ASTM A838-18 - 1.10.2018
 
1. Scope

1.1 This specification covers free-machining ferritic stainless soft magnetic alloy produced or supplied expressly in cold-finished bar form for use in magnetic cores and other parts requiring a high permeability, low-coercivity stainless steel.

1.1.1 This specification does not cover either cast parts or parts produced by powder metallurgy techniques.

1.2 Two specific alloy types are covered. The primary constituents are shown in Table 1. These types have corrosion resistance similar to AISI Type 430F and Type 430F, Specification A582/A582M.

1.3 This specification covers only these alloy types supplied in cold-finished bars in cross-sectional shapes such as rounds, squares, hexagons, and octagons with diameters (diagonals) greater than or equal to 6.35 mm (0.250 in.) and less than or equal to 41.5 mm (1.63 in.).2

1.4 Certain cold-finished round bar products are capable of being supplied mill annealed to required magnetic properties such as low coercivity. The size range that can be mill annealed is from 6.35 to 41.5 mm (0.250 to 1.63 in.). Other products of these alloys cannot be mill annealed to produce equivalently low coercivity; hence, the final machined parts should be heat treated as recommended by the producer.

1.5 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to customary (cgs-emu and inch-pound) units which are provided for information only and are not considered standard.

1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.7 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

 
2. Referenced Documents

A773/A773M-21

Standard Test Method for Direct Current Magnetic Properties of Low Coercivity Magnetic Materials Using Hysteresigraphs

IEC Publication 60404-7

Methods of Measurement of the Coercivity of Magnetic Materials in an Open Magnetic Circuit Available from American National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St., 4th Floor, New York, NY 10036, http://www.ansi.org.

E1019-18

Standard Test Methods for Determination of Carbon, Sulfur, Nitrogen, and Oxygen in Steel, Iron, Nickel, and Cobalt Alloys by Various Combustion and Inert Gas Fusion Techniques

A596/A596M-21

Standard Test Method for Direct-Current Magnetic Properties of Materials Using the Point by Point (Ballistic) Method and Ring Specimens

A582/A582M-22

Standard Specification for Free-Machining Stainless Steel Bars

A34/A34M-06(2021)

Standard Practice for Sampling and Procurement Testing of Magnetic Materials

A340-23a

Standard Terminology of Symbols and Definitions Relating to Magnetic Testing (Includes all amendments and changes 12/19/2023).

A341/A341M-16(2022)

Standard Test Method for Direct Current Magnetic Properties of Soft Magnetic Materials Using D-C Permeameters and the Point by Point (Ballistic) Test Methods