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: A6/A6M − 23

Standard Specification for

General Requirements for Rolled Structural Steel Bars,
Plates, Shapes, and Sheet Piling1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation A6/A6M; 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* A827/A827M Plates, Carbon Steel, for Forging and Similar Applications
2 A829/A829M Alloy Structural Steel Plates
1.1 This general requirements specification covers a group A830/A830M Plates, Carbon Steel, Structural Quality, Furnished to
of common requirements that, unless otherwise specified in the Chemical Composition Requirements
applicable product specification, apply to rolled structural steel A857/A857M Steel Sheet Piling, Cold Formed, Light Gage
A871/A871M High-Strength Low-Alloy Structural Steel Plate With Atmo-
bars, plates, shapes, and sheet piling covered by each of the spheric Corrosion Resistance
following product specifications issued by ASTM: A913/A913M High-Strength Low-Alloy Steel Shapes of Structural Quality,
Produced by Quenching and Self-Tempering Process
ASTM (QST)
Title of Specification
Designation3 A945/A945M High-Strength Low-Alloy Structural Steel Plate with Low
A36/A36M Carbon Structural Steel Carbon and Restricted Sulfur for Improved Weldability,
A131/A131M Structural Steel for Ships Formability, and Toughness
A242/A242M High-Strength Low-Alloy Structural Steel A950/A950M Fusion-Bonded Epoxy-Coated Structural Steel H-Piles and
A283/A283M Low and Intermediate Tensile Strength Carbon Steel Plates

iTeh Standards
Sheet Piling
A328/A328M Steel Sheet Piling A992/A992M Structural Steel Shapes
A514/A514M High-Yield-Strength, Quenched and Tempered Alloy Steel A1043/A1043M Structural Steel with Low Yield to Tensile Ratio for Use in
Plate, Suitable for Welding

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Buildings
A529/A529M High-Strength Carbon-Manganese Steel of Structural Qual- A1066/A1066M High-Strength Low-Alloy Structural Steel Plate Produced by
ity Thermo-Mechanical Controlled Process (TMCP)
A572/A572M High-Strength Low-Alloy Columbium-Vanadium Structural

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Steel 1.2 Annex A1 lists permitted variations in dimensions and
A573/A573M Structural Carbon Steel Plates mass (Note 1) in SI units. The values listed are not exact
A588/A588M High-Strength Low-Alloy Structural Steel, up to 50 ksi [345
conversions of the values in Tables 1 to 31 inclusive but are,
MPa] Minimum Yield Point, with Atmospheric Corrosion
Resistance instead, rounded or rationalized values. Conformance to Annex
A633/A633M ASTM A6/A6M-23
Normalized High-Strength Low-Alloy Structural Steel Plates
A1 is mandatory when the “M” specification designation is
A656/A656M Hot-Rolled Structural Steel, High-Strength Low-Alloy Plate
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with Improved Formability used.
A690/A690M High-Strength Low-Alloy Nickel, Copper, Phosphorus Steel
H-Piles and Sheet Piling with Atmospheric Corrosion Re- NOTE 1—The term “weight” is used when inch-pound units are the
sistance for Use in Marine Environments standard; however, under SI, the preferred term is “mass.”
A709/A709M Structural Steel for Bridges 1.3 Annex A2 lists the dimensions of some shape profiles.
A710/A710M Precipitation–Strengthened Low-Carbon Nickel-Copper-
Chromium-Molybdenum-Columbium (Niobium) Alloy 1.4 Appendix X1 provides information on coil as a source
Structural Steel Plates
A769/A769M Carbon and High-Strength Electric Resistance Forge-
of structural products.
Welded Steel Structural Shapes 1.5 Appendix X2 provides information on the variability of
A786/A786M Hot-Rolled Carbon, Low-Alloy, High-Strength Low-Alloy, and
Alloy Steel Floor Plates tensile properties in plates and structural shapes.
1.6 Appendix X3 provides information on weldability.
1.7 Appendix X4 provides information on cold bending of
1
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee A01 on Steel, plates, including suggested minimum inside radii for cold
Stainless Steel and Related Alloys and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee
A01.02 on Structural Steel for Bridges, Buildings, Rolling Stock and Ships. bending.
Current edition approved Nov. 1, 2023. Published December 2023. Originally 1.8 This general requirements specification also covers a
approved in 1949. Last previous edition approved in 2022 as A6/A6M – 22. DOI:
10.1520/A0006_A0006M-23. group of supplementary requirements that are applicable to
2
For ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code applications, see related Specifi- several of the above product specifications as indicated therein.
cation SA-6/SA-6M in Section II of that Code.
3
Such requirements are provided for use where additional
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
testing or additional restrictions are required by the purchaser,
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on and apply only where specified individually in the purchase
the ASTM website. order.

*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
 A6/A6M − 23
1.9 In case of any conflict in requirements, the requirements E29 Practice for Using Significant Digits in Test Data to
of the applicable product specification prevail over those of this Determine Conformance with Specifications
general requirements specification. E112 Test Methods for Determining Average Grain Size
1.10 Additional requirements that are specified in the pur- E208 Test Method for Conducting Drop-Weight Test to
chase order and accepted by the supplier are permitted, Determine Nil-Ductility Transition Temperature of Fer-
provided that such requirements do not negate any of the ritic Steels
requirements of this general requirements specification or the 2.2 American Welding Society Standards:4
applicable product specification. A5.1/A5.1M Mild Steel Covered Arc-Welding Electrodes
A5.5/A5.5M Low-Alloy Steel Covered Arc-Welding Elec-
1.11 For purposes of determining conformance with this trodes
general requirements specification and the applicable product A5.17/A5.17M Specification For Carbon Steel Electrodes
specification, values are to be rounded to the nearest unit in the And Fluxes For Submerged Arc Welding
right-hand place of figures used in expressing the limiting A5.18/A5.18M Specification For Carbon Steel Electrodes
values in accordance with the rounding method of Practice And Rods For Gas Shielded Arc Welding
E29. A5.20/A5.20M Carbon Steel Electrodes For Flux Cored Arc
1.12 The text of this general requirements specification Welding
contains notes or footnotes, or both, that provide explanatory A5.23/A5.23M Low Alloy Steel Electrodes And Fluxes For
material. Such notes and footnotes, excluding those in tables Submerged Arc Welding
and figures, do not contain any mandatory requirements. A5.28/A5.28M Specification For Low-Alloy Steel Elec-
trodes And Rods For Gas Shielded Arc Welding
1.13 The values stated in either inch-pound units or SI units
A5.29/A5.29M Specification for Low-Alloy Steel Elec-
are to be regarded separately as standard. Within the text, the
trodes for Flux Cored Arc Welding
SI units are shown in brackets. The values stated in each
D1.1/D1.1M Structural Welding Code Steel
system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system
shall be used independently of the other. Combining values 2.3 U.S. Military Standards:5
MIL-STD-129 Marking for Shipment and Storage
iTeh Standards
from the two systems may result in non-conformance with this
specification. MIL-STD-163 Steel Mill Products Preparation for Ship-
ment and Storage

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1.14 This general requirements specification and the appli- 2.4 U.S. Federal Standard:5
cable product specification are expressed in both inch-pound Fed. Std. No. 123 Marking for Shipments (Civil Agencies)
units and SI units; however, unless the order specifies the 2.5 American Society of Mechanical Engineers Code:6
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applicable “M” specification designation (SI units), the struc-
tural product is furnished to inch-pound units.
ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, Section IX

1.15 This standard does not purport to address all of the 3. Terminology
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. ASTM A6/A6M-23
It is the 3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
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responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- 3.1.1 plates (other than floor plates)—flat, hot-rolled steel,
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter- ordered to thickness or weight [mass] and typically width and
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. length, commonly classified as follows:
1.16 This international standard was developed in accor- 3.1.1.1 When Ordered to Thickness:
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard- (1) Over 8 in. [200 mm] in width and 0.230 in. [6 mm] or
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the over in thickness.
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom- (2) Over 48 in. [1200 mm] in width and 0.180 in. [4.5 mm]
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical or over in thickness.
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee. 3.1.1.2 When Ordered to Weight [Mass]:
(1) Over 8 in. [200 mm] in width and 9.392 lb ⁄ft2
2. Referenced Documents [47.10 kg ⁄m2] or heavier.
2.1 ASTM Standards:3 (2) Over 48 in. [1200 mm] in width and 7.350 lb ⁄ft2
A131/A131M Specification for Structural Steel for Ships [35.32 kg ⁄m2] or heavier.
A370 Test Methods and Definitions for Mechanical Testing 3.1.1.3 Discussion—Steel products are available in various
of Steel Products thickness, width, and length combinations depending upon
A673/A673M Specification for Sampling Procedure for Im- equipment and processing capabilities of various manufactur-
pact Testing of Structural Steel ers and processors. Historic limitations of a product based upon
A700 Guide for Packaging, Marking, and Loading Methods
for Steel Products for Shipment 4
Available from American Welding Society (AWS), 550 NW LeJeune Rd.,
A751 Test Methods and Practices for Chemical Analysis of Miami, FL 33126, http://www.aws.org.
5
Steel Products Available from DLA Document Services, Building 4/D, 700 Robbins Ave.,
Philadelphia, PA 19111-5094, http://quicksearch.dla.mil.
A829/A829M Specification for Alloy Structural Steel Plates 6
Available from American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), ASME
A941 Terminology Relating to Steel, Stainless Steel, Related International Headquarters, Two Park Ave., New York, NY 10016-5990, http://
Alloys, and Ferroalloys www.asme.org.

