ASTM A805/A805M-09(2021) PDF

Overview

ASTM A805/A805M-09(2021) is a comprehensive international standard specification established by ASTM for carbon steel flat wire, focusing on cold-rolled production. This specification applies to flat wire supplied in coils or cut lengths and is widely used in the manufacturing, automotive, electronics, and construction sectors due to its strength, formability, and versatility. The standard outlines rigorous requirements for chemical composition, mechanical properties, edge quality, coatings, and dimensional tolerances, ensuring consistent quality and compatibility for global supply chains.

Key Topics

• Scope & Classification:

  • Covers carbon steel flat wire in coils or cut lengths
  • Applicable to sections rectangular in shape, maximum 12.7 mm (0.5 in.) width and 6.35 mm (0.25 in.) thickness
  • Distinguishes between low-carbon flat wire (≤0.25% C) and carbon spring steel flat wire (>0.25% C, with both untempered and hardened-and-tempered variations)
  • Includes definite-application flat wire for custom requirements

• Chemical & Mechanical Properties:

  • Specifies chemical composition limits for carbon, manganese, phosphorus, sulfur, silicon, and copper
  • Requires both cast/heat analysis and, when needed, product analysis
  • Defines hardness (Rockwell scales), temper, and tensile strength requirements according to intended application

• Edge Quality Specifications:

  • Multiple edge types to suit precise manufacturing needs:
    • No. 1 Edge: Prepared contour, suitable for accurate widths and electroplating
    • No. 3 Edge: Square edge via slitting
    • No. 4 Edge: Rounded by edge rolling or flat rolling
    • No. 5 Edge: Burr-free square edge formed by rolling or filing
    • No. 6 Edge: Edge-rolled square edge for less exacting requirements

• Dimensional Tolerances:

  • Strict maximum allowable variances for thickness, width, and length
  • Camber tolerances to be agreed upon by purchaser and manufacturer
  • Table-based tolerances ensure interchangeability and predictable performance

• Finishes & Coatings:

  • Several finishes available: regular bright, best bright (for electroplating), black-tempered, polished, colored, and oiled
  • Coating options: zinc (galvanized), tin, nickel, copper, lacquer, and paint for corrosion resistance or improved fabrication

• Packaging & Marking:

  • Guidance on packaging types including coils, skids, barrels, and cut length bundles
  • Mandatory identification and marking for shipment, in compliance with MIL-STD-129 or Fed. Std. No. 123 as required

Applications

Steel flat wire produced to ASTM A805/A805M is integral in a broad range of industries:

• Automotive: Used for clips, springs, retainers, windshield wiper elements, clamps, and fasteners due to tailored mechanical properties and edge quality.
• Industrial Manufacturing: Essential for staples, forming dies, brackets, and hardware items requiring precise flatness, width consistency, and high-quality edges.
• Electrical & Electronics: Suited for terminals, contacts, battery connectors, and lead frames where conductivity and plating compatibility are critical.
• Construction: Ideal for structural reinforcement, ties, and specialty fasteners that demand strength and durability.

Customization options for temper, finish, edge, and packaging further expand its suitability for complex or high-performance applications.

Related Standards

For full compliance and optimal use, ASTM A805/A805M should be considered alongside these referenced standards:

• ASTM A370 - Mechanical Testing of Steel Products
• ASTM A510/A510M - Steel Wire Rods and Coarse Round Wire Requirements
• ASTM A751 - Chemical Analysis of Steel Products
• ASTM E140 - Hardness Conversion Tables
• MIL-STD-129 - Marking for Shipment and Storage (military applications)
• Fed. Std. No. 123 - Shipment Marking for Civil Agencies

These documents provide detailed procedures for testing, analysis, and packaging, supporting the practical implementation of ASTM A805/A805M across diverse supply chains.

Keywords: ASTM A805, carbon steel flat wire, cold-rolled flat wire, edge quality, steel wire specification, steel flat wire tolerances, electroplating flat wire, packaging standards, steel spring wire, dimensional control steel wire, flat wire coating.