This specification covers the standard for cold-finished wire and hot-finished free-machining stainless steel wire and wire rods in coils. Chemical analysis shall be performed on the steel and shall conform to the chemical composition requirements in carbon, manganese, phosphorus, sulfur, silicon, chromium, nickel and other trace elements. The stainless steel shall undergo mechanical testing and conform to the tensile strength requirement.

1.1 This specification covers free-machining stainless steels of cold-finished wire and hot-finished wire rods in coils. Wire rods are a semi-finished product primarily for the manufacture of wire. Wire includes rounds, squares, hexagons, and special shapes in free-machining stainless steels designed especially for optimum machinability and for general corrosion and high-temperature service.

1.2 The following alloys are covered:

1.2.1 Austenitic alloys: UNS numbers S20300, S30300, S30310, S30323, and S30345;

1.2.2 Martensitic alloys: UNS numbers S41600, S41610, and S41623; and

1.2.3 Ferritic alloys: UNS numbers S18200, S18235, S41603, S43020, and S43023.

Note 1: For wire other than for free-machining applications, see Specification A580/A580M.

Note 2: For Free-Machining Stainless Steel Bars, see Specification A582/A582M.

1.3 The values stated in either inch-pound units or SI (metric) units are to be regarded separately as 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.

1.4 Unless the order specifies the applicable “M” specification designation, the material shall be furnished to the inch-pound units.

1.5 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.