Designation: A 683M – 91

METRIC
AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR TESTING AND MATERIALS
100 Barr Harbor Dr., West Conshohocken, PA 19428
Reprinted from the Annual Book of ASTM Standards. Copyright ASTM

Standard Specification for

Nonoriented Electrical Steel, Semiprocessed Types
[Metric] 1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation A 683M; 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.

1. Scope A 720 Test Method for Ductility of Nonoriented Electrical

Steel 2
1.1 This specification covers the detailed requirements to
which flat-rolled, nonoriented semiprocessed electrical steel 3. Terminology
shall conform. 3.1 The terms and symbols used in this specification are
1.2 This steel is produced to specified maximum core-loss defined in Terminology A 340.
values and is intended primarily for commercial power fre-
quency (50 and 60 Hz) applications in magnetic devices. 4. Classification
Desirable core-loss and permeability characteristics are devel- 4.1 The nonoriented electrical steel types described by this
oped by further heat treatment by the purchaser. specification are shown in Table 1.
1.3 These nonoriented semiprocessed electrical steels are 5. Ordering Information
low carbon, silicon-iron or silicon-aluminum-iron alloys con-
5.1 Orders for material under this specification shall include
taining up to about 3.5 % silicon and a small amount of
as much of the following information as necessary to describe
aluminum. the desired material adequately.
NOTE 1—This specification is the metric companion to Specification 5.1.1 ASTM specification number.
A 683. 5.1.2 Core-loss type number.
5.1.3 Surface coating type.
2. Referenced Documents 5.1.4 Thickness, width, and length (if in cut lengths instead
of coils).
2.1 ASTM Standards:
5.1.5 Total weight of ordered item.
A 34 Practice for Procurement Testing, and Sampling of
5.1.6 Limitations in coil size or lift weights.
Magnetic Materials 2
5.1.7 End Use—The purchaser shall disclose as much
A 340 Terminology of Symbols and Definitions Relating to
pertinent information as possible about the intended applica-
Magnetic Testing 2
tion to enable the supplier to provide material characteristics
A 343 Test Method for Alternating-Current Magnetic Prop-
most suitable for specific fabricating practices.
erties of Materials at Power Frequencies Using Wattmeter-
5.1.8 Special requirements or exceptions to the provisions
Ammeter-Voltmeter Method and 25-cm Epstein Test
of this specification.
Frame 2
A 345 Specification for Flat-Rolled Electrical Steels for 6. Materials and Manufacture
Magnetic Applications 2 6.1 Melting Practice:
A 664 Practice for Identification of Standard Electrical- and 6.1.1 These semiprocessed electrical steels may be made by
Laminations-Steel Grades in ASTM Specifications 2 open-hearth, basic-oxygen, electric furnace, or other steelmak-
A 700 Practices for Packaging, Marking, and Loading ing practice(s).
Methods for Steel Products for Domestic Shipment 3 6.1.2 These electrical steels are characterized by low car-
A 719 Test Method for Lamination Factor of Magnetic bon, usually less than 0.030 %. The principal alloying element
Materials 2 is commonly silicon, but aluminum up to about 0.8 % is
sometimes used instead of, or in addition, to silicon, depending
1
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee A-6 on on mill processing practice for the desired magnetic grade. The
Magnetic Properties and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee A06.02 on ranges of alloy content (silicon plus aluminum) commonly
Materials Specifications. used, but not required, for the various core-loss types are listed
Current edition approved Aug 15, 1991. Published November 1991. Originally
published as A 683M – 84. Last previous edition A 683M – 84.
in Table 1.
2
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 03.04. 6.1.3 Sulfur content is typically less than 0.025 % and is
3
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vols 01.01–01.05. usually lowest in the numbered types representing lowest core

1
 A 683M
TABLE 1 Core-Loss Types and Maximum Core-Loss Values, A Quality-Evaluation Annealed Epstein Specimens 50/50 Grain, 1.5 T

0.47-mm Thick 0.64-mm Thick

Approximate Alloy
Maximum Core Loss Maximum Core Loss
Content B
%Silicon + %Aluminum Core-Loss Type C W/Kg W/Kg Core Loss Type C W/Kg W/Kg
60 Hz 50 Hz 60 Hz 50 Hz
3.00 47S386M 3.86 3.05 64S441M 4.41 3.48
2.70 47S419M 4.19 3.31 64S474M 4.74 3.74
2.40 47S441M 4.41 3.48 64S507M 5.07 4.01
2.00 47S507M 5.07 4.01 64S573M 5.73 4.53
1.70 47S551M 5.51 4.35 64S639M 6.39 5.05
1.10 47S661M 6.61 5.22 64S772M 7.72 6.10
A
The test density shall be the correct ASTM assumed density (in accordance with 14.2) for the chemistry employed by the producer to meet the property requirements
of this specification.
B
Alloy content (silicon plus aluminum) commonly used but not required.
C
See Practice A 664.

