ASTM A493-23
(Specification)Standard Specification for Stainless Steel Wire and Wire Rods for Cold Heading and Cold Forging
Standard Specification for Stainless Steel Wire and Wire Rods for Cold Heading and Cold Forging
ABSTRACT
This specification covers cold-finished and hot-finished stainless steel wire and wire rods for cold heading or cold forging for applications, such as fasteners, where corrosion resistance is a factor. The steel shall conform to the required chemical composition requirements. The material shall also conform to the requirements as to mechanical properties. All austenitic grades in the annealed condition or annealed and lightly drafted condition shall be capable of passing the criteria set by this specification.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers cold-finished and hot-finished stainless steel wire and wire rods for cold heading or cold forging for applications, such as fasteners, where corrosion resistance is a factor.
1.2 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.
1.3 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-2023
- Technical Committee
- A01 - Steel, Stainless Steel and Related Alloys
- Drafting Committee
- A01.17 - Flat-Rolled and Wrought Stainless Steel
Relations
- Effective Date
- 01-Nov-2023
- Referred By
ASTM F593-22 - Standard Specification for Stainless Steel Bolts, Hex Cap Screws, and Studs - Effective Date
- 01-Nov-2023
- Effective Date
- 01-Nov-2023
- Effective Date
- 01-Nov-2023
- Effective Date
- 01-Nov-2023
- Effective Date
- 01-Nov-2023
- Effective Date
- 01-Nov-2023
- Effective Date
- 01-Nov-2023
- Effective Date
- 01-Nov-2023
- Effective Date
- 01-Nov-2023
- Effective Date
- 01-Nov-2023
- Effective Date
- 01-Nov-2023
Overview
ASTM A493-23 is the latest edition of the ASTM International Standard Specification for Stainless Steel Wire and Wire Rods for Cold Heading and Cold Forging. Developed by ASTM Committee A01, this standard defines requirements for cold-finished and hot-finished stainless steel wire and wire rods intended for applications where high corrosion resistance is required, such as fastener manufacturing. The specification establishes guidelines for chemical composition, mechanical properties, processing conditions, and packaging of stainless steel wire and wire rods, ensuring consistent product quality and performance in demanding cold forming operations.
Key Topics
- Material Forms: Covers stainless steel wire and wire rods, both cold-finished and hot-finished, suitable for cold heading and cold forging processes.
- Grades: Includes austenitic, ferritic, and martensitic stainless steel grades, each with specified limits for chemical composition and mechanical properties.
- Corrosion Resistance: All austenitic grades, in both annealed and lightly drafted conditions, must meet the practice for resistance to intergranular corrosion to maintain durability in corrosive environments.
- Mechanical Requirements: Specifies tensile strength and other mechanical property requirements depending on the steel grade and condition (as-annealed or lightly drafted).
- Coatings and Lubricants: Supports the use of various coatings (such as copper or lime) and lubricants (like soap or grease) to facilitate forming processes and enhance product performance.
- Packaging and Marking: Ensures proper bundling, tagging, and safe delivery of coils to their destination, along with clear identification of key product attributes.
Applications
ASTM A493-23 is widely utilized in industries where cold-formed stainless steel components require high strength and corrosion resistance. Common applications include:
- Fastener Production: Manufacturing of bolts, nuts, screws, and similar products used in automotive, construction, and industrial settings.
- Precision Forming: Production of components requiring precise cold forging, such as high-strength pins, rivets, and specialized fittings.
- Corrosive Environments: Ideal for hardware and structural elements exposed to moisture, chemicals, or outdoor service where stainless steel’s anti-corrosive properties are essential.
The standardized requirements of ASTM A493-23 support manufacturers in delivering products that perform reliably in cold forming operations and in service, reducing the risk of failure due to inadequate material quality.
Related Standards
Several related ASTM standards are referenced within ASTM A493-23 to ensure comprehensive coverage and conformity:
- ASTM A262 - Practices for Detecting Susceptibility to Intergranular Attack in Austenitic Stainless Steels: Ensures the corrosion resistance of austenitic grades.
- ASTM A555/A555M - Specification for General Requirements for Stainless Steel Wire and Wire Rods: Covers general delivery, packaging, and testing requirements.
- ASTM A751 - Test Methods and Practices for Chemical Analysis of Steel Products: Specifies approved procedures for verifying chemical composition.
Practical Value
Complying with ASTM A493-23 offers significant benefits:
- Quality Assurance: Ensures consistent chemical and mechanical properties, reducing variability in finished products.
- Global Acceptance: Standards developed in line with international principles facilitate international trade and specification.
