Designation: A684/A684M − 14

Standard Specification for

Steel, Strip, High-Carbon, Cold-Rolled1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation A684/A684M; 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.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.

1. Scope* system shall be used independently of the other. Combining

1.1 This specification covers cold-rolled, high-carbon strip values from the two systems may result in non-conformance
in coils or cut lengths. Strip is classified as product that is with the standard.
0.3000 in. [7.6 mm] or less in thickness and over 1⁄2 to 1.4 The tolerances in this specification are different than
2315⁄16 in. [12.5 to 600 mm] in width, inclusive. Strip tolerance those in Specification A568/A568M and Specification A109/
products may be available in widths wider than 2315⁄16 in. A109M.
(600 mm) by agreement between purchaser and supplier; 1.5 For the purpose of determining conformance with this
however, such products are technically classified as cold-rolled specification, values shall be rounded to the nearest unit in the
sheet. The maximum of the specified carbon range is over 0.25 right hand place of figures used in expressing the limiting
to 1.35 %, inclusive. It is furnished in the following types as values in accordance with the rounding method of Practice
specified: E29.
1.1.1 Soft spheroidized annealed high-carbon steel is in-
tended for applications requiring maximum cold forming. It is 1.6 This specification is expressed in both inch-pound units
normally produced to give the lowest maximum Rockwell and SI units. However, unless the order specifies the applicable
hardness for each grade. “M” specification designation (SI units), the material shall be
1.1.2 Soft annealed high-carbon steel is intended for appli- furnished to inch-pound units. The metric portions of the tables
cations requiring moderate cold forming. It is produced to a herein list permissible variations in dimensions and mass (see
maximum Rockwell hardness. Note 1) in SI (metric) units. The values listed are not exact
1.1.3 Intermediate hardness high-carbon steel is intended conversions of the values listed in the inch-pound tables but
for applications where cold forming is slight or a stiff, springy instead are rounded or rationalized values. Conformance to SI
product is needed, or both. It is produced to specified Rockwell tolerances is mandatory when the “M” specification is used.
NOTE 1—The term weight is used when inch-pound units are the
hardness ranges, the maximum being higher than obtained for
standard. However, under SI the preferred term is mass.
the annealed type.
1.1.4 Full hard high-carbon steel is intended for flat appli- 2. Referenced Documents
cations. It is produced to minimum Rockwell hardness 2.1 ASTM Standards:2
requirements, which vary with grade, microstructure and A109/A109M Specification for Steel, Strip, Carbon (0.25
gauge. Full hard can be produced with either a pearlitic or Maximum Percent), Cold-Rolled
spheroidized microstructure or a mixture of both. The mini- A370 Test Methods and Definitions for Mechanical Testing
mum hardness should be established between the consumer of Steel Products
and the producer. A568/A568M Specification for Steel, Sheet, Carbon,
1.2 This specification is applicable for orders in either Structural, and High-Strength, Low-Alloy, Hot-Rolled and
inch-pound units or SI units. Cold-Rolled, General Requirements for
1.3 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units A700 Practices for Packaging, Marking, and Loading Meth-
are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in ods for Steel Products for Shipment (Withdrawn 2014)3
each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each A751 Test Methods, Practices, and Terminology for Chemi-
cal Analysis of Steel Products

1 2
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee A01 on Steel, For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Stainless Steel and Related Alloys and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee contact ASTM Customer Service at [email protected]. For Annual Book of ASTM
A01.19 on Steel Sheet and Strip. Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
Current edition approved Oct. 1, 2014. Published October 2014. Originally the ASTM website.
3
approved in 1973. Last previous edition approved in 2012 as A684/A684M – 12. The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on
DOI: 10.1520/A0684_A0684M-14. www.astm.org.

