This specification covers the general requirements for cold-rolled carbon spring steel strip in coils or cut lengths.

Formerly under the jurisdiction of Committee A01 on Steel, Stainless Steel and Related Alloys, this specification was withdrawn in October 2009 and replaced by Specification A684/A684M for Steel, Strip, High-Carbon, Cold-Rolled.

This specification covers the general requirements for cold-rolled carbon spring steel strip in coils or cut lengths. Chemical composition of the carbon steel strips shall be prepared using the ranges and limits prescribed. The elements comprising the desired chemical composition are specified in one of three ways: by a maximum limit; by a minimum limit; and by minimum and maximum limits. An analysis of each heat of steel shall be made by the manufacturer to determine the percentage of elements. The strip may be subjected to product analysis by the purchaser either for the purpose of verifying that the chemical composition is within specified limits for each element, including applicable tolerance for product analysis, or to determine variations in compositions within a cast or heat. The mechanical property requirements, number of specimens, and test locations and specimen orientation are discussed briefly.

1.1 This specification covers the general requirements for cold-rolled carbon spring steel strip in coils or cut lengths. Strip is classified as product that is 0.3000 in. (7.6 mm) or less in thickness and over 1/2 to 23 15/16 in. (12.5 to 600 mm) in width, inclusive. Strip tolerance products may be available in widths wider than 2315/16 in. (600 mm) by agreement between purchaser and supplier; however, such products are technically classified as cold-rolled sheet.

1.2 The maximum of the specified carbon range is over 0.25 % to 1.35 %, inclusive.

1.3 The above shall apply to the cold-rolled carbon spring steel strip furnished under each of the following specifications issued by ASTM:

1.4 The tolerances in this specification are different than those in Specification A 568/A 568M and Specification A 109/A 109M.

1.5 For the purpose of determining conformance with this specification, values shall be rounded to the nearest unit in the right hand place of figures used in expressing the limiting values in accordance with the rounding method of Practice E 29.

1.6 The metric portions of the tables herein list permissible variations in dimensions and mass (see Note 0) in SI (metric) units. The values listed are not exact conversions of the values listed in the inch-pound tables but instead are rounded or rationalized values. Conformance to SI tolerances is mandatory when the "M" specification is used.

Note 1—The term weight is used when inch-pound units are the standard. However, under SI the preferred term in mass.

1.7 The values stated in either inch-pound units or SI units are to be regarded as standard. Within the text, 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 will result in nonconformance with the specification.

1.8 This specification is expressed in both inch-pound units and SI units. However, unless the order specifies the applicable "M" specification designation (SI units), the material shall be furnished to inch-pound units.