- Performance Reliability: Guarantees corrosion resistance and mechanical strength for critical components in diverse industrial applications.
- Traceability: Detailed marking and documentation support supply chain management and quality control.
By following the ASTM A493-23 standard, manufacturers, engineers, and purchasers can select and specify stainless steel wire and wire rods optimized for cold heading and forging, achieving efficient production and long service life in the end applications.
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Frequently Asked Questions
ASTM A493-23 is a technical specification published by ASTM International. Its full title is "Standard Specification for Stainless Steel Wire and Wire Rods for Cold Heading and Cold Forging". This standard covers: ABSTRACT This specification covers cold-finished and hot-finished stainless steel wire and wire rods for cold heading or cold forging for applications, such as fasteners, where corrosion resistance is a factor. The steel shall conform to the required chemical composition requirements. The material shall also conform to the requirements as to mechanical properties. All austenitic grades in the annealed condition or annealed and lightly drafted condition shall be capable of passing the criteria set by this specification. SCOPE 1.1 This specification covers cold-finished and hot-finished stainless steel wire and wire rods for cold heading or cold forging for applications, such as fasteners, where corrosion resistance is a factor. 1.2 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. 1.3 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 cold-finished and hot-finished stainless steel wire and wire rods for cold heading or cold forging for applications, such as fasteners, where corrosion resistance is a factor. The steel shall conform to the required chemical composition requirements. The material shall also conform to the requirements as to mechanical properties. All austenitic grades in the annealed condition or annealed and lightly drafted condition shall be capable of passing the criteria set by this specification. SCOPE 1.1 This specification covers cold-finished and hot-finished stainless steel wire and wire rods for cold heading or cold forging for applications, such as fasteners, where corrosion resistance is a factor. 1.2 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. 1.3 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 A493-23 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 77.140.20 - Stainless steels; 77.140.65 - Steel wire, wire ropes and link chains. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
ASTM A493-23 has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to ASTM A493-16, ASTM F593-22, ASTM F594-22, ASTM F2281-04(2017), ASTM C1173-22, ASTM F2946-12(2021), ASTM C923/C923M-20, ASTM C1478/C1478M-20, ASTM F2510/F2510M-22, ASTM A555/A555M-23, ASTM C1460-21, ASTM C1540-20. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.
ASTM A493-23 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: A493 − 23
Standard Specification for
Stainless Steel Wire and Wire Rods for Cold Heading and
Cold Forging
This standard is issued under the fixed designation A493; 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.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.
1. Scope* 3.1.2 Size (diameter),
3.1.3 Type or UNS number (see Table 1),
1.1 This specification covers cold-finished and hot-finished
3.1.4 Name (wire or wire rods),
stainless steel wire and wire rods for cold heading or cold
3.1.5 ASTM designation and issue date,
forging for applications, such as fasteners, where corrosion
3.1.6 Condition (see 5.2),
resistance is a factor.
3.1.7 Coating (see 5.3),
1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
3.1.8 Coil size (inside and outside diameter),
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
3.1.9 Special requirements, and
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only
3.1.10 Supplementary requirements.
and are not considered standard.
4. General Requirements for Delivery
1.3 This international standard was developed in accor-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
4.1 In addition to the requirements of this specification, all
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
requirements of the current editions of Specification A555/
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
A555M shall apply. Failure to comply with the general
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
requirements of Specification A555/A555M constitutes non-
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
conformance with this specification.
NOTE 1—A typical ordering description is as follows: 5000 lb (2268 kg)
2. Referenced Documents
0.225 in. (5.72 mm) round Type 305 cold heading wire, lightly drafted,
2.1 ASTM Standards:
copper coated, 32 in. (813 mm) max OD—22 in. (559 mm) min ID, coils,
A262 Practices for Detecting Susceptibility to Intergranular ASTM Specification A493 – XX. End use: hex head machine bolts.
Attack in Austenitic Stainless Steels
5. Manufacture
A555/A555M Specification for General Requirements for
5.1 Heat Treatment:
Stainless Steel Wire and Wire Rods
5.1.1 Austenitic grades shall be annealed at 1800 °F
A751 Test Methods and Practices for Chemical Analysis of
(980 °C) minimum, so that grain boundary carbides enter into
Steel Products
solution, and rapidly quenched to prevent grain boundary
3. Ordering Information
precipitation of carbides that would cause susceptibility to
intergranular corrosion. See Supplementary Requirements.
