NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.

Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information

Designation: F568M – 07

Standard Specification for

Carbon and Alloy Steel Externally Threaded Metric
Fasteners (Metric)1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F568M; 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 Department of Defense.

1. Scope* Class 4.8 may be supplied when Class 4.6 is ordered; Class
1.1 This specification covers chemical and mechanical re- 8.8.3 may be supplied when Class 8.8 is ordered; and Class
quirements for nine property classes of carbon and alloy steel 10.9.3 may be supplied when Class 10.9 is ordered.
externally threaded metric fasteners in nominal thread diam- 1.6 The product size range for which each property class is
eters M1.6 through M100 suited for use in general engineering applicable is given in Table 1 and Table 2 on chemical
applications. composition requirements, and the mechanical requirements
1.2 This specification does not cover dimensional require- table (see Table 3).
ments for fasteners of any property class. When referencing 1.7 Appendix X1 gives conversion guidance to assist de-
this specification for procurement purposes, it is mandatory signers and purchasers in the selection of a suitable property
that size, type, style, and any special dimensions of the product class.
be additionally specified. 1.8 Appendix X2 explains the significance of the property
iTeh Standards
1.2.1 In case of any conflict in requirements, the require-
ments of the individual product specification shall take prece-
class designation numerals.
2. Referenced Documents
(https://standards.iteh.ai)
dence over those of this general specification.
1.2.2 The purchaser may specify additional requirements 2.1 ASTM Standards:2
A153/A153M Specification for Zinc Coating (Hot-Dip) on
which do not negate any of the provisions of this general
Document Preview
specification or of the individual product specification. Such
additional requirements, the acceptance of which are subject to
Iron and Steel Hardware
A307 Specification for Carbon Steel Bolts and Studs, 60
negotiation with the supplier, must be included in the order 000 PSI Tensile Strength
A325 Specification for Structural Bolts, Steel, Heat Treated,
information (see Section 3). ASTM F568M-07
1.3 Requirements for seven of the nine property classes, 4.6, 120/105 ksi Minimum Tensile Strength
https://standards.iteh.ai/catalog/standards/sist/189d7335-fbf0-4a11-886d-b67e6a4fae9a/astm-f568m-07
4.8, 5.8, 8.8, 9.8, 10.9, and 12.9, are essentially identical with A325M Specification for Structural Bolts, Steel, Heat
requirements given for these classes in ISO 898-1. The other Treated 830 MPa Minimum Tensile Strength (Metric)
two, 8.8.3 and 10.9.3, are not recognized in ISO standards. A354 Specification for Quenched and Tempered Alloy Steel
1.4 Classes 8.8.3 and 10.9.3 bolts, screws, and studs have Bolts, Studs, and Other Externally Threaded Fasteners
atmospheric corrosion resistance and weathering characteris- A449 Specification for Hex Cap Screws, Bolts and Studs,
tics comparable to those of the steels covered in Specification Steel, Heat Treated, 120/105/90 ksi Minimum Tensile
A588/A588M. The atmospheric corrosion resistance of these Strength, General Use
steels is substantially better than that of carbon steel with or A490 Specification for Structural Bolts, Alloy Steel, Heat
without copper addition. See 5.2. When properly exposed to Treated, 150 ksi Minimum Tensile Strength
the atmosphere, these steels can be used bare (uncoated) for A490M Specification for High-Strength Steel Bolts, Classes
many applications. 10.9 and 10.9.3, for Structural Steel Joints (Metric)
1.5 When agreed on by the purchaser, Class 5.8 fasteners A574 Specification for Alloy Steel Socket-Head Cap
may be supplied when either Classes 4.6 or 4.8 are ordered; Screws
A588/A588M Specification for High-Strength Low-Alloy
Structural Steel, up to 50 ksi [345 MPa] Minimum Yield
1
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F16 on
Fasteners and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F16.02 on Steel Bolts,
2
Nuts, Rivets and Washers. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Current edition approved Dec. 1, 2007. Published January 2008. Originally contact ASTM Customer Service at [email protected]. For Annual Book of ASTM
approved in 1979. Last previous edition approved in 2004 as F568M – 04. DOI: Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
10.1520/F0568M-07. the ASTM website.

*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.

