ASTM B63-07 (2018) PDF

Full title and description

ASTM B63‑07 (Reapproved 2018) — Standard Test Method for Resistivity of Metallically Conducting Resistance and Contact Materials. This test method specifies procedures, specimen configurations and measurement techniques for determining the electrical resistivity of resistance alloys, heating‑element materials, contact materials and related powder‑metallurgy products.

Abstract

Provides a standardized laboratory procedure to measure electrical resistivity to a stated precision (approximately 2 %) for metallic materials used in resistors, heating elements and electrical contacts. Covers specimen preparation, test apparatus, measurement technique and reporting conventions (inch‑pound units are the standard; SI conversions are informational).

General information

• Status: Active (Reapproved edition).
• Publication date: Approved November 1, 2018 (published November 2018).
• Publisher: ASTM International (Committee B02 — Nonferrous Metals and Alloys; Subcommittee B02.10).
• ICS / categories: ICS 77.040.99 (other methods of testing of metals) / Materials testing.
• Edition / version: Designation B63 − 07 (Reapproved 2018), often shown as B63‑07R18.
• Number of pages: 4 pages.

Scope

The standard covers determination, to a precision of about 2 %, of the electrical resistivity of materials used in resistors, heating elements and electrical contacts and certain powder‑metallurgy products. It defines specimen requirements, measurement equipment and procedures for reporting resistivity (ρ) and gives the formulae and unit conventions to be used. The method excludes general conductor resistivity testing covered by Test Method B193.

Key topics and requirements

• Purpose and significance: selection and acceptance testing of resistor, heating‑element and contact materials.
• Precision: resistivity determination to approximately 2 % precision.
• Specimen geometry and dimensions: defined specimen types and handling for accurate area and length measurement.
• Measurement equation and units: ρ = R·A/L and guidance for reporting in inch‑pound units (SI conversions informational).
• Apparatus and accuracy: requirement for suitable bridge, potentiometer, or digital ohmmeter and accessories capable of resistance measurement with error less than ~0.5 %.
• Terminal/contact arrangements and optional specimen holders for nonductile materials to ensure reproducible measurements.
• Reporting conventions and safety note: statement that safety/data sheet review and safe handling are the user's responsibility.

Typical use and users

Used by materials laboratories, quality control and R&D groups at manufacturers of resistance alloys, heating‑element producers, electrical contact and connector manufacturers, powder‑metallurgy producers, and standards/testing laboratories to verify nominal resistivity, batch uniformity and to support material selection for electrical and heating applications.

Related standards

Commonly referenced standards include Test Method B193 (resistivity of electrical conductor materials). B63 is also cited by related ASTM specifications for heating and thermostat alloys (for example B603, B753 and related B02 series specifications) and other measurement standards (e.g., dimensional or temperature‑control test methods such as E228 when applicable).

Keywords

resistivity, electrical resistivity, resistance materials, heating elements, electrical contacts, resistance alloys, test method, ASTM B63, B02.10, measurement, precision, ohmmeter.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM B63 is a laboratory test method that specifies how to measure the electrical resistivity of metallic materials used for resistors, heating elements and electrical contacts. The current reapproved edition is B63‑07 (Reapproved 2018).

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers specimen preparation and geometry, measurement apparatus and technique, the formula for resistivity (ρ = R·A/L), reporting units and precision (approximately 2 %), plus practical considerations for contact application and nonductile specimens.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Materials test laboratories, manufacturers of resistance and heating‑element alloys, electrical contact producers, powder metallurgy suppliers, and engineers performing quality control or materials selection.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: This designation is B63 − 07 (reapproved in 2018). It is published and listed as the reapproved 2018 edition; users should check ASTM records for any revisions after November 2018 (the document has been maintained under Committee B02 / Subcommittee B02.10).

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: B63 is part of the ASTM B02 family of standards for nonferrous metals and alloys (Subcommittee B02.10 deals with thermostat metals and electrical resistance heating materials). It is often used alongside related B02 standards and specific material specifications that reference the B63 test method.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Resistivity, resistance materials, heating‑element materials, electrical contacts, test method, measurement, precision, ASTM B63.