2
 A6/A6M − 23
dimensions (thickness, width, and length) do not take into 1800 mm] exclusive includes 60 in. [1500 mm], but does not
account current production and processing capabilities. To include 72 in. [1800 mm].
qualify any product to a particular product specification re- 3.1.6 rimmed steel—steel containing sufficient oxygen to
quires all appropriate and necessary tests be performed and that give a continuous evolution of carbon monoxide during
the results meet the limits prescribed in that product specifi- solidification, resulting in a case or rim of metal virtually free
cation. If the necessary tests required by a product specification of voids.
cannot be conducted, the product cannot be qualified to that
specification. This general requirement standard contains per- 3.1.7 semi-killed steel—incompletely deoxidized steel con-
mitted variations for the commonly available sizes. Permitted taining sufficient oxygen to form enough carbon monoxide
variations for other sizes are subject to agreement between the during solidification to offset solidification shrinkage.
customer and the manufacturer or processor, whichever is 3.1.8 capped steel—rimmed steel in which the rimming
applicable. action is limited by an early capping operation. Capping is
3.1.1.4 Slabs, sheet bars, and skelp, though frequently carried out mechanically by using a heavy metal cap on a
falling in the foregoing size ranges, are not classed as plates. bottle-top mold or chemically by an addition of aluminum or
3.1.1.5 Coils are excluded from qualification to the appli- ferrosilicon to the top of the molten steel in an open-top mold.
cable product specification until they are decoiled, leveled or 3.1.9 killed steel—steel deoxidized, either by addition of
straightened, formed (if applicable), cut to length, and, if strong deoxidizing agents or by vacuum treatment, to reduce
required, properly tested by the processor in accordance with the oxygen content to such a level that no reaction occurs
ASTM specification requirements (see Sections 9 – 15, 18, and between carbon and oxygen during solidification.
19 and the applicable product specification). 3.1.10 mill edge—the normal edge produced by rolling
3.1.2 Shapes (Flanged Sections): between horizontal finishing rolls. A mill edge does not
3.1.2.1 structural-size shapes—rolled flanged sections hav- conform to any definite contour. Mill edge plates have two mill
ing at least one dimension of the cross section 3 in. [75 mm] or edges and two trimmed edges.
greater. 3.1.11 universal mill edge—the normal edge produced by
3.1.2.2 bar-size shapes—rolled flanged sections having a

[75 mm].
iTeh Standards
maximum dimension of the cross section less than 3 in.
rolling between horizontal and vertical finishing rolls. Univer-
sal mill plates, sometimes designated UM Plates, have two
universal mill edges and two trimmed edges.
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3.1.2.3 “W” shapes—doubly-symmetric, wide-flange
shapes with inside flange surfaces that are substantially paral-
3.1.12 sheared edge—the normal edge produced by shear-
ing. Sheared edge plates are trimmed on all edges.
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lel.
3.1.2.4 “HP” shapes—are wide-flange shapes generally 3.1.13 gas cut edge—the edge produced by gas flame
used as bearing piles whose flanges and webs are of the same cutting.
nominal thickness and whose depth and width are essentially 3.1.14 special cut edge—usually the edge produced by gas
the same. ASTM A6/A6M-23flame cutting involving special practices such as pre-heating or
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3.1.2.5 “S” shapes—doubly-symmetric beam shapes with post-heating, or both, in order to minimize stresses, avoid
inside flange surfaces that have a slope of approximately thermal cracking and reduce the hardness of the gas cut edge.
162⁄3 %. In special instances, special cut edge is used to designate an
3.1.2.6 “M” shapes—doubly-symmetric shapes that cannot edge produced by machining.
be classified as “W,” “S,” or “HP” shapes. 3.1.15 sketch—when used to describe a form of plate,
3.1.2.7 “C” shapes—channels with inside flange surfaces denotes a plate other than rectangular, circular, or semi-
that have a slope of approximately 162⁄3 %. circular.
3.1.2.8 “MC” shapes—channels that cannot be classified as 3.1.16 normalizing—a heat treating process in which a steel
“C” shapes. plate is reheated to a uniform temperature above the upper
3.1.2.9 “L” shapes—shapes having equal-leg and unequal- critical temperature and then cooled in air to below the
leg angles. transformation range.
3.1.3 sheet piling—rolled steel sections that are capable of 3.1.17 plate-as-rolled—when used in relation to the location
being interlocked, forming a continuous wall when individual and number of tests, the term refers to the unit plate rolled from
pieces are driven side by side. a slab or directly from an ingot. It does not refer to the
3.1.4 bars—rounds, squares, and hexagons, of all sizes; flats condition of the plate.
13⁄64 in. [0.203 in.] and over [over 5 mm] in specified thickness,
3.1.18 fine grain practice—a steelmaking practice for other
not over 6 in. [150 mm] in specified width; and flats 0.230 in. than stainless steel that is intended to produce a killed steel that
and over [over 6 mm] in specified thickness, over 6 in. to 8 in. is capable of meeting the requirements for fine austenite grain
[150 mm to 200 mm] inclusive, in specified width. size when and if the as-rolled or as-forged product is reheated
3.1.5 exclusive—when used in relation to ranges, as for to a temperature at or above the transformation temperature,
ranges of thickness in the tables of permissible variations in Ac3.
dimensions, is intended to exclude only the greater value of the 3.1.18.1 Discussion—When stated as a requirement, fine
range. Thus, a range from 60 in. to 72 in. [1500 mm to grain practice normally involves the addition of one or more

3
 A6/A6M − 23
austenitic grain refining elements in amounts that have been 4.1.1 ASTM product specification designation (see 1.1) and
established by the steel producer as being sufficient. Austenite year-date;
grain refining elements include, but are not limited to, 4.1.2 Name of structural product (plate, shape, bar, or sheet
aluminum, columbium (niobium), titanium, and vanadium. A piling);
fine grain practice requirement (1) does not specify a minimum 4.1.3 Shape designation, or size and thickness or diameter;
austenite grain refining element addition; (2) does not require 4.1.4 Grade, class, and type designation, if applicable;
prior austenite grain size testing; (3) does not require meeting 4.1.5 Condition (see Section 6), if other than as-rolled;
any prior austenite grain size test result; and (4) does not apply 4.1.6 Quantity (weight [mass] or number of pieces);
to, nor in any way control, the prior austenite grain size or the 4.1.7 Length;
ferrite grain size of the steel in the as-rolled or as-forged 4.1.8 Exclusion of either structural product produced from
condition. The prior austenite grain size and the ferrite grain coil or structural product produced from an as-rolled structural
size of as-rolled or as-forged steel products are controlled by product (see 5.4 and Appendix X1), if applicable;
the manufacturing process and may be assisted by suitable 4.1.9 Heat treatment requirements (see 6.2 and 6.3), if any;
chemistry. The appropriate manufacturing process controls 4.1.10 Testing for fine austenitic grain size (see 8.3.2);
needed to meet the mechanical property requirements of the 4.1.11 Mechanical property test report requirements (see
specification in the as-rolled or as-forged condition are neither Section 14), if any;
defined nor implied by the inclusion of a fine grain practice 4.1.12 Special packaging, marking, and loading for ship-
requirement. ment requirements (see Section 19), if any;
3.1.19 structural product—a hot-rolled steel plate, shape, 4.1.13 Supplementary requirements, if any, including any
sheet piling, or bar. additional requirements called for in the supplementary re-
3.1.20 coil—hot-rolled steel in coiled form that is intended quirements;
to be processed into a finished structural product. 4.1.14 End use, if there are any end-use-specific require-
ments (see 18.1, 11.3.4, Table 22 or Table A1.22, and Table 24
3.1.21 manufacturer—the organization that directly controls
or Table A1.24);
the conversion of steel ingots, slabs, blooms, or billets, by
4.1.15 Special requirements (see 1.10), if any; and
iTeh Standards
hot-rolling, into an as-rolled structural product or into coil; and
4.1.16 Repair welding requirements (see 9.5), if any.
for structural products produced from as-rolled structural
products, the organization that directly controls, or is respon-
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sible for, the operations involved in finishing the structural
product.
5. Materials and Manufacture
5.1 The steel shall be made in a basic-oxygen or electric-arc

