Aluminum 1350 Drawing Stock for Electrical Purposes

ASTM B233-97: A Foundational Standard for Aluminum 1350 Drawing Stock in Electrical Applications

For engineers and designers specifying materials for electrical conductors, understanding material standards is paramount. ASTM B233-97, the "Standard Specification for Aluminum 1350 Drawing Stock for Electrical Purposes," stands as an essential guide for procuring high-quality aluminum 1350 drawing stock. This industry-leading document ensures that the raw material used for drawing into electrical wire meets rigorous performance and quality benchmarks, directly impacting the reliability and efficiency of electrical systems.

What is ASTM B233-97?

ASTM B233-97, originally published in 1948 and reapproved in 2012, establishes the authoritative criteria for aluminum 1350 drawing stock specifically intended for electrical conductor applications. It defines the physical and chemical properties, dimensions, and acceptable quality for this critical material, ensuring its suitability for subsequent wire drawing processes. The standard's primary purpose is to provide a consistent and reliable basis for material procurement and manufacturing, thereby safeguarding the integrity of electrical components.

Scope & Purpose

This comprehensive standard governs aluminum 1350 drawing stock in diameters ranging from 0.375 to 1.000 inches. It specifies requirements for various tempers suitable for drawing into wire for electrical conductors. The scope clearly defines acceptable diameters and tempers, while also addressing aspects like joint permissibility and associated testing. It is important to note that this specification focuses solely on the drawing stock and does not cover the finished wire product itself.

Who Must Comply?

• • Primary audience: Materials Engineers, Metallurgists, Quality Control Inspectors, and Manufacturing Engineers involved in the production or procurement of electrical conductors.
• • Industries affected: Electrical Manufacturing, Wire and Cable Production, Aerospace, and Automotive sectors that utilize aluminum conductors.
• • Compliance nature: Voluntary, but highly recommended for ensuring product quality and market acceptance.
• • Enforcement: Typically enforced through contractual agreements between suppliers and purchasers, and often verified by internal quality control departments or third-party inspectors.

Key Requirements Overview

Professionals working with ASTM B233-97 must ensure:

• • Chemical Composition: The aluminum 1350 drawing stock conforms to strict limits for key elements, ensuring optimal electrical conductivity and mechanical properties.
• • Mechanical Properties: The material meets defined tensile strength requirements for various specified tempers, crucial for its formability during wire drawing.
• • Dimensional Tolerances: The drawing stock adheres to precise diameter tolerances to ensure consistent processing and final wire dimensions.
• • Workmanship and Surface Quality: The stock must be free from defects such as cracks, laps, or excessive surface imperfections that could compromise its integrity during drawing or in the final conductor.
• • Electrical Resistivity: The standard specifies maximum limits for electrical resistivity, directly correlating to the conductivity of the eventual wire.

Related Standards & References

ASTM B233-97 is often used in conjunction with other ASTM standards to ensure a complete material specification. Complementary documents include:

• • ASTM B193 (Test Method for Resistivity of Electrical Conductor Materials): Provides the standardized method for measuring the electrical resistivity, a key parameter defined in B2