Reading ASTM Standards

[vtmike]

Hi,

I am a fresh graduate and am just starting off to understand the ASTM standards. For example, I am currently working on an Al part which will be machined out of an extruded bar. I can figure out which heat treatment is to be used. But how do I start to figure out which standard is the right one. Do I have to find a UNS number before anything else?
Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Mike

 

[CoryPad]

No, you don't need a UNS number first. Just review the Al extrusion standard ASTM B 221 Standard Specification for Aluminum and Aluminum-Alloy Extruded Bars, Rods, Wire, Profiles, and Tubes. There are a number of alloys contained within the standard.

Regards,

Cory

Please see FAQ731-376 for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips Fora.

 

[vtmike]

Thanks..But how did you figure out it is ASTM B 221? Don't we have to use the UNS number to get to ASTM B 221?

 

[CoryPad]

I know it from experience. One way to learn is to perform a search for standards. If you know you will be using extrusion to make your part, and you know you will be using aluminum, then go to ASTM's Internet site and search for Al and extrusion. On the other hand, if you thought you would be casting the part, then change the search terms. In that case, you would find several standards covering different casting methods (sand, high pressure die, etc.).

Regards,

Cory

Please see FAQ731-376 for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips Fora.

 

[arunmrao]

You must read the drawing of the part carefully . A wealth of information will be available here. Other than the dimensions and tolerances,material specification,heat treatment surface finish treatment etc will be available.

You should use this as a starting point for further studies or investigations.

Chocolates,men,coffee: are somethings liked better rich!!
(noticed in a coffee shop)

 

[MintJulep]

ASTM standards are categorized in an interesting structure. You can see the top level here:

http://www.astm.org/BOOKSTORE/BOS/index.html

If you click on any section you can see the contents of each section.

But, let's go back a step. How did you decide that you need to use an extruded bar product? Seems like something is out of order.

 

[vtmike]

I don't have a drawing for the part as it is a new design. A decision to use an extruded bar was made due to availability and ease of machining. Al 6061 alloy was selected from the machinery handbook with T6 heat treatment.
Now I think the next step is to find a UNS number which gives a list of applicable ASTM standards. Then we need to look at the details of each of those standards and select the right one, which is ASTM B221 in this case.

 

[CoryPad]

There is no need to select materials from the Machinery's Handbook, and absolutely no need to find a UNS number. You identified a process to make your part - good, now go find a consensus standard that covers that product (i.e. ASTM B 221), then find an alloy + heat treatment that provides the properties you need from within the standard. This isn't the exact recipe for every project, but it is the basis for one.

Regards,

Cory

Please see FAQ731-376 for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips Fora.

 

[hydtools]

If you already know the alloy and condition, why do you need the ASTM reference?

Ted

 

[vtmike]

I need to put the ASTM reference on the drawings.