This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles

for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

Designation: A439/A439M − 18 (Reapproved 2022)

Standard Specification for

Austenitic Ductile Iron Castings1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation A439/A439M; 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 (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.

1. Scope E30 Test Methods for Chemical Analysis of Steel, Cast Iron,
1.1 This specification covers austenitic ductile iron castings, Open-Hearth Iron, and Wrought Iron (Withdrawn 1995)3
which are used primarily for their resistance to heat, corrosion, E59 Practice for Sampling Steel and Iron for Determination
and wear, and for other special purposes. of Chemical Composition (Withdrawn 1996)3
E351 Test Methods for Chemical Analysis of Cast Iron—All
1.2 Austenitic ductile iron, also known as austenitic nodular Types
iron or austenitic spheroidal iron, is characterized by having its
graphite substantially in a spheroidal form and substantially 3. Ordering Information
free of flake graphite. It contains some carbides and sufficient
3.1 Orders for material to this specification shall include the
alloy content to produce an austenitic structure.
following information:
1.3 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units 3.1.1 ASTM designation,
are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in 3.1.2 Type of austenitic ductile iron required (see 6.1),
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each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each
system shall be used independently of the other. Combining
3.1.3 Heat treatment options (see 4.3 – 4.6),
3.1.4 If repair of castings is permitted (see 4.7),
values from the two systems may result in nonconformance
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3.1.5 Size and number of test bars required (see 9.1 – 9.4
with the standard. and 10.1),
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor- 3.1.6 Special tests, if required (see 12.1),
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dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
3.1.7 Certification, if required (see 14.1), and
3.1.8 Different preparation for delivery requirements, if
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom- needed (see 15.1).
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
ASTM A439/A439M-18(2022)
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee. 4. Manufacture
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4.1 Melting may be done in any furnaces that produce
2. Referenced Documents castings meeting the chemical and mechanical requirements
2.1 ASTM Standards:2 outlined in this specification. These include cupolas, air
A247 Test Method for Evaluating the Microstructure of furnaces, electric furnaces, crucible furnaces, and so forth.
Graphite in Iron Castings Nodularizing and inoculation practice shall be optional with
A370 Test Methods and Definitions for Mechanical Testing the foundry to produce a microstructure in accordance with 1.2
of Steel Products and Test Method A247.
E8/E8M Test Methods for Tension Testing of Metallic Ma- 4.2 Austenitic ductile iron castings may be supplied in
terials either the as-cast or the heat-treated condition.
E10 Test Method for Brinell Hardness of Metallic Materials
4.3 By agreement between the manufacturer and the
purchaser, the castings may be stress relieved by heating to
1150 to 1200 °F [620 to 650 °C] for not less than 1 h and not
1
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee A04 on Iron for more than 2 h per inch [25 mm] of thickness in the thickest
Castings and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee A04.02 on Malleable and
Ductile Iron Castings.
section. Heating and cooling shall be uniform and shall not be
Current edition approved Oct. 1, 2022. Published October 2022. Originally more than 400 °F ⁄h [220 °C ⁄h] for castings less than 1 in.
approved in 1960. Last previous edition approved in 2018 as A439/A439M – 18. [25 mm] in maximum thickness and shall be not more than
DOI: 10.1520/A0439_A0439M-18R22.
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
3
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on
the ASTM website. www.astm.org.

