ASTM B440-12(2021)
(Specification)Standard Specification for Cadmium
Standard Specification for Cadmium
ABSTRACT
This specification covers refined cadmium metal in slab, ball or stick form. The cadmium shall be furnished in commercial standard forms or shapes. The cadmium supplied shall conform to the chemical requirements for one of the three grades, L01951, L01971, L01981. The producer may obtain representative samples from the molten metal during casting, and all or part of these samples may be cast into shapes suitable for chemical analysis. The material shall also conform to the chemical composition in iron, copper, nickel, lead, zinc, thallium, tin, silver, antimony, arsenic, and mercury.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers refined cadmium metal in slab, ball or stick form.
1.2 Toxicity—Warning: Soluble and respirable forms of cadmium may be harmful to human health and the environment in certain forms and concentrations. Therefore, ingestion and inhalation of cadmium should be controlled under the appropriate regulations of the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Cadmium-containing alloys and coatings should not be used on articles that will contact food or beverages, or for dental and other equipment that is normally inserted in the mouth. Similarly, if articles using cadmium-containing alloys or coatings are welded, soldered, brazed, ground, “flame-cut,” or otherwise heated during fabrication, adequate ventilation must be provided to maintain occupational cadmium exposure below the OSHA Permissible Exposure Level (PEL).
1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.
1.4 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.
1.5 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.
General Information
- Status
- Published
- Publication Date
- 31-Oct-2021
- Technical Committee
- B02 - Nonferrous Metals and Alloys
- Drafting Committee
- B02.04 - Zinc and Cadmium
Relations
- Effective Date
- 15-Dec-2017
- Effective Date
- 01-Sep-2017
- Effective Date
- 01-Oct-2016
- Effective Date
- 01-Oct-2015
- Effective Date
- 01-Oct-2014
- Effective Date
- 01-Feb-2013
- Effective Date
- 27-Jan-2012
- Effective Date
- 27-Jan-2012
- Effective Date
- 15-May-2011
- Effective Date
- 01-May-2011
- Effective Date
- 01-Oct-2009
- Effective Date
- 01-Oct-2009
- Effective Date
- 01-Oct-2008
- Effective Date
- 01-Dec-2006
- Effective Date
- 15-Nov-2006
Overview
ASTM B440-12(2021), Standard Specification for Cadmium, is an ASTM International standard that outlines the requirements for refined cadmium metal supplied in commercial forms such as slabs, balls, or sticks. The specification covers cadmium’s chemical composition, forms, grades, sampling, and analytical requirements, with a primary focus on quality and safety for industrial applications. This document is widely recognized and utilized in industries where high-purity cadmium is essential for manufacturing and processing.
Key Topics
- Material Forms and Grades:
- Covers refined cadmium metal in slab, ball, or stick form.
- Defines three grades based on chemical composition: L01951 (99.95% min.), L01971 (99.99% min.), L01981 (99.995% min.).
- Chemical Composition:
- Specifies maximum allowable levels of impurities, including iron, copper, nickel, lead, zinc, thallium, tin, silver, antimony, arsenic, and mercury.
- Sampling and Analysis:
- Provides guidance on obtaining representative samples from molten metal for subsequent chemical analysis.
- Details procedures to ensure accurate and contamination-free sampling.
- Workmanship and Appearance:
- Material must be uniform in quality and reasonably free from adhering foreign matter.
- Product Marking:
- Requires identification of the manufacturer or seller on packaging for traceability.
- Health and Safety Considerations:
- Highlights the toxicity of soluble and respirable forms of cadmium.
- Advises compliance with OSHA regulations to limit occupational exposure.
- Prohibits use of cadmium-containing alloys and coatings in items that contact food, beverages, or are intended for oral use.
Applications
ASTM B440-12(2021) is essential for organizations requiring high-purity cadmium in the following areas:
- Battery Manufacturing:
- Used for producing nickel-cadmium batteries due to cadmium’s electrochemical properties.
- Alloys and Coatings:
- Employed in manufacturing specialized alloys and as an anti-corrosive coating for metals.
- Helps extend the lifespan of aerospace, automotive, and electrical components.
- Electroplating:
- Supports precise and high-quality cadmium plating processes for improved corrosion resistance.
