An American National Standard

Designation: A 510 – 02

Standard Specification for

General Requirements for Wire Rods and Coarse Round
Wire, Carbon Steel1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation A 510; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.

This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the Department of Defense.

1. Scope AIAGB-5 02.00 Primary Metals Identification Tag Applica-

1.1 This specification covers general requirements for car- tion Standard9
bon steel wire rods and uncoated coarse round wire in coils or
3. Terminology
straightened and cut lengths.
1.2 In case of conflict, the requirements in the purchase 3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
order, on the drawing, in the individual specification, and in 3.1.1 carbon steel—steel in which no minimum content is
this general specification shall prevail in the sequence named. specified or required for aluminum, chromium, cobalt, colum-
bium, molybdenum, nickel, titanium, tungsten, vanadium, or
NOTE 1—A complete metric companion to Specification A 510 has zirconium, or any other element added to obtain a desired
been developed—Specification A 510M; therefore, no metric equivalents
alloying effect; when the specified minimum for copper does
are presented in this specification.
not exceed 0.40 %; or when the maximum content specified for
2. Referenced Documents any of the following elements does not exceed these percent-
2.1 ASTM Standards: ages: manganese 1.65, silicon 0.60, or copper 0.60.
A 370 Test Methods and Definitions for Mechanical Testing 3.1.2 Discussion—In all carbon steels small quantities of
of Steel Products2 certain residual elements unavoidably retained from raw ma-
A 700 Practices for Packaging, Marking, and Loading terials are sometimes found that are not specified or required,
Methods for Steel Products for Domestic Shipment3 such as copper, nickel, molybdenum, chromium, etc. These
A 751 Test Methods, Practices, and Terminology for elements are considered as incidental and are not formally
Chemical Analysis of Steel Products2 determined or reported.
E 29 Practice for Using Significant Digits in Test Data to —Elements may be specified to improve machinability of
Determine Conformance with Specifications4 carbon steels such as sulfur and lead.
E 30 Test Methods for Chemical Analysis of Steel, Cast 3.1.4 coarse round wire—from 0.035 to 0.999 in. in diam-
Iron, Open-Hearth Iron, and Wrought Iron5 eter, inclusive, wire that is produced from hot-rolled wire rods
E 112 Test Methods for Determining Average Grain Size6 or hot-rolled coiled bars by one or more cold reductions
E 527 Practice for Numbering Metals and Alloys (UNS)7 primarily for the purpose of obtaining a desired size with
2.2 SAE Standard: dimensional accuracy, surface finish, and mechanical proper-
J 1086 Numbering Metals and Alloy8 ties. By varying the amount of cold reduction and other wire
2.3 AIAG Standard: mill practices, including thermal treatment, a wide diversity of
mechanical properties and finishes are made available.
3.1.5 Discussion—Coarse round wire is designated by Steel
Wire Gage numbers, common fractions, or decimal parts of an
1
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee A01 on Steel, inch. The Steel Wire Gage system is shown in Table 1. Since
Stainless Steel, and Related Alloys and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee the many gage systems in use may cause confusion, the
A01.03 on Steel Rod and Wire. purchaser is encouraged to specify wire diameters in inches or
Current edition approved March 10, 2002. Published April 2002. Originally
published as A 510 – 64. Last previous edition A 510 – 00. decimal parts, or both.
2
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 01.03. 3.1.6 straightened and cut wire—wire that is produced from
3
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 01.05. coils of wire by means of special machinery which straightens
4
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 14.02.
5
Discontinued—See 1994 Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 03.05.
the wire and cuts it to a specified length.
6
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 03.01. 3.1.7 Discussion—The straightening operation may alter
7
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 01.01.
8
Available from Society of Automotive Engineers, 400 Commonwealth Drive,
Warrendale, PA 15096. 9
Available from the Automotive Industry Action Group, 26200 Lahser, Suite
200, Southfield, MI 48034.

Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.