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

1
 A439/A439M − 18 (2022)
400 °F ⁄h [220 °C ⁄h] divided by the maximum section thick- 6.2 Samples taken from test coupons, broken test
ness in inches [25 mm] for thicker castings. During the cooling specimens, or castings shall conform to the requirements as to
cycle, castings may be cooled in still air after the temperature chemical composition prescribed in Table 1. Sampling shall be
has dropped to 600 °F [310 °C]. conducted in accordance with Practice E59 and chemical
4.4 By agreement between the manufacturer and the analyses in accordance with Test Methods E351 and E30. Test
purchaser, the castings may be in-mold stress relieved by Methods E30 should only be used for analyzing those elements
allowing castings to cool slowly in the mold at a rate not for which specific coverage is not provided for in Test Methods
exceeding 400 °F ⁄h [220 °C ⁄h]. Once the temperature has E351.
dropped below 600 °F [310 °C], castings can be removed from
6.3 Spectrometric techniques may also be used for analysis,
the mold and cooled in still air.
but should a dispute arise concerning chemical composition,
4.5 Whenever dimensional changes in high-temperature Test Methods E351 and E30 shall be used for referee methods.
service are a problem, by agreement between the manufacturer
and the purchaser, the castings may be stabilized by heating at 6.4 The chemical analysis for total carbon shall be made on
1600 °F [870 °C] for a period of 1 h per inch [25 mm] of either chilled cast pencil-type specimens or thin wafers ap-
section, with a minimum period of 1 h, followed by uniform proximately 1⁄32 in. [1.0 mm] thick cut from test coupons.
cooling, preferably in still air. Otherwise, the austenite, which Drillings shall not be used because of attendant loss of
is super saturated with respect to carbon, can reject carbon graphite.
during service and produce dimensional changes.
4.6 By agreement between the manufacturer and the 7. Mechanical Requirements
purchaser, castings with chilled edges or excessive carbides 7.1 Test specimens of austenitic ductile iron made according
may be annealed at 1750 to 1900 °F [960 to 1040 °C] for 0.5 h to this specification shall meet the test requirements prescribed
to 5 h followed by uniform cooling, preferably in still air. in Table 2.
4.7 Repair by welding, plugging, or other approved methods 7.2 The yield strength shall be determined in accordance

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may be done only with written permission from the purchaser. with Test Methods E8/E8M, using one of the following
procedures: the 0.2 % offset method or the extension-under-
5. Magnetic Properties
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load method may be used, by agreement between the purchaser
5.1 In the event that nonmagnetic castings are specified, the and the manufacturer.
magnetic permeability test shall be used. The maximum
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magnetic permeability value shall be agreed upon between the 7.3 Brinell hardness shall be determined as HBW 10/3000
manufacturer and the purchaser. in accordance with Test Method E10.

NOTE 1—A convenient shop test for differentiating the various types of 8. Workmanship, Finish, and Appearance
ASTM
austenitic ductile iron is based on the fact that a ground faceA439/A439M-18(2022)
of either the
test bar or the castings of Types D-2 and D-2C does not attract a small 8.1 The castings shall conform substantially to the dimen-
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steel horseshoe-type magnet which is normally attracted to steel (Alnico
sions on the drawings furnished by the purchaser, or if no
magnet should not be used). Types D-3, D-3A, D-5, and D-5B are
attracted, and types D-2B, D-2S, D-4, and D-5S are slightly attracted. This drawing has been provided, to the dimensions predicated by
nonmagnetic test is a convenient qualitative test only for Types D-2 and the pattern supplied by the purchaser. The castings shall be free
D-2C, and shall not be used as a basis for acceptance. of injurious defects. Surfaces of the castings shall be free of
burnt-on sand and shall be reasonably smooth. Runners, risers,
6. Chemical Requirements fins, and other cast-on pieces shall be removed. In other
6.1 Many combinations of alloys can be used to obtain an respects, the castings shall conform to whatever points are
austenitic ductile iron. This specification includes ten general specifically agreed upon between the manufacturer and the
types defined by the composition limits in Table 1. purchaser.

