ASTM B327-21

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it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: B327 − 16 B327 − 21
Standard Specification for
Master Alloys Used in Making Zinc Die Casting Alloys
This standard is issued under the fixed designation B327; 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*
1.1 This specification covers aluminum–basealuminum-base and zinc–basezinc-base master alloys used to make zinc die-casting
alloys. Alloy compositions specified for aluminum–basealuminum-base master alloys (hardeners) are designated as shown in Table
1. Alloy compositions specified for the zinc-base master alloys are designated as shown in Table 2.
1.2 Aluminum alloy hardeners are added to Special High Grade zinc (per Specification B6) in the proper alloying ratios, as shown
in Table 1, to produce zinc alloys for die casting.
1.3 Zinc-base master alloy is added to Special High Grade zinc (per Specification B6) in the proper alloying ratio, as shown in
Table 3, to produce zinc alloy for die casting.
1.4 Master alloys may be supplied in the form of shot, bar, ingot, or jumbo ingot as specified by the purchaser. Specification B897
covers configuration of jumbo, block, half block, and slab ingot.
1.5 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.
1.6 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 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 safety, health, and healthenvi-
ronmental 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.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 The following documents of the issue in effect on date of order acceptance form a part of this specification to the extent
referenced herein:
2.2 ASTM Standards:
B6 Specification for Zinc
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.
Current edition approved May 1, 2016Nov. 1, 2021. Published July 2016December 2021. Originally approved in 1958. Last previous edition approved in 20132016 as
B327B327 – 16. – 13a. DOI: 10.1520/B0327-16.10.1520/B0327-21.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
B327 − 21
TABLE 1 Chemical Requirements for Aluminum-Base Master Alloys
NOTE 1—The following applies to all specified limits in this table: For purposes of determining conformance with this specification, the observed value
or calculated value obtained from analysis shall be rounded off “to the nearest unit” in the last right hand place of figures used in expressing the specified
limit, in accordance with the rounding method of Practice E29.
Composition, percent
ASTM Alu- Manga- Chro- Cad-
Iron, Silicon, Nickel, Tin, Lead,
A
Alloy minum, Copper nese, Magnesium Zinc mium, mium, Usage
A
max max max max max
A
min max max max
B B
ZG71A 87.0 1.7 max 0.8 0.7 0.50 0.65–1.05 6.5–7.5 0.20 0.20 0.02 0.020 0.010 1 part by weight of ZG71A, 21
parts by weight of Special High
C
Grade zinc to make ASTM
B
zinc alloy Z33524 (AG40A )
A
Carried to one additional decimal place to ensure proper control in the final alloy.
B
ASTM alloy designations were established in accordance with Practice B275.
C
ASTM Specification B6, for Zinc.
A,B,C
TABLE 2 Chemical and Color Code Requirements for Zinc-Base Master Alloys
Common Color Iron Copper Lead Cadmium Tin
Aluminum Magnesium Zinc
D
(UNS) Code max max max max max
V12-3 Pink 11.7–12.6 0.090–0.16 0.070 0.25 0.005 0.004 0.003 Remainder
(Z33730)
V12–5 Pink/Black 11.7–12.6 0.090–0.16 0.070 2.1–3.3 0.005 0.004 0.003 Remainder
(Z35740)
A
Zinc-base master alloys V12-3 (Z33730) and V12-5 (Z35740) used for producing die casting alloys may contain nickel, chromium, silicon, and manganese up to 0.02,
0.02, 0.0350.035, and 0.05 %, respectively. No harmful effects detrimental effects on alloy performance have ever been noted due to the presence of these elements in
up to these concentrations in die casting alloys and, therefore, analyses are not required for these elements, except that nickel analysis is required when producing die
casting alloy Z33526.
B
The UNS assignations were established in accordance with Practice E527.
C
For purposes of determining conformance with this specification, the observed value or calculated value obtained from analysis shall be rounded off “to the nearest unit”
in the last right hand place of figures used in expressing the specified limit, in accordance with the rounding method of Practice E29.
D
Refer to Practice B908. (Note: Color Codes indicated are for North American applications.)
TABLE 3 Weight Requirements for Zinc-Base Master Alloy Jumbo Ingots
NOTE 1—These requirements are based on the use of nominal 2400 lb or 1200 lb jumbo ingots of V12 (Z33730).
A
Nominal Weight Range, lb
Usage
Weight, lb Minimum Maximum
2400 2325 2475 1 part by weight of V12-3 (one 2400 lb jumbo ingot), 2 parts by weight (two 2400 lb jumbo ingots) of Special High
B
Grade zinc to make zinc alloy 3 (Zamak 3, UNS Z33524, AG40A )
or
1 part by weight of V12-5 (one 2400 lb jumbo ingot), 2 parts by weight (two 2400 lb jumbo ingots) of Special High
B
Grade zinc to make zinc alloy 5 (Zamak 5, UNS Z35532, AC41A )
1200 1150 1250 1 part by weight of V12-3 (one 1200 lb jumbo ingot), 2 parts by weight (one 2400 lb jumbo ingot) of Special High Grade
B
zinc to make zinc alloy 3 (Zamak 3, UNS Z33524, AG40A )
or
1 part by weight of V12-5 (one 1200 lb jumbo ingot), 2 parts by weight (one 2400 lb jumbo ingot) of Special High Grade
B
zinc to make zinc alloy 5 (Zamak 5, UNS Z35532, AC41A )
A
Jumbo ingots outside the above weight limits may be acceptable depending upon the chemistry, if mutually agreed upon between the producer and purchaser.
B
ASTM alloy designations were established in accordance with Practice B275.
B275 Practice for Codification of Certain Zinc, Tin and Lead Die Castings (Withdrawn 2020)
B897 Specification for Configuration of Zinc and Zinc Alloy Jumbo, Block, Half Block, and Slab Ingot
B899 Terminology Relating to Non-ferrous Metals and Alloys
B908 Practice for the Use of Color Codes for Zinc Casting Alloy Ingot
B949 Specification for General Requirements for Zinc and Zinc Alloy Products
E29 Practice for Using Significant Digits in Test Data to Determine Conformance with Specifications
E34 Test Methods for Chemical Analysis of Aluminum and Aluminum-Base Alloys (Withdrawn 2017)
E88 Practice for Sampling Nonferrous Metals and Alloys in Cast Form for Determination of Chemical Composition
E527 Practice for Numbering Metals and Alloys in the Unified Numbering System (UNS)
E536 Test Methods for Chemical Analysis of Zinc and Zinc Alloys
E1251 Test Method for Analysis of Aluminum and Aluminum Alloys by Spark Atomic Emission Spectrometry
The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on www.astm.org.
B327 − 21
2.3 ISO Standards:
ISO 3815-1 Zinc and zinc alloys — Part 1: Analysis of solid samples by optical emission spectrometry
ISO 3815-2 Zinc and zinc alloys — Part 2: Analysis by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometr
...