1
 A 510
TABLE 1 Steel Wire GageA TABLE 2 Sizes of Wire RodsA

Decimal Decimal Inch Decimal Inch Decimal

Gage No. Equivalent, Gage No. Equivalent, Fraction Equivalent, Fraction Equivalent,
in. in. in. in.
7/0 0.490 9 0.148* ⁄
7 32 0.219 ⁄
31 64 0.484
6/0 0.462* 91⁄2 0.142 15 64⁄ 0.234 ⁄
12 0.500
5/0 0.430* 10 0.135 ⁄
14 0.250 33⁄64 0.516
4/0 0.394* 101⁄2 0.128
3/0 0.362* 11 0.120* 17 64⁄ 0.266 17 32 ⁄ 0.531
2/0 0.331 111⁄2 0.113 ⁄
9 32 0.281 35 64 ⁄ 0.547
1/0 0.306 12 0.106* 19 64⁄ 0.297 ⁄
9 16 0.562
1 0.283 121⁄2 0.099
11⁄2 0.272 13 0.092* ⁄
5 16 0.312 ⁄
37 64 0.578
2 0.262* 131⁄2 0.086 ⁄
21 64 0.328 ⁄
19 32 0.594
21⁄2 0.253 14 0.080 11⁄32 0.344 39⁄64 0.609
3 0.244* 141⁄2 0.076
31⁄2 0.234 15 0.072 23 64⁄ 0.359 ⁄
58 0.625
4 0.225* 151⁄2 0.067 ⁄
38 0.375 ⁄
41 64 0.641
41⁄2 0.216 16 0.062* 25 64⁄ 0.391 21⁄32 0.656
5 0.207 161⁄2 0.058
51⁄2 0.200 17 0.054 13 32⁄ 0.406 ⁄
43 64 0.672
6 0.192 171⁄2 0.051 27 64⁄ 0.422 ⁄
11 16 0.688
61⁄2 0.184 18 0.048* ⁄
7 16 0.438 45⁄64 0.703
7 0.177 181⁄2 0.044
71⁄2 0.170 19 0.041 29 64⁄ 0.453 23 32 ⁄ 0.719
8 0.162 191⁄2 0.038 15 32⁄ 0.469 47 64 ⁄ 0.734
81⁄2 0.155 20 0.035* A
Rounded off to 3 decimal places in decimal equivalents in accordance with
A
The steel wire gage outlined in this table has been taken from the original procedures outlined in Practice E 29.
Washburn and Moen Gage chart. In 20 gage and coarser, sizes originally quoted
to 4 decimal equivalent places have been rounded to 3 decimal places in Rods, 7⁄32 in., Grade 1010 in approximately 1000 lb Coils to ASTM A 510
accordance with rounding procedures of Practice E 29. All rounded U.S. custom- dated _______.
ary values are indicated by an asterisk.
4.2 Orders for coarse round wire under this specification
should include the following information:
the mechanical properties of the wire especially the tensile 4.2.1 Quantity (pounds or pieces),
strength. The straightening operation may also induce changes 4.2.2 Name of material (uncoated carbon steel wire),
in the diameter of the wire. The extent of the changes in the 4.2.3 Diameter (see 3.1.5),
properties of the wire after cold straightening depends upon the 4.2.4 Length (straightened and cut only),
kind of wire and also on the normal variations in the adjust- 4.2.5 Chemical composition (Table 3, Table 4, Table 5, and
ments of the straightening equipment. It is therefore not Table 6),
possible to forecast the properties of straightened and cut wire 4.2.6 Packaging,
and each kind of wire needs individual consideration. In most 4.2.7 ASTM designation and date of issue, and
cases, the end use of straightened and cut wire is not seriously 4.2.8 Special requirements, if any.
influenced by these changes. NOTE 3—A typical ordering description is as follows: 40 000 lb
3.1.8 wire rods—rods that are hot rolled from billets to an Uncoated Carbon Steel Wire, 0.148 in. (9 ga.) diameter, Grade 1008 in
approximate round cross section into coils of one continuous 500 lb Coils on Tubular Carriers to ASTM A 510-XX, or
length. Rods are not comparable to hot-rolled bars in accuracy 2500 Pieces, Carbon Steel Wire, 0.375 in. diameter, Straightened and
of cross section or surface finish and as a semifinished product Cut 291⁄2 in., Grade 1015, in 25 Piece Bundles on Pallets to ASTM A
are intended primarily for the manufacture of wire. 510-XX.
3.1.9 Discussion—Rod sizes from 7⁄32 to 47⁄64in. in diameter, 5. Manufacture
inclusive, are designated by fractions or decimal parts of an
inch as shown in Table 2. 5.1 The steel shall be made by the open-hearth, electric-
furnace, or basic-oxygen process. The steel may be either ingot
4. Ordering Information cast or strand cast.
4.1 Orders for hot-rolled wire rods under this specification 6. Chemical Composition
should include the following information:
6.1 The chemical composition for steel under this specifi-
4.1.1 Quantity (pounds),
cation shall conform to the requirements set forth in the
4.1.2 Name of material (wire rods),
purchase order. Chemical compositions are specified by ranges
4.1.3 Diameter (Table 2),
or limits for carbon and other elements. The grades commonly
4.1.4 Chemical composition grade no. (Table 3, Table 4,
specified for carbon steel wire rods and coarse round wire are
Table 5, and Table 6),
shown in Table 3, Table 4, Table 5, and Table 6.
4.1.5 Packaging,
6.2 Cast or Heat Analysis (Formerly Ladle Analysis)—An
4.1.6 ASTM designation and date of issue, and
analysis of each cast or heat shall be made by the producer to
4.1.7 Special requirements, if any.
determine the percentage of the elements specified. The analy-
NOTE 2—A typical ordering description is as follows: 100 000 lb Wire sis shall be made from a test sample, preferably taken during