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3.1.21.1 Discussion—Such finishing operations include lev-
eling or straightening, hot forming or cold forming (if
applicable), welding (if applicable), cutting to length, testing,
furnace, possibly followed by additional refining in a ladle
metallurgy furnace (LMF) or secondary melting by vacuum-
arc remelting (VAR) or electroslag remelting (ESR).
inspection, conditioning, heat treatment (if applicable), 5.2 The steel shall be killed.
ASTM A6/A6M-23
packaging, marking, loading for shipment, and certification.
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3.1.22 processor—the organization that directly controls, or
5.3 The steel shall be strand cast or cast in stationary molds.
5.3.1 Strand Cast:
is responsible for, the operations involved in the processing of
5.3.1.1 When heats of the same nominal chemical compo-
coil into a finished structural product. Such processing opera-
sition are consecutively strand cast at one time, the heat
tions include decoiling, leveling or straightening, hot-forming
number assigned to the cast product need not be changed until
or cold-forming (if applicable), welding (if applicable), cutting
all of the steel in the cast product is from the following heat.
to length, testing, inspection, conditioning, heat treatment (if
5.3.1.2 When two consecutively strand cast heats have
applicable), packaging, marking, loading for shipment, and
different nominal chemical composition ranges, the manufac-
certification.
turer shall remove the transition material by an established
3.1.22.1 Discussion—The processing operations need not be
procedure that positively separates the grades.
done by the organization that did the hot rolling of the coil. If
only one organization is involved in the hot rolling and 5.4 Structural products shall be produced from an as-rolled
processing operations, that organization is termed the manu- structural product or from coil.
facturer for the hot rolling operation and the processor for the 5.5 Where part of a heat is rolled into an as-rolled structural
processing operations. If more than one organization is in- product and the balance of the heat is rolled into coil, each part
volved in the hot rolling and processing operations, the shall be tested separately.
organization that did the hot rolling is termed the manufacturer
and an organization that does one or more processing opera- 5.6 Structural products produced from coil shall not contain
tions is termed a processor. splice welds, unless previously approved by the purchaser.
3.2 Refer to Terminology A941 for additional definitions of 6. Heat Treatment
terms used in this standard.
6.1 Where the structural product is required to be heat
4. Ordering Information treated, such heat treatment shall be performed by the
4.1 Information items to be considered, if appropriate, for manufacturer, the processor, or the fabricator, unless otherwise
inclusion in purchase orders are as follows: specified in the applicable product specification.

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 A6/A6M − 23
NOTE 2—When no heat treatment is required, the manufacturer or product specification for the applicable grade, class, and type,
processor has the option of heat treating the structural product by the heat analysis for the remelted heat shall be determined from
normalizing, stress relieving, or normalizing then stress relieving to meet
the applicable product specification.
one test sample taken from one remelted ingot, or the product
of one remelted ingot, from the primary heat. If the heat
6.2 Where the heat treatment is to be performed by other analysis of the primary heat does not conform to the heat
than the manufacturer, the order shall so state. analysis requirements of the applicable product specification
6.2.1 Where the heat treatment is to be performed by other for the applicable grade, type, and class, the heat analysis for
than the manufacturer, the structural products shall be accepted the remelted heat shall be determined from one test sample
on the basis of tests made on test specimens taken from full taken from each remelted ingot, or the product of each
thickness test coupons heat treated in accordance with the remelted ingot, from the primary heat.
requirements specified in the applicable product specification
or in the purchase order. If the heat-treatment temperatures are 7.2 Product Analysis—For each heat, the purchaser shall
not specified, the manufacturer or processor shall heat treat the have the option of analyzing representative samples taken from
test coupons under conditions the manufacturer or processor the finished structural product. Sampling for chemical analysis
considers appropriate, provided that the purchaser is informed and methods of analysis shall be in accordance with Test
of the procedure followed in heat treating the test coupons. Methods, Practices, and Terminology A751. The product
analyses so determined shall conform to the heat analysis
6.3 Where the heat treatment is to be performed by the requirements of the applicable product specification for the
manufacturer or the processor, the structural product shall be applicable grade, class, and type, subject to the permitted
heat treated as specified in the applicable product specification, variations in product analysis given in Table A. If a range is
or as specified in the purchase order, provided that the heat specified, the determinations of any element in a heat shall not
treatment specified by the purchaser is not in conflict with the vary both above and below the specified range. Rimmed or
requirements of the applicable product specification. capped steel is characterized by a lack of homogeneity in its
6.4 Where normalizing is to be performed by the fabricator, composition, especially for the elements carbon, phosphorus,
the structural product shall be either normalized or heated and sulfur. Therefore, the limitations for these elements shall
uniformly for hot forming, provided that the temperature to not be applicable unless misapplication is clearly indicated.
iTeh Standards
which the structural product is heated for hot forming does not
significantly exceed the normalizing temperature.
7.3 Referee Analysis—For referee purposes, Test Methods,
Practices, and Terminology A751 shall be used.
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6.5 The use of cooling rates that are faster than those
obtained by cooling in air to improve the toughness shall be
7.4 Grade Substitution—Alloy steel grades that meet the
chemical requirements of Table 1 of Specification A829/
Document
in the range from Preview
subject to approval by the purchaser, and structural products so
treated shall be tempered subsequently
A829M shall not be substituted for carbon steel grades.
1100 °F to 1300 °F [595 °C to 705 °C].
8. Metallurgical Structure
7. Chemical Analysis ASTM A6/A6M-23 8.1 Where austenitic grain size testing is required, such
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testing shall be in accordance with Test Methods E112 and at
7.1 Heat Analysis:
least 70 % of the grains in the area examined shall meet the
7.1.1 Sampling for chemical analysis and methods of analy-
specified grain size requirement.
sis shall be in accordance with Test Methods, Practices, and
Terminology A751. 8.1.1 Discussion—Austenitic Grain Size—All requirements
7.1.2 For each heat, the heat analysis shall include determi- for austenitic grain size control in Section 8, Metallurgical
nation of the content of carbon, manganese, phosphorus, sulfur, Structure, refer to a size of austenite grains that form when and
silicon, nickel, chromium, molybdenum, copper, vanadium, if the structural product is reheated to a temperature at or above
columbium (niobium); any other element that is specified or the transformation temperature, Ac3, after the product has
restricted by the applicable product specification for the experienced the complete rolling operation and has cooled to
applicable grade, class, and type; and any austenitic grain ambient temperature. The requirements for austenitic grain size
refining element whose content is to be used in place of control in Section 8, including the results of the referenced
austenitic grain size testing of the heat (see 8.3.2). Boron shall testing methods, do not measure or control the prior austenitic
be reported if intentionally added. grain size or the ferritic grain size of the structural product in
the as-rolled condition.
NOTE 3—For steels that do not have intentional boron additions for
hardenability, the boron content will not normally exceed 0.0008 %. 8.2 Coarse Austenitic Grain Size—Where coarse austenitic
grain size is specified, one austenitic grain size test per heat
7.1.3 Except as allowed by 7.1.4 for primary heats, heat
shall be made and the austenitic grain size number so deter-
analyses shall conform to the heat analysis requirements of the
mined shall be in the range of 1 to 5 inclusive.
applicable product specification for the applicable grade, class,
and type. 8.3 Fine Austenitic Grain Size:
7.1.4 Where vacuum-arc remelting or electroslag remelting 8.3.1 Where fine austenitic grain size is specified, except as
is used, a remelted heat is defined as all ingots remelted from allowed in 8.3.2, one austenitic grain size test per heat shall be
a single primary heat. If the heat analysis of the primary heat made and the austenitic grain size number so determined shall
conforms to the heat analysis requirements of the applicable be 5 or higher.

