ASTM B392-18

Standard Specification for Niobium and Niobium Alloy Bar, Rod, and Wire

ABSTRACT
This specification covers four grades of wrought niobium and niobium alloy bar, rod, and wire as R04200-Type 1, reactor grade unalloyed niobium; R04210-Type 2, commercial grade unalloyed niobium; R04251-Type 3, reactor grade niobium alloy containing 1 % zirconium; and R04261-Type 4, commercial grade niobium alloy containing 1 % zirconium. The chemical; and mechanical properties requirements, such as Brinell hardness, tensile strength, yield strength, and elongations; as well as the temper designations are detailed.
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
13.1 For the purposes of determining compliance with the specified limits for requirements of the properties listed in this specification, an observed value or a calculated value shall be rounded as indicated in accordance with the rounding method of Practice E29.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers four grades of wrought niobium and niobium alloy bar, rod, and wire as follows:  
1.1.1 R04200-Type 1—Reactor grade unalloyed niobium,  
1.1.2 R04210-Type 2—Commercial grade unalloyed niobium,  
1.1.3 R04251-Type 3—Reactor grade niobium alloy containing 1 % zirconium, and  
1.1.4 R04261-Type 4—Commercial grade niobium alloy containing 1 % zirconium.  
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 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: 31-Mar-2018
• ICS: 77.150.99 - Other products of non-ferrous metals
• Technical Committee: B10 - Reactive and Refractory Metals and Alloys
• Drafting Committee: B10.03 - Niobium, Tantalum, and Vanadium

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM B392-09e1 - Standard Specification for Niobium and Niobium Alloy Bar, Rod, and Wire (Withdrawn 2018)
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2018
• Refers: ASTM E8/E8M-24 - Standard Test Methods for Tension Testing of Metallic Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2024
• Refers: ASTM B391-18 - Standard Specification for Niobium and Niobium Alloy Ingots
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2018
• Refers: ASTM E8/E8M-16 - Standard Test Methods for Tension Testing of Metallic Materials
• Effective Date: 15-Jul-2016
• Refers: ASTM E8/E8M-15 - Standard Test Methods for Tension Testing of Metallic Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2015
• Refers: ASTM E8/E8M-13 - Standard Test Methods for Tension Testing of Metallic Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2013
• Refers: ASTM E8/E8M-11 - Standard Test Methods for Tension Testing of Metallic Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2011
• Refers: ASTM B391-09 - Standard Specification for Niobium and Niobium Alloy Ingots
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2009
• Refers: ASTM B391-09e1 - Standard Specification for Niobium and Niobium Alloy Ingots (Withdrawn 2018)
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2009
• 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 E2626-08 - Standard Guide for Spectrometric Analysis of Reactive and Refractory Metals
• Effective Date: 15-Jun-2008
• Refers: ASTM E2626-08e1 - Standard Guide for Spectrometric Analysis of Reactive and Refractory Metals (Withdrawn 2017)
• Effective Date: 15-Jun-2008
• Refers: ASTM E29-06b - Standard Practice for Using Significant Digits in Test Data to Determine Conformance with Specifications
• Effective Date: 15-Nov-2006
• Refers: ASTM E29-06a - Standard Practice for Using Significant Digits in Test Data to Determine Conformance with Specifications
• Effective Date: 15-Sep-2006
• Refers: ASTM E29-06 - Standard Practice for Using Significant Digits in Test Data to Determine Conformance with Specifications
• Effective Date: 01-May-2006

Overview

ASTM B392-18 is the standard specification established by ASTM International for niobium and niobium alloy bar, rod, and wire. This standard ensures consistency in the production and quality of niobium and niobium alloys used across various industrial and technological applications. It details the requirements for four specific grades: two grades of unalloyed niobium and two grades of niobium alloyed with 1% zirconium, in both reactor and commercial grade forms.

Key Topics

• Material Grades Covered:

  • Type 1 (R04200): Reactor grade unalloyed niobium
  • Type 2 (R04210): Commercial grade unalloyed niobium
  • Type 3 (R04251): Reactor grade niobium alloy with 1% zirconium
  • Type 4 (R04261): Commercial grade niobium alloy with 1% zirconium

• Product Forms:

  • Bar: Rectangular sections less than 6 inches wide and at least 0.187 inches thick
  • Rod: Round, hexagonal, or octagonal sections from 0.125 to 2.50 inches in diameter
  • Wire: Product from 0.020 to 0.124 inches in diameter, supplied in coils, spools, or reels

• Essential Properties:

  • Chemical composition requirements for each grade, including maximum limits on interstitial elements such as carbon, oxygen, nitrogen, and hydrogen
  • Mechanical properties including tensile strength, yield strength, elongation, and Brinell hardness
  • Mandatory temper designations, with a focus on the fully annealed (at least 90% recrystallized) condition unless otherwise specified

• Manufacturing Processes:

  • Production from ingots meeting ASTM B391 specification using vacuum melting processes (plasma arc, electron beam)
  • Forming using extrusion, forging, swaging, rolling, and drawing

• Quality and Inspection:

  • Requirements for surface finish, absence of injurious defects, and standards for dimensional tolerances
  • Sampling procedures, retest provisions, and acceptance criteria
  • Certification and traceability through product marking

Applications

ASTM B392-18 niobium and niobium alloy bar, rod, and wire are used in demanding environments where their high melting point, corrosion resistance, and excellent mechanical properties are essential. Key industry applications include:

• Nuclear Industry: Reactor grade niobium and niobium-zirconium alloys are used in nuclear reactor components due to their exceptional purity, resistance to neutron embrittlement, and stability at high temperatures.
• Electronics and Superconducting Technologies: High-purity niobium materials are critical in the production of superconductors, capacitors, and specialized components for electronic devices.
• Chemical Processing: Components fabricated from niobium alloys are used in chemical plants due to their superior corrosion resistance against a range of aggressive chemicals.
• Aerospace and High-Temperature Engineering: Niobium’s unique properties make it suitable for applications such as jet engine components, rocket subassemblies, and thermal shielding.

Related Standards

• ASTM B391: Specification for niobium and niobium alloy ingots, which are the basis for the products covered in ASTM B392-18
• ASTM E8/E8M: Test methods for tension testing of metallic materials, referenced for mechanical property evaluations
• ASTM E29: Standard for using significant digits in test data to determine conformance
• WTO TBT Principles: The standard aligns with internationally recognized principles established by the World Trade Organization’s Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee

By adhering to ASTM B392-18, manufacturers, suppliers, and end users assure reliable material performance for niobium bar, rod, and wire, aligning with stringent global quality requirements. This standard ensures dependable sourcing for critical applications and facilitates international trade by providing uniform specifications for niobium alloys.

Keywords: niobium bar, niobium rod, niobium wire, niobium alloy, ASTM B392, reactor grade niobium, commercial grade niobium, niobium zirconium alloys, mechanical requirements, chemical requirements