*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard

Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States

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 A684/A684M − 14
TABLE 1 Heat (Formerly Ladle) Analysis Chemical Composition, %
Steel
Designation Carbon Manganese Phosphorus, max Sulfur, max Silicon
No.
A
1030 0.28 to 0.34 0.60 to 0.90 0.030 0.035
A
1035 0.32 to 0.38 0.60 to 0.90 0.030 0.035
A
1040 0.37 to 0.44 0.60 to 0.90 0.030 0.035
A
1045 0.43 to 0.50 0.60 to 0.90 0.030 0.035
A
1050 0.48 to 0.55 0.60 to 0.90 0.030 0.035
A
1055 0.50 to 0.60 0.60 to 0.90 0.030 0.035
A
1060 0.55 to 0.65 0.60 to 0.90 0.030 0.035
1064B 0.59 to 0.70 0.50 to 0.80 0.030 0.035 A
A
1065 0.60 to 0.70 0.60 to 0.90 0.030 0.035
A
1070 0.65 to 0.75 0.60 to 0.90 0.030 0.035
A
1074 0.70 to 0.80 0.50 to 0.80 0.030 0.035
A
1075 0.70 to 0.80 0.40 to 0.70 0.030 0.035
A
1080 0.75 to 0.88 0.60 to 0.90 0.030 0.035
A
1085 0.80 to 0.93 0.70 to 1.00 0.030 0.035
A
1086 0.80 to 0.93 0.30 to 0.50 0.030 0.035
A
1095 0.90 to 1.03 0.30 to 0.50 0.030 0.035
A
Silicon composition as one of the following:
Type 1: 0.15–0.30
Type 2: 0.10 max
Or other silicon ranges are permissible when agreed upon by purchaser and producer.
B
1064 is not an SAE steel grade.

A941 Terminology Relating to Steel, Stainless Steel, Related 3.1.4 stretcher strains—elongated markings that appear on
Alloys, and Ferroalloys the surface of the strip when dead soft (fully annealed) material
E3 Guide for Preparation of Metallographic Specimens is deformed beyond its yield point (see 5.2).
E29 Practice for Using Significant Digits in Test Data to 3.2 Refer to Terminology A941 for additional terms used in
Determine Conformance with Specifications this standard.
E112 Test Methods for Determining Average Grain Size
E527 Practice for Numbering Metals and Alloys in the 4. Ordering Information
Unified Numbering System (UNS)
4.1 Orders for material under this specification shall include
2.2 Federal Standards: the following information:
Fed. Std. No. 123 Marking for Shipments (Civil Agencies)4 4.1.1 ASTM designation and date of issue.
Fed. Std. No. 183 Continuous Identification Marking of Iron 4.1.2 Name, type, and steel grade number.
and Steel Products4 4.1.3 Hardness (if intermediate or restricted hardness is
2.3 Military Standard: specified).
MIL-STD-129 Marking for Shipping and Storage4 4.1.4 Decarburization (if required).
2.4 SAE Standard: 4.1.5 Application.
J 1086 Recommended Practice for Numbering Metals and 4.1.6 Dimensions.
Alloys (UNS)5 4.1.7 Coil size requirements.
4.1.8 Edge (indicate No. 1 round, square, and so forth).
3. Terminology 4.1.9 Finish (indicate and specify).
4.1.10 Conditions (specify whether material is oiled or dry).
3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
4.1.11 Package (bare coils, skid, and so forth.).
3.1.1 burr—metal displaced beyond the plane of the surface
4.1.12 Cast or heat (formerly ladle) analysis report (if
by slitting or shearing.
required).
3.1.2 lot—quantity of material of the same type, size, and 4.1.12.1 The additional chemical composition requirements
finish produced at one time from the same cast or heat, and heat (heat analysis) for copper, nickel, chromium, and molybdenum
treated in the same heat-treatment cycle. shall be specified as Limits L or Limits H. If no limits are
3.1.3 spheroidizing—the heating and cooling of the strip in specified, Limits L will be provided.
controlled conditions (annealing) to produce a spheroidal or 4.1.12.2 Silicon requirement specified (Type 1, Type 2, or
globular form of carbide microconstituent. other as agreed between purchaser and producer). If no
specification is supplied, then Type 1 (see Table 1, Footnote A)
will be supplied.
4
Available from Standardization Documents Order Desk, DODSSP, Bldg. 4, 4.1.13 Special requirements (if required).
Section D, 700 Robbins Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19111-5098, http://
www.dodssp.daps.mil.
4.2 Products covered by this specification are produced to
5
Available from Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), 400 Commonwealth decimal thickness only, and decimal thickness tolerances apply.
Dr., Warrendale, PA 15096-0001, http://www.sae.org. NOTE 2—A typical ordering description is as follows: ASTM A684