2
 A 510
TABLE 3 Nonresulfurized Carbon Steel Cast or Heat Chemical Ranges and Limits

NOTE 1—Silicon—When silicon is required the following ranges and limits are commonly used for nonresulfurized carbon steels: 0.10 max, %, 0.07
to 0.15 %, 0.10 to 0.20 %, 0.15 to 0.35 %, 0.20 to 0.40 %, or 0.30 to 0.60 %.
NOTE 2—Copper—When required, copper is specified as an added element.
NOTE 3—Lead—When lead is required as an added element, a range from 0.15 to 0.35 % is specified. Such a steel is identified by inserting the letter
“L’’ between the second and third numerals of the grade number, for example, 10L18.
NOTE 4—Boron Addition to Improve Hardenability—Standard killed carbon steels, which are fine grain, may be produced with a boron addition to
improve hardenability. Such steels are produced to a range of 0.0005 to 0.003 % boron. These steels are identified by inserting the letter “B’’ between
the second and third numerals of the grade number, for example, 10B46. The UNS designation is also modified by changing the last digit to “1” to indicate
boron, for example, G 1046.1.
NOTE 5—Boron Additions to Control Strain-Ageing Behavior—Intentional additions of Boron to low carbon steels for the purpose of controlling
strain-ageing behavior during wire drawing is permissible only with the agreement of the purchaser. In such cases, the Boron content shall be reported
in either a material test report or certification.

