This specification covers two platinum-iridium alloys in the form of rod, wire, strip, and sheet material for electrical contacts. Raw materials shall be of such quality and purity that the finished product (produced by cold working, annealing, turning, grinding, or pickling as required) will have the properties and characteristics prescribed in this specification. The alloys shall meet the requirements of chemical composition specified for platinum, iridium, total impurities, total platinum group (palladium, rhodium, osmium, ruthenium, and gold), total other impurities (including lead, antimony, bismuth, tin, arsenic, cadmium, zinc, and iron) and other elements. Ultimate tensile strength, elongation, microhardness (Knoop or Vickers), hardness (Rockwell or Rockwell Superficial), or a combination of these mechanical properties may be specified as criterion for temper designation. Annealed and work hardened wire and strip shall conform to the mechanical requirements prescribed for ultimate tensile strength, elongation, and microhardness. Knoop hardness test, tension test, and chemical analysis using spectrochemical or wet analysis method shall be performed.

1.1 This specification covers an 80 % platinum—20 % iridium alloy, an 85 % platinum—15 % iridium alloy, and a 90 % platinum—10 % iridium alloy, in the form of rod, wire, strip, and sheet material for electrical contacts.

1.2 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system are not necessarily exact equivalents; therefore, to ensure conformance with the standard, each system shall be used independently of the other, and values from the two systems shall not be combined.

1.3 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 become familiar with all hazards including those identified in the appropriate Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for this product/material as provided by the manufacturer, to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices, and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.4 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.