General Requirements for Flat-Rolled Nickel and Nickel Alloys Plate, Sheet, and Strip

B906-02: Standard Specification for General Requirements for Flat-Rolled Nickel and Nickel Alloys Plate, Sheet, and Strip

When working with critical high-performance materials, ensuring consistency, quality, and adherence to industry best practices is paramount. For professionals involved in the procurement, fabrication, or design of components utilizing flat-rolled nickel and nickel alloys, the ASTM B906-02 standard provides an essential framework for general requirements. This authoritative specification serves as a cornerstone for ensuring that these vital materials meet the stringent demands of modern engineering applications.

What is B906-02?

ASTM B906-02, "Standard Specification for General Requirements for Flat-Rolled Nickel and Nickel Alloys Plate, Sheet, and Strip," is a foundational ASTM standard that establishes a uniform set of requirements applicable to a wide array of nickel and nickel alloy flat-rolled products. Originating from ASTM Committee B02 on Nonferrous Metals and Alloys, its primary purpose is to streamline the procurement and quality assurance process by defining the overarching conditions under which these materials are supplied, unless specifically superseded by individual material specifications.

Scope & Purpose

The scope of B906-02 encompasses the general requirements for flat-rolled nickel and nickel alloy products, including plate, sheet, and strip. It dictates the basic conditions, terminology, and ordering parameters that apply unless otherwise specified in a purchase order or a specific material specification. This standard is not intended to cover the detailed chemical composition or mechanical property requirements for individual alloys; rather, it addresses the overarching quality control, dimensional tolerances, and contractual aspects pertinent to these forms.

Who Must Comply?

• • Primary audience: Materials Engineers, Metallurgists, Quality Control Inspectors, Production Supervisors, and Purchasing Agents involved with nickel alloy materials.
• • Industries affected: Manufacturing, Metal Fabrication, Aerospace, Chemical Processing, Oil and Gas, Marine, and any industry utilizing high-performance nickel alloys.
• • Compliance nature: Generally considered recommended best practice, but becomes mandatory when referenced in a contract or purchase order.
• • Enforcement: Compliance is typically verified through material certifications, incoming material inspections, and audits by customers or regulatory bodies.

Key Requirements Overview

The standard outlines several core provisions essential for the successful application of flat-rolled nickel and nickel alloys. Professionals must ensure:

• • Clear Material Identification: Proper designation of material name, form (plate, sheet, strip), condition, and finish as per specifications.
• • Dimensional Accuracy: Adherence to specified thickness, width, and length dimensions, with particular attention to avoiding outdated gage number references.
• • Condition and Finish Specification: Clearly defining the required material condition (e.g., annealed, hot-rolled) and surface finish, including details for polished surfaces.
• • Edge Requirements: Specific controls for the edges of strip materials, as detailed in relevant sections.
• • Weld Repair Restrictions: Understanding and adhering to any stipulated limitations or requirements regarding weld repair of the material.

Related Standards & References

ASTM B906-02 works in conjunction with numerous other ASTM standards. For instance, Specifications B127, B162, B168, B409, and many others detail the specific chemical composition and mechanical properties for individual nickel