NOTICE: This standard has either been superceded and replaced by a new version or discontinued.

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Designation: A 994 – 98

Standard Guide for

Editorial Procedures and Form of Product Specifications for
Steel, Stainless Steel, and Related Alloys1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation A 994; 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 (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.

1. Scope A 941 Terminology Relating to Steel, Stainless Steel, Re-

1.1 This guide covers the editorial form and style for lated Alloys, and Ferroalloys4
product specifications under the jurisdiction of ASTM Com- E 6 Terminology Relating to Methods of Mechanical Test-
mittee A-1. ing7
E 1282 Guide for Specifying the Chemical Compositions
NOTE 1—For standards other than product specifications, such as test and Selecting Sampling Practices and Quantitative Analy-
methods, practices, and guides, see the appropriate sections of Form and
sis Methods for Metals and Alloys8
Style for ASTM Standards (Blue Book).2
2.2 ASME Standard:
1.2 Subcommittees preparing new product specifications or Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, Section IX, Welding and
revising existing ones should follow the practices and proce- Brazing Qualifications9
dures outlined herein, and be guided by the latest specification 2.3 Military Standard:
covering similar commodities. MIL-STD-163, Steel Mill Products, Preparation for Ship-
1.3 This guide has been prepared as a supplement to the ment and Storage10
current edition of the Blue Book, and is appropriate for use by 2.4 Federal Standard:
the subcommittees to Committee A-1. This guide is to be Fed. Std. No. 123, Marking for Shipments (Civil Agen-
applied in conjunction with the Blue Book. cies)10
1.4 If a conflict exists between this guide and the mandatory
sections of the current edition of the Blue Book, the Blue Book 3. Terminology
requirements have precedence. If a conflict exists between this 3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
guide and the nonmandatory sections of the current edition of 3.1.1 For definitions of terms used in this guide, refer to the
the Blue Book, the guide has precedence. Blue Book, Terminology A 941, and Terminology E 6.
2. Referenced Documents 4. Significance and Use
2.1 ASTM Standards: 4.1 The Blue Book provides mandatory requirements and
A 370 Test Method and Definitions for Mechanical Testing recommended practices for the preparation and content of
of Steel Products3 ,4 ASTM specifications. In order to promote consistency in the
A 488/A 488M Practice for Steel Castings, Welding, Quali- style and content of product specifications under its jurisdic-
fication of Procedures and Personnel5 tion, Committee A-1 recognizes the need to provide a supple-
A 700 Practices for Packaging, Marking, and Loading mentary document pertaining to the types of products and
Methods for Steel Products for Domestic Shipment6 materials covered by those specifications.
A 751 Test Methods, Practices, and Terminology for 4.2 This guide contains a list of sections to be considered for
Chemical Analysis of Steel Products3 ,4 inclusion in a specification for steel, stainless steel, and related
alloy products, and guidance or recommended wording, or
1
both, for such sections.
This guide is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee A-1 on Steel, Stainless
Steel, and Related Alloys and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee A01.91
on Editorial.
Current edition approved Sept. 10, 1998. Published April 1999.
2 7
Available from ASTM Headquarters, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Consho- Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 03.01.
8
hocken, PA 19428. Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 03.06.
3 9
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 01.03. Available from American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), 345 E.
4
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 01.01. 47th St., New York, NY 10017.
5 10
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 01.02. Available from Standardization Documents Order Desk, Bldg. 4 Section D,
6
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 01.05. 700 Robbins Ave., Phila., PA 19111-5094, Attn: NPODS.

