analytical technique while the apparent density for the material should be defined using the measurement and weight method. The resistivity; Rockwell superficial hardness, transverse strength, and shear strength; and microstructural properties such as cracks and defects should also be defined and should conform to the required electrical, mechanical, and structural properties of the brush materials. SCOPE 1.1 This guide defines the criteria for composition, properties, and other requirements for brushes containing a matrix of one or more conducting metallic elements or alloys and one or more lubricating lamellar solids. 1.2 The resulting specification is intended for use where the size (for example, 5 mm by 3 mm by 2 mm), shape, or other factors preclude the determination of properties on specimens of the bulk material from which individual brushes are made. 1.3 The requirements recommended herein have been found to be desirable for most brush material composites. Care must be taken in preparing a specification for a pre-existing material that imposition of one or more provisions herein does not alter the material or its performance. 1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard. 1.5 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. 1.6 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.
ABSTRACT This guide defines the criteria for composition, properties, and other requirements for miniature brushes of composite materials containing a matrix of one or more conducting metallic elements or alloys and one or more lubricating lamellar solids intended for sliding electric contacts. Each constituent of the material should be listed individually by weight percent including tolerances using any analytical technique while the apparent density for the material should be defined using the measurement and weight method. The resistivity; Rockwell superficial hardness, transverse strength, and shear strength; and microstructural properties such as cracks and defects should also be defined and should conform to the required electrical, mechanical, and structural properties of the brush materials. SCOPE 1.1 This guide defines the criteria for composition, properties, and other requirements for brushes containing a matrix of one or more conducting metallic elements or alloys and one or more lubricating lamellar solids. 1.2 The resulting specification is intended for use where the size (for example, 5 mm by 3 mm by 2 mm), shape, or other factors preclude the determination of properties on specimens of the bulk material from which individual brushes are made. 1.3 The requirements recommended herein have been found to be desirable for most brush material composites. Care must be taken in preparing a specification for a pre-existing material that imposition of one or more provisions herein does not alter the material or its performance. 1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard. 1.5 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. 1.6 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.
ASTM B613-17(2023) is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 29.100.20 - Electrical and electromechanical components. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
ASTM B613-17(2023) has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to ASTM E18-18, ASTM E18-17, ASTM E18-12, ASTM E18-11, ASTM E384-10e1, ASTM E384-10, ASTM E384-09, ASTM E18-08a, ASTM E384-08ae1, ASTM E384-08a, ASTM E18-08, ASTM E384-08, ASTM E384-07a, ASTM E384-07, ASTM E18-07. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.
ASTM B613-17(2023) is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.
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: B613 − 17 (Reapproved 2023)
Standard Guide for
Preparing Specifications for Miniature Brushes of
Composite Materials for Sliding Electric Contacts
This standard is issued under the fixed designation B613; 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 2. Referenced Documents
1.1 This guide defines the criteria for composition, 2.1 ASTM Standards:
properties, and other requirements for brushes containing a E18 Test Methods for Rockwell Hardness of Metallic Ma-
matrix of one or more conducting metallic elements or alloys terials
and one or more lubricating lamellar solids. E384 Test Method for Microindentation Hardness of Mate-
rials
1.2 The resulting specification is intended for use where the
2.2 NEMA Standard:
size (for example, 5 mm by 3 mm by 2 mm), shape, or other
CB-1 Brushes for Electrical Machines
factors preclude the determination of properties on specimens
of the bulk material from which individual brushes are made.
3. Requirements
1.3 The requirements recommended herein have been found
3.1 Composition—Each constituent should be listed indi-
to be desirable for most brush material composites. Care must
be taken in preparing a specification for a pre-existing material vidually by weight percent including tolerances if mutually
agreed upon by producer and user. Any analytical technique
that imposition of one or more provisions herein does not alter
the material or its performance. may be used as agreed upon between the producer and user.
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as 3.2 Density—An apparent density for the material should be
standard. No other units of measurement are included in this defined. The measurement and weight method defined by
standard. NEMA CB-1 is preferred.
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the
3.3 Resistivity—The resistivity should be defined for at least
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
one axis. The procedure defined by NEMA CB-1 may need to
responsibility of the user of this standard to become familiar
be modified, as agreed upon between the producer and user, for
with all hazards including those identified in the appropriate
very small brushes.
Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for this product/material as provided
3.4 Hardness—The bulk hardness of the brush material
by the manufacturer, to establish appropriate safety, health,
should be defined. Rockwell superficial hardness tests, ⁄8 in. or
and environmental practices, and determine the applicability
⁄4 in. ball, (Test Methods E18) and Knoop, 500 g load (Test
of regulatory limitations prior to use.
Method E384) have been used.
1.6 This international standard was developed in accor-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
...
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