loss. Manganese may be present in amounts between 0.10 and 7.3 Specific Exciting Power—The rms exciting power re-
0.70 %. Phosphorus, copper, nickel, chromium, molybdenum, quired for the excitation of a particular type of electrical steel
antimony, and tin are usually present only in residual amounts at a given induction is usually more pertinent to its utilization
except in the higher numbered core-loss types where phospho- in an application than permeability data. Typical (not maxi-
rus, tin, or antimony up to 0.15 % may be present. mum) values of specific exciting power at 1.5 T and 60 Hz are
6.1.4 The producer is not required to report chemical shown in Table 3.
composition of each lot except where a clear need for such
8. Surface Insulation Characteristics
information has been shown. In such cases, the analyses to be
reported shall be negotiated between the manufacturer and 8.1 Unless otherwise specified, semiprocessed electrical
purchaser. steels are supplied with an uncoated surface, or with a thin,
6.2 Typical Processing—The processing sequence for semi- tightly adhering oxide with sufficient insulation resistance for
processed nonoriented electrical steel comprises hot rolling, small electrical apparatus. For most applications of these steels,
pickling, cold rolling and annealing. insulation resistance can be enhanced by employing a slightly
6.3 When changes in the manufacture of the material are oxidizing anneal or bluing treatment of the laminations in the
believed to exert possible significant effects upon the user’s purchaser’s heat treatment.
fabricating practices and upon the magnetic performance to be 8.2 When essential, higher levels of surface insulation may
obtained in the specified end use, the manufacturer shall notify be obtained by coating the steel with inorganic core plates C-4
the purchaser before shipment is made so he can have an or C-5 (see Specification A 345 for description of applicable
opportunity to evaluate the effects. core plates), but such decisions should be approached with
caution. These mill applied coatings may have an inhibiting
7. Magnetic Property Requirements effect upon decarburization and thereby limit the attainment of
7.1 Specific Core Loss—Each core-loss type of electrical the lowest core losses in the anneal given to the test specimens,
steel is identified by maximum core-loss limits as shown in laminations, or cores. These coatings should not be specified
Table 1. except where it has been clearly demonstrated that the losses
7.2 Permeability—The permeability at all inductions shall and insulation levels obtainable through surface oxidation
be as high as possible consistent with the required core-loss mechanisms result in an inferior product.
limits that govern the grade. Typical relative peak permeability 8.2.1 A thinner coating of core plate may be desired where
(µp) values (not minimum values) based on peak 60 Hz the specified end use involves welding or die casting. In such
magnetic field strength (Hp) calculated from measurements of cases, the core plate designation should be suffixed by the letter
peak exciting current at an induction of 1.5 T in accordance “A”.
with Test Method A 343 are as shown in Table 2. 8.2.2 Organic core plates (C-3) consisting of enamels or
varnishes are not suitable for use on semiprocessed steels
TABLE 2 Typical Relative Peak Permeability A at 1.5 T and 60 Hz TABLE 3 Typical Specific Exciting Power A (Volt-Amperes per
kilogram) at 1.5 T and 60 Hz
0.47-mm Thick 0.64-mm Thick
0.47-mm Thick 0.64-mm Thick
Core-Loss Typical Core-Loss Typical
Type µp Type µp Core-Loss Typical Core-Loss Typical
Type Pz (1.5;60) Type Pz (1.5;60)
47S386M 1400 64S441M 1600
47S419M 1600 64S474M 1800 47S386M 22.0 64S441M 19.8
47S441M 1800 64S507M 2000 47S419M 19.8 64S474M 17.6
47S507M 1900 64S573M 2100 47S441M 17.6 64S507M 15.4
47S551M 2000 64S639M 2200 47S507M 16.5 64S573M 14.3
47S661M 2100 64S772M 2300 47S551M 15.4 64S639M 13.2
A 47S661M 14.3 64S772M 12.1
From peak exciting current for quality-evaluation annealed 50/50 grain Epstein
A
specimens. For quality-evaluation annealed 50/50 grain epstein specimens.

