Steel Wire, High Tensile Strength, Cold Drawn

A679/A679M-17: Standard Specification for Steel Wire, High Tensile Strength, Cold Drawn

For engineers and manufacturers relying on superior material performance, understanding the nuances of high-strength steel wire is paramount. ASTM A679/A679M-17 provides an essential framework, ensuring that cold-drawn steel wire meets stringent requirements for critical applications, particularly in the creation of robust mechanical springs and wire forms. This industry-leading standard is your guide to specifying and procuring wire that delivers reliable tensile strength and durability.

What is A679/A679M-17?

ASTM A679/A679M-17 is a comprehensive standard specifying the requirements for uncoated, cold-drawn, high-tensile strength steel spring wire. Developed by ASTM International, its primary purpose is to define the mechanical properties, chemical composition, dimensions, and quality necessary for wire intended for use in mechanical springs and wire forms subjected to significant static stress or intermittent dynamic loading. This standard ensures a predictable and reliable material performance baseline.

Scope & Purpose

This specification governs the manufacturing and performance characteristics of round, uncoated, cold-drawn steel wire designed for high tensile strength applications. It covers wire intended for the production of mechanical springs and wire forms that will experience substantial static loads or infrequent dynamic stresses. The standard outlines specific requirements for chemical composition, tensile strength, wrap test performance, and permissible dimensional variations. It does not cover steel wire with metallic coatings or wire intended for applications other than those specified.

Who Must Comply?

• • Primary audience: Materials Engineers, Design Engineers, Manufacturing Engineers, Quality Control Inspectors, and Procurement Specialists.
• • Industries affected: Manufacturing, Metal Fabrication, Automotive, Aerospace, Industrial Machinery, and any sector utilizing high-strength wire components.
• • Compliance nature: Voluntary, but often mandated by customer specifications and industry best practices.
• • Enforcement: Typically enforced through contractual agreements, quality assurance programs, and third-party certifications.

Key Requirements Overview

The standard requires that the steel wire be manufactured using processes that yield a fine pearlite microstructure, ensuring optimal strength and ductility. Professionals must ensure the wire meets specific tensile strength ranges and wrap test criteria, which demonstrate its ability to withstand bending without fracturing. Key provisions include strict adherence to defined chemical composition limits for elements like carbon, manganese, phosphorus, sulfur, and silicon. Furthermore, the standard mandates precise control over diameter tolerances and specifies surface finish requirements to prevent imperfections detrimental to spring performance.

Related Standards & References

ASTM A679/A679M-17 works in conjunction with several other proven ASTM standards. ASTM A370 (Test Methods and Definitions for Mechanical Testing of Steel Products) is crucial for conducting the tension and wrap tests required by A679/A679M-17. ASTM A510/A510M (Specification for General Requirements for Wire Rods and Coarse Round Wire, Carbon Steel, and Alloy Steel) provides general requirements for the starting material. Finally, ASTM A751 (Test Methods, Practices, and Terminology for Chemical Analysis of Steel Products) is referenced for chemical analysis procedures, ensuring accurate verification of material composition.