ASTM A646/A646M-06(2011)

1.1 This specification covers premium quality alloy steel semifinished rolled or forged blooms and billets for reforging into critical parts such as aircraft landing-gear forgings.

1.2 Blooms and billets, hereinafter referred to as blooms, are semifinished steel products, hot rolled or forged to approximate cross-sectional dimensions. Blooms may be square, round, hexagonal, octagonal, or rectangular in section. For the purposes of this specification, minimum bloom section size will be 16 in.² [103 cm²].

1.3 This specification covers two basic classifications of steel:

1.3.1 Class I—Vacuum-induction melted or consumable-electrode vacuum melted, or other suitable processes which will satisfy the quality requirements of this specification.

1.3.2 Class II—Air-melted vacuum degassed.

1.3.3 Class III—Air melted electric furnace ladle refined and vacuum degassed

1.4 The values stated in either inch-pound or SI (metric) units are to be regarded separately as standards. Within the text and tables, the SI units are shown in brackets. The values stated in each system are not exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems may result in nonconformance with the specification.

1.5 Unless the order specifies the applicable “M” specification the material shall be furnished to the inch-pound units.