2
 A684/A684M − 14
TABLE 2 Heat (Formerly Ladle) Analysis Limits and Ranges TABLE 3 Additional Chemical Composition Requirements—Heat
Standard Chemical Limits Analysis
Element and Ranges, Limit or Max Range, % Element Composition—Weight %
of Specified Range
AluminumA ...
CarbonA over 0.25 to 0.30, incl 0.06 VanadiumA ...
over 0.30 to 0.40, incl 0.07 ColumbiumA ...
over 0.40 to 0.60, incl 0.08 TitaniumA ...
over 0.60 to 0.80, incl 0.11 Limits
over 0.80 to 1.35, incl 0.14 L H
Copper, maxB 0.30 0.50
Manganese to 0.50, incl 0.20 Nickel, maxB 0.30 0.30
over 0.50 to 1.15, incl 0.30 Chromium, maxB, C 0.25 0.30
over 1.15 to 1.65, incl 0.35 Molybdenum, maxB 0.10 0.16
A
Phosphorous to 0.08, incl 0.03 Where an ellipsis (. . .) appears in this table, there is no specified limit, but the
over 0.08 to 0.15, incl 0.05 analysis shall be reported.
B
The sum of copper, nickel, chromium, and molybdenum shall not exceed 0.80 %
on heat analysis. When one or more of these elements is specified, the sum does
Sulfur to 0.08, incl 0.03
not apply, in which case only the individual limits on the remaining elements will
over 0.08 to 0.15, incl 0.05
apply.
over 0.15 to 0.23, incl 0.07 C
For antigraphitization, the maximum for chromium shall be 1.40 %.
over 0.23 to 0.33, incl 0.10

Silicon to 0.20, incl 0.10

over 0.20 to 0.30, incl 0.15
over 0.30 to 0.60, incl 0.30
A
The carbon ranges shown in the column headed “Range” apply when the 6.1.2 Steel grade numbers indicating chemical composition
specified maximum limit for manganese does not exceed 1.00 %. When the
maximum manganese limit exceeds 1.00 %, add 0.01 to the carbon ranges shown commonly produced to this specification are shown in Table 1
above. and may be used. Table 3 shows requirements for additional
elements.
6.1.3 Additional elements may be present. Limits on such
dated ______ Cold Rolled, High-Carbon Soft, Strip, Spheroidized 1064, elements are by agreement between purchaser and supplier.
0.042 in. by 6 in. by coil (16 in. ID by 40 in. OD max), No. 5 Edge, No. 2 6.1.3.1 Any additional elements specified shall be included
Finish, Oiled, Bare Skid or “ASTM A684 dated _______ Cold Rolled, in the report of heat analysis.
High-Carbon, Soft, Strip, Spheroidized 1064, 0.6 mm by 200 mm by coil
(400 mm ID by 7500 mm OD max), No. 3 Edge, No. 2 Finish, Oiled, Bare 6.2 Heat (Formerly Ladle) Analysis:
Skid.” 6.2.1 An analysis of each heat of steel shall be made by the
manufacturer to determine the percentage of elements specified
5. Manufacture or restricted by the applicable specification.
5.1 Condition: 6.2.2 When requested, heat analysis for elements listed or
5.1.1 The strip shall be furnished cold rolled spheroidized required shall be reported to the purchaser or to his represen-
annealed, soft annealed, intermediate hardness, or full hard, as tative. Each of the elements listed in Tables 1 and 3 and
specified. additional elements agreed upon by the purchaser, and the
5.1.2 Intermediate hardness may be obtained by either supplier shall be included in the report of heat analysis. When
rolling the strip after final annealing or by varying the the amount of copper, nickel, chromium, or molybdenum is
annealing treatment, or both. less than 0.02 %, the analysis may be reported as <0.02 %.
When the amount of vanadium, columbium, or titanium is less
5.2 Pinch Pass—Spheroidized annealed and annealed ma-
than 0.008 %, the analysis may be reported as <0.008 %. The
terial may be pinch rolled after the final anneal to improve
reported heat analysis shall conform to the chemical composi-
flatness, uniformly oil, modify surface, obtain proper mechani-
tion requirements of the appropriate grade in Table 1, if used,
cal properties, and minimize stretcher strains if required by the
the additional elements in Table 3, and the limits of any other
purchaser.
elements agreed upon by the purchaser and supplier.
6. Chemical Requirements 6.3 Product Analysis—Product analysis is the chemical
6.1 Limits: analysis of the semi-finished product form. The strip may be
6.1.1 When carbon steel strip is specified to chemical subjected to product analysis by the purchaser either for the
composition, the compositions are commonly prepared using purpose of verifying that the ordered chemical composition is
the ranges and limits shown in Table 2. The elements compris- within specified limits for each element as listed in Table 1,
ing the desired chemical composition are specified in one of including applicable tolerance for product analysis, or to
three ways: determine variations in compositions within a cast or heat. The
6.1.1.1 By a maximum limit, results of analyses taken from different pieces within a heat
6.1.1.2 By a minimum limit, or may differ from each other and from the cast analysis. The
6.1.1.3 By minimum and maximum limits, termed the chemical composition thus determined shall not vary from the
“range.” By common usage, the range is the arithmetical limits specified by more than the amounts shown in Table 4.
difference between the two limits (for example, 0.60 to 0.71 is 6.4 Methods of Analysis—Test Methods, Practices, and
0.11 range). Terminology A751 shall be used for referee purposes.