- Electronics:
- Used in electronics applications where purity and reliability are critical.
- Chemical Processing:
- Serves as a raw material in certain chemical catalysts and pigment production.
Related Standards
- ASTM B899: Terminology Relating to Non-ferrous Metals and Alloys
- ASTM E29: Practice for Using Significant Digits in Test Data
- ASTM E88: Practice for Sampling Nonferrous Metals and Alloys in Cast Form
- ASTM E396: Test Methods for Chemical Analysis of Cadmium
- ASTM E527: Practice for Numbering Metals and Alloys in the Unified Numbering System (UNS)
Practical Value
By adhering to ASTM B440-12(2021), manufacturers and purchasers can ensure:
- Consistency in the chemical composition and quality of cadmium used in production.
- Compliance with health and safety regulations for hazardous materials handling.
- Traceability and reliability in supply chains through mandated product marking.
- Efficient communication of technical and procurement requirements within industry sectors reliant on high-purity cadmium.
This standard thus provides a comprehensive, internationally recognized framework for the specification and safe handling of refined cadmium, supporting quality assurance and regulatory compliance in multiple industrial applications.
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Frequently Asked Questions
ASTM B440-12(2021) is a technical specification published by ASTM International. Its full title is "Standard Specification for Cadmium". This standard covers: ABSTRACT This specification covers refined cadmium metal in slab, ball or stick form. The cadmium shall be furnished in commercial standard forms or shapes. The cadmium supplied shall conform to the chemical requirements for one of the three grades, L01951, L01971, L01981. The producer may obtain representative samples from the molten metal during casting, and all or part of these samples may be cast into shapes suitable for chemical analysis. The material shall also conform to the chemical composition in iron, copper, nickel, lead, zinc, thallium, tin, silver, antimony, arsenic, and mercury. SCOPE 1.1 This specification covers refined cadmium metal in slab, ball or stick form. 1.2 Toxicity—Warning: Soluble and respirable forms of cadmium may be harmful to human health and the environment in certain forms and concentrations. Therefore, ingestion and inhalation of cadmium should be controlled under the appropriate regulations of the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Cadmium-containing alloys and coatings should not be used on articles that will contact food or beverages, or for dental and other equipment that is normally inserted in the mouth. Similarly, if articles using cadmium-containing alloys or coatings are welded, soldered, brazed, ground, “flame-cut,” or otherwise heated during fabrication, adequate ventilation must be provided to maintain occupational cadmium exposure below the OSHA Permissible Exposure Level (PEL). 1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard. 1.4 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. 1.5 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.
ABSTRACT This specification covers refined cadmium metal in slab, ball or stick form. The cadmium shall be furnished in commercial standard forms or shapes. The cadmium supplied shall conform to the chemical requirements for one of the three grades, L01951, L01971, L01981. The producer may obtain representative samples from the molten metal during casting, and all or part of these samples may be cast into shapes suitable for chemical analysis. The material shall also conform to the chemical composition in iron, copper, nickel, lead, zinc, thallium, tin, silver, antimony, arsenic, and mercury. SCOPE 1.1 This specification covers refined cadmium metal in slab, ball or stick form. 1.2 Toxicity—Warning: Soluble and respirable forms of cadmium may be harmful to human health and the environment in certain forms and concentrations. Therefore, ingestion and inhalation of cadmium should be controlled under the appropriate regulations of the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Cadmium-containing alloys and coatings should not be used on articles that will contact food or beverages, or for dental and other equipment that is normally inserted in the mouth. Similarly, if articles using cadmium-containing alloys or coatings are welded, soldered, brazed, ground, “flame-cut,” or otherwise heated during fabrication, adequate ventilation must be provided to maintain occupational cadmium exposure below the OSHA Permissible Exposure Level (PEL). 1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard. 1.4 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. 1.5 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.
ASTM B440-12(2021) is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 77.120.70 - Cadmium, cobalt and their alloys. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
ASTM B440-12(2021) has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to ASTM E396-17, ASTM E88-11(2017), ASTM B899-16, ASTM B899-15, ASTM B899-14, ASTM B899-13, ASTM E396-12e1, ASTM E396-12, ASTM E396-05(2011), ASTM E88-11, ASTM B899-09, ASTM B899-09e1, ASTM E29-08, ASTM B899-06, ASTM E29-06b. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.
