This specification covers two classes of oil-tempered steel spring wire intended especially for the manufacture of mechanical springs and wire forms. The steel may be made by any commercially accepted steel-making process and shall either be ingot cast or strand cast. The finished wire shall be free of detrimental pipe and undue segregation. The wire shall be oil quenched and tempered to produce the desired mechanical properties such as tensile strength. Cast, heat, and product analysis shall conform to the chemical composition requirements prescribed for carbon, manganese, phosphorus, sulfur, and silicon. Tension, wrap, and surface tests shall be performed. The surface of the wire as-received shall be free of rust, excessive scale die marks, pits, and scratches detrimental to the end application. Other metallurgical requirements such as microstructure and decarburization are detailed.

1.1 This specification covers two classes of commercial quality round and shaped quenched and tempered steel spring wire intended especially for the manufacture of mechanical springs and wire forms. The quality level is lower than specialty spring quality (Specification A1000/A1000M) or valve spring quality (Specification A230/A230M).

1.2 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system are not necessarily exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems can result in non-conformance with the standard.

1.3 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.