Aluminum for Use in Iron and Steel Manufacture

ASTM B37: Standard Specification for Aluminum for Use in Iron and Steel Manufacture

For engineers and metallurgists involved in iron and steel production, ensuring the quality and performance of raw materials is paramount. ASTM B37, the "Standard Specification for Aluminum for Use in Iron and Steel Manufacture," stands as an essential document that provides the authoritative framework for procuring and utilizing aluminum in these critical metallurgical processes. This industry-leading standard helps guarantee that the aluminum used as a deoxidizer and alloying element meets stringent quality requirements, contributing to the integrity and desired properties of the final ferrous products.

What is ASTM B37?

ASTM B37 is a comprehensive standard developed by ASTM International that specifies the requirements for aluminum and its alloys intended for use in the manufacture of iron and steel. It originated to ensure a consistent and reliable supply of high-quality aluminum products for metallurgical applications, primarily focusing on their role in deoxidation and alloying processes. Its primary purpose is to establish clear guidelines for chemical composition, material forms, and quality assurance.

Scope & Purpose

This authoritative standard governs the procurement and use of aluminum and aluminum alloys supplied in various forms, including ingots, bars, rods, cones, nuggets, and shot. It outlines the acceptable chemical compositions and quality criteria for these materials when they are to be employed in the deoxidation of molten iron and steel, as well as for general alloying purposes. ASTM B37 does not cover the detailed manufacturing processes of aluminum itself, nor does it extend to the final iron and steel products beyond specifying the aluminum input material.

Who Must Comply?

• • Primary audience: Materials Engineers, Metallurgists, Production Managers, Quality Control Inspectors, and Procurement Specialists.
• • Industries affected: Iron and Steel Manufacturing, Aluminum Production, and Material Suppliers.
• • Compliance nature: Voluntary, but widely adopted and often specified in purchase orders, making it effectively mandatory for many transactions.
• • Enforcement: Typically enforced through contractual agreements and quality assurance programs by purchasers, with compliance verified through material testing and supplier audits.

Key Requirements Overview

The ASTM B37 standard mandates several critical provisions to ensure material suitability:

• • Chemical Composition Control: Professionals must ensure that the aluminum supplied adheres to the specified chemical composition limits, with precise allowances for key elements and potential impurities.
• • Material Forms and Dimensions: The standard defines acceptable forms of aluminum (e.g., ingots, shot, nuggets) and may include requirements for dimensional or weight limitations as specified in the order.
• • Quality Assurance Measures: Producers are responsible for implementing quality assurance practices, ensuring the material is free from harmful contaminants like dross and slag. Specific requirements for forms like shot, such as density and freedom from hollow shells, are also detailed.
• • Sampling and Testing Protocols: Proven methods for sampling and chemical analysis are referenced, ensuring that the material's composition is accurately determined and conforms to the specification.
• • Documentation and Certification: When required by the purchaser, a certificate of conformance or a certified chemical analysis must accompany the shipment, providing documented evidence of compliance.

Related Standards & References

To ensure comprehensive material control, ASTM B37 often works in conjunction with other ASTM standards. For instance, ASTM B275 (Practice for Codification of Certain Nonferrous Metals and Alloys, Cast and Wrought) provides a