This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what

changes have been made to the previous version. Because

it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.

Designation: A781/A781M − 14b A781/A781M − 16

Standard Specification for

Castings, Steel and Alloy, Common Requirements, for
General Industrial Use1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation A781/A781M; 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.

1. Scope*
1.1 This specification covers a group of requirements that are mandatory requirements of the following steel casting
specifications issued by ASTM. If the product specification specifies different requirements, the product specification shall prevail.
ASTM
Designation Title of Specification
A27/A27M Steel Castings, Carbon, for General Application
A128/A128M Steel Castings, Austenitic Manganese
A148/A148M Steel Castings, High Strength, for Structural Pur-
poses
A297/A297M Steel Castings, Iron-Chromium and Iron-
Chromium-Nickel, Heat Resistant for General
Application
A447/A447M Steel Castings, Chromium-Nickel-Iron Alloy
(25-12 Class), for High-Temperature Service
A494/A494M Castings, Nickel and Nickel Alloy
A560/A560M
A743/A743M iTeh Standards Castings, Chromium-Nickel Alloy
Castings, Iron-Chromium, Iron-Chromium-Nickel,
Corrosion Resistant, for General Application

(https://standards.iteh.ai)
A744/A744M Castings, Iron-Chromium-Nickel, Corrosion
Resistant, for Severe Service
A747/A747M Steel Castings, Stainless, Precipitation Harden-

Document Preview
ing
A890/A890M Castings, Iron-Chromium-Nickel-Molybdenum
Corrosion-Resistant, Duplex (Austenitic/Ferritic)
for General Application
A915/A915M Steel Castings, Carbon and Alloy, Chemical Re-
quirements Similar to Standard Wrought Grades
A958 ASTM A781/A781M-16 Steel Castings, Carbon and Alloy, with Tensile
https://standards.iteh.ai/catalog/standards/sist/eee9ff8b-a106-47c1-b878-776c39d8b8ae/astm-a781-a781m-16
Requirements, Chemical Requirements Similiar
to Standard Wrought Grades
A1002 Castings, Nickel-Aluminum Ordered Alloy
1.2 This specification also covers a group of supplementary requirements that may be applied to the above specifications as
indicated therein. These are provided for use when additional testing or inspection is desired and apply only when specified
individually by the purchaser in the order.
1.3 The requirements of the individual material specification, and this general specification shall prevail in the sequence named.
1.4 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each
system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the
two systems may result in non-conformance with the standard.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:2
A27/A27M Specification for Steel Castings, Carbon, for General Application
A128/A128M Specification for Steel Castings, Austenitic Manganese

1
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee A01 on Steel, Stainless Steel and Related Alloys and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee A01.18
on Castings.
Current edition approved Oct. 1, 2014Dec. 1, 2016. Published October 2014December 2016. Originally approved in 1980. Last previous edition approved in 2014 as
A781/A781M – 14a.A781/A781M – 14b. DOI: 10.1520/A0781_A0781M-14B.10.1520/A0781_A0781M-16.
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at [email protected]. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.

*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard

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

1
 A781/A781M − 16
A148/A148M Specification for Steel Castings, High Strength, for Structural Purposes
A297/A297M Specification for Steel Castings, Iron-Chromium and Iron-Chromium-Nickel, Heat Resistant, for General
Application
A370 Test Methods and Definitions for Mechanical Testing of Steel Products
A380 Practice for Cleaning, Descaling, and Passivation of Stainless Steel Parts, Equipment, and Systems
A447/A447M Specification for Steel Castings, Chromium-Nickel-Iron Alloy (25-12 Class), for High-Temperature Service
A488/A488M Practice for Steel Castings, Welding, Qualifications of Procedures and Personnel
A494/A494M Specification for Castings, Nickel and Nickel Alloy
A560/A560M Specification for Castings, Chromium-Nickel Alloy
A609/A609M Practice for Castings, Carbon, Low-Alloy, and Martensitic Stainless Steel, Ultrasonic Examination Thereof
A743/A743M Specification for Castings, Iron-Chromium, Iron-Chromium-Nickel, Corrosion Resistant, for General Application
A744/A744M Specification for Castings, Iron-Chromium-Nickel, Corrosion Resistant, for Severe Service
A747/A747M Specification for Steel Castings, Stainless, Precipitation Hardening
A751 Test Methods, Practices, and Terminology for Chemical Analysis of Steel Products
A800/A800M Practice for Steel Casting, Austenitic Alloy, Estimating Ferrite Content Thereof
A802/A802M Practice for Steel Castings, Surface Acceptance Standards, Visual Examination
A890/A890M Specification for Castings, Iron-Chromium-Nickel-Molybdenum Corrosion-Resistant, Duplex (Austenitic/
Ferritic) for General Application
A915/A915M Specification for Steel Castings, Carbon, and Alloy, Chemical Requirements Similar to Standard Wrought Grades
A941 Terminology Relating to Steel, Stainless Steel, Related Alloys, and Ferroalloys
A958 Specification for Steel Castings, Carbon and Alloy, with Tensile Requirements, Chemical Requirements Similar to
Standard Wrought Grades
A967 Specification for Chemical Passivation Treatments for Stainless Steel Parts
A991/A991M Test Method for Conducting Temperature Uniformity Surveys of Furnaces Used to Heat Treat Steel Products