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

1
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A 994 – 98
4.3 It is expected that persons drafting new product speci- Flatness
fications under the jurisdiction of Committee A-1, or modify- Straightness
Out-of-roundness
ing existing ones, will follow the mandatory requirements of Camber
the Blue Book and this guide. Bowing
Mating
5. Subject Headings of Text Length
Diameter
5.1 The various sections of a Committee A-1 product Thickness
specification should be arranged in the following order. Not all Workmanship, Finish, and Appearance
Surface Finish
of these sections will appear in every specification; however, Edges
those used should be listed in the order given. In some cases, End Finish
a specification may require the addition of a section or sections Rework, Retreatment, and Weld Repair
Sampling
not listed, in which case they should be inserted in the Number of Tests, Retests, and Resampling
specification so as to preserve the logical sequence of sections, Specimen Preparation
insofar as possible. Test Methods and Analytical Methods
Inspection
5.2 When only one requirement is used in a section having Rejection and Rehearing
multiple possible subheadings, that requirement becomes the Certification
section heading (for example, Tension Test instead of Mechani- Product Identification
Packaging, Marking, and Loading for Shipment
cal Properties). Keywords
Title Supplementary Requirements
Designation Annexes and Appendixes
Scope
Referenced Documents 6. Section Contents
ASTM Standards
Other Documents 6.1 Title:
Classification
Terminology
6.1.1 The title should be as concise as possible, but com-
Ordering Information plete enough to identify clearly the product covered by the
General Requirements specification. Titles are also used in lists, table of contents, and
Materials and Manufacture
Melting Practice
indexes, and it is most important that they be brief but
Mechanical Working Practice self-explanatory.
Heat Treatment 6.1.2 Two methods for establishing wording are considered
Welding
Coatings
acceptable and are at the option of the subcommittee.
Chemical Composition 6.1.3 One is to word as in ordinary conversation with the
Heat Analysis adjectives first as is normal in the English language. For
Product Analysis
Methods of Analysis
example, “Standard Specification for Hot-Worked, Hot-Cold-
Metallurgical Requirements Worked, and Cold-Worked Alloy Steel Plate, Sheet, and Strip
Grain Size for High Strength at Elevated Temperatures.” A general scheme
Decarburization
Etch Test
for generating titles with this format is:
Micro-cleanliness 6.1.3.1 Type of document: “Standard Specification for,”
Hardenability 6.1.3.2 Special treatment of the material, if any: “quenched
Corrosion Resistance
Physical Properties
and tempered,” “hot-rolled,” “seamless,” “welded,” etc.,
Electrical Resistivity 6.1.3.3 Material type based on chemical composition: “car-
Thermal Conductivity bon,” “high-strength low-alloy,” “austenitic stainless,” etc.,
Mechanical Properties
Tension Test
6.1.3.4 “Steel,”
Hardness Test 6.1.3.5 Product form: “bars,” “pressure vessel plate,” “cast-
Impact Test ing,” “sheet and strip,” etc.,
Bend Test
Flattening Test
6.1.3.6 Special quality of the product, if any: “with im-
Flange Test proved toughness,” “with mechanical property requirements,”
Flare Test “of commercial quality,” etc., and
Proof Load Test
Wrap Test 6.1.3.7 Specific application or use of the product, if any:
Crush Test “for machine parts,” “for valves,” “for low temperature,” “for
Coiling Test general use,” “for corrosive service,” etc.
Pressure Test Requirements
Hydrostatic Test 6.1.4 The key word in order of importance concept for
Air-Under-Water Test specification titles is preferred by many subcommittees be-
Nondestructive Test Requirements cause it facilitates accurate indexing and provides rapid iden-
Magnetic Particle Test
Liquid Penetrant Test tification of specification subject matter. For example, “Stan-
Radiographic Test dard Specification for Steel Plate, Sheet, and Strip, Alloy,
Ultrasonic Test Hot-Worked, Hot-Cold-Worked, and Cold-Worked, for High
Eddy Current Test
Flux Leakage Test Strength at Elevated Temperatures.” A general scheme for
Other Test Requirements developing a title with this format is:
Dimensions, Mass, and Permissible Variations 6.1.4.1 Type of document: “Standard Specification for,”

