Metallic-Coated Steel Wire for Chain-Link Fence Fabric and Marcelled Tension Wire

A817-12: Standard Specification for Metallic-Coated Steel Wire for Chain-Link Fence Fabric and Marcelled Tension Wire

When specifying materials for robust and long-lasting fencing solutions, understanding the foundational standards is paramount. ASTM A817-12 provides the essential framework for metallic-coated steel wire used in critical infrastructure components like chain-link fence fabric and marcelled tension wire, ensuring reliable performance and extended service life.

What is A817-12?

ASTM A817-12, "Standard Specification for Metallic-Coated Steel Wire for Chain-Link Fence Fabric and Marcelled Tension Wire," is an authoritative industry standard originating from ASTM International. Its primary purpose is to define the material properties, coating types, and quality requirements for steel wire that will be subsequently manufactured into chain-link fence fabric or used as marcelled tension wire.

Scope & Purpose

This comprehensive standard governs the metallic coating and mechanical properties of carbon steel wire intended for the production of chain-link fence fabric and marcelled tension wire. It specifically addresses three distinct coating types: aluminum-coated (Type I), zinc-coated (Type II), and zinc-5% aluminum-mischmetal alloy-coated (Type III). The standard outlines acceptable wire diameters, coating weights, and adherence requirements, crucial for ensuring corrosion resistance and structural integrity. Notably, A817-12 focuses solely on the wire itself; the specifications for the finished chain-link fabric and tension wire are covered by separate, complementary ASTM standards.

Who Must Comply?

• • Primary audience: Materials Engineers, Wire Manufacturers, Quality Control Inspectors, Production Supervisors, and Fence System Designers.
• • Industries affected: Steel Manufacturing, Wire Manufacturing, Fencing Manufacturing, Construction, and Infrastructure Development.
• • Compliance nature: Voluntary, but widely adopted as a recommended industry practice and often stipulated in procurement specifications.
• • Enforcement: Compliance is typically verified through material testing and certification by manufacturers, with oversight by project owners, specifiers, and inspection agencies.

Key Requirements Overview

Professionals working with this standard must ensure:

• • Appropriate Coating Selection: The wire is furnished with one of the three specified metallic coating types (aluminum, zinc, or zinc-aluminum alloy), each offering distinct corrosion resistance characteristics.
• • Defined Coating Weights: The weight of the metallic coating must meet or exceed the minimum requirements detailed in the standard for the specified wire diameter and coating class, crucial for long-term durability.
• • Mechanical Integrity: The coated steel wire must exhibit the required tensile strength and adhere to specified diameter tolerances to ensure the structural integrity of the final fence product.
• • Coating Adherence: The metallic coating must demonstrate sufficient adherence to the steel substrate, tested by wrapping the wire around a mandrel without cracking or flaking, preventing premature failure.
• • Quality Material Sourcing: The base steel and coating materials must conform to specified compositional requirements and be processed using approved manufacturing methods.

Related Standards & References

ASTM A817-12 is an integral part of a suite of standards related to fencing materials. It works in conjunction with:

• • ASTM A392: Specification for Zinc-Coated Steel Chain-Link Fence Fabric, which covers the finished fabric when zinc-coated wire