iTeh Standards
A1002 Specification for Castings, Nickel-Aluminum Ordered Alloy
A1058 Test Methods for Mechanical Testing of Steel Products—Metric
A1067 Specification for Test Coupons for Steel Castings
(https://standards.iteh.ai)
A1080 Practice for Hot Isostatic Pressing of Steel, Stainless Steel, and Related Alloy Castings
E29 Practice for Using Significant Digits in Test Data to Determine Conformance with Specifications

Document Preview
E94 Guide for Radiographic Examination
E125 Reference Photographs for Magnetic Particle Indications on Ferrous Castings
E165 Practice for Liquid Penetrant Examination for General Industry
E186 Reference Radiographs for Heavy-Walled (2 to 41⁄2 in. (50.8 to 114 mm)) Steel Castings
E280 Reference Radiographs for Heavy-WalledASTM (41⁄2 to A781/A781M-16
12 in. (114 to 305 mm)) Steel Castings
https://standards.iteh.ai/catalog/standards/sist/eee9ff8b-a106-47c1-b878-776c39d8b8ae/astm-a781-a781m-16
E340 Practice for Macroetching Metals and Alloys
E353 Test Methods for Chemical Analysis of Stainless, Heat-Resisting, Maraging, and Other Similar Chromium-Nickel-Iron
Alloys
E354 Test Methods for Chemical Analysis of High-Temperature, Electrical, Magnetic, and Other Similar Iron, Nickel, and
Cobalt Alloys
E446 Reference Radiographs for Steel Castings Up to 2 in. (50.8 mm) in Thickness
E709 Guide for Magnetic Particle Testing

2
 A781/A781M − 16
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions:
3.1.1 The definitions in Test Methods and Definitions A370, Test Methods, Practices, and Terminology A751, Terminology
A941, and Test Methods for Mechanical Testing of Steel Products – Metric A1058 are applicable to this specification and those
listed in 1.1.
3.1.2 test coupon, n—the part from which the test specimen will be extracted.
3.1.3 test specimen, n—the part that will be acted upon in a test.

4. Materials and Manufacture

4.1 Melting Process—The steel shall be made by open-hearth or electric furnace process with or without separate refining, such
as argon-oxygen-decarburization (AOD), unless otherwise specified in the individual specification.
4.2 Heat Treatment:
4.2.1 Castings shall be heat treated in the working zone of a furnace that has been surveyed in accordance with Test Method
A991/A991M.
4.2.2 When castings are heat treated at temperatures above 2000°F [1100°C],2000 °F [1100 °C], then the working zone shall
have been established by a survey performed at not more than 25°F [15°C]25 °F [15 °C] below nor more than 200°F
[110°C]200 °F [110 °C] above the minimum heat treatment temperature specified for the grade. If a minimum heat treatment
temperature is not specified for the grade, then the survey temperature shall be not more than 50°F [30°C]50 °F [30 °C] below nor
more than 175°F [100°C]175 °F [100 °C] above the furnace set point used.
4.2.3 The maximum variation in measured temperature as determined by the difference between the highest temperature and the
lowest temperature shall be as agreed between the purchaser and producer, except that during production heat treatment,treatment

iTeh Standards
no portion of the furnace shall be below the minimum specified temperature nor above the maximum specified temperature for the
grade being processed.