Chemical Composition Limits, %

UNS
Grade No. Phosphorus, SAE No.
DesignationA Carbon Manganese Sulfur, max
max
G 10050 1005 0.06 max 0.35 max 0.040 0.050 1005
G 10060 1006 0.08 max 0.25 to 0.40 0.040 0.050 1006
G 10080 1008 0.10 max 0.30 to 0.50 0.040 0.050 1008
G 10100 1010 0.08 to 0.13 0.30 to 0.60 0.040 0.050 1010
G 10110 1011 0.08 to 0.13 0.60 to 0.90 0.040 0.050 1011
G 10120 1012 0.10 to 0.15 0.30 to 0.60 0.040 0.050 1012
G 10130 1013 0.11 to 0.16 0.50 to 0.80 0.040 0.050 1013
G 10150 1015 0.13 to 0.18 0.30 to 0.60 0.040 0.050 1015
G 10160 1016 0.13 to 0.18 0.60 to 0.90 0.040 0.050 1016
G 10170 1017 0.15 to 0.20 0.30 to 0.60 0.040 0.050 1017
G 10180 1018 0.15 to 0.20 0.60 to 0.90 0.040 0.050 1018
G 10190 1019 0.15 to 0.20 0.70 to 1.00 0.040 0.050 1019
G 10200 1020 0.18 to 0.23 0.30 to 0.60 0.040 0.050 1020
G 10210 1021 0.18 to 0.23 0.60 to 0.90 0.040 0.050 1021
G 10220 1022 0.18 to 0.23 0.70 to 1.00 0.040 0.050 1022
G 10230 1023 0.20 to 0.25 0.30 to 0.60 0.040 0.050 1023
G 10250 1025 0.22 to 0.28 0.30 to 0.60 0.040 0.050 1025
G 10260 1026 0.22 to 0.28 0.60 to 0.90 0.040 0.050 1026
G 10290 1029 0.25 to 0.31 0.60 to 0.90 0.040 0.050 1029
G 10300 1030 0.28 to 0.34 0.60 to 0.90 0.040 0.050 1030
G 10340 1034 0.32 to 0.38 0.50 to 0.80 0.040 0.050 ...
G 10350 1035 0.32 to 0.38 0.60 to 0.90 0.040 0.050 1035
G 10370 1037 0.32 to 0.38 0.70 to 1.00 0.040 0.050 1037
G 10380 1038 0.35 to 0.42 0.60 to 0.90 0.040 0.050 1038
G 10390 1039 0.37 to 0.44 0.70 to 1.00 0.040 0.050 1039
G 10400 1040 0.37 to 0.44 0.60 to 0.90 0.040 0.050 1040
G 10420 1042 0.40 to 0.47 0.60 to 0.90 0.040 0.050 1042
G 10430 1043 0.40 to 0.47 0.70 to 1.00 0.040 0.050 1043
G 10440 1044 0.43 to 0.50 0.30 to 0.60 0.040 0.050 1044
G 10450 1045 0.43 to 0.50 0.60 to 0.90 0.040 0.050 1045
G 10460 1046 0.43 to 0.50 0.70 to 1.00 0.040 0.050 1046
G 10490 1049 0.46 to 0.53 0.60 to 0.90 0.040 0.050 1049
G 10500 1050 0.48 to 0.55 0.60 to 0.90 0.040 0.050 1050
G 10530 1053 0.48 to 0.55 0.70 to 1.00 0.040 0.050 1053
G 10550 1055 0.50 to 0.60 0.60 to 0.90 0.040 0.050 1055
G 10590 1059 0.55 to 0.65 0.50 to 0.80 0.040 0.050 1059
G 10600 1060 0.55 to 0.65 0.60 to 0.90 0.040 0.050 1060
G 10640 1064 0.60 to 0.70 0.50 to 0.80 0.040 0.050 1064
G 10650 1065 0.60 to 0.70 0.60 to 0.90 0.040 0.050 1065
G 10690 1069 0.65 to 0.75 0.40 to 0.70 0.040 0.050 1069
G 10700 1070 0.65 to 0.75 0.60 to 0.90 0.040 0.050 1070
G 10740 1074 0.70 to 0.80 0.50 to 0.80 0.040 0.050 1074
G 10750 1075 0.70 to 0.80 0.40 to 0.70 0.040 0.050 1075
G 10780 1078 0.72 to 0.85 0.30 to 0.60 0.040 0.050 1078
G 10800 1080 0.75 to 0.88 0.60 to 0.90 0.040 0.050 1080
G 10840 1084 0.80 to 0.93 0.60 to 0.90 0.040 0.050 1084
G 10850 1085 0.80 to 0.93 0.70 to 1.00 0.040 0.050 1085
G 10860 1086 0.80 to 0.93 0.30 to 0.50 0.040 0.050 1086
G 10900 1090 0.85 to 0.98 0.60 to 0.90 0.040 0.050 1090
G 10950 1095 0.90 to 1.03 0.30 to 0.50 0.040 0.050 1095
A
Designation established in accordance with Practice E 527 and SAE J 1086.

