1.1 This specification covers cold-rolled, high-carbon strip. It is furnished in the following types as specified:

1.1.1 Soft spheroidized annealed high-carbon steel is intended for applications requiring maximum cold forming. It is normally produced to give the lowest maximum Rockwell hardness for each grade.

1.1.2 Soft annealed high-carbon steel is intended for applications requiring moderate cold forming. It is produced to a maximum Rockwell hardness.

1.1.3 Intermediate hardness high-carbon steel is intended for applications where cold forming is slight or a stiff, springy product is needed, or both. It is produced to specified Rockwell hardness ranges, the maximum being higher than obtained for the annealed type.

1.1.4 Full hard high-carbon steel is intended for flat applications. It is produced to minimum Rockwell hardness requirements, which vary with grade, microstructure and gage. Full hard can be produced with either a pearlitic or spheroidized microstructure or a mixture of both. The minimum hardness should be established between the consumer and the producer.

1.2 This specification is applicable for orders in either inch-pound units (as A 684) or SI units (A 684M).