5. Chemical Composition (https://standards.iteh.ai)

Document Preview
5.1 Chemical Analysis—Chemical analysis of materials covered by this specification shall be in accordance with Test Methods,
Practices, and Terminology A751.
5.2 Heat Analysis—An analysis of each heat shall be made by the manufacturer to determine the percentages of the elements
ASTM
specified in the individual specification for the grade being A781/A781M-16
poured. The analysis shall be made from a test sample preferably taken
during the pouring of the heat. When drillings are used, they shall be taken not less than 1⁄4 in. [6.4 mm] beneath the surface. The
https://standards.iteh.ai/catalog/standards/sist/eee9ff8b-a106-47c1-b878-776c39d8b8ae/astm-a781-a781m-16
chemical composition thus determined shall conform to the requirements in the individual specification for the grade being poured.
5.3 Product Analysis—A product analysis may be made by the purchaser from material representing each heat, lot, or casting.
The analysis shall be made on representative material. Samples for carbon analysis shall be taken no closer than 1⁄4 in. [6 mm] to
a cast surface, except that castings too thin for this shall be analyzed on representative material. The chemical composition thus
determined shall meet the requirements specified in the applicable specification for the grade involved, or shall be subject to
rejection by the purchaser, except that the chemical composition determined for carbon and low alloy steel and stainless steel
castings may vary from the specified limits by the amounts shown in Tables 1 and 2, respectively. The product analysis tolerances
of Tables 1 and 2 are not applicable as acceptance criteria for heat analysis by the casting manufacturer. When comparing product
and heat analysis for other than carbon and low alloy steels and stainless steels, the reproducibility Data R2, in Test Methods E353
or E354, as applicable, shall be taken into consideration.
5.4 Unspecified Elements—When chemical analysis for elements not specified for the grade ordered is desired, Supplementary
Requirement S13 may be specified.
5.5 Grade Substitution—Grade substitution is not permitted. Grade substitution occurs when the material being supplied
contains one or more elements that are not specified for the supplied material such that the material conforms to the requirements
of a different grade.

6. Mechanical Test Requirements

6.1 The individual product specifications vary as to whether mechanical tests are required; for this reason, and to determine
specific test requirements, the individual product specification should be reviewed.
6.2 Unless otherwise specified by the purchaser, when mechanical properties are required by the product specification, test
coupons may be cast integrally with the castings, or as separate blocks, in accordance with Specification A1067, Fig. 1, Fig. 2 or

3
 A781/A781M − 16
TABLE 1 Product Analysis Tolerances—Carbon and Low Alloy
Steels
Element Range, %A TolerancesB ,C Over
Maximum or Under
Minimum Limit, %
C up to 0.65 0.03 × % CL + 0.02
above 0.65 0.04
Mn up to 1 0.08 × % MnL + 0.01
above 1 0.09
Si up to 0.60 0.22 × % SiL − 0.01
above 0.60 0.15
P all 0.13 × % PL + 0.005
S all 0.36 × % SL + 0.001
Ni up to 2 0.10 × % NiL + 0.03
above 2 0.25
Cr up to 2 0.07 × % CrL + 0.04
above 2 0.18
Mo up to 0.6 0.04 × % MoL + 0.03
above 0.6 0.06
V up to 0.25 0.23 × % VL + 0.004
above 0.25 0.06
W up to 0.10 0.08 × % WL + 0.02
above 0.10 0.02
Cu up to 0.15 0.18 × % CuL + 0.02
above 0.15 0.05
Al up to 0.10 0.08 × % AlL + 0.02
above 0.10 0.03
A
The range denotes the composition limits up to which tolerances are computed
by the equation, and above which the tolerances are given by a constant.
B
The subscriptsubscript L for the elements in each equation indicates that the
limits of the element specified by the applicable specification are to be inserted into
the equation to calculate the tolerance for the upper limit and the lower limit (if

iTeh Standards
applicable), respectively. Examples of computing tolerances are presented in
footnote C.
C
To illustrate the computation of the tolerance, consider the manganese maximum

(https://standards.iteh.ai)
of 0.70 for a 0.30 carbon grade 65-35 in Specification A27/A27M. The maximum
permissible deviation is (0.08 × 0.70 + 0.01) = 0.066. Therefore, the highest
acceptable product analysis is 0.766. Similarly, for a 0.20 carbon grade 70-40 in

Document Preview
Specification A27/A27M, the maximum manganese content is 1.40; thus, the
highest acceptable product analysis is (1.40 + 0.09) = 1.49.