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 A684/A684M − 14
TABLE 4 Tolerances for Product Analysis For accuracy in testing, the hardness scales should not overlap.
Variations Over Max Limit On either hardness scale, a range of ten points arithmetic
Limit or Max of or Under Min Limit difference is required. Refer to Table 5 for appropriate scale
Element
Specification, % Under Min Over Max testing requirements.
Limit Limit
8.3.3 Full hard is specified to a minimum hardness value.
Carbon over 0.25 to 0.40, incl 0.03 0.04
over 0.40 to 0.80, incl 0.03 0.05 Refer to Table 5 for appropriate scale testing requirements.
over 0.80 0.03 0.06 8.3.4 At least one specimen shall be taken from each lot.
8.3.5 The sample shall be tested in accordance with Test
Manganese to 0.60, incl 0.03 0.03
over 0.60 to 1.15, incl 0.04 0.04 Methods and Definitions A370.
over 1.15 to 1.65, incl 0.05 0.05
8.4 Bend Test:
Phosphorus ... ... 0.01 8.4.1 The steel strip produced as spheroidized, or the
annealed type shall meet the cold bend requirement in Table 6.
Sulfur ... ... 0.01
Any visible cracking on the tension side of the bend portion
Silicon to 0.30, incl 0.02 0.03 shall be cause for rejection.
over 0.30 to 0.60 0.05 0.05 8.4.2 At least one specimen shall be taken from each lot.
8.4.3 The specimen shall be the full thickness and shall be
taken transverse to the rolling direction as described in Test
7. Metallurgical Structure Methods and Definitions A370. The edges of the bend test
7.1 Grain Size: specimens shall be rounded and free of burrs; filing or
7.1.1 Unless otherwise specified, the steel strip shall be machining is permissible.
manufactured to a fine grain (austenitic and ferritic) practice.
9. Dimensions, Mass, and Permissible Variations
7.1.2 Pearlite is the normal structure of cold rolled high-
carbon strip unless it has had an intermediate anneal. 9.1 The thickness, width, camber, and length tolerances
shall conform to the requirements specified in Tables 7-12.
7.2 Decarburization:
7.2.1 When specified, the steel strip shall have a maximum 9.2 Flatness—It is not practical to formulate flatness toler-
permissible depth of complete plus partial decarburization of ances for cold-rolled carbon spring steel strip to represent the
0.001 in. [0.025 mm] or 1.5 % of the thickness of the strip, range of widths and thicknesses in coils and cut lengths.
whichever is greater, except that strip less than 0.011 in.
[0.279 mm] thick shall show no complete decarburization. 10. Finish and Edges
7.3 Annealed is mostly a spheroidized structure, but may 10.1 Surface—The strip shall be furnished with a No. 2
contain some vestiges of pearlite. Regular Bright or No. 1 Matte (Dull) finish, as specified.
7.4 Spheroidized annealed is essentially free of pearlite. 10.2 Oiling—The strip shall be furnished oiled or dry, as
specified.
7.5 At least one specimen shall be taken from each lot for
microexamination. 10.3 Edges—Cold-rolled carbon steel strip shall be supplied
7.5.1 The specimens shall be prepared for microscopic with one of the following edges as specified:
examination in accordance with Guide E3. 10.3.1 No. 1—A prepared edge of a specified contour (round
or square) that is produced when a very accurate width is
8. Mechanical Requirements required or when an edge condition suitable for electroplating
8.1 Unless otherwise specified in the applicable product is required, or both.
specification, test specimens must be prepared in accordance 10.3.2 No. 2—A natural mill edge carried through the cold
with Test Methods and Definitions A370. rolling from the hot-rolled strip without additional processing
of the edge.
8.2 Mechanical tests shall be conducted in accordance with 10.3.3 No. 3—An approximately square edge produced by
Test Methods and Definitions A370. slitting on which the burr is not eliminated. This is produced
8.3 Hardness: when the edge condition is not a critical requirement for the
8.3.1 Spheroidized Annealed and Annealed Types—When finished part. Normal coiling or piling does not provide a
furnished spheroidized annealed or annealed, the hardness of definite positioning of the slitting burr.
the strip shall not exceed the maximum values specified in 10.3.4 No. 4—An approximately rounded edge. This edge is
Figs. 1 and 2 for the applicable carbon range and type. produced when the width tolerance and edge condition are not
8.3.2 Intermediate Hardness Type—When furnished as in- as exacting as for No. 1 edges.
termediate hardness, the hardness of the strip shall conform to 10.3.5 No. 5—An approximately square edge produced
the range specified on the purchase order. The maximum from slit edge material on which the burr is eliminated.
hardness limit and the corresponding minimum shall be speci- 10.3.6 No. 6—An approximately square edge. This edge is
fied by the purchaser. If the maximum temper is under produced when the width tolerance and edge condition are not
Rockwell B 100 (15T93 or 30T82), that scale should be used as exacting as for No. 1 edges.
exclusively. If the minimum temper is over Rockwell C 20 10.3.7 Skived Edges—Custom-shaped edges produced by
(15N69.5 or 30N41.5), that scale should be used exclusively. mechanical edge shaving with special tooling.

