ASTM B495-22

Standard Specification for Zirconium and Zirconium Alloy Ingots

ABSTRACT
This specification covers the six grades of zirconium and zirconium alloy ingots: Grade R60700, Grade R60702, Grade R60703, Grade R60704, Grade R60705, and Grade R60706. These materials shall be manufactured by electron beam, vacuum, or inert atmosphere melting in furnaces. The material shall form to the required chemical composition of zirconium, hafnium, iron, chromium, tin, hydrogen, nitrogen, carbon, niobium, and oxygen. Check analysis shall be performed. The following test methods shall be done: ultrasonic test and chemical test.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers six grades of zirconium ingots.  
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 The following precautionary caveat pertains only to the test method portion, Section 10, of this specification: 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-2022
• ICS: 77.150.99 - Other products of non-ferrous metals
• Technical Committee: B10 - Reactive and Refractory Metals and Alloys
• Drafting Committee: B10.02 - Zirconium and Hafnium

Relations

• Refers: ASTM E114-10 - Standard Practice for Ultrasonic Pulse-Echo Straight-Beam Contact Testing
• Effective Date: 15-Jun-2010
• Refers: ASTM E2626-08e1 - Standard Guide for Spectrometric Analysis of Reactive and Refractory Metals (Withdrawn 2017)
• Effective Date: 15-Jun-2008
• Refers: ASTM E2626-08 - Standard Guide for Spectrometric Analysis of Reactive and Refractory Metals
• Effective Date: 15-Jun-2008
• Refers: ASTM E114-95(2005) - Standard Practice for Ultrasonic Pulse-Echo Straight-Beam Examination by the Contact Method
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2005
• Refers: ASTM E114-95(2001) - Standard Practice for Ultrasonic Pulse-Echo Straight-Beam Examination by the Contact Method
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2001
• Refers: ASTM E114-95 - Standard Practice for Ultrasonic Pulse-Echo Straight-Beam Examination by the Contact Method
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2001

Overview

ASTM B495-22: Standard Specification for Zirconium and Zirconium Alloy Ingots establishes the requirements for six key grades of zirconium and zirconium alloy ingots. Developed by ASTM International, this standard defines the chemical composition, manufacturing methods, testing, inspection, packaging, and certification protocols related to these high-purity metals. The specification is recognized globally, supporting industries where reliable zirconium material quality is essential.

Zirconium and its alloys exhibit exceptional resistance to corrosion and high temperatures, making them indispensable in demanding applications. ASTM B495-22 promotes consistency in quality and traceability, benefiting manufacturers, suppliers, and end-users across various sectors.

Key Topics

• Scope: Covers six primary grades of zirconium and zirconium alloy ingots, including both unalloyed and alloyed forms.
• Manufacturing Process: Specifies production by electron beam, vacuum, or inert atmosphere melting to control contamination and ensure material purity.
• Chemical Composition: Details the acceptable limits for elements such as zirconium, hafnium, iron, chromium, tin, hydrogen, nitrogen, carbon, niobium, and oxygen; optional acceptance of additional elements by agreement.
• Testing Requirements:
  • Ultrasonic inspection as per ASTM E114 to detect internal defects
  • Chemical testing for traceability and quality assurance
• Inspection & Certification: Materials must be inspected and certified by the producer or supplier, with provisions for retesting and third-party arbitration.
• Packaging & Marking: Specifies metal die-stamping of ingot numbers, clear labeling on packaging, and adequate protection for transport.

Applications

Zirconium and zirconium alloy ingots specified by ASTM B495-22 are vital in applications that require reliable performance under extreme conditions. Common uses include:

• Nuclear Industry: Zirconium alloys are critical for nuclear fuel cladding and reactor components, due to their low neutron absorption and corrosion resistance.
• Chemical Processing: The high corrosion resistance of zirconium alloys suits them for use in acid production, pharmaceuticals, and high-purity process equipment.
• Aerospace & Defense: Components requiring high strength, low weight, and chemical stability often use these alloys.
• Medical Devices: Certain zirconium alloys are suitable for surgical instruments or implantable devices owing to their biocompatibility and durability.
• Specialty Manufacturing: High-purity zirconium ingots are a starting material for further processing into wire, rod, sheet, or custom geometries.