Fig. 4, except when Supplementary RequirementASTM S15 is A781/A781M-16

specified. The test coupon in Specification A1067, Fig. 4, shall be
employed only for austenitic alloy castings with cross sections less than 21⁄2 in. [65 mm].3
https://standards.iteh.ai/catalog/standards/sist/eee9ff8b-a106-47c1-b878-776c39d8b8ae/astm-a781-a781m-16
6.3 Choice of testing track from the options listed in Test Methods A1058 when material is ordered to an M suffix (SI units)
product standard,standard should be identified by the purchaser in the ordering information. If the choice of test track is not
specified in the order, then the default ASTM track shall be used as noted in Test Methods A1058.
6.4 The coupon from which the test specimen is taken shall be heat treated in production furnaces to the same procedure as the
castings it represents.
6.5 The specimens may be cast to shape or machined from coupons to dimensions in accordance with Test Methods and
Definitions A370.
6.6 If any specimen shows defective machining or develops flaws, it may be discarded and another substituted from the same
master heat.
6.7 To determine conformance with the tension test requirements, an observed value or calculated value shall be rounded off
in accordance with Practice E29 to the nearest 0.5 ksi [5 MPa] for yield and tensile strength and to the nearest 1 % 1 % for
elongation and reduction of area. In the special case of rounding the number “5” when no additional numbers other than “0” follow
the “5,” rounding shall be done in the direction of the specification limits if following Practice E29 would cause rejection of
material.
7. Workmanship, Finish, and Appearance
7.1 All castings shall be made in a workmanlike manner and shall conform to the dimensions on drawings furnished by the
purchaser before manufacture is started. If the pattern is supplied by the purchaser, the dimensions of the casting shall be as
predicated by the pattern.

3
Information on the relationship of mechanical properties determined on test coupons obtained as specified in 6.2 with those obtained from the casting may be found in
The Steel Casting Handbook, Fifth Edition, Steel Founders’ Society of America, pp.15-35 through 15-43,1980.

4
 A781/A781M − 16
TABLE 2 Product Analysis Tolerances—Stainless Steels
Tolerance Over the Tolerance Over the
Limit or Maximum of Maximum Limit or Limit or Maximum of Maximum Limit or
Elements Elements
Specified Range, % Under the Minimum Specified Range, % Under the Minimum
Limit Limit
Carbon to 0.010, incl 0.002 Titanium to 1.00, incl 0.05
over 0.010 to 0.030, incl 0.005 over 1.00 to 3.00, incl 0.07
over 0.030 to 0.20, incl 0.01
over 0.20 to 0.60, incl 0.02 Cobalt over 0.05 to 0.50, incl 0.01A
over 0.60 to 1.20, incl 0.03 over 0.50 to 2.00, incl 0.02
over 2.00 to 5.00, incl 0.05
Manganese to 1.00, incl 0.03
over 1.00 to 3.00, incl 0.04 Columbium plus to 1.50, incl 0.05
over 3.00 to 6.00, incl 0.05 tantalum
over 6.00 to 10.00, incl 0.06
over 10.00 to 15.00, incl 0.10
over 15.00 to 20.00, incl 0.15 Tantalum to 0.10, incl 0.02

Phosphorus to 0.040, incl 0.005 Copper to 0.50, incl 0.03

over 0.040 to 0.20, incl 0.010 over 0.50 to 1.00, incl 0.05
over 1.00 to 3.00, incl 0.10
Sulfur to 0.040, incl 0.005 over 3.00 to 5.00, incl 0.15
over 0.040 to 0.20, incl 0.010 over 5.00 to 10.00, incl 0.20
over 0.20 to 0.50, incl 0.020
Aluminum to 0.15, incl −0.005, +0.01
Silicon to 1.00, incl 0.05 over 0.15 to 0.50, incl 0.05
over 1.00 to 3.00, incl 0.10 over 0.50 to 2.00, incl 0.10
over 3.00 to 6.00, incl 0.15

Chromium over 4.00 to 10.00, incl 0.10

over 10.00 to 15.00, incl 0.15 Nitrogen to 0.02, incl 0.005
over 15.00 to 20.00, incl 0.20 over 0.02 to 0.19, incl 0.01

Nickel
over

to 1.00, incl
iTeh Standards
20.00 to 30.00, incl 0.25

0.03
over 0.19 to
over 0.25 to
over 0.35 to
0.25,
0.35,
0.45,
incl
incl
incl
0.02
0.03
0.04

(https://standards.iteh.ai)
over 1.00 to 5.00, incl 0.07 over 0.45 to 0.55, incl 0.05
over 5.00 to 10.00, incl 0.10 Tungsten to 1.00, incl 0.03
over 10.00 to 20.00, incl 0.15 over 1.00 to 2.00, incl 0.05

Document Preview
over 20.00 to 30.00, incl 0.20
Vanadium to 0.50, incl 0.03
Molybdenum over 0.20 to 0.60, incl 0.03 over 0.50 to 1.50, incl 0.05
over 0.60 to 2.00, incl 0.05
over 2.00 to 8.00, incl 0.10 Selenium all 0.03
A
ASTM A781/A781M-16
Product analysis limits for cobalt under 0.05 % have not been established, and the manufacturer should be consulted for those limits.