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:B392 −18
Standard Specification for
Niobium and Niobium Alloy Bar, Rod, and Wire
This standard is issued under the fixed designation B392; 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 E2626 Guide for Spectrometric Analysis of Reactive and
Refractory Metals (Withdrawn 2017)
1.1 This specification covers four grades of wrought nio-
bium and niobium alloy bar, rod, and wire as follows:
3. Terminology
1.1.1 R04200-Type 1—Reactor grade unalloyed niobium,
3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
1.1.2 R04210-Type 2—Commercial grade unalloyed
niobium, 3.1.1 lot, n—alotshallconsistofallmaterialproducedfrom
the same ingot at one time, with the same cross section,
1.1.3 R04251-Type 3—Reactorgradeniobiumalloycontain-
ing 1 % zirconium, and processed with the same nominal metallurgical parameters and
heat treated at the same conditions.
1.1.4 R04261-Type 4—Commercial grade niobium alloy
containing 1 % zirconium.
3.1.2 bar, n—material less than 6 in. (152.4 mm) in width
and 0.187 in. (4.75 mm) or greater in thickness, with a
1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
rectangular cross section, supplied in straight lengths.
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only
3.1.3 rod, n—material 0.125 to 2.50 in. (3.18 to 63.50 mm)
and are not considered standard.
in diameter, in round, hexagonal, or octagonal cross section
supplied in straight lengths.
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
3.1.4 wire, n—material 0.020 to 0.124 in. (0.51 to 3.15 mm)
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
in diameter, furnished in coils or on spools or reels. Material
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
less than 0.020 in. (0.51 mm) in diameter is not covered by this
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
specification.
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard- 4. Ordering Information
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
4.1 Orders for materials under this specification shall in-
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
clude the following information as applicable:
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
4.1.1 Type and grade (Section 1),
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
4.1.2 ASTM designation and year of issue,
4.1.3 Method of manufacture (Section 5),
2. Referenced Documents
4.1.4 Temper designation (Section 8),
2.1 ASTM Standards:
4.1.5 Quantityinweight,numberofpieces,anddimensions,
B391 Specification for Niobium and Niobium Alloy Ingots
4.1.6 Chemistry (6.3),
E8/E8M Test Methods for Tension Testing of Metallic Ma-
4.1.7 Mechanical properties (Section 7),
terials
4.1.8 Condition (8.2),
E29 Practice for Using Significant Digits in Test Data to
4.1.9 Permissible Variations (9.2),
Determine Conformance with Specifications
4.1.10 Permissible overshipments (9.4),
4.1.11 Quality and finish (Section 10),
4.1.12 Sampling (Section 11),
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee B10 on
4.1.13 Inspection (Section 15),
Reactive and Refractory Metals and Alloys and is the direct responsibility of
4.1.14 Required reports (Section 17), and
Subcommittee B10.03 on Niobium and Tantalum.
4.1.15 Additions to the specification and supplementary
Current edition approved April 1, 2018. Published May 2018. Originally
ɛ1
approvedin1989.Lastpreviouseditionapprovedin2009asB392 –09 whichwas requirements, as required.
withdrawn January 2018 and reinstated in April 2018. DOI: 10.1520/B0392-18.
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
B392−18
TABLE 2 Additional Chemical Requirements for Finished Product
5. Materials and Manufacture
(When Specified by the Purchaser)
5.1 Material covered by this specification shall be made
Type 2 Type 4
Type 1 Type 3
from ingots that conform to Specification B391 and that are
(Commercial (Commercial
(Reactor Grade (Reactor Grade
produced by vacuum or plasma arc melting, vacuum electron- Grade Grade
Element Unalloyed Niobium—1 %
Unalloyed Niobium—1 %
beam melting, or a combination of these three methods.
Niobium) Zirconium)
Niobium) Zirconium)
R04200 R04251
R04210 R04261
5.2 The various niobium mill products covered by this
Maximum Weight %
specification are formed with the conventional extrusion,
forging, swaging, rolling, and drawing equipment normally
Oxygen 0.0250 0.0400 0.0250 0.0400
available in metal working plants.
Carbon 0.0100 0.0150 0.0100 0.0150
Nitrogen 0.0100 0.0100 0.0100 0.0100
6. Chemical Requirements
Hydrogen 0.0015 0.0015 0.0015 0.0015
6.1 The niobium and niobium alloy ingots and billets for
conversion to finished products covered by this specification
TABLE 3 Mechanical Properties, Annealed Condition (90%
shall conform to the requirements for chemical composition as
Minimum Recrystallized)
prescribed in Table 1.
Ultimate Tensile Elongation
Yield Strength, psi
6.2 The manufacturer’s ingot analysis shall be considered Grade Strength, Min, psi min %,
(MPa)
A
(MPa) mm
the chemical analysis for products supplied under this
Rod, 0.125 in. (3.18 mm) to 2.5 in. (63.5 mm) diameter
specification, except for interstitials as specified in 6.3.
Types 1 and 2 18 000 (125) 10 500 (73) 25
Types 3 and 4 28 000 (195) 18 000 (125) 20
Alternately,ananalysisofarepresentativesampleofinprocess
Wire, 0.020 in. (0.51 mm) to 0.124 in. (3.15 mm)
or final product from the same ingot may be substituted.
Types 1 and 2 18 000 (125) . 20
Types 3 and 4 28 000 (195) . 15
6.3 When requested by the purchaser at the time of
A
10in.(254mm)gagelengthto0.050in.(1.27mm)diameter,and1in.(25.4mm)
purchase, the manufacturer shall furnish a report certifying the
or 2 in. (50.8 mm) gage length equal to or over 0.050 in. (1.27 mm).
values of the interstitial elements (C, O, N, H) on end product,
as prescribed in Table 2 for each lot of material supplied. End
product interstitial samples must be taken after all thermal and
8. Temper Designations
chemical processing.
8.1 Unless otherwise stated, the materials supplied under
6.4 Guide E2626 is recommended as a guide, where appli-
these specifications shall be in the fully annealed condition,
cable.
that is, at least 90 % recrystallized.
7. Mechanical Requirements
8.2 Other temper designations, such as cold-worked temper
7.1 The annealed materials supplied under this specification
or stress-relieved temper, can be specified as agreed upon
shall conform to the requirements for mechanical properties as
between the purchaser and the manufacturer at the time of
specified in Table 3.
purchase.
TABLE 1 Chemical Requirements
9. Permissible Variations in Dimensions and Weight
Type 1 Type 2 Type 3 Type 4
9.1 Tolerances on Rounds—Tolerances on niobium and
(Reactor (Commercial (Reactor (Commercial
Grade Grade Grade Grade
niobium alloy round products covered by this specification
Element Unalloyed Unalloyed Niobium- Niobium-
shall be as prescribed in Table 4.
Niobium) Niobium) 1% 1%
R04200 R04210 Zirconium) Zirconium)
9.2 Tolerances for Square, Rectangular, or Other Shapes—
R04251 R04261
Tolerances for forged or rolled square, rectangular, or other
Max Weight % (Except Where Otherwise Specified)
shapes shall be as agreed upon between the purchaser and the
Each Ingot:
Carbon 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 manufacturer at the time of purchase.
Nitrogen 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01
Oxygen 0.015 0.025 0.015 0.025
Hydrogen 0.0015 0.0015 0.0015 0.0015 TABLE 4 Permissible Variations in Dimensions for Rolled,
Zirconium 0.02 0.02 0.8 to 1.2 0.8to1.2
Swaged, or Drawn Rod and Wire
(range) (range)
Diameter, in. (mm) Tolerances, plus or minus, in. (mm)
Tantalum 0.1 0.3 0.1 0.5
Iron 0.005 0.01 0.005 0.01 0.020–0.030 excl (0.51–0.76) 0.00075 (0.019)
Silicon 0.005 0.005 0.005 0.005 0.030–0.060 excl (0.76–1.52) 0.001 (0.025)
Tungsten 0.03 0.05 0.03 0.05 0.060–0.090 excl (1.52–2.29) 0.0015 (0.038)
Nickel 0.005 0.005 0.005 0.005 0.090–0.125 excl (2.29–3.18) 0.002 (0.051)
Molybdenum 0.010 0.020 0.0
...