4
 A684/A684M − 14

FIG. 1 Approximate Relationship Between Carbon Designations and Maximum Hardness Limit of Soft Type Annealed Cold Rolled High
Carbon Steel Strip

FIG. 2 Approximate Relationship Between Carbon Designations and Maximum Hardness Limit of Spheroidized Annealed Cold Rolled
High Carbon Steel Strip

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 A684/A684M − 14
TABLE 5 Rockwell Hardness Testing Ranges for Cold-Rolled TABLE 7 Thickness Tolerances of Cold-Rolled Carbon Steel
High-Carbon Steel Strip StripA,B,C
Rockwell “B” and “T” Scales Rockwell “C” and “N” Scales Inch-Pound Units (in.)
Thickness Tolerances (Plus or Minus, in.)
Thickness Scale Thickness Scale
Over 1⁄2
Over 0.030 in. B Over 0.040 in. C Nominal Gauge 12 to less
to less than 18 to 2315⁄16
[over 0.8 mm] [over 1.0 mm] (in.) than 18
12 wide
0.020 to 0.030 in. 30T 0.025 to 0.040 in. 30N 0.251-0.300 0.0030 0.0035 0.0040
[0.5 to 0.8 mm] [0.6 to 1.0 mm] 0.160-0.250 0.0025 0.0032 0.0036
Under 0.020 in. 15T Under 0.025 in. 15N 0.125-0.1599 0.0022 0.0028 0.0032
[under 0.5 mm] [under 0.6 mm] 0.070-0.1249 0.0018 0.0022 0.0028
0.040-0.0699 0.0014 0.0018 0.0024
0.030-0.0399 0.0012 0.0015 0.0020
0.020-0.0299 0.0010 0.0013 0.0015
TABLE 6 Cold Bending RequirementsA,B for Spheroidized, 0.015-0.0199 0.0008 0.0010 0.0012
Annealed, and Soft-Annealed Cold-Rolled Carbon Steel Strip
0.010-0.0149 0.0005 0.0008 0.0010
Inside Relation of Bend <0.010 0.0003 0.0006 0.0008
Degree of
Type Radius to Test Specimen to SI Units (mm)
Bend
Thickness Rolling Direction Thickness Tolerances (Plus or Minus, mm)
Annealed 180° 3t transverseC Over 12.7
Nominal Gauge 300 to less
Spheroidized 180° 2t transverseC to less than 450 to 600
(mm) than 450
A
300
Up to 0.100 in. [2.5 mm], incl, thickness maximum. When bend radius for 6.40-7.50 0.080 0.090 0.100
thickness is over 0.100 in. [2.5 mm] the producer should be consulted. These ratios 4.00-6.39 0.065 0.080 0.090
apply to bending performance of the test specimen. 3.20-3.99 0.055 0.070 0.080
B
These bend tests apply to the bending performance of test specimens only. 1.80-3.19 0.045 0.055 0.070
Where material is to be bent in fabricating operations a more liberal bend radius 1.00-1.79 0.035 0.045 0.060
may be required and should be based on prior experience or consultation with the 0.75-0.99 0.030 0.030 0.050
steel producer, or both. 0.50-0.74 0.025 0.035 0.040
C
If finished strip width prohibits taking a transverse bend test specimen, a 0.38-0.49 0.020 0.025 0.030
longitudinal specimen may be substituted, except the bend radius shall be reduced 0.25-0.37 0.013 0.020 0.025
by 1 t. <0.25 0.007 0.015 0.020
A
Measured 3⁄8 in. or more in from edge; and on narrower than 1 in., at any place
between edges.
B
Measured 10 mm or more in from edge; and on narrower than 25 mm, at any
10.4 Finish—Cold-rolled carbon steel strip shall be supplied place between edges.
with the following finishes. C