TABLE 1 Chemical Requirements

Type
Element D-2A D-2B D-2C D-2S D-3A D-3A D-4 D-5 D-5B D-5S
Composition, %
Total carbon, max 3.00 3.00 2.90 2.6 2.60 2.60 2.60 2.40 2.40 2.30
Silicon 1.50–3.00 1.50–3.00 1.00–3.00 4.80–5.80 1.00–2.80 1.00–2.80 5.00–6.00 1.00–2.80 1.00–2.80 4.90–5.50
Manganese 0.70–1.25 0.70–1.25 1.80–2.40 1.00 max 1.00 maxB 1.00 maxB 1.00 maxB 1.00 maxB 1.00 maxB 1.00 max
Phosphorus, max 0.08 0.08 0.08 0.08 0.08 0.08 0.08 0.08 0.08 0.08
Nickel 18.00–22.00 18.00–22.00 21.00–24.00 24.00–28.00 28.00–32.00 28.00–32.00 28.00–32.00 34.00–36.00 34.00–36.00 34.00–37.00
Chromium 1.75–2.75 2.75–4.00 0.50 maxB 1.75–2.25 2.50–3.50 1.00–1.50 4.50–5.50 0.10 max 2.00–3.00 1.75–2.25
A
Additions of 0.7 to 1.0 % of molybdenum can increase the mechanical properties above 800 °F [425 °C].
B
Not intentionally added.

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 A439/A439M − 18 (2022)
TABLE 2 Mechanical Requirements
Inch-Pound Grades
Type
Element D-2 D-2B D-2C D-2S D-3 D-3A D-4 D-5 D-5B D-5S
Properties
Tensile strength, min, ksi 58 58 58 55 55 55 60 55 55 55
Yield strength (0.2 % offset), min, ksi 30 30 28 30 30 30 ... 30 30 30
Elongation in 2 in., min, % 8.0 7.0 20.0 10.0 6.0 10.0 ... 20.0 6.0 10.0
Brinell hardness (3000 kg) 139–202 148–211 121–171 131–193 139–202 131–193 202–273 131–185 139–193 131–193
Metric Grade
Type
Element D-2 D-2B D-2C D-2S D-3 D-3A D-4 D-5 D-5B D-5S
Properties
Tensile strength, min, MPa 400 400 400 380 380 380 415 380 380 380
Yield strength (0.2 % offset), min, MPa 210 210 195 210 210 210 ... 210 210 210
Elongation in 50 mm, min, % 8.0 7.0 20.0 10.0 6.0 10.0 ... 20.0 6.0 10.0
Brinell hardness (3000 kg) 139–202 148–211 121–171 131–193 139–202 131–193 202–273 131–185 139–193 131–193

9. Test Bars 9.2 Whenever the section size of the castings is consider-
9.1 The standard test bars shall be the 1 in. [25 mm] “Y” ably less or greater than 1 in. [25 mm], and by agreement
block and 1 in. [25 mm] keel block as shown in Figs. 1 and 2, between the purchaser and the manufacturer, the 1⁄2 in. [13 mm]
respectively. A modified keel block cast from the mold shown or 3 in. [75 mm] “Y” blocks shown in Fig. 1 may be used.
in Fig. 3 may be substituted for the 1 in. [25 mm] “Y” block or 9.3 The test bars shall be cast in open molds made of a
the 1 in. [25 mm] keel block. suitable core sand with a minimum of 11⁄2 in. [38 mm] of sand

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ASTM A439/A439M-18(2022)
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“Y” Block Size

For Castings of Thickness Less For Castings of Thickness 1⁄2 in. For Castings of Thickness 11⁄2 in.
Dimensions
Than 1⁄2 in. [13 mm] [13 mm] to 11⁄2 in. [38 mm] [38 mm] and Over
in. mm in. mm in. mm
A ⁄
12 13 1 25 3 75
B 1 5⁄8 40 21 ⁄ 8 54 5 125
C 2 50 3 75 4 100
D 4 100 6 150 8 200
E 7 approx 175 approx 7 approx 175 approx 7 approx 175 approx
F 9⁄16 15 11⁄16 28 31⁄16 80
G 71⁄8 approx 180 approx 71⁄8 approx 180 approx 71⁄8 approx 180 approx