3
 A 510
TABLE 4 Nonresulfurized Carbon Steel, High Manganese, Cast or Heat Chemical Ranges and Limits

NOTE 1—Silicon—When silicon is required the following ranges and limits are commonly used for nonresulfurized carbon steels: 0.10 max, %, 0.07
to 0.15 %, 0.10 to 0.20 %, 0.15 to 0.35 %, 0.20 to 0.40 %, or 0.30 to 0.60 %.
NOTE 2—Copper—When required, copper is specified as an added element.
NOTE 3—Lead—When lead is required as an added element a range from 0.15 to 0.35 % is specified. Such a steel is identified by inserting the letter
“L’’ between the second and third numerals of the grade number, for example, 15L18.

Chemical Composition Limits, %

UNS DesignationA Grade No. Phosphorus, Sulfur, SAE No.
Carbon Manganese
max max
G 15130 1513 0.10 to 0.16 1.10 to 1.40 0.040 0.050 1513
G 15180 1518 0.15 to 0.21 1.10 to 1.40 0.040 0.050 1518
G 15220 1522 0.18 to 0.24 1.10 to 1.40 0.040 0.050 1522
G 15240 1524B 0.19 to 0.25 1.35 to 1.65 0.040 0.050 1524
G 15250 1525 0.23 to 0.29 0.80 to 1.10 0.040 0.050 1525
G 15260 1526 0.22 to 0.29 1.10 to 1.40 0.040 0.050 1526
G 15270 1527B 0.22 to 0.29 1.20 to 1.50 0.040 0.050 1527
G 15360 1536B 0.30 to 0.37 1.20 to 1.50 0.040 0.050 1536
G 15410 1541B 0.36 to 0.44 1.35 to 1.65 0.040 0.050 1541
G 15470 1547 0.43 to 0.51 1.35 to 1.65 0.040 0.050 1547
G 15480 1548B 0.44 to 0.52 1.10 to 1.40 0.040 0.050 1548
G 15510 1551B 0.45 to 0.56 0.85 to 1.15 0.040 0.050 1551
G 15520 1552B 0.47 to 0.55 1.20 to 1.50 0.040 0.050 1552
G 15610 1561B 0.55 to 0.65 0.75 to 1.05 0.040 0.050 1561
G 15660 1566B 0.60 to 0.71 0.85 to 1.15 0.040 0.050 1566
G 15720 1572B 0.65 to 0.76 1.00 to 1.30 0.040 0.050 1572
A
Designation established in accordance with Practice E 527 and SAE J 1086.
B
These grades were formerly designated as 10XX steels.

TABLE 5 Resulfurized Carbon Steels, Cast or Heat Chemical Ranges and Limits

NOTE 1—Silicon—When silicon is required, the following ranges and limits are commonly used: Up to 1110, incl, 0.10 max, %; 1116 and over, 0.10
max, %, 0.10 to 0.20 %, or 0.15 to 0.35 %.
NOTE 2—Because of the degree to which sulfur segregates, product analysis for sulfur in resulfurized carbon steel is not technologically appropriate
unless misapplication is clearly indicated.

