ASTM B550/B550M-23 PDF

Full title and description

Standard Specification for Zirconium and Zirconium Alloy Bar and Wire (ASTM B550/B550M-23). This specification establishes grades, chemical composition limits, mechanical property requirements, manufacturing and ordering information for zirconium and zirconium-alloy bar and wire intended for general engineering and corrosion-resistant applications.

Abstract

This specification covers three grades of zirconium and zirconium-alloy bar and wire: Grade R60702 (unalloyed zirconium), Grade R60704 (zirconium‑tin), and Grade R60705 (zirconium‑niobium). It defines required chemical compositions, tensile and yield properties, elongation requirements, applicable test methods and ordering information for material supplied to this designation.

General information

• Status: Active.
• Publication date: November 1, 2023.
• Publisher: ASTM International.
• ICS / categories: 77.150.99 (Other products of non‑ferrous metals); reactive and refractory metals activity (ASTM Committee B10).
• Edition / version: B550/B550M‑23.
• Number of pages: 5.

Scope

The specification applies to zirconium and zirconium‑alloy bar and wire produced by conventional fabrication methods. It covers three specified grades and provides requirements for chemical composition and mechanical properties, along with referenced test methods and ordering information. Units are provided in both inch‑pound and SI (metric) systems, but the two systems are to be used independently (values are not exact equivalents). Applications include corrosion‑resistant components and engineering parts where zirconium’s properties are required.

Key topics and requirements

• Defined grades: R60702 (zirconium), R60704 (zirconium‑tin), R60705 (zirconium‑niobium).
• Chemical composition limits for each grade (specified element percentages and impurity controls).
• Mechanical property requirements (tensile strength, yield strength, elongation) and applicable test methods (for example, tension testing standards referenced).
• Manufacture and form requirements for bar and wire produced by conventional metalworking methods.
• Ordering information: required purchaser-supplied details such as quantity, grade, dimensions, and any specification additions or options.
• Dual unit system: inch‑pound and SI values provided and treated as separate standards.

Typical use and users

Used by metallurgists, material engineers, manufacturers and suppliers of zirconium bar and wire, procurement/specification writers in chemical processing and nuclear‑adjacent industries, and quality/control laboratories performing acceptance testing. Typical applications include corrosion‑resistant components, laboratory equipment, and parts where zirconium’s corrosion and mechanical behavior are required.

Related standards

References and related documents commonly cited include relevant ASTM test methods (for example E8/E8M for tension testing and other ASTM practices for sampling and measurement). For ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code applications, related ASME specification SB‑550 is noted. The standard is maintained under ASTM Committee B10 (Reactive and Refractory Metals and Alloys), Subcommittee B10.02 (Zirconium and Hafnium).

Keywords

zirconium; zirconium alloy; bar; wire; R60702; R60704; R60705; chemical composition; tensile strength; yield strength; elongation; ASTM B550; B550M; reactive metals.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM B550/B550M‑23 is the ASTM International standard specification for zirconium and zirconium‑alloy bar and wire, defining grades, composition and mechanical requirements for these products.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers three grades of zirconium/bar and wire, specifying chemical composition limits, mechanical property requirements, manufacturing considerations, test methods, and ordering information; it provides both inch‑pound and SI values (to be used independently).

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Material specifiers, manufacturers and suppliers of zirconium bar and wire, quality and testing laboratories, and engineers in industries requiring corrosion‑resistant or reactive‑metal components.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: Current — the B550/B550M‑23 edition was approved and published November 1, 2023, superseding the prior edition. The document status is active.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It is part of ASTM’s B series of standards for reactive and refractory metals and alloys and falls under Committee B10 (with Subcommittee B10.02 responsible for zirconium/hafnium standards).

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Zirconium; zirconium alloy; bar; wire; R60702; R60704; R60705; composition; tensile properties; ASTM B550; B550M.