This specification covers the standard requirements for wrought low-carbon iron having a carbon content of 0.015% or less with the remainder of the analysis being substantially iron. These alloys are not electrical steels such as are described in Specifications A 726 and A 840 but are instead primarily used in dc magnetic applications and are produced in a wide variety of mill forms such as forging billet and cold finished bar and wire as well as strip. Two alloy types are covered: Type 1 is a low-phosphorus grade and Type 2 contains a phosphorus addition to improve machinability. Apart from chemical requirements, alloy produced to this specification must exhibit guaranteed maximum values of coercive field strength when heat treated according to this specification. This specification has several useful appendices dealing with typical magnetic, physical and mechanical properties, heat treatment and magnetic aging.

1.1 This specification covers the requirements for wrought low-carbon iron typically having a carbon content of 0.015 % or less with the remainder of the chemical composition being substantially iron.

1.1.1 Two alloy types are covered: Type 1 is a low-phosphorous grade and Type 2 contains a phosphorous addition to improve machinability.

1.2 This specification also covers alloys supplied by a producer or converter in the form and condition suitable for fabrication into parts which will be subsequently heat treated to create the desired magnetic characteristics. It covers alloys supplied in the form of forging billets, hot-rolled products, and cold-finished bar, wire, and strip.

1.3 This specification does not cover iron powders capable of being processed into magnetic components. Please refer to the following ASTM Standards for information regarding powdered metal materials and magnetic components: Specifications A811, A839, and A904.

1.4 This specification does not cover flat-rolled, low-carbon electrical steels. Please refer to Specification A726 for information regarding these materials.

1.5 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to customary (cgs-emu and inch-pound) units which are provided for information only and are not considered standard.

1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.7 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.