Packaging of Copper and Copper Alloy Mill Products for U.S. Government Agencies

B900: Standard Practice for Packaging of Copper and Copper Alloy Mill Products for U.S. Government Agencies

When supplying critical copper and copper alloy mill products to U.S. Government agencies, ensuring their integrity from origin to destination is paramount. ASTM B900 provides the authoritative guidance necessary to achieve this, safeguarding against damage and environmental degradation during transit and storage. This essential standard practice is designed for engineers and logistics professionals involved in government procurement and material handling.

What is B900?

ASTM B900 is a comprehensive standard practice that establishes detailed requirements for the packaging, packing, and marking of copper and copper alloy mill products intended for U.S. Government agencies. Developed by ASTM Committee B05, its primary purpose is to ensure that these valuable materials are adequately protected during shipment and storage, regardless of whether they are sourced domestically or internationally.

Scope & Purpose

This standard governs the preparation of various copper and copper alloy mill products for shipment to any U.S. Government activity. This includes, but is not limited to, rod, bar, shapes, plate, sheet, strip, foil, wire, and tubular products. It specifies the materials, methods, containers, and procedures for ensuring safe handling and storage. While it details requirements for different packing levels, it is important to note that commercial packaging, as defined by ASTM D3951, establishes the baseline minimum unless a higher level (Level A or B) is explicitly specified.

Who Must Comply?

• • Primary Audience: Logistics Managers, Procurement Specialists, Packaging Engineers, Quality Control Inspectors, and Warehouse Managers involved in U.S. Government contracts.
• • Industries Affected: Aerospace, Defense, Electronics, Shipbuilding, General Manufacturing, and any sector supplying copper or copper alloy mill products to government entities.
• • Compliance Nature: Mandatory when specified in government contracts.
• • Enforcement: Compliance is typically overseen by government contracting officers and quality assurance representatives during contract fulfillment and material inspection.

Key Requirements Overview

The standard requires meticulous attention to detail in preparing copper and copper alloy mill products for government shipment. Key provisions include:

• • Defined Packing Levels: Professionals must ensure materials are packed according to specified levels (Level A for the most severe conditions, Level B for moderate conditions, or commercial) to meet the intended environmental and handling stresses.
• • Material Integrity: The standard mandates the use of approved packaging materials, including specific requirements for waterproof barrier materials to prevent moisture ingress.
• • Container Suitability: It outlines various approved shipping container categories, such as wood boxes, fiber drums, and specialized containers, each with specific construction and closure requirements.
• • Marking Standards: Proper marking of packages is essential, often referencing military standards for clear identification and traceability during transit and storage.
• • Contractual Specification: All packaging and packing requirements must be clearly defined in the procurement contract, specifying the ASTM designation, year of issue, and the required packing level.

Related Standards & References

ASTM B900 works in conjunction with several other industry-leading standards to provide a comprehensive approach to packaging. These include:

• • ASTM D3951, Practice for Commercial Packaging: Serves as a baseline for commercial packaging practices, which B900 may supersede or supplement.
• • **MIL-STD-129