Chemical Composition Limits, %

UNS DesignationA Grade No. Phosphorus, SAE No.
Carbon Manganese Sulfur
max
G 11080 1108 0.08 to 0.13 0.50 to 0.80 0.040 0.08 to 0.13 1108
G 11090 1109 0.08 to 0.13 0.60 to 0.90 0.040 0.08 to 0.13 1109
G 11100 1110 0.08 to 0.13 0.30 to 0.60 0.040 0.08 to 0.13 1110
G 11160 1116 0.14 to 0.20 1.10 to 1.40 0.040 0.16 to 0.23 1116
G 11170 1117 0.14 to 0.20 1.00 to 1.30 0.040 0.08 to 0.13 1117
G 11180 1118 0.14 to 0.20 1.30 to 1.60 0.040 0.08 to 0.13 1118
G 11190 1119 0.14 to 0.20 1.00 to 1.30 0.040 0.24 to 0.33 1119
G 11320 1132 0.27 to 0.34 1.35 to 1.65 0.040 0.08 to 0.13 1132
G 11370 1137 0.32 to 0.39 1.35 to 1.65 0.040 0.08 to 0.13 1137
G 11390 1139 0.35 to 0.43 1.35 to 1.65 0.040 0.13 to 0.20 1139
G 11400 1140 0.37 to 0.44 0.70 to 1.10 0.040 0.08 to 0.13 1140
G 11410 1141 0.37 to 0.45 1.35 to 1.65 0.040 0.08 to 0.13 1141
G 11440 1144 0.40 to 0.48 1.35 to 1.65 0.040 0.24 to 0.33 1144
G 11450 1145 0.42 to 0.49 0.70 to 1.00 0.040 0.04 to 0.07 1145
G 11460 1146 0.42 to 0.49 0.70 to 1.00 0.040 0.08 to 0.13 1146
G 11510 1151 0.48 to 0.55 0.70 to 1.00 0.040 0.08 to 0.13 1151
A
Designation established in accordance with Practice E 527 and SAE J 1086.

the pouring of the cast or heat. The chemical composition thus results of analyses taken from different pieces of a heat may
determined shall be reported, if required, to the purchaser, or differ within permissible limits from each other and from the
his representative. Reporting of significant figures and round- heat or cast analysis. Table 7 shows the permissible variations
ing shall be in accordance with Test Methods, Practices, and for product analysis of carbon steel. The results of the product
Terminology A 751. analysis obtained, except lead, shall not vary both above and
6.3 Product Analysis (Formerly Check Analysis)—A prod- below the permissible limits.
uct analysis may be made by the purchaser. The analysis is not 6.3.1 Rimmed or capped steels are characterized by a lack
used for a duplicate analysis to confirm a previous result. The of uniformity in their chemical composition, especially for the
purpose of the product analysis is to verify that the chemical elements carbon, phosphorus, and sulfur, and for this reason
composition is within specified limits for each element, includ- product analysis is not technologically appropriate for these
ing applicable permissible variations in product analysis. The elements unless misapplication is clearly indicated.

4
 A 510
TABLE 6 Rephosphorized and Resulfurized Carbon Steel Cast or Heat Chemical Ranges and Limits

NOTE 1— It is not common practice to produce the 12XX series of steel to specified limits for silicon. Silicon impairs machinability.
NOTE 2—Because of the degree to which phosphorus and sulfur segregate, product analysis for phosphorus and sulfur in the 12XX series steel is not
technologically appropriate unless misapplication is clearly indicated.

Chemical Composition Limits, %

Grade
UNS DesignationA Carbon, SAE No.
No. Manganese Phosphorus Sulfur Lead
max
G 12110 1211 0.13 0.60 to 0.90 0.07 to 0.12 0.10 to 0.15 ... 1211
G 12120 1212 0.13 0.70 to 1.00 0.07 to 0.12 0.16 to 0.23 ... 1212
G 12130 1213 0.13 0.70 to 1.00 0.07 to 0.12 0.24 to 0.33 ... 1213
G 12150 1215 0.09 0.75 to 1.05 0.04 to 0.09 0.26 to 0.35 ... 1215
... 12L13 0.13 0.70 to 1.00 0.07 to 0.12 0.24 to 0.33 0.15 to 0.35 12L13
... 12L14 0.15 0.85 to 1.15 0.04 to 0.09 0.26 to 0.35 0.15 to 0.35 12L14
... 12L15 0.09 0.75 to 1.05 0.04 to 0.09 0.26 to 0.35 0.15 to 0.35 12L15
A
Designation established in accordance with Practice E 527 and SAE J 1086.