5
 A6/A6M − 23
NOTE 4—Such austenitic grain size numbers may be achieved with 9.2.2.2 After removal of any imperfections preparatory to
lower contents of austenitic grain refining elements than 8.3.2 requires forwelding, the thickness of the plate at any location shall not be
austenitic grain size testing to be waived.
reduced by more than 30 % of the nominal thickness of the
8.3.2 Unless testing for fine austenitic grain size is specified plate. (Specification A131/A131M restricts the reduction in
in the purchase order, an austenitic grain size test need not be thickness to 20 % maximum.)
made for any heat that has, by heat analysis, one or more of the 9.2.3 The deposition of weld metal (see 9.5) following the
following: removal of injurious imperfections on the edges of plates by
8.3.2.1 A total aluminum content of 0.020 % or more. grinding, chipping, or arc-air gouging by the manufacturer or
8.3.2.2 An acid soluble aluminum content of 0.015 % or processor shall be subject to the limitation that, prior to
more. welding, the depth of the depression, measured from the plate
8.3.2.3 A content for an austenitic grain refining element edge inward, is not more than the thickness of the plate or 1 in.
that exceeds the minimum value agreed to by the purchaser as [25 mm], whichever is the lesser.
being sufficient for austenitic grain size testing to be waived, or 9.3 Structural Size Shapes, Bar Size Shapes, and Sheet
8.3.2.4 Contents for the combination of two or more auste- Piling Conditioning:
nitic grain refining elements that exceed the applicable mini- 9.3.1 The grinding, or chipping and grinding, of structural
mum values agreed to by the purchaser as being sufficient for size shapes, bar size shapes, and sheet piling by the manufac-
austenitic grain size testing to be waived. turer or processor to remove imperfections shall be subject to
the limitations that the area ground is well faired without
9. Quality abrupt changes in contour and the depression does not extend
9.1 General—Structural products shall be free of injurious below the rolled surface by more than (1) 1⁄32 in. [1 mm], for
defects and shall have a workmanlike finish. material less than 3⁄8 in. [10 mm] in thickness; (2) 1⁄16 in.
[2 mm], for material 3⁄8 in. to 2 in. [10 mm to 50 mm] inclusive
NOTE 5—Unless otherwise specified, structural products are normally in thickness; or (3) 1⁄8 in. [3 mm], for material over 2 in.
furnished in the as-rolled condition and are subjected to visual inspection [50 mm] in thickness.
by the manufacturer or processor. Non-injurious surface or internal
9.3.2 The deposition of weld metal (see 9.5) following
iTeh Standards
imperfections, or both, may be present in the structural product as
delivered and the structural product may require conditioning by the removal of imperfections that are greater in depth than the
purchaser to improve its appearance or in preparation for welding, coating, limits listed in 9.3.1 shall be subject to the following limiting
or other further operations.
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More restrictive requirements may be specified by invoking supplemen-
tary requirements or by agreement between the purchaser and the supplier.
conditions:
9.3.2.1 The total area of the chipped or ground surface of
any piece prior to welding shall not exceed 2 % of the total
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Structural products that exhibit injurious defects during subsequent
fabrication are deemed not to comply with the applicable product
specification. (See 17.2.) Fabricators should be aware that cracks may
surface area of that piece.
9.3.2.2 The reduction of thickness of the material resulting
initiate upon bending a sheared or burned edge during the fabrication from removal of imperfections prior to welding shall not
process; this is not considered to be a fault of the steel but is rather a
function of the induced cold-work or the heat-affected zone.
ASTM A6/A6M-23 exceed 30 % of the nominal thickness at the location of the
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The conditioning requirements in 9.2, 9.3, and 9.4 limit the condition- imperfection, nor shall the depth of depression prior to welding
ing allowed to be performed by the manufacturer or processor. Condition- exceed 11⁄4 in. [32 mm] in any case except as noted in 9.3.2.3.
ing of imperfections beyond the limits of 9.2, 9.3, and 9.4 may be 9.3.2.3 The deposition of weld metal (see 9.5) following
performed by parties other than the manufacturer or processor at the grinding, chipping, or arc-air gouging of the toes of angles,
discretion of the purchaser. beams, channels, and zees and the stems and toes of tees shall
9.2 Plate Conditioning: be subject to the limitation that, prior to welding, the depth of
9.2.1 The grinding of plates by the manufacturer or proces- the depression, measured from the toe inward, is not more than
sor to remove imperfections on the top or bottom surface shall the thickness of the material at the base of the depression or 1⁄2
be subject to the limitations that the area ground is well faired in. [12.5 mm], whichever is the lesser.
without abrupt changes in contour and the grinding does not 9.3.2.4 The deposition of weld metal (see 9.5) and grinding
reduce the thickness of the plate by (1) more than 7 % under to correct or build up the interlock of any sheet piling section
the nominal thickness for plates ordered to weight per square at any location shall be subject to the limitation that the total
foot or mass per square metre, but in no case more than 1⁄8 in. surface area of the weld not exceed 2 % of the total surface
[3 mm]; or (2) below the permissible minimum thickness for area of the piece.
plates ordered to thickness in inches or millimetres. 9.4 Bar Conditioning:
9.2.2 The deposition of weld metal (see 9.5) following the 9.4.1 The conditioning of bars by the manufacturer or
removal of imperfections on the top or bottom surface of plates processor to remove imperfections by grinding, chipping, or
by chipping, grinding, or arc-air gouging shall be subject to the some other means shall be subject to the limitations that the
following limiting conditions: conditioned area is well faired and the affected sectional area is
9.2.2.1 The chipped, ground, or gouged area shall not not reduced by more than the applicable permitted variations
exceed 2 % of the area of the surface being conditioned. (see Section 12).

6
 A6/A6M − 23
TABLE A Permitted Variations in Product Analysis Index to Tables of Permitted Variations
NOTE 1—Where “...” appears in this table, there is no requirement. Table
Dimension Inch-Pound
Permitted SI Units
Variations, % Units
Upper Limit, or
Element Maximum Specified Under Over Camber
Value, % Minimum Maximum Plates, Carbon Steel; Sheared and Gas-Cut 12 A1.12
Limit Limit Plates, Carbon Steel; Universal Mill 11 A1.11
Plates, Other than Carbon Steel; Sheared, 11 A1.11
Carbon to 0.15 incl 0.02 0.03 Gas-Cut and Universal Mill
over 0.15 to 0.40 incl 0.03 0.04 Shapes, Rolled; S, M, C, MC, and L 21 A1.21
over 0.40 to 0.75 incl 0.04 0.05 Shapes, Rolled; W and HP 24 A1.24
over 0.75 0.04 0.06 Shapes, Split; L and T 25 A1.25
Cross Section of Shapes and Bars
ManganeseA to 0.60 incl 0.05 0.06 Flats 26 A1.26
over 0.60 to 0.90 incl 0.06 0.08 Hexagons 28 A1.28
over 0.90 to 1.20 incl 0.08 0.10 Rounds and Squares 27 A1.27
over 1.20 to 1.35 incl 0.09 0.11 Shapes, Rolled; L, Bulb Angles, and Z 17 A1.17
over 1.35 to 1.65 incl 0.09 0.12 Shapes, Rolled; W, HP, S, M, C, and MC 16 A1.16
over 1.65 to 1.95 incl 0.11 0.14 Shapes, Rolled; T 18 A1.18
over 1.95 0.12 0.16 Shapes, Split; L and T 25 A1.25
Diameter
Phosphorus to 0.04 incl ... 0.010 Plates, Sheared 6 A1.6
B
over 0.04 to 0.15 incl ... Plates, Other than Alloy Steel, Gas-Cut 7 A1.7
Plates, Alloy Steel, Gas-Cut 10 A1.10
Sulfur to 0.06 incl ... 0.010 Rounds 27 A1.27
B B
over 0.06 End Out-of-Square
Shapes, Other than W 20 A1.20
Silicon to 0.30 incl 0.02 0.03 Shapes, W 22 A1.22
over 0.30 to 0.40 incl 0.05 0.05 Shapes, Milled, Other than W 23 A1.23
over 0.40 to 2.20 incl 0.06 0.06 Flatness
Plates, Carbon Steel 13 A1.13
Nickel to 1.00 incl 0.03 0.03 Plates, Other than Carbon Steel 14 A1.14

iTeh Standards
over 1.00 to 2.00 incl 0.05 0.05 Plates, Restrictive—Carbon Steel S27.1 S27.2
over 2.00 to 3.75 incl 0.07 0.07 Plates, Restrictive—Other than Carbon Steel S27.3 S27.4
over 3.75 to 5.30 incl 0.08 0.08 Length
over 5.30 0.10 0.10

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Bars 30 A1.30
Bars, Recut 31 A1.31
Chromium to 0.90 incl 0.04 0.04 Plates, Sheared and Universal Mill 3 A1.3
over 0.90 to 2.00 incl 0.06 0.06

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Plates, Other than Alloy Steel, Gas-Cut 9 A1.9
over 2.00 to 10.00 incl 0.10 0.10 Plates, Alloy Steel, Gas-Cut 8 A1.8
over 10.00 to 15.00 incl 0.15 0.15 Plates, Mill Edge 4 A1.4
Shapes, Rolled; Other than W 19 A1.19
Molybdenum to 0.20 incl 0.01 0.01 Shapes, Rolled; W and HP 22 A1.22
over 0.20 to 0.40 incl 0.03 0.03
over 0.40 to 1.15 incl ASTM A6/A6M-23
0.04 0.04
Shapes, Split; L and T
Shapes, Milled
25
23
A1.25
A1.23
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Copper 0.20 minimum only 0.02 ...
Straightness
Bars 29 A1.29
to 1.00 incl 0.03 0.03 Shapes, Other than W 21 A1.21
over 1.00 to 2.00 incl 0.05 0.05 Sweep
Shapes, W and HP 24 A1.24
Titanium to 0.15 incl 0.01C 0.01 Thickness
Flats 26 A1.26
Vanadium to 0.10 incl 0.01C 0.01 Plates, Ordered to Thickness 1 A1.1
over 0.10 to 0.25 incl 0.02 0.02 Waviness
over 0.25 0.02 0.03 Plates 15 A1.15
minimum only specified 0.01 ... Weight [Mass]
B B
Plates, Ordered to Weight [Mass] 2 A1.2
Boron any Width
Flats 26 A1.26
Columbium to 0.10 incl 0.01C 0.01 Plates, Sheared 3 A1.3
(Niobium)D Plates, Universal Mill 5 A1.5
Plates, Other than Alloy Steel, Gas-Cut 9 A1.9
Zirconium to 0.15 incl 0.03 0.03 Plates, Alloy Steel, Gas-Cut 8 A1.8
Plates, Mill Edge 4 A1.4
Nitrogen to 0.030 incl 0.005 0.005
A
Permitted variations in manganese content for bars and bar size shapes shall be: 9.4.2 The deposition of weld metal (see 9.5) following
to 0.90 incl ±0.03; over 0.90 to 2.20 incl ±0.06.
B
chipping or grinding to remove imperfections that are greater
Product analysis not applicable.
C
0.005, if the minimum of the range is 0.01 %.
in depth than the limits listed in 9.4.1 shall be subject to the
D
Columbium and niobium are interchangeable names for the same element. following conditions:

7
 A6/A6M − 23
9.4.2.1 The total area of the chipped or ground surface of mechanical properties are comparable to those for one of the
any piece, prior to welding, shall not exceed 2 % of the total prequalified base metals listed in AWS D1.1/D1.1M.
surface area of the piece. 9.5.1.8 When so specified in the purchase order, the WPS
9.4.2.2 The reduction of sectional dimension of a round, shall include qualification by Charpy V-notch testing, with the
square, or hexagon bar, or the reduction in thickness of a flat test locations, test conditions, and the acceptance criteria
bar, resulting from removal of an imperfection, prior to meeting the requirements specified for repair welding in the
welding, shall not exceed 5 % of the nominal dimension or purchase order.
thickness at the location of the imperfection. 9.5.1.9 When so specified in the purchase order, the welding
9.4.2.3 For the edges of flat bars, the depth of the condi- procedure specification shall be subject to approval by the
tioning depression prior to welding shall be measured from the purchaser prior to repair welding.
edge inward and shall be limited to a maximum depth equal to 9.5.2 Structural Products with a Specified Minimum Tensile
the thickness of the flat bar or 1⁄2 in. [12.5 mm], whichever is Strength of 100 ksi [690 MPa] or Higher—Repair welding of
less. structural products with a specified minimum tensile strength
9.5 Repair by Welding: of 100 ksi [690 MPa] or higher shall be subject to the following
9.5.1 General Requirements: additional requirements:
9.5.1.1 Repair by welding shall be in accordance with a 9.5.2.1 When so specified in the purchase order, prior
welding procedure specification (WPS) using shielded metal approval for repair by welding shall be obtained from the
arc welding (SMAW), gas metal arc welding (GMAW), flux purchaser.
cored arc welding (FCAW), or submerged arc welding (SAW) 9.5.2.2 The surface to be welded shall be inspected using a
processes. Shielding gases used shall be of welding quality. magnetic particle method or a liquid penetrant method to verify
9.5.1.2 Electrodes and electrode-flux combinations shall be that the imperfections intended to be removed have been
in accordance with the requirements of AWS Specifications completely removed. When magnetic particle inspection is
A5.1/A5.1M, A5.5/A5.5M, A5.17/A5.17M, A5.18/A5.18M, employed, the surface shall be inspected both parallel and
A5.20/A5.20M, A5.23/A5.23M, A5.28/A5.28M, or A5.29/ perpendicular to the length of the area to be repaired.
9.5.2.3 When weld repairs are to be post-weld heat-treated,
iTeh Standards
A5.29M, whichever is applicable. For SMAW, low hydrogen
electrodes shall be used. special care shall be exercised in the selection of electrodes to
9.5.1.3 Electrodes and electrode-flux combinations shall be avoid those compositions that embrittle as a result of such heat

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selected so that the tensile strength of the deposited weld metal
(after any required heat treatment) is consistent with the tensile
treatment.
9.5.2.4 Repairs on structural products that are subsequently

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strength specified for the base metal being repaired. heat-treated at the mill shall be inspected after heat treatment;
9.5.1.4 Welding electrodes and flux materials shall be dry repairs on structural products that are not subsequently heat-
and protected from moisture during storage and use. treated at the mill shall be inspected no sooner than 48 h after
9.5.1.5 Prior to repair welding, the surface to be welded welding. Such inspection shall use a magnetic particle method
shall be inspected to verify that the imperfectionsASTM A6/A6M-23
intended to or a liquid penetrant method; where magnetic particle inspec-
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be removed have been removed completely. Surfaces to be tion is involved, such inspection shall be both parallel to and
welded and surfaces adjacent to the weld shall be dry and free perpendicular to the length of the repair.
of scale, slag, rust, moisture, grease, and other foreign material 9.5.2.5 The location of the weld repairs shall be marked on
that would prevent proper welding. the finished piece.
9.5.1.6 Welders and welding operators shall be qualified in 9.5.3 Repair Quality—The welds and adjacent heat-affected
accordance with the requirements of AWS D1.1/D1.1M or zone shall be sound and free of cracks, the weld metal being
ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, Section IX, except thoroughly fused to all surfaces and edges without undercutting
that any complete joint penetration groove weld qualification or overlap. Any visible cracks, porosity, lack of fusion, or
also qualifies the welder or welding operator to do repair undercut in any layer shall be removed prior to deposition of
welding. the succeeding layer. Weld metal shall project at least 1⁄16 in.
9.5.1.7 Repair welding of structural products shall be in [2 mm] above the rolled surface after welding, and the project-
accordance with a welding procedure specification (WPS) that ing metal shall be removed by chipping or grinding, or both, to
is in accordance with the requirements of AWS D1.1/D1.1M or make it flush with the rolled surface, and to produce a
ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, Section IX, with the workmanlike finish.
following exceptions or clarifications: 9.5.4 Inspection of Repair—The manufacturer or processor
(1) The WPS shall be qualified by testing a complete joint shall maintain an inspection program to inspect the work to see
penetration groove weld or a surface groove weld. that:
(2) The geometry of the surface groove weld need not be 9.5.4.1 Imperfections have been completely removed;
described in other than a general way. 9.5.4.2 The limitations specified above have not been ex-
(3) An AWS D1.1/D1.1M prequalified complete joint ceeded;
penetration groove weld WPS is acceptable. 9.5.4.3 Established welding procedures have been followed;
(4) Any material not listed in the prequalified base and
metal-filler metal combinations of AWS D1.1/D1.1M also is 9.5.4.4 Any weld deposit is of acceptable quality as defined
considered to be prequalified if its chemical composition and above.

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 A6/A6M − 23
10. Test Methods shall be taken such that the longitudinal axis of the test
10.1 All tests shall be conducted in accordance with Test specimen is parallel to the final direction of rolling.
Methods and Definitions A370. 11.3 Location:
11.3.1 Plates—Test specimens shall be taken from a corner
10.2 Yield strength shall be determined either by the 0.2 %
of the plate.
offset method or by the 0.5 % extension under load method,
unless otherwise stated in the material specification. 11.3.2 W and HP Shapes with Flanges 6 in. [150 mm] or
Wider—Test specimens shall be selected from a point in the
10.3 Rounding Procedures—For purposes of determining flange 2⁄3 of the way from the flange centerline to the flange toe.
conformance with the specification, a calculated value shall be 11.3.3 Shapes Other Than Those in 11.3.2—Test specimens
rounded to the nearest 1 ksi [5 MPa] tensile and yield strength, shall be selected from the webs of beams, channels, and zees;
and to the nearest unit in the right-hand place of figures used in from the stems of rolled tees; and from the legs of angles and
expressing the limiting value for other values in accordance bulb angles, except where full-section test specimens for
with the rounding method given in Practice E29. angles are used and the elongation acceptance criteria are
10.4 For full-section test specimens of angles, the cross- increased accordingly (See 11.6.2.). Test specimens for sheet
sectional area used for calculating the yield and tensile piling, when several locations are possible, shall be taken from
strengths shall be a theoretical area calculated on the basis of the web or flange section with the greatest thickness. If the
the weight of the test specimen (see 12.1). geometry of the section with the greatest thickness does not
allow for sufficient available flat space from which to obtain a
11. Tension Tests test specimen, the alternate location may be used.
11.3.4 Bars:
11.1 Condition—Test specimens for non-heat-treated struc- 11.3.4.1 Test specimens for bars to be used for pins and
tural products shall be taken from test coupons that are rollers shall be taken so that the axis is: midway between the
representative of the structural products in their delivered center and the surface for pins and rollers less than 3 in.
condition. Test specimens for heat-treated structural products [75 mm] in diameter; 1 in. [25 mm] from the surface for pins
shall be taken from test coupons that are representative of the and rollers 3 in. [75 mm] and over in diameter; or as specified
iTeh Standards
structural products in their delivered condition, or from sepa-
rate pieces of full thickness or full section from the same heat
in Annex A1 of Test Methods and Definitions A370 if the
applicable foregoing requirement is not practicable.

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similarly heat treated. 11.3.4.2 Test specimens for bars other than those to be used
11.1.1 Where the plate is heat treated with a cooling rate for pins and rollers shall be taken as specified in Annex A1 of
faster than still-air cooling from the austenitizing temperature,
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Test Methods and Definitions A370.
one of the following shall apply in addition to other require-
ments specified herein: 11.4 Test Frequency:
11.1.1.1 The gage length of the tension test specimen shall 11.4.1 Structural Products Produced from an As-Rolled
Structural Product—The minimum number of pieces or plates-
be taken at least 1T from any as-heat treated edge ASTM
where A6/A6M-23
T is
as-rolled to be tested for each heat and strength gradation,
the thickness of the plate and shall be at least ⁄2 in. [12.5 mm]
1
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from flame cut or heat-affected-zone surfaces. where applicable, shall be as follows, except that it shall be
permissible for any individual test to represent multiple
11.1.1.2 A steel thermal buffer pad, 1T by 1T by at least 3T,
strength gradations:
shall be joined to the plate edge by a partial penetration weld
11.4.1.1 As given in Table B, or
completely sealing the buffered edge prior to heat treatment.
11.4.1.2 One taken from the minimum thickness in the heat
11.1.1.3 Thermal insulation or other thermal barriers shall
and one taken from the maximum thickness in the heat, where
be used during the heat treatment adjacent to the plate edge
thickness means the specified thickness, diameter, or compa-
where specimens are to be removed. It shall be demonstrated
rable dimension, whichever is appropriate for the applicable
that the cooling rate of the tension test specimen is no faster
structural product rolled.
than, and not substantially slower than, that attained by the
11.4.2 Structural Products Produced from Coil and Fur-
method described in 11.1.1.2.
nished without Heat Treatment or with Stress Relieving Only:
11.1.1.4 When test coupons cut from the plate but heat 11.4.2.1 Except as allowed by 11.4.4, the minimum number
treated separately are used, the coupon dimensions shall be not of coils to be tested for each heat and strength gradation, where
less than 3T by 3T by T and each tension specimen cut from it applicable, shall be as given in Table C, except that it shall be
shall meet the requirements of 11.1.1.1. permissible for any individual coil to represent multiple
11.1.1.5 The heat treatment of test specimens separately in strength gradations.
the device shall be subject to the limitations that (1) cooling 11.4.2.2 Except as required by 11.4.2.3, two tension test
rate data for the plate are available; (2) cooling rate control specimens shall be taken from each coil tested, with the first
devices for the test specimens are available; and, (3) the being taken immediately prior to the first structural product to
method has received prior approval by the purchaser. be qualified, and the second being taken from the approximate
11.2 Orientation—For plates wider than 24 in. [600 mm], center lap.
test specimens shall be taken such that the longitudinal axis of 11.4.2.3 If, during decoiling, the amount of material de-
the test specimen is transverse to the final direction of rolling coiled is less than that required to reach the approximate center
of the plate. Test specimens for all other structural products lap, the second test for the qualification of the decoiled portion

