Precipitation-Hardening Stainless and Heat-Resisting Steel Plate, Sheet, and Strip

A693-16: Standard Specification for Precipitation-Hardening Stainless and Heat-Resisting Steel Plate, Sheet, and Strip

In the pursuit of advanced material solutions, engineers and designers frequently encounter demanding applications requiring a unique combination of high strength, corrosion resistance, and stability at elevated temperatures. ASTM A693-16 provides the essential framework for selecting and specifying these critical materials, ensuring predictable performance and reliability in high-stakes industries. This authoritative standard serves as a cornerstone for the manufacture and application of precipitation-hardening stainless steels in flat-rolled forms.

What is A693-16?

ASTM A693-16 is the industry-leading standard specification that defines requirements for precipitation-hardening stainless and heat-resisting steel plate, sheet, and strip. Developed by ASTM International, this specification details the material composition, mechanical properties, and heat treatment processes necessary to achieve the desired high-strength characteristics through controlled precipitation hardening. Its primary purpose is to ensure consistency and quality for these specialized steel products.

Scope & Purpose

This comprehensive standard governs the production and application of precipitation-hardening stainless and heat-resisting steel in the form of plate, sheet, and strip. It specifies the chemical composition ranges and mechanical property requirements that must be met after specific heat treatments. The standard is applicable to materials designed for components that require significant strength and corrosion resistance, particularly at temperatures up to 600°F (315°C). While it covers the material properties, it does not dictate the design or fabrication methods of the final product.

Who Must Comply?

• • Primary audience: Materials engineers, metallurgists, design engineers, manufacturing engineers, quality control inspectors, and production supervisors.
• • Industries affected: Aerospace, automotive, medical device manufacturing, industrial equipment, and general manufacturing sectors that utilize high-performance materials.
• • Compliance nature: Primarily voluntary, but often mandated by contractual agreements, customer specifications, and regulatory requirements in critical applications.
• • Enforcement: Compliance is typically verified through material testing, certification by the manufacturer, and audits by quality assurance personnel or regulatory bodies.

Key Requirements Overview

Professionals working with ASTM A693-16 must ensure that the ordered material meets specific criteria. The standard requires adherence to defined chemical composition limits for various grades of precipitation-hardening stainless steels. Key provisions include detailed specifications for mechanical properties, such as tensile strength and yield strength, which are achieved through prescribed heat treatment cycles. Manufacturers must provide material that has undergone appropriate solution treatment and subsequent precipitation hardening, with specific times and temperatures outlined for different grades. Furthermore, the standard mandates that the material be capable of withstanding specified bending tests without cracking, demonstrating its ductility and formability.

Related Standards & References

ASTM A693-16 is often used in conjunction with other ASTM standards. Specification A480/A480M, "General Requirements for Flat-Rolled Stainless and Heat-Resisting Steel Plate, Sheet, and Strip," provides essential overarching requirements applicable to materials covered by A693. Additionally, Practice E527 and SAE J 1086 are referenced for the proper numbering and identification of metals and alloys within the Unified Numbering System (UNS), ensuring clear communication and traceability of specific steel grades. These complementary standards