3.1 It is the responsibility of the purchaser to specify all
5.1.2 Ferritic and martensitic grades shall be annealed to
requirements that are necessary for material ordered under this
meet the requirements for mechanical properties.
specification. Such requirements may include, but are not
limited to the following:
5.2 Condition:
3.1.1 Quantity (weight),
5.2.1 Wire shall be furnished in one of the following
conditions:
5.2.1.1 Lightly drafted (normal condition and need not be
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee A01 on Steel,
specified if this is condition desired),
Stainless Steel and Related Alloysand is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee
A01.17 on Flat-Rolled and Wrought Stainless Steel.
5.2.1.2 Annealed, or
Current edition approved Nov. 1, 2023. Published November 2023. Originally
5.2.1.3 Drafted to a specified tensile strength range (as
approved in 1963. Last previous edition approved in 2016 as A493 – 16. DOI:
agreed upon between purchaser and producer).
10.1520/A0493-23.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or 5.2.2 Rods shall be furnished in the annealed condition,
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
scale removed.
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. 5.3 Coatings and Lubricants:
*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
A493 − 23
TABLE 1 Chemical Requirements
A
Grade Composition, %
UNS AISI Carbon Manga- Phos- Sulfur Silicon Chromium Nickel Copper Molyb- Nitrogen Other
Designation Type nese phorus denum Elements
Austenitic Grades
S 17710 . . . 0.15 2.00 0.045 0.030 1.00 17.0–19.0 8.0–10.0 . . . . . . . . . Al
0.90–1.40
S 30200 302 0.15 2.00 0.045 0.030 1.00 17.0–19.0 8.0–10.0 1.00 0.10
S 30400 304 0.08 2.00 0.045 0.030 1.00 18.0–20.0 8.0–10.5 1.00 0.10
S 30403 304L 0.030 2.00 0.045 0.030 1.00 18.0–20.0 8.0–12.0 1.00 0.10
S 30430 0.10 2.00 0.045 0.030 1.00 17.0–19.0 8.0–10.0 3.0–4.0
S 30433 0.03 2.00 0.045 0.030 1.00 17.0–19.0 8.0–10.0 3.0–4.0
S 30500 305 0.04 2.00 0.045 0.030 1.00 17.0–19.0 10.5–13.0 1.00
S 31600 316 0.08 2.00 0.045 0.030 1.00 16.0–18.0 10.0–14.0 2.00–3.00 0.10
S 31603 316L 0.030 2.00 0.045 0.030 1.00 16.0–18.0 10.0–14.0 2.00–3.00 0.10
S 38400 384 0.04 2.00 0.045 0.030 1.00 15.0–17.0 17.0–19.0
Ferritic Grades
S 40940 0.06 1.00 0.045 0.040 1.00 10.5–11.7 0.50 Cb
10XC–0.75
S 42900 429 0.12 1.00 0.040 0.030 1.00 14.0–16.0
S 43000 430 0.04 1.00 0.040 0.030 1.00 16.0–18.0
S 44401 . . . 0.025 1.00 0.040 0.030 . . . 17.5–19.5 1.00 1.75–2.50 0.035 Ti+Cb
0.20+4×
(C+N)−0.80
B B B
S 44625 . . . 0.010 0.40 0.020 0.020 0.40 25.0–27.5 0.50 0.2 0.75–1.50 0.015 Ni+Cu 0.5
B B B
S 4
...
This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
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: A493 − 16 A493 − 23
Standard Specification for
Stainless Steel Wire and Wire Rods for Cold Heading and
Cold Forging
This standard is issued under the fixed designation A493; 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.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.
1. Scope*
1.1 This specification covers cold-finished and hot-finished stainless steel wire and wire rods for cold heading or cold forging for
applications, such as fasteners, where corrosion resistance is a factor.
1.2 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.
1.3 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 ASTM Standards:
A262 Practices for Detecting Susceptibility to Intergranular Attack in Austenitic Stainless Steels
A555/A555M Specification for General Requirements for Stainless Steel Wire and Wire Rods
A751 Test Methods and Practices for Chemical Analysis of Steel Products
3. Ordering Information
3.1 It is the responsibility of the purchaser to specify all requirements that are necessary for material ordered under this
specification. Such requirements may include, but are not limited to the following:
3.1.1 Quantity (weight),
3.1.2 Size (diameter),
3.1.3 Type or UNS number (see Table 1),
3.1.4 Name (wire or wire rods),
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee A01 on Steel, Stainless Steel and Related Alloysand is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee A01.17
on Flat-Rolled and Wrought Stainless Steel.
