Steel, Strip, Carbon (0.25 Maximum Percent), Cold-Rolled

A109/A109M-16: Standard Specification for Steel, Strip, Carbon (0.25 Maximum Percent), Cold-Rolled

For engineers and product designers working with sheet metal components, understanding material specifications is paramount. ASTM A109/A109M-16, the Standard Specification for Steel, Strip, Carbon (0.25 Maximum Percent), Cold-Rolled, is an essential document that provides the foundation for specifying and procuring this widely used material. This authoritative standard ensures consistency and reliability in the cold-rolled carbon steel strip used across a vast array of manufacturing applications.

What is A109/A109M-16?

ASTM A109/A109M-16 is a comprehensive industry standard that defines the requirements for cold-rolled carbon steel strip with a maximum carbon content of 0.25 percent. Developed by ASTM International, this specification ensures that the material meets specific dimensional tolerances, mechanical properties, and surface finishes, making it suitable for applications demanding precision and controlled performance.

Scope & Purpose

This standard governs the production and procurement of cold-rolled carbon steel strip supplied in cut lengths or coils. It specifically addresses materials with closer tolerances than conventional cold-rolled steel sheet, offering defined tempers, specific edge finishes, and precise dimensions within defined width and thickness ranges. Products outside these specified ranges, or those with different carbon content or processing, are covered by other ASTM standards, such as those for cold-rolled sheet or high-carbon strip.

Who Must Comply?

• • Primary audience: Materials Engineers, Metallurgists, Manufacturing Engineers, Quality Control Inspectors, and Product Designers.
• • Industries affected: Manufacturing, Metal Processing, Automotive, Construction, Consumer Goods, and any industry utilizing precision steel strip.
• • Compliance nature: Voluntary, but recommended for ensuring product quality and interoperability. Compliance is often contractually mandated.
• • Enforcement: Typically enforced through quality control departments, third-party inspections, and customer acceptance criteria.

Key Requirements Overview

The standard requires manufacturers to adhere to stringent controls throughout the production process. Key provisions include:

• • Material Composition: Mandating a maximum carbon content of 0.25 percent and specifying acceptable residual elements.
• • Dimensional Tolerances: Establishing precise limits for width, thickness, and flatness to ensure consistent part fabrication.
• • Mechanical Properties & Tempers: Defining various tempers indicating hardness and formability, achieved through controlled cold reduction and thermal treatments.
• • Surface Finish & Edges: Specifying available finishes (smoothness/luster) and edge types (e.g., square, rounded) to meet aesthetic and functional requirements.
• • Testing & Measurement: Outlining methods for chemical analysis and dimensional verification, often referencing other ASTM standards for detailed procedures.

Related Standards & References

ASTM A109/A109M-16 frequently works in conjunction with other ASTM standards. ASTM A370 (Test Methods and Definitions for Mechanical Testing of Steel Products) is crucial for verifying the mechanical properties of the strip. ASTM A568/A568M (Specification for Steel, Sheet, Carbon, Structural, and High-Strength, Low-Alloy, Hot-Rol