https://standards.iteh.ai/catalog/standards/sist/eee9ff8b-a106-47c1-b878-776c39d8b8ae/astm-a781-a781m-16
8. Quality
8.1 The surface of the casting shall be free of adhering sand, scale, cracks, and hot tears as determined by visual examination.
Other surface discontinuities shall meet the visual acceptance standards specified in the order. Practice A802/A802M or other
visual standards may be used to define acceptable surface discontinuities and finish. Unacceptable visual surface discontinuities
shall be removed and their removal verified by visual examination of the resultant cavities.
8.2 When additional inspection is desired, Supplementary Requirements S1, S2, S3, S4, or S5 may be specified.
8.3 Rejectable indications shall not be peened, plugged, or impregnated.
9. Repair
9.1 Repair by welding shall be in accordance with the requirements of the individual specification using procedures and welders
qualified in accordance with Practice A488/A488M.
10. Inspection
10.1 The manufacturer shall afford the purchaser’s inspector all reasonable facilities necessary to satisfy that the material is
being produced and furnished in accordance with the applicable specification. Foundry inspection by the purchaser shall not
interfere unnecessarily with the manufacturer’s operations. All tests and inspections, with the exception of product analysis (5.3),
shall be made at the place of manufacture unless otherwise agreed.
11. Rejection
11.1 Subsequent to acceptance at the manufacturer’s works, material that is found to be unacceptable as determined by
requirements specified in the order may be rejected by the purchaser. The manufacturer should be notified of such rejection. If the
manufacturer is dissatisfied with the results of any tests performed by the purchaser, he may make claim for a rehearing.

5
 A781/A781M − 16
12. Keywords
12.1 castings; common requirements; steel and alloy

SUPPLEMENTARY REQUIREMENTS

Supplementary requirements shall be applied only when specified by the purchaser. Details of the
supplementary requirements shall be agreed upon by the manufacturer and purchaser. The specified
tests shall be performed by the manufacturer prior to shipment of the castings.

S1. Magnetic Particle Examination

S1.1 Castings shall be examined for surface and near surface discontinuities by magnetic particle examination. The examination
shall be in accordance with Guide E709. Extent of examination and the basis for acceptance shall be agreed upon between the
manufacturer and purchaser.

S2. Radiographic Examination

S2.1 Castings shall be examined for internal defects by means of X rays X-rays or gamma rays. The procedure shall be in
accordance with Guide E94, and types and degrees of discontinuities considered shall be judged by Reference Radiographs E446,
E186, or E280. Extent of examination and basis for acceptance shall be agreed upon between the manufacturer and purchaser.
iTeh Standards
(https://standards.iteh.ai)
S3. Liquid Penetrant Examination
S3.1 Castings shall be examined for surface discontinuities by means of liquid penetrant examination. The examination shall

Document
developing procedure, and basis for acceptance Preview
be in accordance with Test Method Practice E165. Areas to be inspected, methods and types of liquid penetrants to be used,
shall be agreed upon between the manufacturer and purchaser.

S4. Ultrasonic Examination ASTM A781/A781M-16

https://standards.iteh.ai/catalog/standards/sist/eee9ff8b-a106-47c1-b878-776c39d8b8ae/astm-a781-a781m-16
S4.1 Castings shall be examined for internal defects by means of ultrasonic examination. The examination procedure shall be
in accordance with Practice A609/A609M. Extent of examination, methods of testing, and basis for acceptance shall be agreed
upon between the manufacturer and purchaser.

S5. Examination of Weld Preparation

S5.1 Magnetic particle or liquid penetrant examination of cavities prepared for welding shall be performed to verify removal
of those discontinuities found unacceptable by the examination method specified for the casting. Unless other degrees of shrinkage
or types of discontinuities found in the cavities are specified, Type II, Internal Shrinkage, of Reference Photographs E125, of
Degree 2 in sections up to 2 in. [50.8 mm] [50.8 mm] thick and of Degree 3 in sections over 2 in. thick shall be acceptable.

S6. Certification
S6.1 The manufacturer’s certification shall be furnished to the purchaser stating that the material was manufactured, sampled,
tested, and inspected in accordance with the material specification (including year date) and was found to meet the requirements.
S6.2 A manufacturer’s certification printed from or used in electronic form from an electronic data interchange (EDI)
transmission shall be regarded as having the same validity as a counterpart printed in the certifier’s facility, provided it conforms
to any existing EDI agreement between the purchaser and the supplier.

S7. Prior Approval of Major Weld Repairs

S7.1 Major weld repairs as defined and agreed upon between the manufacturer and purchaser shall be subject to the prior
approval of the purchaser.