ASTM B777-15 (2020) PDF

Full title and description

Standard Specification for Tungsten Base, High‑Density Metal — specification that establishes requirements for four classes of machinable, high‑density tungsten‑base metal produced by consolidating metal powder mixtures (composition primarily tungsten). The material may be used as bare parts or coated parts for protection against corrosion and abrasion, and is intended for uses such as weights/counterbalances, high‑speed rotating inertia members, radiation shielding, hypervelocity impact specimens, and vibration‑damping applications.

Abstract

This specification (designation B777 −15, reapproved 2020) defines classification, composition, density, hardness, mechanical properties, microstructure and inspection/sampling requirements for four classes of tungsten‑base, high‑density metal. It prescribes sampling and testing approaches for lot acceptance and references relevant ASTM test methods for density, tensile, hardness and metallography.

General information

• Status: Published / Current ASTM specification (B777‑15, reapproved 2020).
• Publication date: Current edition approved April 1, 2020 (published April 2020).
• Publisher: ASTM International.
• ICS / categories: 77.120.99 — Other non‑ferrous metals and their alloys.
• Edition / version: Designation B777‑15 (reapproved 2020).
• Number of pages: Typically published as a short specification (about 3 pages in the ASTM publication).

Scope

The specification covers requirements for four classes of machinable, high‑density tungsten‑base metal produced from consolidated powder mixtures (composition mainly tungsten). It specifies composition limits, target density ranges, nominal hardness, minimum mechanical properties for sintered test bars, microstructural considerations, lot and sampling rules for inspection, and applicable test methods. The material is intended for general high‑density applications such as ballast, counterweights, shielding, and damping components; special requirements (e.g., non‑magnetic grades, large sections requiring additional internal quality tests) must be specified in the purchase order.

Key topics and requirements

• Classification into four classes by nominal tungsten content: Class 1 ≈ 90 wt% W, Class 2 ≈ 92.5 wt% W, Class 3 ≈ 95 wt% W, Class 4 ≈ 97 wt% W.
• Density and hardness ranges (nominal densities roughly 16.85–18.85 g/cm3 across classes; Rockwell C hardness values typically in the low‑ to mid‑30s as‑sintered).
• Minimum mechanical property requirements for sintered test bars (yield strength, ultimate tensile strength, and elongation) and procedures for producing sintered test specimens.
• Sampling, inspection lot definitions, and acceptance criteria for lot conformance (minimum number of sintered bars per lot, lot splitting options for shipments).
• Microstructural requirements and references to metallography and nondestructive assessment where applicable; purchaser may require additional part‑specific testing for critical applications.
• Reference to ASTM test methods commonly cited in the specification (for example B311 for density of PM materials, E8 for tensile testing, E18 for Rockwell hardness, B193 for magnetic/permeability testing, and metallographic practices).
• Note on magnetic behavior: some tungsten‑base alloys may be magnetic depending on composition; non‑magnetic requirement must be ordered explicitly (Class 4 not available non‑magnetic under the standard).

Typical use and users

Used by materials engineers, metallurgists, manufacturers and suppliers of tungsten heavy alloys, and procurement/quality teams in aerospace, defense, medical shielding, industrial balancing (counterweights and flywheels), and research laboratories. Typical users specify B777 for procuring machinable high‑density tungsten components where controlled density, hardness and mechanical properties are required.

Related standards

Standards commonly referenced alongside or in the same ASTM committee group include: ASTM B311 (density of PM materials), ASTM B193 (magnetic permeability test), ASTM E8 (tension testing), ASTM E18 (Rockwell hardness), ASTM B760 (tungsten plate, sheet, foil), various B3xx/B38x molybdenum/tungsten material specs and industry equivalents (SAE/AM standards and national standards such as GB/T for tungsten alloys).

Keywords

tungsten base, high‑density metal, tungsten heavy alloy, machinable tungsten, density, Rockwell C, sintered properties, counterweights, radiation shielding, ASTM B777‑15, reapproved 2020.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM B777‑15 (reapproved 2020) is a short ASTM specification that defines classification, composition, density, hardness and minimum mechanical/test requirements for four classes of machinable tungsten‑base, high‑density metal.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers the material classes (by nominal tungsten content), density and hardness ranges, mechanical property minima for sintered test bars, microstructure and inspection/sampling rules, and references to applicable ASTM test methods used to verify conformance.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Manufacturers and suppliers of tungsten heavy alloys, OEMs and fabricators needing controlled high‑density components (aerospace, defense, industrial balancing, shielding), materials and quality engineers, and purchasing departments specifying material acceptance.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The document is B777‑15 reapproved in 2020 and is listed as the active/current ASTM specification; a revision work item has been recorded for future revision activities (work item WK94840), but until a revised or superseding edition is published the 2020 reapproval remains the active edition.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It sits under ASTM Committee B10 (Reactive and Refractory Metals and Alloys), Subcommittee B10.04 (Molybdenum and Tungsten). It is part of the family of non‑ferrous metal specifications and is often used alongside related ASTM material and test‑method standards for tungsten and molybdenum products.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Tungsten base, high‑density, heavy alloy, machinable tungsten, density, hardness, sintered mechanical properties, counterweights, radiation shielding, ASTM B777‑15 (2020).