ASTM A323-05(2020)

Standard Specification for Ferroboron

ABSTRACT
This specification covers several grades of ferroboron. The grades shall conform to the required chemical composition for boron, carbon, silicon, and aluminum. Various sizes of ferroboron are detailed. Chemical analysis of the material shall be made.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers several grades of ferroboron.  
1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as the standard. The SI units given in parentheses are for information only.  
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: 77.100 - Ferroalloys
• Technical Committee: A01 - Steel, Stainless Steel and Related Alloys
• Drafting Committee: A01.18 - Castings

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM A323-05(2015) - Standard Specification for Ferroboron
• 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 A1025/A1025M-10 - Standard Specification for Ferroalloys, General Requirements
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2010
• Refers: ASTM E371-99 - Standard Test Method for the Determination of Boron in Ferroboron
• Effective Date: 10-Nov-2000
• Refers: ASTM E371-00 - Standard Test Method for the Determination of Boron in Ferroboron (Withdrawn 2006)
• Effective Date: 10-Nov-2000
• Referred By: ASTM A1025/A1025M-10(2020) - Standard Specification for Ferroalloys and Other Alloying Materials, General Requirements
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2020

Overview

ASTM A323-05(2020): Standard Specification for Ferroboron establishes the requirements for several grades of ferroboron, an essential ferroalloy used in steel production and other metallurgy applications. Developed by ASTM International, this standard outlines mandatory chemical composition, sizing, chemical analysis methods, and compliance expectations. By referencing internationally recognized principles and guidelines, ASTM A323 ensures consistency and quality in ferroboron products distributed worldwide.

Key Topics

• Grades and Chemical Composition

  • Defines multiple grades, including A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, and C2, differentiated by minimum and maximum boron levels and maximum allowable carbon, silicon, and aluminum content.
  • Chemical composition requirements are provided, ensuring high precision in boron content and control of impurities.

• Sizing Requirements

  • Specifies available sizes of ferroboron, such as 2 inch (50.8 mm) by down, 1 inch (25.4 mm) by down, 1/4 inch (6.35 mm) by down, and 20 mesh (0.841 mm) by down.
  • The appropriate size must be stated in the order to ensure suitability for the specific manufacturing process.

• Chemical Analysis and Testing

  • Mandates that chemical analysis be performed using standardized methods, such as ASTM E371, to verify conformity with stated grade requirements.
  • Where standard methods are not available, manufacturer and purchaser must agree on suitable alternative analytical procedures.

• Units of Measure

  • The standard uses inch-pound units as the primary reference, while SI units are provided for informational purposes only.

• International Trade Principles

  • Developed in accordance with World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee guidelines, promoting fair international trade of ferroboron.

Applications

• Steel and Alloy Manufacturing

  • Ferroboron is widely used for adding controlled amounts of boron to steel, improving hardenability, mechanical strength, and grain refinement in steel products.
  • Vital for producing specialty steels used in automotive, construction, tool-making, and engineering industries.

• Quality Assurance in Metallurgy

  • Ensures that ferroboron added in steel melting shops and foundries meets strict specifications, reducing variability and guaranteeing desired mechanical properties in the final product.

• Global Sourcing and Procurement

  • Suppliers and purchasers rely on ASTM A323 to specify required grades, chemical composition, and size, ensuring compatibility with processing equipment and end-product requirements.

• Standardized Testing and Certification

  • Laboratories and quality control departments utilize referenced test methods to certify compliance, supporting traceability and regulatory requirements.

Related Standards

• ASTM A1025/A1025M - General Requirements for Ferroalloys and Other Alloying Materials: Specifies overall requirements to which materials under ASTM A323 must additionally conform.
• ASTM E371 - Test Method for The Determination of Boron in Ferroalloys: Provides recognized chemical analysis procedures referenced in A323.
• Other Relevant Standards:
  • Various ASTM and ISO standards addressing alloying materials, ferroalloy specifications, and analytical test methods may be relevant for broader metallurgical applications.

ASTM A323-05(2020) for ferroboron assures material consistency, enables global sourcing, and supports manufacturing quality and reliability in steel and alloy production. Following this standard streamlines procurement, testing, and usage across international markets, contributing to better product performance and customer satisfaction.

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:A323 −05 (Reapproved 2020)
Standard Specification for
Ferroboron
This standard is issued under the fixed designation A323; 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 ferroboron. 3.1 Materials furnished to this specification shall conform to
the requirements of Specification A1025/A1025M, including
1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
any supplementary requirements that are indicated in the
as the standard. The SI units given in parentheses are for
purchase order. Failure to comply with the general require-
information only.
ments of Specification A1025/A1025M constitutes nonconfor-
1.3 This international standard was developed in accor-
mance with this specification. In case of conflict between the
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
requirements of this specification and Specification A1025/
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
A1025M, this specification shall prevail.
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical 4. Chemical Composition
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
4.1 The various grades shall conform to the requirements as
to chemical composition specified in Table 1. The manufac-
2. Referenced Documents
turer shall furnish an analysis of each lot showing the percent-
2.1 ASTM Standards: age of each element specified.
A1025/A1025M Specification for Ferroalloys and Other Al-
5. Sizing
loying Materials, General Requirements
E371 Test Method for The Determination of Boron in 5.1 Ferroboron is available in various sizes such as: 2 in.
(50.8 mm) by down, 1 in. (25.4 mm) by down, ⁄4 in. (6.35 mm)
Ferroboron (Withdrawn 2006)
by down, and 20 mesh (0.841 mm) by down. The size shall be
as specified in the order.
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee A01 on Steel,
6. Chemical Analysis
Stainless Steel and Related Alloys and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee
A01.18 on Castings.
6.1 The chemical analysis of the material shall be made in
Current edition approved March 1, 2020. Publis
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