Number 3 edge strip with thickness tolerance guaranteed at less than 3⁄8 in. (10
10.4.1 Number 1 or Matte (Dull) Finish—Finish without mm) from the slit edge, is available by agreement between consumer and strip
manufacturer.
luster, produced by rolling on rolls roughened by mechanical or
chemical means. This finish is especially suitable for lacquer or
paint adhesion, and is beneficial in aiding drawing operations
by reducing the contact friction between the die and the strip. 13. Rework and Retreatment
10.4.2 Number 2 (Regular Bright) Finish—Finish produced 13.1 Lots rejected for failure to meet the specified require-
by rolling on rolls having a moderately smooth finish. It is less ments may be resubmitted for test provided the manufacturer
suitable that No. 1 (matte) finish for cold forming and may be has reworked the lots as necessary to correct the deficiency or
applicable for certain types of plating. has removed the nonconforming material.
11. Workmanship 14. Inspection
11.1 The steel shall have a workmanlike appearance and 14.1 The manufacturer shall afford the purchaser’s inspector
shall not have defects of a nature or degree for the grade and all reasonable facilities necessary to satisfy him that the
quality ordered that will be detrimental to the fabrication of the material is being produced and furnished in accordance with
finished part. this specification. Mill inspection by the purchaser shall not
11.2 Coils may contain some abnormalities that render a interfere unnecessarily with the manufacturer’s operations.
portion of the coil unusable since the inspection of coils does Unless otherwise agreed to, all tests and inspections, except
not afford the same opportunity to remove portions containing product analysis, shall be made at the place of production.
imperfections as is the case with cut lengths. 15. Rejection and Rehearing
12. Number of Tests and Retests 15.1 Unless otherwise specified, any rejection based on tests
12.1 The difficulties in obtaining truly representative made in accordance with this specification shall be reported to
samples of strip without destroying the usefulness of the coil the purchaser within a reasonable time.
account for the generally accepted practice of allowing retests 15.2 Material that shows injurious defects subsequent to its
for mechanical properties and surface examination. Two addi- acceptance at the purchaser’s works shall be rejected and the
tional samples are secured from each end of the coil from manufacturer shall be notified. The material must be ad-
which the original sample was taken. A portion of the coil may equately protected and correctly identified in order that the
be discarded prior to cutting the samples for retest. If any of the manufacturer may make a proper investigation. In case of
retests fail to comply with the requirements, the coil shall be dissatisfaction with the results of the test, the manufacturer
rejected. may make claims for a rehearing.