Adhering to ASTM B495-22 ensures consistent properties, traceability, and regulatory compliance important for safety, performance, and market acceptance.

Related Standards

Organizations working with zirconium materials may also reference these related ASTM standards for comprehensive compliance:

• ASTM E114: Practice for Ultrasonic Pulse-Echo Straight-Beam Contact Testing, used for ultrasonic inspection of ingots.
• ASTM E2626: Guide for Spectrometric Analysis of Reactive and Refractory Metals (historical reference).
• Other ASTM B10 Series Standards: These address additional requirements and test methods for reactive and refractory metal products.

Practical Value

Implementing ASTM B495-22 in procurement, manufacturing, and quality assurance processes guarantees reliable sourcing and production of zirconium and zirconium alloy ingots. It simplifies supplier audits, supports global trade, and reduces the risk of material failures. Selecting materials certified under ASTM B495-22 is a best practice in critical industries where performance and safety are non-negotiable standards.

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:B495 −22
Standard Specification for
Zirconium and Zirconium Alloy Ingots
This standard is issued under the fixed designation B495; 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 4. Classification
1.1 This specification covers six grades of zirconium ingots. 4.1 The ingots are furnished in nine grades as follows:
4.1.1 Grade R60700—Low oxygen unalloyed zirconium.
1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
4.1.2 Grade R60702—Unalloyed zirconium.
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
4.1.3 Grade R60703—Unalloyed zirconium, metallurgical
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only
grade.
and are not considered standard.
4.1.4 Grade R60704—Zirconium-tin alloy.
1.3 The following precautionary caveat pertains only to the
4.1.5 Grade R60705—Zirconium-niobium alloy.
test method portion, Section 10, of this specification: This
4.1.6 Grade R60706—Zirconium-niobium alloy.
standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns,
4.1.7 Grade R61702—Unalloyed zirconium, casting appli-
if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user
cation.
of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and
4.1.8 Grade R61704—Zirconium-tin alloy, casting applica-
environmental practices and determine the applicability of
tion.
regulatory limitations prior to use.
4.1.9 Grade R61705—Zirconium-niobium alloy, casting ap-
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
plication.
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
5. Ordering Information
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
5.1 Orders for materials under this specification shall in-
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
clude the following information:
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
5.1.1 Quantity (weight),
5.1.2 Name of material (zirconium ingot),
2. Referenced Documents
5.1.3 Grade number (Section 4),
2.1 ASTM Standards:
5.1.4 ASTM designation and year of issue,
E114 Practice for Ultrasonic Pulse-Echo Straight-Beam
5.1.5 Finish (Section 8), and
Contact Testing
5.1.6 Additions to the specification and supplementary
E2626 Guide for Spectrometric Analysis of Reactive and
requirements, if required.
Refractory Metals (Withdrawn 2017)
NOTE 1—A typical ordering description is as follows: 10 000-lb
zirconium ingot, machine conditioned, ASTM B495, dated __, Grade