ASTM B440-12(2021) is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.
Standards Content (Sample)
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.
Designation: B440 −12 (Reapproved 2021)
Standard Specification for
Cadmium
This standard is issued under the fixed designation B440; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
1.1 This specification covers refined cadmium metal in slab,
B899 Terminology Relating to Non-ferrous Metals and Al-
ball or stick form.
loys
1.2 Toxicity—Warning: Soluble and respirable forms of
E29 Practice for Using Significant Digits in Test Data to
cadmiummaybeharmfultohumanhealthandtheenvironment
Determine Conformance with Specifications
in certain forms and concentrations. Therefore, ingestion and
E88 Practice for Sampling Nonferrous Metals and Alloys in
inhalation of cadmium should be controlled under the appro-
Cast Form for Determination of Chemical Composition
priate regulations of the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health
E396 Test Methods for Chemical Analysis of Cadmium
Administration(OSHA).Cadmium-containingalloysandcoat-
E527 Practice for Numbering Metals and Alloys in the
ings should not be used on articles that will contact food or
Unified Numbering System (UNS)
beverages, or for dental and other equipment that is normally
inserted in the mouth. Similarly, if articles using cadmium- 3. Terminology
containing alloys or coatings are welded, soldered, brazed,
3.1 Terms shall be defined in accordance with Terminology
ground, “flame-cut,” or otherwise heated during fabrication,
B899.
adequateventilationmustbeprovidedtomaintainoccupational
4. Ordering Information
cadmium exposure below the OSHA Permissible Exposure
Level (PEL).
4.1 Orders for cadmium under this specification shall in-
clude the following information:
1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
4.1.1 ASTM designation,
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
4.1.2 Quantity (weight),
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only
4.1.3 Grade (Table 1), and
and are not considered standard.
4.1.4 Shape and size (Section 7).
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
5. Materials and Manufacture
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
responsibility of the user of this standard to become familiar
5.1 The cadmium shall be furnished in commercial standard
with all hazards including those identified in the appropriate
forms or shapes requested by purchaser.
Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for this product/material as provided
6. Chemical Requirements
by the manufacturer, to establish appropriate safety, health,
and environmental practices, and determine the applicability
6.1 The cadmium supplied shall conform to the require-
of regulatory limitations prior to use. ments of Table 1 for one of the three grades.
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
7. Shape and Size
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
7.1 Various forms and sizes of commercially available
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
cadmium are:
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
Form Shape and Size
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
Ball Spherical, about 2 in. (50.8 mm) in diameter
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
1 3 1
Stick Bar, about 9 × ⁄2 × ⁄8 in. (229 × 9.5 mm) or stick about 9 × ⁄2 in.
(229 × 12.7 mm) in diameter.
Slab Plate or bar, varying in weight from about 20 to 60 lb (9.0 to 27.2
kg)
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee B02 on
Nonferrous Metals and Alloys and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee
B02.04 on Zinc and Cadmium. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Current edition approved Nov. 1, 2021. Published December 2021. Originally contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
approved in 1966. Last previous edition approved in 2017 as B440 – 12 (2017). Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
DOI: 10.1520/B0440-12R21. the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
B440 − 12 (2021)
A
TABLE 1 Chemical Requirements
into one sample and thoroughly mixed. The total sample
weight shall be not less than 300 g.
NOTE 1—With the mutual agreement of the buyer and seller, chemical
limits for Tin, Silver, Antimony, Arsenic, and Mercury may also be
9.4 In those cases where the cadmium involved is in some
assigned to the grades 99.95 and 99.99 Cd.
other shape or form that does not lend itself to any of the above
Grade
B methods,thesamplingprocedureshallbeagreeduponbetween
(UNS)
Element
the manufacturer or seller and purchaser. The method of 9.1
99.95 Cd 99.99 Cd 99.995 Cd
(L01951) (L01971) (L01981) offers many advantages.
A
Cadmium, min. 99.95 % 99.99 % 99.995 %
9.5 Aspectsofsamplingandsamplepreparationnotcovered
Iron, ma
...




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