Refined Cadmium Metal

B440: Standard Specification for Refined Cadmium Metal

For engineers and manufacturers relying on high-purity cadmium, adherence to established material specifications is paramount. ASTM B440, the "Standard Specification for Refined Cadmium Metal," provides an essential framework for ensuring the quality and consistency of this critical industrial material. This authoritative standard plays a vital role in procurement, quality control, and downstream manufacturing processes across numerous sectors.

What is B440?

ASTM B440 is a comprehensive standard that defines the chemical composition and physical forms of refined cadmium metal. Developed by ASTM International, this specification serves to establish clear benchmarks for cadmium purity, thereby supporting reliable material performance in demanding applications. Its primary purpose is to facilitate trade and ensure that cadmium procured meets predetermined quality requirements.

Scope & Purpose

The scope of ASTM B440 encompasses the chemical purity requirements for refined cadmium metal, specifically when supplied in slab, ball, or stick forms. It outlines acceptable impurity levels and provides guidance on sampling and testing methodologies to verify compliance. Importantly, the standard includes crucial warnings regarding the toxicity of cadmium and mandates appropriate handling and usage precautions, particularly concerning food contact and welding operations. Materials not conforming to the specified forms or chemical compositions fall outside its direct purview.

Who Must Comply?

• • Primary audience: Materials Engineers, Metallurgists, Quality Control Inspectors, Production Supervisors, and Safety Officers involved with cadmium procurement or processing.
• • Industries affected: Manufacturing, Metallurgy, Chemical Processing, Electroplating, Battery Production, and industries utilizing cadmium-based alloys or coatings.
• • Compliance nature: Generally voluntary, but often mandated by contractual agreements, customer specifications, or regulatory requirements related to material quality and safety.
• • Enforcement: Compliance is typically verified through internal quality assurance programs, supplier audits, and by customers upon receipt of materials. Regulatory bodies may also enforce safety-related aspects.

Key Requirements Overview

The standard requires that refined cadmium metal be supplied with a minimum specified purity level, with distinct grades for varying applications. Professionals must ensure that the cadmium procured meets the defined maximum allowable concentrations for key impurities such as iron, copper, lead, zinc, and thallium. Key provisions include detailed procedures for sampling representative batches to facilitate accurate chemical analysis. Furthermore, the specification mandates that the cadmium be furnished in commercially recognized forms like balls, sticks, or slabs, with provisions for custom shapes by mutual agreement.

Related Standards & References

ASTM B440 is often used in conjunction with other ASTM standards to ensure comprehensive material control. For instance, ASTM E396 provides detailed test methods for the chemical analysis of cadmium, complementing the requirements laid out in B440. ASTM E88 offers guidance on sampling nonferrous metals and alloys in cast form for chemical analysis, which is critical for verifying compliance with B440's purity specifications. Understanding ASTM B899 for terminology related to nonferrous metals and alloys is also beneficial for consistent interpretation of the standard.