6
 A684/A684M − 14
TABLE 8 Width Tolerances for Edge Numbers 1, 4, 5, and 6 of specification and any additional tests required by the material
Cold-Rolled Carbon-Steel Strip specification or the purchase order, or both.
Inch-Pound Units
Width 16.2 When certification is required by the purchase order,
Specified Width, Specified Thickness,
Edge in.A in.B
Tolerance, the supplier shall furnish a certification that the material has
Plus and been manufactured and tested in accordance with the require-
Number
Minus,
Over Through min max ments of this specification and the applicable material specifi-
in.C
1 12⁄ ⁄
34 ... 0.0938 0.005 cation.
1 3 ⁄4 5 ... 0.125 0.005
16.3 A signature is not required on test reports. However,
4 ⁄
12 1 0.025 0.1875 0.015 the document shall clearly identify the organization submitting
4 1 2 0.025 0.2499 0.025
4 2 4 0.035 0.2499 0.047
the document. Notwithstanding the absence of a signature, the
4 4 6 0.047 0.2499 0.047 organization submitting the document is responsible for the
content of the document.
5 ⁄
12 ⁄
34 ... 0.0938 0.005
5 ⁄
34 5 ... 0.125 0.005 16.4 When test reports are required, it is acceptable for the
5 5 9 0.008 0.125 0.010
supplier to report test data from the original manufacturer,
5 9 20 0.015 0.105 0.010
5 20 2315⁄16 0.023 0.080 0.015 provided such data is not rendered invalid by the stripmaking
process.
6 ⁄
12 1 0.025 0.1875 0.015
6 1 2 0.025 0.2499 0.025 16.5 A Material Test Report, Certificate of Inspection, or
6 2 4 0.035 0.2499 0.047 similar document printed from or used in electronic form from
6 4 6 0.047 0.2499 0.047
SI Units
an electronic data interchange (EDI) transmission shall be
Specified Width, Specified Thickness,
Width regarded as having the same validity as a counterpart printed in
Tolerance, the certifier’s facility. The content of the EDI transmitted
Edge mmA mmB
Plus and
Number
Minus, document must meet the requirements of the invoked ASTM
Over Through min max
mmC standard(s) and conform to any existing EDI agreement be-
1 12.5 200 ... 3.0 0.13 tween the purchaser and the supplier. Notwithstanding the
4 ... 25 0.6 5.0 0.38
4 25 50 0.6 6.0 0.65 absence of a signature, the organization submitting the EDI
4 50 150 1.0 6.0 1.20 transmission is responsible for the context of the report.
5 ... 100 ... 3.0 0.13 NOTE 3—The industry definition as invoked here is: EDI is the
5 100 500 0.4 3.0 0.25 computer to computer exchange of business information in an agreed upon
5 500 600 0.6 2.0 0.38
standard format such as ANSI ASC X12.
6 ... 25 0.6 5.0 0.38
6 25 50 0.6 6.0 0.65
6 50 150 1.0 6.0 1.20 17. Marking
A
Specified width must be within ranges stated for specified edge number. 17.1 Unless otherwise specified, the material shall be iden-
B
Specified thickness must be within ranges stated for specified width.
C
When edge, width and thickness are not defined by this table, tolerances are by tified by having the manufacturer’s name or mark, ASTM
agreement between producer and supplier. designation, weight, purchase order number, and material
identification legibly stenciled on top of each lift or shown on
a tag attached to each coil or shipping unit.
TABLE 9 Width Tolerances for Edge Number 2 of Cold-Rolled
Carbon-Steel Strip 17.2 When specified in the contract or order, and for direct
Inch Pound Units
procurement by or direct shipment to the Government, marking
Specified Width, in. Width Tolerance, for shipment, in addition to requirements specified in the
Plus and contract or order, shall be in accordance with MIL-STD-129
Over Through Minus, in.
⁄
12 2 1⁄32
for military agencies and in accordance with Fed. Std. No. 123
2 5 3⁄64 for civil agencies.
5 10 5⁄64

10 15 3⁄32 17.3 For U.S. Government procurement by the Defense

15 20 1⁄ 8 Supply Agency, strip material shall be continuously marked for
20 2315⁄16 5⁄32
identification in accordance with Fed. Std. No. 183.
SI Units
Specified Width, mm Width Tolerance, 17.4 Bar coding is acceptable as a supplementary identifi-
Plus and
Over Through Minus, mm
cation method. Bar coding should be consistent with the
12.5 50 0.8 Automotive Industry Action Group (AIAG) standard prepared
50 100 1.2 by the primary metals subcommittee of the AIAG bar code
100 200 1.6
200 400 2.5
project team.
400 500 3.0
500 600 4.0 18. Packaging
18.1 Unless otherwise specified, the strip shall be packaged
16. Certification and Reports and loaded in accordance with Practices A700.
16.1 When test reports are required by the purchaser, the 18.2 When Level A is specified in the contract or order and
supplier shall report the results of all tests required by this for direct procurement by or direct shipment to the U.S.