1
 F568M – 07
TABLE 1 Chemical Composition Requirements

Property Nominal Product Product Analysis Element (% by weight) Tempering

Class Diameter, mm Temperature, °C
Material and Treatment C Mn B P S
Min Max Min Min Max Max Min
4.6 M5–M100 low or medium carbon steel ... 0.55 ... ... 0.048 0.058 ...
4.8 M1.6–M16 low or medium carbon steel, partially or fully annealed as required ... 0.55 ... ... 0.048 0.058 ...
5.8 M5–M24 low or medium carbon steel, cold worked 0.13 0.55 ... ... 0.048 0.058A ...
8.8 M20–M80 medium carbon steel, product is quenched and temperedB 0.25 0.55 ... ... 0.048 0.058C 425
8.8 M20–M36 low carbon martensite steel, product is quenched and temperedD 0.15 0.40 0.74 0.0005 0.048 0.058 425
8.8.3 M20–M36 atmospheric corrosion resistant steel, product is quenched and see Table 2 425
tempered
9.8 M1.6–M16 medium carbon steel, product is quenched and tempered 0.25 0.55 ... ... 0.048 0.058 425
9.8 M1.6–M16 low carbon martensite steel, product is quenched and temperedD 0.15 0.40 0.74 0.0005 0.048 0.058 425
10.9 M5–M20 medium carbon steel, product is quenched and temperedE,F 0.25 0.55 ... ... 0.048 0.058 425
10.9 M5–M100 medium carbon alloy steel, product is quenched and temperedE 0.20 0.55 ... ... 0.040 0.045 425
10.9 M5–M36 low carbon martensite steel, product is quenched and temperedE,F 0.15 0.40 0.74 0.0005 0.048 0.058 340
10.9.3 M16–M36 atmospheric corrosion resistant steel, product is quenched and see Table 2 425
temperedE
12.9 M1.6–M100 alloy steel, product is quenched and temperedE,G 0.31 0.65 ... ... 0.045 0.045 380
A
For studs only, sulfur content may be 0.33 %, max.
B
At the manufacturer’s option, medium-carbon-alloy steel may be used for nominal thread diameters over M24.
C
For studs only, sulfur content may be 0.13 %, max.
D
Products made using this material shall be specially identified as specified in Section 15.
E
Steel for Classes 10.9, 10.9.3, and 12.9 products shall be fine grain and have a hardenability that will achieve a structure of approximately 90 % martensite at the center
of a transverse section one diameter from the threaded end of the product after oil quenching.
F
Carbon steel may be used at the option of the manufacturer for products of nominal thread diameters M12 and smaller. When approved by the purchaser, carbon steel
may be used for products of diameters larger than M12 through M20, inclusive.
G
Alloy steel shall be used. Steel is considered to be alloy by the American Iron and Steel Institute when the maximum of the range given for the content of alloying
elements exceeds one or more of the following limits: manganese, 1.65 %; silicon, 0.60 %; copper, 0.60 %; or in which a definite range or a definite minimum quantity of
any of the following elements is specified or required within the limits of the recognized field of constructional alloy steels: aluminum, chromium up to 3.99 %, cobalt,

iTeh Standards
columbium, molybdenum, nickel, titanium, tungsten, vanadium, zirconium, or any other alloying elements added to obtain a desired alloying effect.

TABLE 2 Chemical Composition Requirements for Classes 8.8.3 and 10.9.3

Element
(https://standards.iteh.ai) Composition, %A

Carbon:
Heat analysis
A
Document Preview
0.33–0.40
B

0.38–0.48
C

0.15–0.25
D

0.15–0.25
E

0.20–0.25
F

0.20–0.25
Product analysis 0.31–0.42 0.36–0.50 0.14–0.26 0.14–0.26 0.18–0.27 0.19–0.26
Manganese:
Heat analysis 0.90–1.20 ASTM F568M-070.70–0.90
0.80–1.35 0.40–1.20 0.60–1.00 0.90–1.20
https://standards.iteh.ai/catalog/standards/sist/189d7335-fbf0-4a11-886d-b67e6a4fae9a/astm-f568m-07
Product analysis
Phosphorus:
0.86–1.24 0.67–0.93
0.76–1.39 0.36–1.24 0.56–1.04 0.86–1.24

