Coppered Carbon Steel Wire

A818: Standard Specification for Coppered Carbon Steel Wire

For engineers and procurement specialists in steel manufacturing, wire production, and metal fabrication, ensuring material consistency and performance is paramount. ASTM A818, the "Standard Specification for Coppered Carbon Steel Wire," provides an authoritative framework for specifying and procuring this essential industrial material, guaranteeing that the wire meets defined mechanical properties and manufacturing standards.

What is A818?

ASTM A818 is a comprehensive industry standard that defines the requirements for coppered carbon steel wire supplied in coils for general industrial use. Developed by ASTM International, this specification provides a proven basis for material selection, ensuring clarity between suppliers and purchasers regarding the wire's composition, condition, and performance characteristics. Its primary purpose is to facilitate the consistent production and reliable application of coppered carbon steel wire across various manufacturing sectors.

Scope & Purpose

This standard governs the properties and manufacturing of coppered carbon steel wire intended for general applications. It specifies requirements for wire that can be produced in hard-drawn, annealed-in-process, or annealed-at-finish-size conditions. Crucially, A818 clarifies that the copper coating applied is very thin and not intended for corrosion protection. The specification covers material from basic steel manufacturing processes through to the final wire product, excluding detailed requirements for packaging and shipment, which are referenced in other standards.

Who Must Comply?

• • Primary audience: Materials Engineers, Metallurgists, Production Engineers, Quality Control Inspectors, and Purchasing Managers involved in the specification, production, or procurement of carbon steel wire products.
• • Industries affected: Steel Manufacturing, Wire Manufacturing, Metal Fabrication, General Industrial Manufacturing, and any sector utilizing coppered steel wire in their production processes.
• • Compliance nature: While often voluntary for general commercial transactions, compliance with ASTM A818 is recommended for ensuring quality and is often a mandatory requirement stipulated in purchase orders and contracts.
• • Enforcement: Compliance is typically verified through internal quality control processes by the manufacturer and through inspection by the purchaser or their designated representatives prior to shipment.

Key Requirements Overview

The standard requires that the carbon steel used for this wire be produced via open-hearth, electric-furnace, or basic-oxygen processes. Professionals must ensure that the wire meets specified tensile strength requirements, which vary based on the wire's diameter and condition (hard-drawn, annealed-in-process, or annealed). Key provisions include the requirement for a continuous copper coating, though its thickness is not a specified parameter; rather, its adherence is tested by wrapping the wire without cracking or flaking. The standard also mandates that the wire be free from defects detrimental to its intended use, with allowances made for welds in continuous coils.

Related Standards & References

ASTM A818 works in conjunction with other ASTM standards to provide a complete picture of material requirements. ASTM A370 is essential for the mechanical testing of steel products, including the tensile strength verification mandated by A818. ASTM A510, "Specification for General Requirements for Wire Rods and Coarse Round Wire, Carbon Steel," provides complementary details on general wire properties and tolerances. For shipment considerations, ASTM A700 Practices offer guidance on packaging, marking, and loading methods for steel products.