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 A6/A6M − 23
of such a coil shall be taken from a location adjacent to the end 11.4.3.2 One taken from the minimum thickness in the heat
of the innermost portion decoiled. For qualification of succes- and one taken from the maximum thickness in the heat, where
sive portions from such a coil, an additional test shall be taken thickness means the specified thickness, diameter, or compa-
adjacent to the innermost portion decoiled, until a test is rable dimension, whichever is appropriate for the applicable
obtained from the approximate center lap. structural product rolled.
11.4.3 Structural Products Produced from Coil and Fur- 11.4.4 Structural Products Produced from Coil and Quali-
nished Heat Treated by other than Stress Relieving—The fied Using Test Specimens Heat Treated by Other than Stress
minimum number of pieces to be tested for each heat and
Relieving—The minimum number of pieces to be tested for
strength gradation, where applicable, shall be as follows,
each heat and strength gradation, where applicable, shall be as
except that it shall be permissible for any individual test to
follows, except that it shall be permissible for any individual
represent multiple strength gradations:
11.4.3.1 As given in Table B, or test to represent multiple strength gradations:

TABLE B Minimum Number of Tension Tests Required

ThicknessA Difference
ThicknessA Range Between Pieces or Minimum Number of Tension
Rolled for the Heat Plates-as-rolled in the Tests Required
ThicknessA Range
Under 3⁄8 in. [10 mm] ⁄
1 16 in. [2 mm] or less TwoB tests per heat, taken from different pieces or plates-as-rolled having
any thicknessA in the thicknessA range
More than 1⁄16 in. [2 mm] TwoB tests per heat, one taken from the minimum thicknessA in the
thicknessA range and one taken from the maximum thicknessA in the
thicknessA range
⁄ to 2 in. [10 to 50 mm], incl
38 Less than 3⁄8 in. [10 mm] TwoB tests per heat, taken from different pieces or plates-as-rolled having
any thicknessA in the thicknessA range
⁄ in. [10 mm] or more
38 TwoB tests per heat, one taken from the minimum thicknessA in the
thicknessA range and one taken from the maximum thicknessA in the
thicknessA range
Over 2 in. [50 mm] Less than 1 in. [25 mm] TwoB tests per heat, taken from different pieces or plates-as-rolled having
any thicknessA in the thicknessA range

iTeh Standards
1 in. [25 mm] or more TwoB tests per heat, one taken from the minimum thicknessA in the
thicknessA range and one taken from the maximum thicknessA in the
thicknessA range

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A
Thickness means the specified thickness, diameter, or comparable dimension, whichever is appropriate for the specific structural product rolled.
B
One test, if only one piece or plate-as-rolled is to be qualified.

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TABLE C Minimum Number of Coils Required to be Tension Tested
NOTE 1—See 11.4.2.2 and 11.4.2.3 for the number of tests to be taken per coil.
ThicknessA Difference Between Coils in the Heat Minimum Number of Coils Required to be Tension Tested
Less than 1⁄16 in. [2 mm]
1⁄16 in. [2 mm] or more
ASTM A6/A6M-23 TwoB coils per heat, at any thicknessA in the heat
TwoB coils per heat, one at the minimum thicknessA in the heat and one at the maximum thicknessA in
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the heat
A
Thickness means the specified thickness, diameter, or comparable dimension, whichever is appropriate for the specific structural product rolled.
B
One coil, if the product of only one coil is to be qualified.

11.4.4.1 As given in Table B, or 11.5.1.3 For plates over 3⁄4 in. [20 mm] in thickness, except
11.4.4.2 One taken from the minimum thickness in the heat, as permitted in 11.5.1.2, tension test specimens shall conform
where thickness means the specified thickness, diameter, or to the requirements shown in Fig. 4 of Test Methods and
comparable dimension, whichever is appropriate for the appli- Definitions A370 for the 0.500-in. [12.5 mm] diameter test
cable structural product rolled. specimen. The axis of such test specimens shall be located
11.5 Preparation: midway between the center of thickness and the top or bottom
11.5.1 Plates: surface of the plate.
11.5.1.1 Tension test specimens for plates 3⁄4 in. [20 mm] 11.5.2 Shapes:
and under in thickness shall be the full thickness of the plates. 11.5.2.1 Except where angles are tested in full section,
The test specimens shall conform to the requirements shown in
tension test specimens for shapes 3⁄4 in. [20 mm] and under in
Fig. 3 of Test Methods and Definitions A370 for either the
thickness shall be the full thickness of the shape. Such test
11⁄2-in. [40 mm] wide test specimen or the 1⁄2-in. [12.5 mm]
specimen shall conform to the requirements shown in Fig. 3 of
wide test specimen.
11.5.1.2 For plates up to 4 in. [100 mm] inclusive, in Test Methods and Definitions A370 for either the 11⁄2-in.
thickness, the use of 11⁄2-in. [40 mm] wide test specimens, full [40 mm] wide test specimen or the 1⁄2-in. [12.5 mm] wide test
thickness of the plate and conforming to the requirements specimen.
shown in Fig. 3 of Test Methods and Definitions A370, shall be 11.5.2.2 For shapes up to 5 in. [125 mm] inclusive, in
subject to the limitation that adequate testing machine capacity thickness, the use of 11⁄2-in. [40 mm] wide test specimens, full
is available. thickness of the shape and conforming to the requirements

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 A6/A6M − 23
shown in Fig. 3 of Test Methods and Definitions A370, shall be Nominal Thickness Range, Elongation
subject to the limitation that adequate testing machine capacity in. [mm] Deduction, %
0.299–0.311 [7.60–7.89] 0.5
is available. 0.286–0.298 [7.30–7.59] 1.0
11.5.2.3 For shapes over 3⁄4 in. [20 mm] in thickness, except 0.273–0.285 [7.00–7.29] 1.5
as permitted in 11.5.2.2, tension test specimens shall conform 0.259–0.272 [6.60–6.99] 2.0
0.246–0.258 [6.20–6.59] 2.5
to the requirements shown in Fig. 4 of Test Methods and 0.233–0.245 [5.90–6.19] 3.0
Definitions A370 for the 0.500-in. [12.5 mm] diameter test 0.219–0.232 [5.50–5.89] 3.5
specimens. The axis of such test specimens shall be located 0.206–0.218 [5.20–5.49] 4.0
0.193–0.205 [4.90–5.19] 4.5
midway between the center of thickness and the top or bottom 0.180–0.192 [4.60–4.89] 5.0
surface of the shape. 0.166–0.179 [4.20–4.59] 5.5A
11.5.3 Bars: 0.153–0.165 [3.90–4.19] 6.0A
0.140–0.152 [3.60–3.89] 6.5A
11.5.3.1 Except as otherwise provided below, test speci- 0.127–0.139 [3.20–3.59] 7.0A
mens for bars shall be in accordance with Annex A1 of Test < 0.127 [3.20] 7.5A
Methods and Definitions A370.
A
11.5.3.2 Except as provided in 11.5.3.5, test specimens for Elongation deductions for thicknesses less than 0.180 in. [4.60 mm] apply to
plates and structural shapes only.
bars ⁄4 in. [20 mm] and under in thickness shall conform to the
3

requirements shown in Fig. 3 of Test Methods and Definitions 11.6.2 Due to the specimen geometry effect encountered
A370 for either the 11⁄2-in. [40 mm] wide test specimen or the when using full-section test specimens for angles, the elonga-
1⁄2-in. [12.5 mm] wide specimen. tion requirements for structural-size angles shall be increased
11.5.3.3 Except as provided in 11.5.3.4 and 11.5.3.5, test by six percentage points when full-section test specimens are
specimens for bars over 3⁄4 in. [20 mm] in thickness or diameter used.
shall conform either to the requirements for the 11⁄2-in. 11.6.3 Due to the inherently lower elongation that is obtain-
[40 mm] or ⁄2-in. [12.5 mm] wide test specimen shown in Fig.
1 able in thicker structural products, adjustments in elongation
3 of Test Methods and Definitions A370, or to the requirements requirements shall be provided. For structural products over
for the 0.500-in. [12.5 mm] diameter test specimen shown in 3.5 in. [90 mm] in thickness, a deduction of 0.5 percentage

