1.1 This specification covers general requirements that shall apply to wrought stainless steel bars, shapes, forgings, and billets or other semi-finished material (except wire) for forging, under the latest revision of each of the following ASTM specifications: A 276, A 314, A 458, A 473, A 477, A 479/A 479M, A 564/A 564M, A 565, A 582/A 582M, A 638/A 638M, A 705/A 705M, and A 831/A 831M.

1.2 In the case of conflict between a requirement of a product specification and a requirement of this specification, the product specification shall prevail. In the case of conflict between a requirement of the product specification or a requirement of this specification and a more stringent requirement of the purchase order, the purchase order shall prevail. The purchase order requirements shall not take precedence if they, in any way, violate the requirements of the product specification or this specification; for example, by waiving a test requirement or by making a test requirement less stringent.

1.3 The requirements for introduction of new materials in specifications referencing this specification are given in .

1.4 General requirements for flat-rolled stainless steel products other than bar are covered in Specification A 480/A 480M.

1.5 General requirements for wire products in coils are covered in Specification A 555/A 555M.

1.6 The values stated in either inch-pound units or SI (metric) units are to be regarded separately as the standard; within the text and tables, the SI units are shown in [brackets]. The values stated in each system are not exact equivalents; therefore, each system must be used independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems may result in nonconformance with the specification.

1.7 Unless the order specifies an "M" designation, the material shall be furnished to inch-pound units.