3. Terminology
R60702.
3.1 Lot Definitions:
6. Materials and Manufacture
3.1.1 ingot, n—a quantity of metal cast into a shape suitable
for subsequent processing to various mill products.
6.1 The ingots covered by this specification shall be manu-
factured by electron beam, vacuum, or inert atmosphere
melting in furnaces conventionally used for reactive metals.
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee B10 on
Reactive and Refractory Metals and Alloys and is the direct responsibility of
7. Chemical Composition
Subcommittee B10.02 on Zirconium and Hafnium.
7.1 The material shall conform to the requirements as to
Current edition approved April 1, 2022. Published April 2022. Originally
approved in 1969. Last previous edition approved in 2017 as B495 – 10 (2017).
chemical composition prescribed in Table 1.
DOI: 10.1520/B0495-22.
7.2 When requested by the purchaser, a check analysis shall
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
be performed for any elements listed in Table 1.
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
7.2.1 The manufacturer’s analysis shall be considered as
the ASTM website.
verified if the check analysis confirms the manufacturer’s
The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on
www.astm.org. reported values within the tolerances prescribed in Table 2.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
B495−22
A
TABLE 1 Chemical Requirements
Composition, %
Element UNS Grade Designation
R60700 R60702 R60703 R60704 R60705 R60706 R61702 R61704 R61705
Zirconium + hafnium, 99.2 99.2 98.0 97.5 95.5 95.5 98.8 97.1 95.1
min
Hafnium, max 4.5 4.5 4.5 4.5 4.5 4.5 4.5 4.5 4.5
Iron + chromium 0.2 max 0.2 max . 0.2 to 0.4 0.2 max 0.2 max 0.3 max 0.3 max 0.3 max
Tin . . . 1.00 to . . . 1.0 to .
2.00 2.0
Hydrogen, max 0.004 0.004 . 0.005 0.005 0.005 0.005 0.005 0.005
Nitrogen, max 0.020 0.020 . 0.025 0.025 0.025 0.03 0.03 0.03
Carbon, max 0.05 0.05 . 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.1 0.1 0.1
Niobium . . . . 2.0 to 3.0 2.0 to 3.0 . . 2.0 to
3.0
Phosphorus, max . . . . . . 0.01 0.01 0.01
Oxygen, max 0.10 0.16 . 0.18 0.18 0.16 0.25 0.3 0.3
A
By agreement between the purchaser and the manufacturer, analysis may be acquired and limits established for elements and compounds not specified in the table of
chemical compositions.
TABLE 2 Permissible Variation in Check Analysis Between
9.3.2 If the results of any test are not in conformance with
Different Laboratories
therequirementsofthisspecification,theingotmayberetested
Permissible Variation
at the option of the manufacturer.The ingot shall be acceptable
Element
in Check Analysis, %
if results of all retests following the initial test conform to this
Hydrogen 0.005
specification.
Nitrogen 0.01
Carbon 0.02
10. Test Methods
Hafnium 0.1
Iron + chromium 0.03
10.1 Ultrasonic Test—Inspect the ingots ultrasonically by
Tin 0.05
Niobium 0.05 the methods described in 10.1.1 and 10.1.2 unless otherwise
Oxygen 0.02
agreed upon between the manufacturer and the purchaser.
10.1.1 Standardization—Conduct the test in accordance
with Practice E114. The search unit shall be a longitudinal
beam transducer, operated at a frequency of 2 ⁄4 MHz using a
8. Workmanship, Finish, and Appearance
suitable couplant with the piece being tested. Standardize the
8.1 Ingots shall be conditioned by machining, grinding, or
search unit on a test block, setting the back-reflection equal to
surface fusion to remove gross surface and subsurface defects
100 %. The test
...