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A 994 – 98
6.1.4.2 “Steel,” temperature ranges should not be used. The categories should
6.1.4.3 Product form: “bars,” “pressure vessel plate,” “cast- be limited to the following: cryogenic, low, ambient, moderate,
ing,” “sheet and strip,” etc., elevated, or high.
6.1.4.4 Material type based on chemical composition: “car- 6.2.3.3 When a temperature category is used in the scope of
bon,” “high-strength low-alloy,” “austenitic stainless,” etc., a standard, the scope must cite the property or properties of the
6.1.4.5 Special treatment of the material, if any: “quenched specified material that explain the selection of the temperature
and tempered,” “hot-rolled,” “seamless,” “welded,” etc., category with a statement such as:
6.1.4.6 Special quality of the product, if any: “with im- Elevated temperatures are temperatures in the range where
creep and stress rupture properties are important for the steels
proved toughness,” “with mechanical property requirements,” in this specification.
“commercial quality,” etc., and
Low (or cryogenic) temperatures are temperatures where frac-
6.1.4.7 Specific application or use of the product, if any: ture toughness is important.
“for machine parts,” “for valves,” “for low temperature,” “for
general use,” “for corrosive service,” etc. 6.2.4 Definitions of the various product forms should be
6.1.5 The use of temperature categories in the titles of addressed in the section on Terminology, rather than in the
specifications should be avoided. When a subcommittee deter- Scope section.
mines that temperature categories must be used in the title of a 6.3 Terminology— The standards to which the Terminology
specific standard, numerical temperature ranges should not be section should refer for definitions of terms are as follows:
used; the establishment of limits on the use of materials is not 6.3.1
the responsibility of Committee A-1. When a subcommittee A 941 Terminology Relating to Steel, Stainless Steel, Related
Alloys, and Ferroalloys
determines that a temperature category must be used in a title,
one of the following should be selected: cryogenic, low, E 6 Terminology Relating to Methods of Mechanical Testing
ambient, moderate, elevated, or high.
6.4 Ordering Information:
6.2 Scope: 6.4.1 In general, the following statement should appear in
6.2.1 When the specification covers multiple grades, the Ordering Information section:
classes, types, or combinations thereof, this should be stated in It shall be the responsibility of the purchaser to specify all re-
a separate section in the scope. The subdivision grade should quirements that are necessary for product under this specifica-
be based upon chemical composition, a mechanical property, or tion. Such requirements to be considered include, but are not
limited to, the following:
application of the product. Further subdivision should be by
class, based on some pertinent property or properties, and 6.4.2 This statement should be followed by a list of the
identified by arabic numbers. The subdivision type should be appropriate items to be shown in the purchase order to
based on some major property, such as manufacture, product adequately describe the product to be supplied under the
form, or generic classification. The precedence of grade, class, specification. Each item should contain a parenthetical refer-
and type is the A-1 preferred style, and it should be used in the ence to the number of the appropriate part of the specification
absence of any established preference. to which the item applies, to the extent possible and practi-
6.2.2 In a general requirements specification, the scope cable. Typically, the list would include:
should contain the following, or a similar, statement: 6.4.2.1 Quantity (mass, length, or number of pieces),
In the case of conflict between a requirement of a product 6.4.2.2 Name of material,
specification and a requirement of this specification, the prod- 6.4.2.3 ASTM specification designation and year of issue to
uct specification shall prevail. In the case of conflict between a
requirement of the product specification or a requirement of which the product is to be furnished and be certified as
this specification and a more stringent requirement of the pur- meeting,
chase order, the purchase order shall prevail. The purchase
order requirements shall not take precedence if they, in any
6.4.2.4 Condition (hot rolled, cold rolled, cold drawn, an-
way, violate the requirements of the product specification or nealed, heat treated),
this specification; for example, by the waiving of a test require- 6.4.2.5 Grade, class, and type designations,
ment or by making a test requirement less stringent.
6.4.2.6 Dimensions,
6.2.3 Temperature Categories: 6.4.2.7 Shape and finish characteristics,
6.2.3.1 Temperature categories should not be used in the 6.4.2.8 Requirements for certifications and for reporting
scopes of specifications, because that use may mislead users of chemical analyses and test results, and
standards by creating an implication that the scope reflects 6.4.2.9 Supplementary or other special requirements.
engineering judgment on the temperature suitability of prod- 6.5 General Requirements:
ucts for specific applications. The establishment of temperature 6.5.1 When a general requirements specification exists for
limitations on the use of materials is the responsibility of code the product specification under consideration, the product
committees. specification should contain a General Requirements section, if
6.2.3.2 When a subcommittee determines that temperature the general requirements specification is to apply in whole or in
categories must be used in a specific standard, numerical part.