2
 A 683M
because they burn off during the anneal. TABLE 5 Width Tolerance

9. Mechanical Requirements Ordered Width, mm Width Tolerances, mm

9.1 Lamination Factor—The lamination factor shall be as Over Under

high as practicable. It is higher in the thicker gage and when To 152, incl 0.20 0.20
Over 152 to 254, incl 0.41 0.41
the surface is smooth, uncoated, and without significant Over 254 to 381, incl 0.81 0.81
amounts of oxide. Lamination factors determined in accor- Over 381 to 508, incl 3 0
dance with Test Method A 719 at 345 KPa are typically in the Over 508 to 813, incl 5 0
Over 813 to 1219, incl 6 0
range from 95 to 98 %.
9.2 Ductility—The material shall be as ductile as possible
consistent with meeting magnetic requirements. When required TABLE 6 Length Tolerances
the ductility can be determined by the bend test for ductility
described in Test Method A 720. Specified Length, mm Length Tolerances
Over Under
10. Dimensions and Permissible Variations To 762, incl 3 0
10.1 Thickness—Specified thickness should be one of the Over 762 to 1524, incl 6 0
Over 1524 to 2438, incl 13 0
common thicknesses as follows: Over 2438 to 3048, incl 19 0
Thickness, mm Over 3048 to 3658, incl 25 0
0.64
0.47
10.7 Out of Square—This tolerance applies to cut lengths
10.2 Thickness Variations—The average thickness of the
only and represents the deviation of an edge from a straight line
material supplied shall be as close as possible to the ordered
placed at a right angle to the side, touching one corner and
thickness. Measurements made with a contacting micrometer
extending to the other side. It shall not exceed 2 mm/152 mm
at points no closer than 10 mm from the edge of a sheet or coil
of width or fraction thereof.
of specified width shall not differ from the specified thickness
by more than the values (which include taper) shown in Table 11. Workmanship and Finish
4. 11.1 . Surface Finishes—Many applications of these steels
10.3 Taper—The rolling of flat rolled strip inherently pro- require some treatment of the normally smooth surface to
duces an edge which is thinner than the rest of the strip. This minimize sticking during the lamination anneal. This may take
characteristic is termed “taper edge” or “feather” and occurs the form of an intentionally roughened surface or a chemical
primarily within 25 to 50 mm from the as-rolled edge of the treatment of the surface commonly referred to as antistick. The
material. The thickness variation involved in edge taper some- several ranges of roughness that are usually available include
times is the major portion of the total overall thickness the following as determined by a profilometer and expressed as
variation permitted by 10.2. It may be expected that in the case arithmetic average AA (micro metres) at 0.762 mm cutoff and
of edge slit coils, the following limits on the differences in 7.62 mm/s tracing speed.
thickness measured within the first 50 mm or less from either Profilometer
edge of the ordered width will apply. (AA), µm
Ordered Maximum Smooth 0–0.51
Thickness, Taper, Matte 0.76–1.52
mm mm Rough 1.78–2.79
0.47 0.030
0.64 0.035 The purchaser shall specify on the order what surface finish
or surface treatment is required.
10.4 Width Tolerances—Maximum deviations from the or- 11.2 Flatness—Adequately defining the degree of flatness
dered width shall be as shown in Table 5. necessary for the general application of semiprocessed electri-
10.5 Length Tolerances—The maximum deviations from cal steel sheets is extremely difficult; therefore, no specific
the ordered length shall be as shown in Table 6. limits for flatness have been established.
10.6 Camber—Camber is the greatest deviation of a side 11.2.1 It is intended that flatness shall be suitable for the
edge from a straight line, the measurement being taken on the intended application, and consequently the purchaser should
concave side with a straightedge. It is limited to 6 mm/2.44 m inform the producer of any requirements for a flatness which
of length. exceeds that resulting from usual commercial practices.
11.2.2 Commercial practices recognize that sharp, short
TABLE 4 Thickness Tolerances waves and buckles are objectionable.
11.2.3 Procedures for judging the degree of critical flatness
Specified Thickness, Thickness Tolerances Over or Under, mm necessary shall be subject to negotiation between purchaser
mm
Specified Width, mm and manufacturer.
152 and Over 152 to Over 305 to Over 914 to 11.3 Surface Imperfections—The surface shall be reason-
Under 305 incl 914 incl 1219 incl ably clean and essentially free of manufacturing defects such as
0.36 to 0.51, incl 0.038 0.051 0.051 0.076 holes, blisters, slivers, indentations, etc., which would interfere
0.53 to 0.79, incl 0.051 0.051 0.076 0.076
with its effective use in the intended application.

