ASTM B388-06 (2024) PDF

Full title and description

Standard Specification for Thermostat Metal Sheet and Strip — ASTM B388-06(2024). This specification establishes material, dimensional and physical property requirements for thermostat metals supplied as sheet or strip for use as temperature‑sensitive elements in devices for controlling, compensating, or indicating temperature (properties such as flexivity, sensitivity range, electrical resistivity, modulus of elasticity, density, specific heat, hardness and maximum recommended temperature).

Abstract

ASTM B388-06(2024) sets acceptance criteria for thermostat metals in sheet and strip form used in temperature‑sensitive elements. The standard specifies nominal property values, performance limits, and references relevant test methods for measuring flexivity, resistivity and other key physical properties to ensure consistent behavior in temperature control applications.

General information

• Status: Active — reissued/reapproved as ASTM B388-06(2024).
• Publication date: January 11, 2024.
• Publisher: ASTM International.
• ICS / categories: Nonferrous metal products / thermostat metals (commonly catalogued under ICS related to nonferrous metals and thermostat materials, e.g., ICS 77.150.99 in some listings).
• Edition / version: Designation B388-06 (original 2006 designation), reapproved in later years and issued as B388-06(2024).
• Number of pages: 7 pages (typical published PDF length for the reissued document).

Key publication and status details above are taken from standard distribution summaries and catalog listings for the reissued/reapproved document.

Scope

This specification covers thermostat metals supplied as sheet or strip intended for the temperature‑sensitive elements of devices used to control, compensate, or indicate temperature. It provides acceptance requirements to purchasers for designated thermostat metal types, including nominal property tables and maximum recommended temperatures of use, and references specific test methods for properties such as flexivity and electrical resistivity. The scope excludes finished devices and focuses on the material form, mechanical and thermal properties necessary for predictable thermostat performance.

Key topics and requirements

• Designation and classification of thermostat metal types (types and nominal property tables referenced in the standard).
• Physical property limits and nominal values: flexivity (thermal deflection rate), sensitivity range, modulus of elasticity, electrical resistivity, specific heat, density and hardness.
• Maximum recommended temperature of use for each designated type.
• Dimensional and form requirements for sheet and strip (thickness, width tolerances and surface condition for use in temperature‑sensitive elements).
• References to test methods and related specifications (for example, ASTM test methods for flexivity and referenced component material specifications).
• Notes on commercially unavailable types or items withdrawn from manufacture (document may note types no longer produced).

Typical use and users

Primary users include thermostat and temperature‑control device manufacturers, material suppliers, quality and test laboratories, design engineers specifying temperature‑sensitive components, and procurement professionals who require material acceptance criteria. Typical applications are bimetallic and monometallic temperature sensing strips and elements used in HVAC controls, household appliances, industrial thermostats and temperature compensating devices.

Related standards

ASTM B388 is commonly used alongside ASTM test and component specifications such as ASTM B106 (Standard Test Methods for Flexivity of Thermostat Metals) and related material/component specifications referenced within the text (for example, component material designations such as those in Specification B753 and other ASTM nonferrous‑metal standards). Other industry test methods for thermostat elements and complementary regional standards may be used for contractual test requirements.

Keywords

thermostat metal, thermostat strip, thermostat sheet, flexivity, thermal deflection, electrical resistivity, modulus of elasticity, temperature‑sensitive element, thermostat material specification, ASTM B388.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM B388-06(2024) is the ASTM specification that defines material and performance requirements for thermostat metals supplied as sheet or strip for use in temperature‑sensitive elements of control and indicating devices.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers classification of thermostat metal types, nominal properties and limits (flexivity, resistivity, modulus, etc.), dimensional considerations for sheet and strip, and maximum recommended temperatures of use; it also references test methods and related material specifications.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Manufacturers of thermostatic elements and temperature controls, materials suppliers, testing labs, design and reliability engineers, and purchasing/specification writers who need objective acceptance criteria for thermostat metals.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: As issued in the reapproval/reissue format B388-06(2024), it is the current ASTM designation for this specification (the original designation dates to 2006 with later reapprovals; the catalog listing shows the 2024 reissue). Users should confirm the active status and any amendments from ASTM International before placing purchase or test contracts.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It is part of ASTM's family of standards addressing nonferrous metals and thermostat materials and is typically used together with related ASTM test methods and material specifications (for example, ASTM B106 for flexivity).

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Thermostat metal, flexivity, thermal deflection, resistivity, thermostat strip, thermostat sheet, modulus of elasticity, temperature‑sensitive element.