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A 994 – 98
6.5.2 Appropriate wording for a General Requirements Boron
section is as follows: Columbium (Niobium)
Columbium + Tantalum
Product furnished to this specification shall conform to the re- Tantalum
quirements of Specification A xxx/A xxxM, including any Cobalt
supplementary requirements that are indicated in the purchase Selenium
order. Failure to comply with the general requirements of Lead
Specification A xxx/A xxxM constitutes nonconformance with Nitrogen
this specification. In case of conflict between the requirements Others alphabetically
of this specification and Specification A xxx/A xxxM, this speci-
fication shall prevail. 6.7.4 The preferred order for listing elements for stainless
6.6 Materials and Manufacture: steels is as stated in 6.7.3, except list chromium before nickel,
6.6.1 This section addresses such issues as melting, refining, nitrogen before copper, and columbium (niobium) before
and casting practices; mechanical working requirements; fab- titanium.
rication practices; heat treatment; and surface finishing. 6.7.5 Significant Figures:
6.6.2 Unless technical considerations dictate otherwise, re- 6.7.5.1 It is recommended that Guide E 1282 be consulted
strictions should not be placed on manufacturing practices. as a guide for specifying the chemical compositions for steels.
6.6.3 When lengthy sections are required describing anneal- 6.7.5.2 It is recommended that for specifying chemical
ing, heat treating, or other processing, they should be specified composition limits the number of figures for each element to
in a separate major heading; for example: “8. Heat Treatment.” the right of the decimal point does not exceed the following:
6.6.4 This section should state briefly the general require- Chemical
Concentration Composition Limits
ments of the starting materials to be used. Reference appropri-
ate ASTM specifications, if available, and, if appropriate, the Up to 0.010 % 0.XXXX
process to be followed in manufacture. 0.010 to 0.10 % 0.XXX
0.10 to 3.00 % X.XX
6.6.5 When welding is involved in the fabrication of the Over 3.00 % X.X
material or product specified, or to bring a product to the
specification requirements, it is necessary to define the pro- NOTE 2—This recommendation should be used to reduce the number of
significant figures, such as from 18.00 to 18.0 %; however a significant
cesses and procedures that are permitted, either in this section figure should not be added unless there is a technical reason for so doing.
or by reference to other codes and standards. The appropriate
process and procedure qualifications may be determined by the 6.7.5.3 For those cases in which the composition range
intended end use of the part. For example, for castings that are spans 0.010, 0.10, or 3.00 %, the number of figures to the right
not intended for use under the ASME Boiler and Pressure of the decimal point is to be determined by that indicated by the
Vessel Code, procedures and welders shall be qualified under upper limit of the range.
Practice A 488/A 488M. For castings that are intended for use 6.7.5.4 Technical considerations may dictate the employ-
under the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, procedures ment of less than the maximum number of figures to the right
and welders shall be qualified under Section IX of that code. of the decimal point as previously recommended.
6.7 Chemical Composition: 6.7.6 A product analysis may be required or be optional in
6.7.1 When limits on chemical composition are required, a product specification. When permissible variations for prod-
the section should be stated substantially as, “The steel shall uct analysis are included, the following language is recom-
conform to the requirements prescribed in Table X.” mended:
6.7.2 This section should include detailed requirements of The chemical composition determined by product analysis
the chemical composition to which the steel must conform. shall conform to the composition limits of Table X, within the
permissible variations listed in Table Y.
These requirements should be listed in tabular form and
include: 6.7.7 The section on methods and practices for chemical
6.7.2.1 Name of each element spelled out, analysis should be worded as follows:
6.7.2.2 Maximum, minimum, or range for each element, Methods and practices relating to chemical analysis shall be in
accordance with Test Methods, Practices, and Terminology
6.7.2.3 The units applicable (percent or ppm), A 751.
6.7.2.4 The UNS number (if available) or common name for
each grade of steel, or both, and 6.8 Mechanical Properties:
6.7.2.5 References to explanatory notes, when applicable. 6.8.1 This section should include separate sections, where
6.7.3 The preferred order for listing elements for carbon and applicable, for tests such as tension, hardness, and impact. The
alloy steels is as follows: heading “Mechanical Properties” will be used only when two
Carbon
or more properties are specified. When only one property is
Manganese specified, the section will be given the heading for the specific
Phosphorus test, such as “Tension Test” or “Hardness Test.”
Sulfur
Silicon
6.8.2 Each section should include information on general
Nickel requirements, including, but not limited to, number of samples,
Chromium sample location (for example, width, length, thickness), speci-
Molybdenum
Copper men orientation, specimen size and shape (when relevant), and
Titanium retest provisions.
Vanadium 6.8.3 Test Methods:

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A 994 – 98
6.8.3.1 Where appropriate, the test methods described in 6.11 Nondestructive Examination Requirements:
Test Methods and Definitions A 370 should be used and 6.11.1 This section should include, where applicable, re-
referenced. quirements for nondestructive examinations, such as magnetic
6.8.3.2 When test methods other than those contained in particle tests, liquid penetrant tests, radiographic tests, ultra-
Test Method A 370 are required, such methods shall be sonic tests, eddy current tests, and flux leakage tests.
referenced or described. It is preferable that test methods that 6.11.2 Each nondestructive test should be covered in a
have been standardized by a consensus process be used. separate section that includes the acceptance criteria.
6.8.4 When converting specified yield strength and tensile 6.11.3 The requirements for test procedures should be
strength requirement values to SI units, convert to the nearest contained within the section addressing the nondestructive test.
5 MPa. When converting from SI units, convert to the nearest The test procedure should either be defined completely within
1 ksi. the section or by reference to another test procedure specifi-
6.8.5 Specified Values— The recommended practice for cation. All information required by the referenced specification
specifying mechanical test requirements is to specify to the should be provided.
nearest value in accordance with Table 1. 6.11.4 Many specifications require the individual perform-
6.8.6 The definitions of terms relating to mechanical testing ing nondestructive examinations to be certified. Wording simi-
found in Terminology E 6 should be used to the extent lar to the following should be used in such cases:
possible. Individuals conducting the examinations shall be certified in
6.9 Metallurgical Requirements: accordance with (state referenced standard) or an equivalent
6.9.1 This section should include separate sections, where documented standard acceptable to both purchaser and manu-
facturer.
applicable, on grain size, decarburization, etch testing, micro-
cleanliness, hardenability, corrosion resistance, or other metal- 6.12 Other Test Requirements:
lurgical structure requirements. 6.12.1 This section should include, where applicable, test
6.9.2 Each section should include information on the re- requirements that are not addressed elsewhere in this guide.
quirements, including the test methods or reference to a 6.12.2 Each test requirement should be covered in a separate
General Requirements specification that contains this informa- section that includes the acceptance criteria.
tion. In addition, each section should contain the number of 6.12.3 The requirements for test procedures should be
tests and the test locations. contained within the section addressing the test requirement.
6.10 Physical Properties: The test procedure should either be defined completely within
6.10.1 This section should include, where applicable, re- the section or by reference to another test procedure standard.
quirements for physical properties, such as electrical resistivity, 6.13 Dimensions, Mass, and Permissible Variations:
thermal conductivity, and other specified physical properties. 6.13.1 For clarity, details as to standard shape, mass, and
6.10.2 Each physical property should be covered in a size usually are presented in tabular form with a brief reference
separate section that includes the acceptance criteria. in the text. Separate sections with individual tables are pre-
6.10.3 The requirements for test procedures should be ferred. Such a reference may be similar to the following:
contained within the section addressing the physical property. The product form referred to (sheet, strip, bar, etc.) shall con-
The test procedure should either be defined completely within form to the permissible variations in dimension and mass pre-
scribed in Table X.
the section or by reference to another test procedure specifi-
cation. All information required by the referenced specification 6.13.2 In tables of permissible variations, the following
should be provided. preferred usage should be adhered to as far as possible:

TABLE 1 Recommended Specification Increments for Specifying Mechanical Test Requirements

Test Quantity Inch-pound Units SI Units
Test Data Range Specify to Test Data Range Specify to
Yield Point, Yield Strength, and Tensile Under 100 ksi 1 ksi Under 1000 MPa 5 MPa
Strength
100 ksi and over 5 ksi 1000 MPa and over 10 MPa
Elongation All values 1% All values 1%

Reduction of Area All values 1% All values 1%

Impact Energy Under 30 ft-lbf 1 ft-lbf Under 40 J 1J

30 to 100 ft-lbf 2 ft-lbf 40 to 140 J 5J
100 ft-lbf and over 5 ft-lbf 140 J and over 10 J

Lateral Expansion All 1 mil All 25 µm

Percent Shear Area All 5% All 5%

A A
Brinell Hardness All All

Rockwell Hardness All scales 1 Rockwell no. All scales 1 Rockwell no.
A
Select values corresponding to 0.002 in. [0.05 mm] indentation diameter increments.