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: B495 − 10 (Reapproved 2017) B495 − 22
Standard Specification for
Zirconium and Zirconium Alloy Ingots
This standard is issued under the fixed designation B495; 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 six grades of zirconium ingots.
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 The following precautionary caveat pertains only to the test method portion, Section 10, of this specification: 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.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
E114 Practice for Ultrasonic Pulse-Echo Straight-Beam Contact Testing
E2626 Guide for Spectrometric Analysis of Reactive and Refractory Metals (Withdrawn 2017)
3. Terminology
3.1 Lot Definitions:
3.1.1 ingot, n—a quantity of metal cast into a shape suitable for subsequent processing to various mill products.
4. Classification
4.1 The ingots are furnished in sixnine grades as follows:
4.1.1 Grade R60700—Low oxygen unalloyed zirconium.
4.1.2 Grade R60702—Unalloyed zirconium.
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee B10 on Reactive and Refractory Metals and Alloys and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee
B10.02 on Zirconium and Hafnium.
Current edition approved Nov. 1, 2017April 1, 2022. Published November 2017April 2022. Originally approved in 1969. Last previous edition approved in 20102017 as
B495 – 10.B495 – 10 (2017). DOI: 10.1520/B0495-10R17.10.1520/B0495-22.
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.
The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on www.astm.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
B495 − 22
4.1.3 Grade R60703—Unalloyed zirconium, metallurgical grade.
4.1.4 Grade R60704—Zirconium-tin alloy.
4.1.5 Grade R60705—Zirconium-niobium alloy.
4.1.6 Grade R60706—Zirconium-niobium alloy.
4.1.7 Grade R61702—Unalloyed zirconium, casting application.
4.1.8 Grade R61704—Zirconium-tin alloy, casting application.
4.1.9 Grade R61705—Zirconium-niobium alloy, casting application.
5. Ordering Information
5.1 Orders for materials under this specification shall include the following information:
5.1.1 Quantity (weight),
5.1.2 Name of material (zirconium ingot),
5.1.3 Grade number (Section 4),
5.1.4 ASTM designation and year of issue,
5.1.5 Finish (Section 8), and
5.1.6 Additions to the specification and supplementary requirements, if required.
NOTE 1—A typical ordering description is as follows: 10 000-lb zirconium ingot, machine conditioned, ASTM B495, dated __, Grade R60702.
NOTE 1—A typical ordering description is as follows: 10,000-lb zirconium ingot, machine conditioned, ASTM B495, dated __, Grade R60702.
6. Materials and Manufacture
6.1 The ingots covered by this specification shall be manufactured by electron beam, vacuum, or inert atmosphere melting in
furnaces conventionally used for reactive metals.
7. Chemical Composition
7.1 The material shall conform to the requirements as to chemical composition prescribed in Table 1.
7.2 When requested by the purchaser, a check analysis shall be performed for any elements listed in Table 1.
7.2.1 The manufacturer’s analysis shall be considered as verified if the check analysis confirms the manufacturer’s reported values
within the tolerances prescribed in Table 2.
8. Workmanship, Finish, and Appearance
8.1 Ingots shall be conditioned by machining, grinding, or surface fusion to remove gross surface and subsurface defects
detrimental to subsequent fabrication.
8.2 After conditioning has been completed, no abrupt changes in diameter or local depressions that will impair subsequent
fabrication shall be permitted. The difference between the maximum and minimum radii of the conditioned ingot shall not exceed
20 % of the maximum radius, except within 6 in. (150 mm) of the ends of the ingot where rounding is permissible. Lands, grooves,
B495 − 22
A
TABLE 1 Chemical Requirements
Composition, %
Element UNS Grade Designation
R60700 R60702 R60703 R60704 R60705 R60706
Zirconium + hafnium, 99.2 99.2 98.0 97.5 95.5 95.5
min
Hafnium, max 4.5 4.5 4.5 4.5 4.5 4.5
Iron + chromium 0.2 max 0.2 max . 0.2 to 0.2 max 0.2 max
0.4
Tin . . . 1.00 to . .
2.00
Hydrogen, max 0.004 0.004 . 0.005 0.005 0.005
Nitrogen, max 0.020 0.020 . 0.025 0.025 0.025
Carbon, max 0.05 0.05 . 0.05 0.05 0.05
Niobium . . . . 2.0 to 3.0 2.0 to
3.0
Oxygen, max 0.10 0.16 . 0.18 0.18 0.16
A
TABLE 1 Chemical Requirements
Composition, %
Element UNS Grade Designation
R60700 R60702 R60703 R60704 R60705 R60706 R61702 R61704 R61705
Zirconium + hafnium, 99.2 99.2 98.0 97.5 95.5 95.5 98.8 97.1 95.1
min
Hafnium, max 4.5 4.5 4.5 4.5 4.5 4.5 4.5 4.5 4.5
Iron + chromium 0.2 max 0.2 max . 0.2 to 0.4 0.2 max 0.2 max 0.3 max 0.3 max 0.3 max
Tin . . . 1.00 to . . . 1.0 to .
2.00 2.0
Hydrogen, max 0.004 0.004 . 0.005 0.005 0.005 0.005 0.005 0.005
Nitrogen, max 0.020 0.020 . 0.025 0.025 0.025 0.03 0.03 0.03
Carbon, max 0.05 0.05 . 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.1 0.1 0.1
Niobium . . . . 2.0 to 3.0 2.0 to 3.0 . . 2.0 to
3.0
Phosphorus, max . . . . . . 0.01 0.01 0.01
Oxygen, max 0.10 0.16 . 0.18 0.18 0.16 0.25 0.3 0.3
A
By agreement between the purchaser and the manufacturer, analysis may be acquired and limits established for elements and compounds not specified in the table of
chemical compositions.
TABLE 2 Permissible Variation in Check Analysis Between
Different Laboratories
Permissible Variation
Element
in Check Analysis, %
Hydrogen 0.005
Nitrogen 0.01
Carbon 0.02
Hafnium 0.1
Iron + chrom
...