3
 A 683M
12. Sampling (% Si + 1.7 3 % Al) Assumed Test
Density, kg/m 3
12.1 The manufacturer shall assign a number of each test lot 3.71–4.50 7600
for identification. The test lot shall not exceed 9100 kg in
weight. 15. Certification
12.2 Test samples shall be obtained after final mill heat 15.1 The manufacturer shall submit to the purchaser, as
treatment or other operation which is the final operation to have promptly as possible after shipment, a certified report of the
significant influence on the magnetic properties of semipro- average core-loss values or any other required test values, for
cessed electrical steel. each test lot, to show that the material conforms to this
12.3 The full width coil identified as a test lot shall be specification.
sampled in accordance with Practice A 34. 15.2 The test methods and applicable test conditions, in-
cluding the test density, shall be clearly stated.
13. Specimen Preparation 15.3 The test report shall carry the lot identification, pur-
13.1 The Epstein test specimen shall consist of one half of chase order number, and other information that is deemed
the test strips obtained parallel to rolling and one half trans- necessary to identify the test results with the proper shipment
verse to the rolling direction, in accordance with Fig. 1 of and shipping lot.
Practice A 34.
13.2 To determine conformity with the magnetic require- 16. Marking
ments of this specification, the specimen strips to be tested 16.1 Each package of coils or lift of cut lengths shall have
shall be given a controlled quality evaluation anneal in a firmly attached to its outside wrappings, a tag showing the
decarburizing atmosphere. The anneal shall be made under purchaser’s order number, specification number, grade desig-
conditions which ensure that the specimen strips reach a nation, coating or surface type designation, thickness, width
temperature of 845°C except that the temperature shall be (and length if in sheet form), weight, and test lot number.
790°C for alloy contents less than 1.3 % silicon plus alumi- 16.2 Each wide coil shall have the specification number,
num, for approximately 1 h and with conditions favorable to grade designation, coating or surface type designation thick-
decarburization. The atmosphere shall contain sufficient mois- ness, width, weight, and test lot number marked on the outer
ture to be highly decarburizing but should not excessively surface of the coil itself.
oxidize the specimens. An atmosphere meeting these condi- 16.3 In a lift of narrow coils, each narrow coil in the
tions contains about 20 % hydrogen, 80 % nitrogen and has a package shall be tagged with the specification number, grade
dew point of + 13°C. Care shall be taken to maintain the strips designation, coating or surface type designation, thickness,
flat in the anneal and to permit ready access of the atmosphere width, and test lot number.
to the edges of the specimen strips.
13.3 Care shall be practiced to exclude from the test 17. Packaging
specimen any bent, twisted, heavily burred, or improperly 17.1 Methods of packaging, loading and shipping, unless
sheared strips. otherwise specified, shall correspond to the latest revision of
the procedures recommended by Practices A 700.
14. Test Methods
14.1 The required tests for core loss to determine the 18. Rejection
core-loss grade, and other magnetic tests when made, shall be 18.1 Unless otherwise specified, any rejection shall be
in accordance with the procedure of Test Method A 343. reported to the producer within reasonable time after receipt of
14.2 The assumed density of these materials for test pur- material by the purchaser.
poses varies according to the amounts of silicon and aluminum 18.2 Material that is reported to be defective subsequent to
present in the steel as shown in Practice 34. The factor, percent the acceptance at the purchaser’s works shall be set aside,
silicon plus 1.7 multiplied by percent aluminum, from the adequately protected, and correctly identified. The producer
density equation d = 7865 − 65 (% Si + 1.7 3 % Al), as deter- shall be notified as soon as possible so that an investigation
mined for the median or aim silicon and aluminum of the melt, may be initiated.
shall determine the assumed density to be used as follows: 18.3 Samples that are representative of the rejected material
(% Si + 1.7 3 % Al) Assumed Test shall be made available to the producer so a mutually agreeable
Density, kg/m 3 settlement can be reached.
0.00–0.65 7850
0.66–1.40 7800 19. Keywords
1.41–2.15 7750
2.16–2.95 7700 19.1 electrical steel; nonoriented; semiprocessed; flat-
2.96–3.70 7650 rolled; core loss

4
 A 683M
The American Society for Testing and Materials takes no position respecting the validity of any patent rights asserted in connection
with any item mentioned in this standard. Users of this standard are expressly advised that determination of the validity of any such
patent rights, and the risk of infringement of such rights, are entirely their own responsibility.

This standard is subject to revision at any time by the responsible technical committee and must be reviewed every five years and
if not revised, either reapproved or withdrawn. Your comments are invited either for revision of this standard or for additional standards
and should be addressed to ASTM Headquarters. Your comments will receive careful consideration at a meeting of the responsible
technical committee, which you may attend. If you feel that your comments have not received a fair hearing you should make your
views known to the ASTM Committee on Standards, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428.