Heat analysis 0.040 max 0.06–0.12 0.035 max 0.040 max 0.040 max 0.040 max
Product analysis 0.045 max 0.06–0.125 0.040 max 0.045 max 0.045 max 0.045 max
Sulfur:
Heat analysis 0.050 max 0.050 max 0.040 max 0.050 max 0.040 max 0.040 max
Product analysis 0.055 max 0.055 max 0.045 max 0.055 max 0.045 max 0.045 max
Silicon:
Heat analysis 0.15–0.35 0.30–0.50 0.15–0.35 0.25–0.50 0.15–0.35 0.15–0.35
Product analysis 0.13–0.37 0.25–0.55 0.13–0.37 0.20–0.55 0.13–0.37 0.13–0.37
Copper:
Heat analysis 0.25–0.45 0.20–0.40 0.20–0.50 0.30–0.50 0.30–0.60 0.20–0.40
Product analysis 0.22–0.48 0.17–0.43 0.17–0.53 0.27–0.53 0.27–0.63 0.17–0.43
Nickel:
Heat analysis 0.25–0.45 0.50–0.80 0.25–0.50 0.50–0.80 0.30–0.60 0.20–0.40
Product analysis 0.22–0.48 0.47–0.83 0.22–0.53 0.47–0.83 0.27–0.63 0.17–0.43
Chromium:
Heat analysis 0.45–0.65 0.50–0.75 0.30–0.50 0.50–1.00 0.60–0.90 0.45–0.65
Product analysis 0.42–0.68 0.47–0.83 0.27–0.53 0.45–1.05 0.55–0.95 0.42–0.68
Vanadium:
Heat analysis ... ... 0.020 min ... ... ...
Product analysis ... ... 0.010 min ... ... ...
Molybdenum:
Heat analysis ... 0.06 max ... 0.10 max ... ...
Product analysis ... 0.07 max ... 0.11 max ... ...
Titanium:
Heat analysis ... ... ... 0.05 max ... ...
Product analysis ... ... ... ... ... ...
A
A, B, C, D, E, and F are types of material used for Property Classes 8.8.3 and 10.9.3 bolts, screws, and studs. Selection of a composition shall be at the option of
the product manufacturer except that sizes M20 and larger shall conform to Composition A or B only.

2
 F568M – 07
TABLE 3 Mechanical Requirements for Bolts, Screws, and Studs

Property Nominal Full Size Bolts, Screws, and Studs Machined Test Specimens of Bolts, Screws, Surface Product Hardness
Class Diameter of and Studs Hardness
Product
Tensile Yield Tensile Elonga- Reduction Rockwell Rockwell Vickers
Proof LoadA Strength, Strength, Strength, tion, % of 30N
MPaA MPaB MPa Area, %
Length Yield Min Min Min Min Min Max Min Max Min Max
Measurement Strength
Method, Method,
MPa MPa
4.6 M5–M100 225 240 400 240C 400 22 35 ... B67 B95 120 220
4.8 M1.6–M16 310 340 420 340 420 14 35 ... B71 B95 130 220
5.8 M5–M24D 380 420 520 420 520 10 35 ... B82 B95 160 220

8.8 M20–M80 600 660 830 660 830 12 35 53 C23 C34 255 336
8.8.3 M20–M36 600 660 830 660 830 12 35 53 C23 C34 255 336
9.8 M1.6–M16 650 720 900 720 900 10 35 56 C27 C36 280 360

10.9 M5–M100 830 940 1040 940 1040 9 35 59 C33 C39 327 382
10.9.3 M16–M36 830 940 1040 940 1040 9 35 59 C33 C39 327 382
12.9E M1.6–M100 970 1100 1220 1100 1220 8 35 63 C38 C44 372 434
A
Proof load and tensile strength values for full size products of each property class are given in Table 5.
B
Yield strength is stress at which a permanent set of 0.2 % of gage length occurs.
C
Yield point shall apply instead of yield strength at 0.2 % offset for Class 4.6 products.
D
Class 5.8 applies only to bolts and screws with lengths 150 mm and shorter and to studs of all lengths.
E
Caution is advised when considering the use of Class 12.9 bolts, screws, and studs. Capability of the bolt manufacturer, as well as the anticipated in-use environment,
should be considered. High-strength products of Class 12.9 require rigid control of heat-treating operations and careful monitoring of as-quenched hardness, surface
discontinuities, depth of partial decarburization, and freedom from carburization. Some environments may cause stress corrosion cracking of nonplated as well as
electroplated products.

iTeh Standards
Point, with Atmospheric Corrosion Resistance
A751 Test Methods, Practices, and Terminology for Chemi-
3. Ordering Information
3.1 Orders for products referencing this specification shall
cal Analysis of Steel Products
(https://standards.iteh.ai)
B695 Specification for Coatings of Zinc Mechanically De-
include the following:
3.1.1 Quantity (number of pieces),