Current edition approved March 1, 2016Nov. 1, 2023. Published March 2016November 2023. Originally approved in 1963. Last previous edition approved in 20132016
as A493 – 09 (2013).A493 – 16. DOI: 10.1520/A0493-16.10.1520/A0493-23.
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
A493 − 23
TABLE 1 Chemical Requirements
A
Grade Composition, %
UNS AISI Carbon Manga- Phos- Sulfur Silicon Chromium Nickel Copper Molyb- Nitrogen Other
Designation Type nese phorus denum Elements
Austenitic Grades
S 17710 . . . 0.15 2.00 0.045 0.030 1.00 17.0–19.0 8.0–10.0 . . . . . . . . . Al
0.90–1.40
S 30200 302 0.15 2.00 0.045 0.030 1.00 17.0–19.0 8.0–10.0 1.00 0.10
S 30400 304 0.08 2.00 0.045 0.030 1.00 18.0–20.0 8.0–10.5 1.00 0.10
S 30403 304L 0.030 2.00 0.045 0.030 1.00 18.0–20.0 8.0–12.0 1.00 0.10
S 30430 0.10 2.00 0.045 0.030 1.00 17.0–19.0 8.0–10.0 3.0–4.0
S 30433 0.03 2.00 0.045 0.030 1.00 17.0–19.0 8.0–10.0 3.0–4.0
S 30500 305 0.04 2.00 0.045 0.030 1.00 17.0–19.0 10.5–13.0 1.00
S 31600 316 0.08 2.00 0.045 0.030 1.00 16.0–18.0 10.0–14.0 2.00–3.00 0.10
S 31603 316L 0.030 2.00 0.045 0.030 1.00 16.0–18.0 10.0–14.0 2.00–3.00 0.10
S 38400 384 0.04 2.00 0.045 0.030 1.00 15.0–17.0 17.0–19.0
Ferritic Grades
S 40940 0.06 1.00 0.045 0.040 1.00 10.5–11.7 0.50 Cb
10XC–0.75
S 42900 429 0.12 1.00 0.040 0.030 1.00 14.0–16.0
S 43000 430 0.04 1.00 0.040 0.030 1.00 16.0–18.0
S 44401 . . . 0.025 1.00 0.040 0.030 . . . 17.5–19.5 1.00 1.75–2.50 0.035 Ti+Cb
0.20+4×
(C+N)−0.80
B B B
S 44625 . . . 0.010 0.40 0.020 0.020 0.40 25.0–27.5 0.50 0.2 0.75–1.50 0.015 Ni+Cu 0.5
B B B
S 44700 . . . 0.010 0.30 0.025 0.020 0.20 28.0–30.0 0.15 0.15 3.5–4.2 0.020 C+N
0.025
B B B
S 44800 . . . 0.010 0.30 0.025 0.020 0.20 28.0–30.0 2.00–2.50 0.15 3.5–4.2 0.020 C+N
0.025
Martensitic Grades
S 41000 410 0.15 1.00 0.040 0.030 1.00 11.5–13.5
S 42010 . . . 0.15–0.30 1.00 0.040 0.030 1.00 13.5–15.0 0.35–0.85 0.40–0.85
S 42030 . . . 0.30 1.00 0.040 0.030 1.00 12.0–14.0 2.00–3.00 1.00–3.00
S 43100 431 0.20 1.00 0.040 0.030 1.00 15.0–17.0 1.25–2.50
S 44004 440C 0.95–1.20 1.00 0.040 0.030 1.00 16.0–18.0 0.75 max
A
Maximum, unless range or minimum is indicated. Where ellipses (. . .) appear in this table, there is no requirement and the element need not be determined or reported.
B
Product analysis tolerance over the maximum limit for carbon and nitrogen to be 0.002 %.
3.1.5 ASTM designation and issue date,
3.1.6 Condition (see 5.2),
3.1.7 Coating (see 5.3),
3.1.8 Coil size (inside and outside diameter),
3.1.9 Special requirements, and
3.1.10 Supplementary requirements.
4. General Requirements for Delivery
4.1 In addition to the requirements of this specification, all requirements of the current editions of Specification A555/A555M
shall apply. Failure to comply with the general requirements of Specification A555/A555M constitutes nonconformance with this
specification.
NOTE 1—A typical ordering description is as follows: 5000 lb (2268 kg) 0.225 in. (5.72 mm) round Type 305 cold heading wire, lightly drafted, copper
coated, 32 in. (813 mm) max OD—22 in. (559 mm) min ID, coils, ASTM Specification A493 – XX. End use: hex head machine bolts.
A493 − 23
5. Manufact
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