iTeh Standards
Fig. 4 of Test Methods and Definitions A370.
11.5.3.4 For bars other than those to be used for pins and
point from the specified percentage of elongation in 2 in.
[50 mm] shall be made for each 0.5-in. [12.5 mm] increment of
thickness over 3.5 in. [90 mm], up to a maximum deduction of
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rollers, the manufacturer or processor shall have the option of
using test specimens that are machined to a thickness or 3.0 percentage points. Accordingly, the following deductions
diameter of at least 3⁄4 in. [20 mm] for a length of at least 9 in. from the base elongation requirements shall apply:
[230 mm].
Document Preview
11.5.3.5 Test specimens for bars to be used for pins and
Nominal Thickness Range,
in. [mm]
3.500–3.999 [90.00–102.49]
Elongation
Deduction, %
0.5
rollers shall conform to the requirements shown in Fig. 4 of 4.000–4.499 [102.50–114.99] 1.0
Test Methods and Definitions A370 for the 0.500-in.
ASTM A6/A6M-23 4.500–4.999 [115.00–127.49] 1.5
[12.5 mm] diameter test specimen. 5.000–5.499 [127.50–139.99] 2.0
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5.500–5.999 [140.00–152.49] 2.5
11.6 Elongation Requirement Adjustments: 6.000 and thicker [152.50 and thicker] 3.0
11.6.1 Due to the specimen geometry effect encountered 11.6.4 The tensile property requirements tables in many of
when using the rectangular tension test specimen for testing the product specifications covered by this general requirements
thin material, adjustments in elongation requirements must be specification specify elongation requirements in both 8-in.
provided for thicknesses under 0.312 in. [8 mm]. Accordingly, [200 mm] and 2-in. [50 mm] gage lengths. Unless otherwise
the following deductions from the base elongation require- provided in the applicable product specification, both require-
ments shall apply: ments are not required to be applied simultaneously and the
elongation need only be determined in the gage length appro-
priate for the test specimen used. After selection of the
appropriate gage length, the elongation requirement for the
alternative gage length shall be deemed not applicable.
11.7 Yield Strength Application:
11.7.1 When test specimens do not exhibit a well-defined
disproportionate yield point, yield strength shall be determined
and substituted for yield point.
11.7.2 The manufacturer or processor shall have the option
of substituting yield strength for yield point if the test specimen
exhibits a well-defined disproportionate yield point.
11.7.3 Yield strength shall be determined either by the
0.2 % offset method or by the 0.5 % extension-under-load
method.
11.8 Product Tension Tests—This specification does not
provide requirements for product tension testing subsequent to

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 A6/A6M − 23
shipment (see 15.1). Therefore, the requirements of 11.1 – 11.7 fractions of an inch and these remain the official permitted
inclusive and Section 13 apply only for tests conducted at the variations, where so stated. If the material is to be measured by
place of manufacture prior to shipment. equipment reporting dimensions as decimals, conversion of
permitted variations from fractions of an inch to decimals shall
NOTE 6—Compliance to this specification and the applicable product
specification by a manufacturer or processor does not preclude the be made to three decimal places; using the rounding method
possibility that product tension test results might vary outside specified prescribed in Practice E29.
ranges. The tensile properties will vary within the same heat or piece, be
it as-rolled, control-rolled, or heat-treated. Tension testing according to the 13. Retests
requirements of this specification does not provide assurance that all
products of a heat will be identical in tensile properties with the products 13.1 If any test specimen shows defective machining or
tested. If the purchaser wishes to have more confidence than that provided develops flaws, the manufacturer or processor shall have the
by this specification testing procedures, additional testing or requirements, option of discarding it and substituting another test specimen.
such as Supplementary Requirement S4, should be imposed.
11.8.1 Appendix X2 provides additional information on the 13.2 If the percentage of elongation of any tension test
variability of tensile properties in plates and structural shapes specimen is less than that specified and any part of the fracture
is more than 3⁄4 in. [20 mm] from the center of the gage length
12. Permitted Variations in Dimensions and Weight of a 2-in. [50 mm] specimen or is outside the middle half of the
[Mass] gage length of an 8-in. [200 mm] specimen, as indicated by
12.1 One cubic foot of rolled steel is assumed to weigh scribe scratches marked on the specimen before testing, a retest
490 lb. One cubic metre of rolled steel is assumed to have a shall be allowed.
mass of 7850 kg. 13.3 Except as provided in 13.3.1, if the results from an
12.2 Plates—The permitted variations for dimensions and original tension specimen fails to meet the specified
weight [mass] shall not exceed the applicable limits in Tables 1 requirements, but are within 2 ksi [14 MPa] of the required
to 15 [Annex A1, Tables A1.1 to A1.15] inclusive. tensile strength, within 1 ksi [7 MPa] of the required yield
strength or yield point, or within 2 percentage points of the
12.3 Shapes: required elongation, a retest shall be permitted to replace the
iTeh Standards
12.3.1 Annex A2 lists the designations and dimensions, in
both inch-pound and SI units, of shapes that are most com-
failing test. A retest shall be performed for the failing original
test, with the specimen being randomly selected from the heat.
monly available. Radii of fillets and toes of shape profiles vary
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If the results of the retest meet the specified requirements, the
with individual manufacturers and therefore are not specified. heat or lot shall be approved.
12.3.2 The permitted variations in dimensions shall not 13.3.1 For structural products that are tested as given in
Document Preview
exceed the applicable limits in Tables 16 to 25 [Annex A1,
Tables A1.16 to A1.25] inclusive. Permitted variations for
Table C, both tests from each coil tested to qualify a heat are
required to meet all mechanical property requirements. Should
special shapes not listed in such tables shall be as agreed upon either test fail to do so, then that coil shall not be used to
between the manufacturer and the purchaser. qualify the heat; however, the portion of that individual coil
ASTM A6/A6M-23
that is bracketed by acceptable tests (see 11.4.2.3) is considered
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NOTE 7—Permitted variations are given in Tables 16 to 25 [Annex A1,
Tables A1.16 to A1.25] inclusive for some shapes that are not listed in to be qualified.
Annex A2 (that is, bulb angles, tees, zees). Addition of such sections to
Annex A2 will be considered by Subcommittee A01.02 when and if a need 13.4 Quenched and tempered steel plates shall be subject to
for such listing is shown. any additional retest requirements contained in the applicable
12.3.3 Shapes Having One Dimension of the Cross Section product specification.
3 in. [75 mm] or Greater (Structural-Size Shapes)—The 13.5 When the full-section option of 11.3.3 is used and the
cross-sectional area or weight [mass] of each shape shall be elongation falls below the specified requirement, the manufac-
within 62.5 % of the theoretical or specified amounts except turer or processor shall have the option of making another test
for shapes with a nominal weight of less than 100 lb ⁄ft using a test specimen permitted in 11.5.2.
[149 kg ⁄m], in which the variation shall be within –2.5 % to
+3.0 % of the theoretical cross-sectional area or the specified 14. Test Reports
nominal weight [mass]. 14.1 Test reports for each heat supplied are required and
12.4 Sheet Piling—The weight [mass] of each steel sheet they shall report the following:
pile shall be within 62.5 % of the theoretical or specified 14.1.1 The applicable product specification designation,
weight [mass]. The length of each steel sheet pile shall be not including year-date and whichever of grade, class, and type are
less than the specified length, and not more than 5 in. [125 mm] specified in the purchase order, to which the structural product
over the specified length. is furnished.
12.5 Hot-Rolled Bars—The permitted variations in dimen- 14.1.2 The heat number, heat analysis (see 7.1), and nomi-
sions shall not exceed the applicable limits in Tables 26 to 31 nal sizes.
[Annex A1, Tables A1.26 to A1.31] inclusive. NOTE 8—If the amount of copper, chromium, nickel, molybdenum, or
silicon is less than 0.02 %, the heat analysis for that element may be
12.6 Conversion of Permitted Variations from Fractions of reported as <0.02 %. If the amount of columbium (niobium) or vanadium
an Inch to Decimals—Permitted variations in dimensions for is less than 0.008 %, the heat analysis for that element may be reported as
products covered by this specification are generally given as <0.008 %.