TABLE 7 Permissible Variations for Product Analysis of 8. Mechanical Requirements

Carbon Steel
8.1 The properties enumerated in individual specifications
Limit, or Max of Over Under
shall be determined in accordance with Test Methods and
Element
Specified Range, Max Min Definitions A 370.
% Limit, Limit, 8.2 Because of the great variety in the kinds of wire and the
% %
extensive diversity of end uses, a number of formal mechanical
Carbon 0.25 and under 0.02 0.02
over 0.25 to 0.55, incl 0.03 0.03
test procedures have been developed. These tests are used as
over 0.55 0.04 0.04 control tests by producers during the intermediate stages of
Manganese 0.90 and under 0.03 0.03 wire processing, as well as for final testing of the finished
over 0.90 to 1.65, incl 0.06 0.06
Phosphorus to 0.040, incl 0.008 ...
product, and apply particularly to specification wire and wires
Sulfur to 0.060, incl 0.008 ... for specified end uses. A number of these tests are further
Silicon 0.35 and under 0.02 0.02 described in Supplement IV, Round Wire Products, of Test
over 0.35 to 0.60, incl 0.05 0.05
CopperA under minimum only ... 0.02
Methods and Definitions A 370.
LeadB 0.15 to 0.35, incl 0.03 0.03 8.3 Since the general utility of rods and wire requires
A
Product analysis permissible variations for copper apply only when the amount continuity of length, in the case of rods, tests are commonly
of copper is specified or required. Copper bearing steels typically specify 0.20 % made on samples taken from the ends of coils after removing
min copper.
B
Product analysis permissible variations for lead apply only when the amount of
two to three rings. In the case of wire, tests are commonly
lead is specified or required. A range from 0.15 to 0.35 % lead is normally specified made on samples taken from the ends of coils, thereby not
for leaded steels. impairing the usefulness of the whole coil.
6.3.2 Because of the degree to which phosphorus and sulfur 9. Dimensions, Mass, and Permissible Variations
segregate, product analysis for these elements is not techno-
logically appropriate for rephosphorized or resulfurized steels, 9.1 The diameter and out-of-roundness of the wire rod shall
or both, unless misapplication is clearly indicated. not vary from that specified by more than that prescribed in
6.3.3 The location at which chips for product analysis are Table 8.
obtained from the sample is important because of segregation. 9.2 The diameter and out-of-roundness of the coarse round
For rods and wire, chips are taken by milling or machining the wire and straightened and cut wire shall not vary from that
full cross section of the sample. specified by more than that prescribed in Table 9.
6.3.3.1 Steel subjected to certain thermal treatment opera- 9.3 The length of straightened and cut wire shall not vary
tions by the purchaser may not give chemical analysis results from that specified by more than that prescribed in Table 10.
that properly represent its original composition. Therefore, 9.4 The burrs formed in cutting straightened and cut wire
purchasers should analyze chips taken from the steel in the shall not exceed the diameter specified by more than that
condition in which it is received from the producer. prescribed in Table 11.
6.3.3.2 When samples are returned to the producer for
TABLE 8 Permissible Variations in Diameter for Wire Rod in
product analysis, the samples should consist of pieces of the
Coils
full cross section.
6.3.4 For referee purposes, Test Methods E 30 shall be used. NOTE 1—For purposes of determining conformance with this specifi-
cation, all specified limits are absolute as defined in Practice E 29.
7. Metallurgical Structure
7.1 Grain size, when specified, shall be determined in Diameter of Rod Permissible Permissible
Variation, Out-of-
accordance with the requirements of Test Methods E 112. Plus and Round, in.
Fractions Decimal
7.2 Wire rods of the steel grades listed in Table 3, when Minus, in.
supplied in the “as-rolled’’ condition, shall not contain injuri- ⁄
7 32 to ⁄
47 64 in., incl 0.219 to 0.734 in., incl 0.016 0.025
ous microconstituents such as untempered martensite.

