Aluminum and Aluminum-Alloy Rivet and Cold-Heading Wire and Rods

B316/B316M- 15: Standard Specification for Aluminum and Aluminum-Alloy Rivet and Cold-Heading Wire and Rods

For engineers and designers working with fasteners and metal components, the integrity and performance of raw materials are paramount. ASTM B316/B316M-15 provides an essential framework for ensuring the quality and suitability of aluminum and aluminum-alloy wire and rods specifically intended for critical cold-heading and riveting applications. This comprehensive standard is a cornerstone for procurement and quality assurance in industries where reliable fastening is non-negotiable.

What is B316/B316M- 15?

ASTM B316/B316M-15 is an authoritative ASTM standard that defines the material properties, chemical composition, and dimensional requirements for aluminum and aluminum-alloy wire and rods. Originating from ASTM's commitment to materials science and engineering, its primary purpose is to ensure that these semi-finished products possess the necessary characteristics for successful cold-heading and rivet manufacturing processes, thereby guaranteeing the reliability of the final components.

Scope & Purpose

This standard governs the procurement and quality control of aluminum and aluminum-alloy wire and rods that are specifically manufactured for cold-heading operations, such as those used in producing rivets and similar fasteners. It details acceptable alloys, tempers, and the necessary material characteristics for these applications. Notably, it does not cover products intended for other forming processes or those with different end-use requirements, such as general-purpose wire or extruded profiles not intended for cold-heading.

Who Must Comply?

• • Primary audience: Materials Engineers, Metallurgists, Quality Control Inspectors, Production Engineers, and Purchasing Agents involved in the specification, procurement, or verification of aluminum and aluminum-alloy materials for fastener production.
• • Industries affected: Aerospace, Automotive, General Manufacturing, Fastener Production, and Metalworking industries.
• • Compliance nature: Voluntary, but often specified as mandatory in purchase orders, contracts, and project specifications.
• • Enforcement: Typically enforced through contractual agreements, internal quality management systems, and third-party inspections.

Key Requirements Overview

The standard requires that aluminum and aluminum-alloy wire and rods supplied for cold-heading and riveting applications meet stringent chemical composition limits, ensuring the material's formability and mechanical properties. Professionals must ensure that the selected alloy and temper designations align with industry standards, such as those from ANSI H35.1/H35.1M, to guarantee predictable performance. Key provisions include detailed requirements for testing methods, such as tension and shear testing, to verify mechanical integrity. Furthermore, the specification outlines practices for sampling, inspection, and identification marking to maintain traceability and quality assurance throughout the supply chain.

Related Standards & References

ASTM B316/B316M-15 works in conjunction with other proven ASTM standards. Specification B211 and B221 provide complementary requirements for rolled, cold-finished, and extruded aluminum and aluminum-alloy bar, rod, and wire, respectively, which may be precursors to materials covered by B316/B316M. Test Methods B557 and B565 are crucial for verifying the mechanical properties and shear strength of the materials,