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14.1.3 For structural products that are tested as given in 14.8 A test report, certificate of inspection, or similar
Table B, two tension test results appropriate to qualify the document printed from or used in electronic form from an
shipment (see 11.4), except that only one tension test result electronic data interchange (EDI) transmission shall be re-
need be reported if the shipment consists of a single piece or garded as having the same validity as a counterpart printed in
plate-as-rolled. the certifier’s facility. The content of the EDI transmitted
14.1.3.1 In reporting elongation values, both the percentage document shall meet the requirements of the applicable product
increase and the original gage length shall be stated. specification and shall conform to any existing EDI agreement
14.1.3.2 Yield to tensile ratio when such a requirement is between the purchaser and the supplier. Notwithstanding the
contained in the product specification. absence of a signature, the organization submitting the EDI
14.1.4 For structural products that are required to be heat transmission shall be responsible for the content of the report.
treated, either by the applicable product specification or by the NOTE 9—The industry definition as invoked here is: EDI is the
purchase order, all heat treatments, including temperature computer to computer exchange of business information in a standard
ranges and times at temperature, unless the purchaser and the format such as ANSI ASC X12.
supplier have agreed to the supply of a heat treatment proce-
dure in place of the actual temperatures and times. 15. Inspection and Testing
14.1.4.1 Subcritical heat treatment to soften thermally cut 15.1 The inspector representing the purchaser shall have
edges need not be reported, except for structural products free entry, at all times, while work on the contract of the
having a specified minimum tensile strength of 95 ksi purchaser is being performed, to all parts of the manufacturer’s
[655 MPa] or higher, unless such subcritical heating is accom- works that concern the manufacture of the structural product
plished at temperatures at least 75 °F [40 °C] lower than the ordered. The manufacturer shall afford the inspector all rea-
minimum tempering temperature. sonable facilities to be satisfied that the structural product is
14.1.5 The results of any required austenitic grain size tests being furnished in accordance with this general requirements
(see 8.2 or 8.3, whichever is applicable). specification, the applicable product specification, and the
purchase order. All tests (except product analysis) and inspec-
14.1.6 The results of any other test required by the appli-
tion shall be made at the place of manufacture prior to
requirements, and the purchase order. iTeh Standards
cable product specification, the applicable supplementary
shipment, unless otherwise specified, and shall be conducted so
as not to interfere with the operation of the manufacturer’s

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14.2 The thickness of the structural product tested is not
necessarily the same as an individual ordered thickness, given
works.
15.2 Where structural products are produced from coil, 15.1

Document with 11.4 and Preview

that it is the heat that is tested, rather than each ordered item. shall apply to the processor instead of the manufacturer, and
Tests from specified thicknesses in accordance the place of process shall apply instead of the place of
encompassing the thicknesses in a shipment shall be sufficient manufacture. Where structural products are produced from coil
for qualifying the structural product in the shipment. Such test and the processor is different from the manufacturer, the
ASTM
thicknesses are not required to be within previously tested A6/A6M-23
and inspector representing the purchaser shall have free entry at all
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shipped thicknesses from the same heat. times while work on the contract of the purchaser is being
14.3 For structural products produced from coil that are performed to all parts of the manufacturer’s works that concern
supplied in the as-rolled condition or have been heat treated by the manufacture of the structural product ordered.
stress relieving only, the test report shall state “Produced from
Coil.” Both test results shall be reported for each qualifying 16. Retreatment
coil, and the location within the coil for each test shall be 16.1 If any heat-treated structural product fails to meet the
stated. mechanical property requirements of the applicable product
14.4 For structural products produced from coil, both the specification, the manufacturer or the processor shall have the
manufacturer and the processor shall be identified on the test option of heat treating the structural product again. All me-
report. chanical property tests shall be repeated and the structural
product shall be reexamined for surface defects when it is
14.5 When full-section test specimens have been used for resubmitted for inspection.
the qualification of angles, that information shall be stated on
the test report. 17. Rejection
14.6 A signature is not required on the test report; however, 17.1 Any rejection based upon product analysis made in
the document shall clearly identify the organization submitting accordance with the applicable product specification shall be
the report. Notwithstanding the absence of a signature, the reported to the supplier and samples that represent the rejected
organization submitting the report is responsible for the content structural product shall be preserved for two weeks from the
of the report. date of notification of such rejection. In case of dissatisfaction
14.7 For structural products finished by other than the with the results of the tests, the supplier shall have the option
original manufacturer, the supplier of the structural product of making claim for a rehearing within that time.
shall also provide the purchaser with a copy of the original 17.2 The purchaser shall have the option of rejecting struc-
manufacturer’s test report. tural product that exhibits injurious defects subsequent to its

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 A6/A6M − 23
acceptance at the manufacturer’s or processor’s works, and so 18.2.3 It shall be permissible for the manufacturer to make
notifying the manufacturer or processor. a full size bundle at the end of a heat by adding product from
a consecutively rolled heat of the same nominal chemical
18. Identification of Structural Products composition. The manufacturer shall identify a bundle consist-
18.1 Required Plate Markings: ing of product from two heats with the number of the first heat
18.1.1 Except as allowed by 18.1.4.2 and 18.6, plates shall rolled or identify both heats. The manufacturer shall maintain
be legibly marked with the following: applicable ASTM records of the heats contained in each bundle.
designation (see 1.1) (year-date not required); “G” or “MT” if 18.3 Steel Sheet Piling—Steel sheet piling shall be marked
applicable (see 18.1.2); applicable grade; heat number; size and with the heat number, size of section, length, and mill identi-
thickness; and name, brand, or trademark of the manufacturer fication marks on each piece, either by marking, or by
(for plates produced from an as-rolled structural product) or the permanently affixing colorfast, weather-resistant label or tag.
processor (for plates produced from coil). The manufacturer’s name, brand, or trademark shall be shown
18.1.2 Plates that are required to be heat treated, but have in raised letters at intervals along the length.
not been so heat treated, shall be marked, by the manufacturer 18.4 Bars—Bars of all sizes, when loaded for shipment,
or processor, with the letter “G” (denoting green) following the shall be properly identified with the name or brand of
required ASTM designation mark, except that “G” marking is manufacturer, purchaser’s name and order number, the ASTM
not necessary if such plates are for shipment, for the purpose of designation number (year-date not required), grade number
obtaining the required heat treatment, to an organization under where appropriate, size and length, weight [mass] of lift, and
the manufacturer’s control. Such plates shall have been quali- the heat number for identification. Unless otherwise specified,
fied for shipment on the basis of test specimens that have been the method of marking is at the manufacturer’s option and shall
so heat treated. Plates that are required to be heat treated, and be made by hot stamping, cold stamping, painting, or marking
have been so heat treated, shall be marked, by the party that tags attached to the lifts of bars. Bars are not required to be
performed the heat treatment, with the letter “MT” (denoting die-stamped.
material treated) following the required ASTM designation 18.4.1 It shall be permissible for the manufacturer to make
mark.
iTeh Standards
a full size bundle at the end of a heat by adding product from
18.1.3 Except as allowed by 18.1.4.2 and 18.6, the required a consecutively rolled heat of the same nominal chemical
markings for plates shall be by steel die stamping, paint composition. The manufacturer shall identify a bundle consist-
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marking, or by means of permanently affixed, colorfast,
weather-resistant labels or tags. It shall be the responsibility of
ing of product from two heats with the number of the first heat
rolled or identify both heats. The manufacturer shall maintain

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the supplier that all required markings be intact and fully records of the heats contained in each bundle.
legible upon receipt by the purchaser.
18.1.4 Location of Markings: 18.5 Bar Coding—In addition to the requirements of 18.1 –
18.1.4.1 The required markings for plates shall be in at least 18.4 inclusive, the manufacturer or processor shall have the
one place on each finished plate. ASTM A6/A6M-23 of using bar coding as a supplementary identification
option
method.
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18.1.4.2 For secured lifts of all sizes of plates ⁄8 in. [10 mm]
3

(or 5⁄16 in. [8 mm] for material specified for bridge construction NOTE 10—Bar coding should be consistent with AIAG Standards.7
end use) or under in thickness, and for secured lifts of all 18.6 Subdivided Material:
thicknesses of plates 36 in. [900 mm] or under in width, the 18.6.1 Except as allowed by 18.6.2, pieces separated from
manufacturer or processor shall have the option of placing such a master structural product by an organization other than the
markings on only the top piece of each lift, or of showing such original manufacturer shall be identified with the ASTM
markings on a substantial tag attached to each lift, unless designation (year-date not required), grade, heat number, and
otherwise specified. the heat treatment identification, if applicable, along with the
18.2 Shapes: trademark, brand, or name of the organization subdividing the
18.2.1 Except as allowed by 18.2.2 and 18.6, shapes shall be structural product. The identification methods shall be in
marked with the heat number, size of section, length, and mill accordance with the requirements of 18.1 – 18.4 inclusive,
identification marks on each piece. Shapes with the greatest except that the raised letters method for shapes and steel sheet
cross-sectional dimension greater than 6 in. [150 mm] shall piling is not required. If the original manufacturer’s identifi-
have the manufacturer’s name, brand, or trademark shown in cation remains intact, the structural product need not be
raised letters at intervals along the length. In addition, shapes additionally identified by the organization supplying the struc-
shall be identified with the ASTM designation (year-date not tural product.
required) and grade, either by marking each piece individually, 18.6.2 It shall be permissible for pieces from the same heat
by permanently affixing a colorfast, weather-resistant label or of structural product to be bundled or placed in secured lifts,
tag, or, if bundled, by attaching a substantial tag to the bundle. with the identification specified in 18.6.1 placed on the top
18.2.2 Bundling for shipment of small shapes with the piece of each lift or shown on a substantial tag attached to each
greatest cross-sectional dimension not greater than 6 in. [150 bundle or lift.
mm] is permissible. Each lift or bundle shall be marked or
substantially tagged showing the identification information 7
Available from Automotive Industry Action Group (AIAG), 26200 Lahser Rd.,
listed in 18.2.1. Suite 200, Southfield, MI 48033, http://www.aiag.org.

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