ASTM A689-97 (2018) PDF

Full title and description

ASTM A689-97(2018) — Standard Specification for Carbon and Alloy Steel Bars for Springs. This specification defines requirements for hot‑wrought carbon and alloy steel bars intended for the manufacture of general‑purpose springs (coil, torsion, and leaf), including melt practice, chemical composition or hardenability requirements, dimensional tolerances, and required test/analysis provisions.

Abstract

This specification covers hot‑wrought steel bars for the manufacture of general‑purpose springs such as coil, torsion, and leaf. It specifies permitted melting practices (basic‑oxygen, electric furnace, etc.), chemical composition or modifications for hardenability, heat analysis and reporting requirements, required test methods (including hardenability testing), and dimensional/section tolerances for round and flat bars.

General information

• Status: Historically published as A689‑97(2018); the ASTM A689 series was updated and the active designation is A689‑25 (A0689‑25) as indicated by ASTM's document listing (A689‑97(2018) is a previous/reapproved edition).
• Publication date: Approved / reapproved September 1, 2018 (document listed with effective/approval dates in late August / 1 September 2018).
• Publisher: ASTM International (100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA).
• ICS / categories: 77.140.25 (Spring steels).
• Edition / version: Designation A689‑97 (reapproved 2018) — commonly shown as ASTM A689‑97(2018) (internal version code A0689‑97R18).
• Number of pages: 4 pages (concise specification).

Scope

The standard applies to hot‑wrought steel bars intended for the manufacture of general‑purpose springs (coil, torsion, and leaf). It sets requirements for melting practice, chemical composition or specified hardenability, heat analysis, required test methods (for example, hardenability testing and grain‑size methods where applicable), and dimensional/section tolerances for round and round‑edge flat bars. Values are given in inch‑pound units as the standard, with SI conversions for information only.

Key topics and requirements

• Permitted melting practices (basic‑oxygen, electric‑furnace, and acceptable secondary melting/remelting processes) and heat definition.
• Chemical composition or designation by ASTM grade; options for modified chemistry (including boron grades) to achieve required hardenability.
• Hardenability requirements and reference to test methods (e.g., end‑quench / hardenability testing).
• Requirements for heat (heat‑by‑heat) chemical analysis and reporting to purchaser.
• Dimensional and cross‑section tolerances, rounded corner radii for flat bars, and length/weight/order information for procurement.
• References to related ASTM test methods and general requirements standards used to interpret or apply the specification.

Typical use and users

Used by steel producers, spring manufacturers, procurement/specification engineers, quality and metallurgical engineers, and contract purchasers who need standardized material requirements for bars used to make coil, torsion, and leaf springs. Typical applications include automotive springs, industrial power‑transmission springs, and general mechanical springs where controlled chemistry and hardenability are required.

Related standards

ASTM A689 references and works alongside a number of ASTM specifications and test methods for steel bars and hardenability, for example A29/A29M (general requirements for hot‑wrought steel bars), A255 (hardenability test methods), A304 (end‑quench hardenability requirements), A322 and A576 (bar grade specifications), and E112 (grain size). These referenced documents provide test methods, general requirements, and grade definitions used when ordering or verifying material to A689.

Keywords

spring steel, hot‑wrought bars, carbon steel bars, alloy steel bars, hardenability, heat analysis, coil springs, torsion springs, leaf springs, dimensional tolerances.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM A689‑97(2018) is the ASTM specification that sets requirements for carbon and alloy hot‑wrought steel bars intended for manufacture of general‑purpose springs (coil, torsion, leaf).

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers permitted melting practice, chemical composition or hardenability options (including special chemistries), heat‑by‑heat chemical analysis and reporting, dimensional and cross‑section tolerances for bars, and references to applicable test methods for determining hardenability and grain size.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Steel makers, spring manufacturers, material and quality engineers, procurement/specification professionals in automotive, industrial, and general mechanical spring production.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The A689‑97 reapproved edition from 2018 is a previous/reapproved edition; the A689 series has a later active edition designated A689‑25 (A0689‑25) listed as the active standard by ASTM (document activity updated in 2025). Users specifying material should confirm and use the active designation and edition in force at time of purchase.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — A689 sits within ASTM Committee A01 (Steel, Stainless Steel and Related Alloys) and cross‑references several other ASTM bar specifications and test methods (see A29/A29M, A255, A304, A322, A576, E112, etc.). It is one specification within the family of ASTM bar and spring‑steel standards.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: spring steel, hot‑wrought bars, carbon steel, alloy steel, hardenability, chemical analysis, coil springs, torsion springs, leaf springs.