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 A684/A684M − 14
TABLE 10 Width Tolerances for Edge Number 3 (Slit), Cold-Rolled Carbon Spring Steel Strip
Inch-Pound Units
Specified Thickness, Width Tolerance, Plus and Minus, in.
in. for Specified Width, in.A
Over 1⁄2 Over 6 Over 9 Over 12 Over 20
Over Through
Through 6 Through 9 Through 12 Through 20 Through 2315⁄16
... 0.016 0.005 0.005 0.010 0.016 0.020
0.016 0.068 0.005 0.005 0.010 0.016 0.020
0.068 0.099 0.008 0.010 0.010 0.016 0.020
0.099 0.160 0.010 0.016 0.016 0.020 0.020
0.160 0.300 0.016 0.020 0.020 0.031 0.031
SI Units
Specified Thickness, Width Tolerance, Plus and Minus, mm
mm for Specified Width, mmA
Over 100 Over 200 Over 300 Over 450
Over Through Through 100
Through 200 Through 300 Through 450 Through 600
... 1.5 0.13 0.13 0.25 0.40 0.50
1.5 2.5 0.20 0.25 0.25 0.40 0.50
2.5 4.5 0.25 0.40 0.40 0.50 0.50
4.5 7.5 0.40 0.50 0.50 0.80 0.80
A
Width is measured from the shear surface of the slit edge and not from the break.

Government, preservation, packaging, and packing shall be in

accordance with the Level A requirements of MIL-STD-163.
18.3 When coils are ordered it is customary to specify a
minimum or range of inside diameter and maximum outside
diameter and a maximum coil weight, if required. The ability
of manufacturers to meet the maximum coil weights depends
upon individual mill equipment. When required, minimum coil
weights are subject to negotiation.
19. Keywords
19.1 cold rolled strip; high carbon; steel; strip

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 A684/A684M − 14
TABLE 11 Camber Tolerances of Cold-Rolled Carbon Steel Strip
Inch-Pound Units
Note 1—Camber is the greatest deviation of a side edge from a straight line,
the measurement being taken on the concave side with a straight edge.
Note 2—Camber tolerances as shown in the table are for any 8 ft of length.
For strip length under 8 ft, camber tolerance shall be subject to negotiation.
Note 3—When the camber tolerances shown in Table 8 are not suitable for a
particular purpose, cold-rolled strip is sometimes machine straightened.

W = width of strip, in.

C = camber, in.
Specified Width, in. Camber Tolerance,
Over Through in.
1⁄ 2 1 ⁄2
1 1 ⁄2

1 1 ⁄2 2315⁄16 1 ⁄4

SI Units
Note 1—Camber is the greatest deviation of a side edge from a straight line,
the measurement being taken on the concave side with a straight edge.
Note 2—Camber tolerances as shown in the table are for any 2000 mm length.
For strip length under 2000 mm, camber tolerance shall be subject to
negotiation.
Note 3—When the camber tolerances shown in Table 8 are not suitable for a
particular purpose, cold-rolled strip is sometimes machine straightened.

W = width of strip, mm
C = camber, mm
Specified Width, mm Camber Tolerance,
Over Through mm
... 50 10
50 600 5

TABLE 12 Length Tolerances of Cold-Rolled Carbon Steel Strip

Inch-Pound Units
Specified Width, Length Tolerance, Plus Only, in.
in. for Specified Length, in.
From 24 Over 60 Over 120
Over Through
Through 60 Through 120 Through 240
⁄
12 12 1⁄ 4 1 ⁄2 3 ⁄4

12 2315⁄16 1 ⁄2 3 ⁄4 1
SI Units
Specified Width, Length Tolerance, Plus Only, mm
mm for Specified Length, mm
From 600 Over 1500
Over Through Over 3000
Through 1500 Through 3000
... 300 10 15 25
300 600 15 20 25

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 A684/A684M − 14
SUMMARY OF CHANGES

Committee A01 has identified the location of selected changes to this standard since the last issue
(A684/A684M – 12) that may impact the use of this standard. (Approved Oct. 1, 2014.)

(1) Corrected table and footnote references.

(2) Removed reference to Table 3 (Table 5 in previous issue)
from Subsection 6.3.

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in this standard. Users of this standard are expressly advised that determination of the validity of any such patent rights, and the risk
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