Document Preview
posited on Iron and Steel 3.1.2 Name of product (that is, type and style of bolt, screw,
D3951 Practice for Commercial Packaging or stud),
F606 Test Methods for Determining the Mechanical Prop- 3.1.3 Dimensions, including nominal thread diameter,
erties of Externally and Internally Threaded Fasteners, thread pitch, and length (see Section 7),
Washers, Direct Tension Indicators, and RivetsASTM F568M-07 3.1.4 Property class,
https://standards.iteh.ai/catalog/standards/sist/189d7335-fbf0-4a11-886d-b67e6a4fae9a/astm-f568m-07
F606M Test Methods for Determining the Mechanical 3.1.5 Zinc Coating—Specify the zinc coating process re-
Properties of Externally and Internally Threaded Fasteners, quired, for example, hot dip, mechanically deposited, or no
Washers, and Rivets (Metric) preference (see 4.5),
F788/F788M Specification for Surface Discontinuities of 3.1.6 Other Finishes—Specify other protective finish, if
Bolts, Screws, and Studs, Inch and Metric Series required,
F1470 Practice for Fastener Sampling for Specified Me- 3.1.7 ASTM designation and year of issue, and
chanical Properties and Performance Inspection 3.1.8 Any special requirements (for example, mechanical
G101 Guide for Estimating the Atmospheric Corrosion requirements, see Tables 3 and 4, or proof load testing, see
Resistance of Low-Alloy Steels Tables 5 and 6; stud marking, see 15.2.3; additional testing, see
2.2 ISO Standard:3 Section 9).
ISO 898-1, Mechanical Properties of Fasteners, Part I, 3.1.9 Test reports if required, see Section 14.
Bolts, Screws, and Studs
2.3 ASME Standards:3 4. Materials and Manufacture
B 18.2.3.1M Metric Hex Cap Screws 4.1 Steel for bolts, screws, and studs shall be made by the
B 18.2.3.2M Metric Formed Hex Screws open-hearth, basic-oxygen, or electric-furnace process.
B 18.2.3.3M Metric Heavy Hex Screws 4.2 Heading Practice:
B 18.2.3.4M Metric Hex Flange Screws 4.2.1 Methods other than upsetting or extrusion, or both, are
B 18.2.3.5M Metric Hex Bolts permitted only by special agreement between purchaser and
B 18.2.3.6M Metric Heavy Hex Bolts producer.
B 18.5.2.1M Metric Round Head Short Square Neck Bolts 4.2.2 Class 4.6 may be hot or cold headed at the option of
B 18.5.2.2M Metric Round Head Square Neck Bolts the manufacturer.
4.2.3 Classes 4.8, 5.8, 8.8, 8.8.3, 9.8, 10.9, 10.9.3, and 12.9
3
Available from American National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St., bolts and screws in nominal thread diameters up to M20
4th Floor, New York, NY 10036. inclusive with lengths up to ten times the nominal product size

3
 F568M – 07
TABLE 4 Mechanical Testing Requirements for Bolts, Screws, and Studs A

iTeh Standards
(https://standards.iteh.ai)
Document Preview
ASTM F568M-07
https://standards.iteh.ai/catalog/standards/sist/189d7335-fbf0-4a11-886d-b67e6a4fae9a/astm-f568m-07

or 150 mm, whichever is shorter, shall be cold headed, except 4.4.2 Classes 4.8 and 5.8 bolts and screws shall be stress
that they may be hot headed by special agreement with the relieved if necessary to assure the soundness of the head to
purchaser. Larger diameters and longer lengths may be cold or shank junction. When stress relieving is specified by the
hot headed at the option of the manufacturer. purchaser, Class 5.8 bolts and screws shall be stress relieved at
4.3 Threading Practice: a minimum stress-relief temperature of 470°C. Where higher
4.3.1 Threads on Class 4.6 bolts and screws and on all stress-relief temperatures are necessary to relieve stresses in
classes of studs may be cut, rolled, or ground at the option of severely upset heads, mechanical requirements shall be agreed
the manufacturer. upon between the purchaser and producer.
4.3.2 Threads on Classes 4.8, 5.8, 8.8, 8.8.3, 9.8, 10.9, 4.4.3 Classes 8.8, 8.8.3, and 9.8 bolts, screws, and studs
10.9.3, and 12.9 bolts and screws in nominal thread diameters shall be heat treated by quenching in a liquid medium from
up to M20 inclusive, and product lengths up to 150 mm above the transformation temperature and reheating to the
inclusive, shall be roll threaded, except by special agreement tempering temperature given in Table 1.
with the purchaser. Threads of these classes on bolts and 4.4.4 Classes 10.9, 10.9.3, and 12.9 bolts, screws, and studs
screws larger than M20 or longer than 150 mm or both, may be shall be heat treated by quenching in oil from above the
rolled, cut, or ground at the option of the manufacturer. transformation temperature and reheating to the tempering
4.4 Heat Treatment: temperature given in Table 1.
4.4.1 Class 4.6 bolts and screws and Classes 4.6, 4.8, and 4.4.5 Tempering-Temperature-Audit Test— This test is a
5.8 studs need not be heat treated. means for checking whether products were tempered at the