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A 994 – 98
6.13.2.1 In general headings for columns for thickness, etc., Cut Edge—An approximately square edge resulting from the
the word “specified” is to be used in preference to “nominal”or cutting of flat-rolled steel into one or more desired widths by
means of rotary knives (slit edge) or blade shears (sheared
“ordered.” Where size designations are indeed nominal, for edge).
example, for some structural shapes, and for pipe, “nominal” is
preferred. 6.15 Rework and Retreatment:
6.13.2.2 The tables should clearly indicate where the vari- 6.15.1 This section should be used, when appropriate, to
ous size ranges are divided, for example, ranges from 0 to 10 provide for rework, such as by grinding or repair welding, or
in., 10 to 20 in., 20 to 30 in. should be more properly stated as: retreatment of product represented by tests or inspections that
10 in. [250 mm] and under
fail to meet the requirements of the specification. Any limita-
Over 10 to 20 in. [250 to 510 mm], incl tions on the extent of such rework or the number of retreat-
Over 20 to 30 in. [510 to 760 mm], incl ments should be addressed in this section.
6.14 Workmanship, Finish, and Appearance: 6.15.2 When welding is permitted to bring a deficient
6.14.1 Workmanship— Examples of workmanship require- product to the specification requirements, it is necessary to
ments that might be used are presented below. Examples define the processes and procedures that may be used, either in
6.14.1.1 and 6.14.1.2 could apply to any product form. Ex- this section or by reference to other codes and standards. The
amples 6.14.1.3-6.14.1.6 could also apply, as appropriate for appropriate process and procedure qualifications may be deter-
the product form and quality ordered. mined by the intended end use of the part. For example, for
6.14.1.1 For all product forms where surface finish is not castings that are not intended for use under the ASME Boiler
specified elsewhere in the specification, “The general appear- and Pressure Vessel Code, procedures and welders shall be
ance with respect to soundness and surface finish shall be qualified under Practice A 488/A 488M. For castings that are
consistent with good commercial practice, as determined by intended for use under the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel
visual inspection.” Code, procedures and welders shall be qualified under Section
IX of that code.
6.14.1.2 For all product forms where surface finish is
6.16 Sampling:
specified elsewhere in the specification, the statement of
6.14.1.1 should be preceded by the phrase, “In addition to the 6.16.1 If a sampling section is included, the size, that is,
surface finish requirements of . . .” mass, number of pieces, etc., of the lot to be qualified should
be described for each required test.
6.14.1.3 For bars, “Bars shall be commercially straight and
free from twist.” 6.16.2 When the qualification of the lot is dependent upon
test results from an individual sample or samples, the number
6.14.1.4 For castings, “Castings shall conform substantially
of tests necessary to qualify the lot should be defined.
to the dimensions on drawings furnished by the purchaser. If
6.16.3 The location of the sample or samples and orienta-
the pattern is supplied by the purchaser, the dimensions
tion of the test specimen or specimens should be stated, as well
predicated by the pattern shall apply.”
as procedures for acquisition of the sample or samples.
6.14.1.5 For tubular products, “Tubular products shall have
6.16.4 When statistical sampling methods are used to
smooth ends free from burrs. They shall be free from defects,
qualify a lot on the basis of an examination of some individual
as determined by visual inspection.”
units of the lot, references to appropriate sampling plans and
6.14.1.6 For wire, “The wire shall be uniform in diameter
procedures for implementation of such plans should be in-
and shall be free from splits, scale, and similar imperfections.”
cluded in an annex to the standard. The sampling plans should
6.14.2 Finish and Appearance—This section should be used include the lot size, the number of units to be sampled, and the
to specify the surface finish requirements, edge requirements, number that must be acceptable for the lot to be qualified.
or end finish requirements. 6.16.5 Specifications may include provisions for the making
6.14.2.1 Appropriate wording for a section on finish would and testing of new test specimens to provide for occasions
be, “The types of finish shall be as follows.” (This statement is when a specimen is damaged by defective machining, or
then followed by a list of the finishes and their individual reveals casting imperfections or other imperfections during
descriptions. For clarity and uniformity, the nomenclature for preparation of the specimens that might cause failure upon
the finishes and their respective descriptions should be accord- testing for reasons not attributable to typical material properties
ing to recognized industry standards.) or conditions. For example:
6.14.2.2 When required, a section should be used to specify If in the course of preparation, a test specimen is made or
the type of edge required. Typical wordings for such sections found to be defective due to such things as machining errors
are: or the presence of non-typical imperfections in the metal, the
specimen may be replaced with another that shall be selected
The type of edge required shall be specified as follows: on the same basis as the one discarded.

