ASTM A684/A684M-12

1.1 This specification covers cold-rolled, high-carbon strip in coils or cut lengths. Strip is classified as product that is 0.3000 in. [7.6 mm] or less in thickness and over ½ to 23¹⁵/₁₆ in. [12.5 to 600 mm] in width, inclusive. Strip tolerance products may be available in widths wider than 23¹⁵/₁₆ in. (600 mm) by agreement between purchaser and supplier; however, such products are technically classified as cold-rolled sheet. The maximum of the specified carbon range is over 0.25 to 1.35 %, inclusive. It is furnished in the following types as specified:

1.1.1 Soft spheroidized annealed high-carbon steel is intended for applications requiring maximum cold forming. It is normally produced to give the lowest maximum Rockwell hardness for each grade.

1.1.2 Soft annealed high-carbon steel is intended for applications requiring moderate cold forming. It is produced to a maximum Rockwell hardness.

1.1.3 Intermediate hardness high-carbon steel is intended for applications where cold forming is slight or a stiff, springy product is needed, or both. It is produced to specified Rockwell hardness ranges, the maximum being higher than obtained for the annealed type.

1.1.4 Full hard high-carbon steel is intended for flat applications. It is produced to minimum Rockwell hardness requirements, which vary with grade, microstructure and gauge. Full hard can be produced with either a pearlitic or spheroidized microstructure or a mixture of both. The minimum hardness should be established between the consumer and the producer.

1.2 This specification is applicable for orders in either inch-pound units or SI units.

1.3 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems may result in non-conformance with the standard.

1.4 The tolerances in this specification are different than those in Specification A568/A568M and Specification A109/A109M.

1.5 For the purpose of determining conformance with this specification, values shall be rounded to the nearest unit in the right hand place of figures used in expressing the limiting values in accordance with the rounding method of Practice E29.

1.6 This specification is expressed in both inch-pound units and SI units. However, unless the order specifies the applicable “M” specification designation (SI units), the material shall be furnished to inch-pound units. The metric portions of the tables herein list permissible variations in dimensions and mass (see Note 1) in SI (metric) units. The values listed are not exact conversions of the values listed in the inch-pound tables but instead are rounded or rationalized values. Conformance to SI tolerances is mandatory when the “M” specification is used.

Note 1—The term weight is used when inch-pound units are the standard. However, under SI the preferred term is mass.