FIG. 1 “Y” Blocks for Test Coupons

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 A439/A439M − 18 (2022)
11. Tension Test Specimens
11.1 The standard round tension test specimen with 2 in.
[50 mm] gauge length shown in Fig. 5 shall be used, except
when the 1⁄2 in. [13 mm] “Y” block is used or when specimens
are cut from castings under 3⁄4 in. [20 mm] thickness. In these
cases, either of the test specimens shown in Fig. 6 shall be
satisfactory.
11.2 By agreement between the manufacturer and the
purchaser, tension test specimens may be cut directly from
centrifugal or other permanent mold castings. The location and
orientation of such tension test specimens cut from castings
shall be specified as agreed upon by the manufacturer and the
purchaser.

12. Additional Tests

12.1 Hydrostatic tests for pressure castings, radiography
standards, fracture tests, microstructure standards, or any other
Metric Equivalents special tests may be set up by mutual agreement between the
in. ⁄
12 1 1 1⁄ 2 2 1⁄ 2
mm 13 25 38 63
manufacturer and the purchaser.

NOTE 1—The length of the keel block shall be 6 in. [150 mm]. 13. Responsibility for Inspection

FIG. 2 Keel Block for Test Coupons

13.1 Unless otherwise specified in the contract or purchase
order, the manufacturer is responsible for the performance of
all inspection requirements as specified herein. Except as
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on all sides and bottom of the 1⁄2 and 1 in. [13 and 25 mm] test
bars and 3 in. [75 mm] of sand for the 3 in. [75 mm] test bar.
otherwise specified in the contract or order, the manufacturer
may use their own or any other facilities suitable for the
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9.4 When investment castings are made to this specification,
the manufacturer may use test specimens cast to size incorpo-
performance of the inspection requirements specified herein,
unless disapproved by the purchaser. The purchaser reserves

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rated in the mold with the castings, or separately cast to size the right to perform any of the inspections set forth in the
specification where such inspections are deemed necessary to
that are used to produce the castings. These test specimens ensure supplies and services conform to prescribed require-
shall be made to the dimensions shown in Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 of ments.
Test Methods and Definitions A370. ASTM A439/A439M-18(2022)
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9.5 Test bars representing the furnace heat of iron shall be 14. Certification
cast from the same ladle of metal as soon as practicable after 14.1 When agreed upon in writing by the purchaser and the
the last iron is poured to produce castings, unless otherwise supplier, a certification shall be made the basis of acceptance of
specified. Test bars shall be left in the mold until they have the material. This shall consist of a copy of the manufacturer’s
cooled to less than 930 °F [500 °C]; cooling to a black test report or a statement by the supplier, accompanied by a
appearance is acceptable if the manufacturer has established copy of the test results that the material has been tested and
that such black appearance corresponds to a temperature less inspected in accordance with the provisions of this specifica-
than 930 °F [500 °C]. tion. Each certification so furnished shall be signed by an
authorized agent of the supplier or manufacturer.
10. Number of Tests
10.1 Test bars shall be poured from each ladle treated with 15. Packaging and Package Marking
nodularizing agent, unless otherwise specified. 15.1 Unless otherwise specified in the contract or purchase
10.2 The number of test bars cast shall be agreed upon by order, preservation and packaging of casting shall be in
the manufacturer and the purchaser. accordance with the manufacturer’s commercial practice.
10.3 One tension test shall be made from sections cut from Packing and marking shall also be adequate to ensure accep-
the test bars as shown in Fig. 4. If any tension test shows tance and safe delivery by the carrier for the mode of
obvious foundry or machining defects, another specimen shall transportation employed.
be cut from the same test bar or from another test bar
representing the same metal. If the retest specimen fails to 16. Keywords
conform to this specification, the castings they represent shall 16.1 austenitic; corrosion resistant; ductile iron; mechanical
be rejected. properties; nodular iron; tensile strength; yield strength