No. 1 Edge—An edge of a specified contour (round or 6.17 Number of Tests, Retests, and Resampling Procedures:
square) that is produced when a very accurate width is re-
quired or when an edge finish suitable for electroplating is re- 6.17.1 This section should address the number of tests for
quired, or both. each test required by the specification. It should also cover the
allowances for retesting and resampling, if permitted by the
No. 5 Edge—An approximately square edge produced from
slit edge material on which the burr is eliminated by rolling or specification. For example, retesting might be permitted due to
filing. the mechanical failure of a specimen, for example, it broke
outside the gage length during a tension test. Resampling is the

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A 994 – 98
securing of new samples because the tests failed to meet the 6.18 Specimen Preparation—Specifications requiring the
limits of the standard but were within prescribed limits that determination of the mechanical properties of the product
allow resampling. Procedures for dealing with product between should include the appropriate paragraphs to adequately de-
the original sample and additional samples should be de- scribe the preparation of the required test specimens. Below are
scribed. some examples:
6.17.2 The number of test units and the number of test The tension test specimens shall conform to the appropriate
specimens necessary to qualify the product should be included, sections of Test Methods and Definitions A 370.
as well as the orientation of such test units or specimens.
Hardness tests may be made on the grip ends of the tension
Following are examples of paragraphs that have been used to test specimens before they are subjected to the tension test.
define the number, location, and orientation of test specimens:
Test coupons, from which tension test specimens are pre-
6.17.2.1 For structural steel plates: pared, shall be attached to the castings where practicable. If,
Tension Tests—Orientation—For plates wider than 24 in. [600 in the opinion of the manufacturer, the design of the casting is
mm], test specimens shall be taken such that the longitudinal such that test coupons should not be attached thereon, these
axis of the specimen is transverse to the final direction of the coupons shall be cast attached to separately cast blocks. The
rolling of the plate. Test specimens for all other products shall test coupons from which test specimens are to be prepared
be taken such that the longitudinal axis of the specimen is par- shall remain attached to the castings or blocks they represent
allel to the final direction of rolling. until submitted for inspection, and shall be heat treated with
the castings. Test coupons shall be provided in sufficient num-
Plates Provided from Coils—Two tension tests shall be taken bers to furnish specimens required in Section X.
from each coil tested. One tension-test specimen shall be
taken immediately prior to the first plate produced to the quali- The width of strip for which bend tests can be made is subject to practical limi-
fying specification and the second test shall be taken from the tations on the length of the bend test specimen. For narrow strip, the following
approximate center lap. . . widths can be tested:
6.17.2.2 For high-strength low-alloy sheet and strip:
Strip Thickness, in. [mm] Minimum Strip Width and Minimum
Location and Orientation—Tension test specimens shall be
Transverse Specimen Length for Bend Tests,
taken at a point immediately adjacent to the material to be
in. [mm]A
qualified. Tension test specimens shall be taken with the axis
of the test specimens parallel to the rolling direction (longitudi- 0.100 [2.0] and under ⁄ [13]
12

nal test). 0.101 to 0.140 [2.1 to 3.0], excl. 1 [25]

0.140 [3], and over 1 1⁄2 [38]
6.17.3 If the specification allows retesting, the rules for such
A
retesting and the procedures to be followed should be stated, Bend test specimens for sheet and strip may be of any suitable length over the
above minimum length.
including the number of additional test specimens required and 6.19 Inspection—The following standard wording for this
the limits of acceptance. The following paragraph is an section has been adopted by Committee A-1:
example of a paragraph describing retesting procedures:
The manufacturer shall afford the purchaser’s inspector all rea-
If the percentage of elongation of any test specimen is less sonable facilities necessary to be satisfied that the product is
than specified, and any part of the fracture is more than [n|]P being produced and furnished in accordance with this specifi-
in. [20 mm] from the center of the 2-in. [50-mm] gage length of a specimen, or is out- cation. Mill inspection by the purchaser shall not interfere un-
side the middle half of the 8-in. [200-mm] gage length of a specimen, a retest is al- necessarily with the manufacturer’s operations.
lowed.
6.20 Rejection and Rehearing:
6.17.4 If the specification allows resampling, the rules for 6.20.1 Rejection—When a rejection section is to be in-
such resampling, including disposition of product between the cluded, the provisions under which the product will be rejected
original test and the resample, should be included. The proce- should be stated. Examples of rejection paragraphs, which may
dures to be followed, including the number of additional test be used, as appropriate, are:
specimens and the acceptance criteria, should be included. The
Product that is found to be defective subsequent to its accep-
following are examples describing resampling procedures: tance at the manufacturer’s works may be rejected, and the
If the results of an original tension test specimen are within 2 manufacturer shall be notified.
ksi (14 MPa) of the required tensile strength, resampling is
permitted. The new sample shall be taken at random from the Product that is found to be defective following original inspec-
lot in question. If the results of this retest specimen meet the tion and acceptance at the manufacturer’s works may be re-
specified requirements, the lot will be accepted. jected, and the manufacturer shall be notified.