5
 A 510
TABLE 9 Permissible Variations in Diameter for Uncoated 11. Number of Tests and Retests
Coarse Round Wire
11.1 The difficulties in obtaining truly representative
NOTE 1— For purposes of determining conformance with this specifi- samples of wire rod and coarse round wire without destroying
cation, all specified limits are absolute as defined in Practice E 29. the usefulness of the coil of wire account for the generally
accepted practice of allowing retests for mechanical tests and
In Coils
surface examination. Two additional test pieces are cut from
Permissible Varia- each end of the coil from which the original sample was taken.
Permissible Out-
Diameter of Wire, in. tions, Plus and
Of-Round, in. A portion of the coil may be discarded prior to cutting the
Minus, in.
0.035 to under 0.076 0.001 0.001 sample for retest. If any of the retests fails to comply with the
0.076 to under 0.500 0.002 0.002 requirements, the coil of wire may be rejected. Before final
0.500 and over 0.003 0.003 rejection, however, it is frequently advisable to base final
Straightened and Cut decision on an actual trial of the material to determine whether
Permissible Varia- or not it will do the job for which it is intended.
tions, Plus and Permissible Out-
Diameter of Wire, in. Minus, in. of-Round, in. 12. Inspection
0.035 to under 0.076 0.001 0.001
0.076 to 0.148, incl 0.002 0.002 12.1 The manufacturer shall afford the purchaser’s inspector
Over 0.148 to under 0.500 0.003 0.003 all reasonable facilities necessary to satisfy him that the
0.500 and over 0.004 0.004 material is being produced and furnished in accordance with
this specification. Mill inspection by the purchaser shall not
interfere unnecessarily with the manufacturer’s operations. All
TABLE 10 Permissible Variations in Length for Straightened and
Cut Wire
tests and inspections shall be made at the place of manufacture,
unless otherwise agreed to.
NOTE 1—For purposes of determining conformance with this specifi-
cation, all specified limits are absolute as defined in Practice E 29. 13. Rejection and Rehearing
13.1 Any rejection based on tests made in accordance with
Cut Length, ft Permissible Variations, Plus and Minus, in.
this specification shall be reported to the producer within a
Under 3 ⁄
1 16
reasonable length of time. The material must be adequately
3 to 12, incl ⁄
3 32

Over 12 18 ⁄ protected and correctly identified in order that the producer

may make a proper investigation.

TABLE 11 Permissible Variations for Burrs for Straightened and 14. Certification
Cut Wire 14.1 When specified in the purchase order or contract, a
NOTE 1—For purposes of determining conformance with this specifi- producer’s or supplier’s certification shall be furnished to the
cation, all specified limits are absolute as defined in Practice E 29. purchaser that the material was manufactured, sampled, tested,
and inspected in accordance with this specification and has
Diameter of Wire, in.
Permissible Variation over Measured been found to meet the requirements. When specified in the
Diameter, in. purchase order or contract, a report of the test results shall be
Up to 0.125, incl 0.004 furnished.
Over 0.125 to 0.250, incl 0.006
Over 0.250 to 0.500, incl 0.008
14.2 The certification shall include the specification num-
Over 0.500 0.010 ber, year date of issue, and revision letter, if any.
15. Packaging and Package Marking
10. Workmanship, Finish, and Appearance 15.1 A tag shall be securely attached to each coil or bundle
10.1 The wire rod shall be free of detrimental surface and shall be marked with the size, ASTM specification number,
imperfections, tangles, and sharp kinks. heat or cast number, grade number, and name or mark of the
10.1.1 Two or more rod coils may be welded together to manufacturer.
produce a larger coil. The weld zone may not be as sound as the 15.2 When specified in the purchase order, packaging,
original material. The mechanical properties existing in the marking, and loading for shipments shall be in accordance with
weld metal may differ from those in the unaffected base metal. those procedures recommended by Practices A 700.
The weld may exceed the standard dimensional permissible 15.3 Bar Coding—In addition to the previously-stated iden-
variations on the minus side and must be within the permissible tification requirements, bar coding is acceptable as a supple-
variations on the plus side. mentary identification method. Bar coding should be consistent
10.2 The wire as received shall be smooth and substantially with AIAG B-5 02.00, Primary Metals Identification Tag
free from rust, shall not be kinked or improperly cast. No Application. The bar code may be applied to a substantially
detrimental die marks or scratches may be present. Each coil affixed tag.
shall be one continuous length of wire. Welds made during cold
drawing are permitted. 16. Keywords
10.3 The straightened and cut wire shall be substantially 16.1 carbon; carbon steel; coarse round wire; general; grain
straight and not be kinked or show excessive spiral marking. size; straightened and cut; weld; wire; wire rods

6
 A 510
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