If the result of an original tension test specimen is more than 2 6.20.2 Rehearing—Provisions should be stated for main-
ksi (14 MPa) from the required tensile strength, resampling is taining samples of product rejected by the purchaser, pending
permitted, provided that product produced between the loca- disposition. An example is as follows:
tion of the original test and the new sample is discarded from
the lot being qualified. Such discarded product shall not be Samples representing product rejected by the purchaser shall
qualified to meet the specification by the new sample. A total be preserved until disposition of the claim has been agreed to
of two resampling efforts will be permitted. If the lot is resa- between the supplier and the purchaser.
mpled, two tests will be required. The first shall be adjacent to
the beginning of the lot to be qualified. If the results of both 6.21 Certification:
resampling test specimens meet the specified requirements, 6.21.1 When a specification is to include a certification
the lot will be accepted. section, the ordering information section should include 6.4.2.3

7
 NOTICE: This standard has either been superceded and replaced by a new version or discontinued.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information.

A 994 – 98
and 6.4.2.8 of 6.4.2 of this guide. The following are provided 6.22 Product Identification—Where identification of indi-
for guidance in preparing a certification section: a given vidual pieces is required, the product markings must include
specification could include one or more of the following, as sufficient attributes to distinguish one piece from another. Even
appropriate: product from the same specification number, type, grade, and
Product Marking—Application of the identification markings, as class may vary from one heat to the next with respect to
required under Product Marking, shall constitute certification chemistry and mechanical properties; and product with all
that the product has been supplied in accordance with the re-
quirements of this specification.
these particularities the same may vary in properties with
respect to their origin in the ingot or mold, or due to differences
Certificate of Compliance—When specified in the purchase in heat treatment. Accordingly, product markings may need to
order or contract, the producer or supplier shall furnish a cer-
tificate of compliance stating that the product was manufac- contain enough designators to provide unique piece identifica-
tured, sampled, tested and inspected in accordance with this tion. The list of markings may be different for different
specification (including year of issue) and any other require- products and may include the number, code, or symbol for the
ments designated in the purchase order or contract, and has
been found to meet such requirements. following, as applicable: heat number; specification designa-
tion and, if necessary, year of issue; type; grade; class; lot;
Test Reports—When specified in the purchase order or con- manufacturer’s name, brand, or trademark; and any additional
tract, test reports shall be furnished to the purchaser contain-
ing the results of all tests and chemical analyses required by codes required by the specification.
this specification (including year of issue), and any other re- 6.23 Packaging, Marking, and Loading for Shipment:
quirements designated in the purchase order or contract.
6.23.1 Where appropriate Practice A 700 should be refer-
6.21.2 The certification section could also include one or enced, as follows:
more of the following, as appropriate: Where applicable, the packing, marking, and loading methods
A signature or notarization is not required; however, the docu- described in Practice A 700 shall be used.
ment shall clearly identify the organization submitting it. Not-
withstanding the absence of a signature, the organization sub- 6.23.2 For U.S. Government procurement, packaging, pack-
mitting the document is responsible for its content. ing, and marking should be required to be in accordance with
Copies of the original manufacturer’s test report shall be in- MIL-STD-163, to the level specified in the purchase order.
cluded with any subsequent test report. Marking for shipment for civil agencies should be required to
be in accordance with Fed. Std. 123.
A certificate of compliance (or test report) printed from or used
in electronic form from an electronic data interchange (EDI) 6.24 Keywords—This section lists appropriate terms for
shall be regarded as having the same validity as a counterpart indexing.
printed in the certifying organization’s facility. The content of
the EDI transmitted document must conform to any existing 6.25 Supplementary Requirements—Follow the Blue Book.
EDI agreement between the purchaser and the supplier. 6.26 Annexes and Appendixes—Follow the Blue Book.

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