Standard Specification for Cadmium

ABSTRACT
This specification covers refined cadmium metal in slab, ball or stick form. The cadmium shall be furnished in commercial standard forms or shapes. The cadmium supplied shall conform to the chemical requirements for one of the three grades, L01951, L01971, L01981. The producer may obtain representative samples from the molten metal during casting, and all or part of these samples may be cast into shapes suitable for chemical analysis. The material shall also conform to the chemical composition in iron, copper, nickel, lead, zinc, thallium, tin, silver, antimony, arsenic, and mercury.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers refined cadmium metal in slab, ball or stick form.  
1.2 Toxicity—Warning: Soluble and respirable forms of cadmium may be harmful to human health and the environment in certain forms and concentrations. Therefore, ingestion and inhalation of cadmium should be controlled under the appropriate regulations of the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Cadmium-containing alloys and coatings should not be used on articles that will contact food or beverages, or for dental and other equipment that is normally inserted in the mouth. Similarly, if articles using cadmium-containing alloys or coatings are welded, soldered, brazed, ground, “flame-cut,” or otherwise heated during fabrication, adequate ventilation must be provided to maintain occupational cadmium exposure below the OSHA Permissible Exposure Level (PEL).  
1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.  
1.4 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 become familiar with all hazards including those identified in the appropriate Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for this product/material as provided by the manufacturer, to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices, and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.5 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.

General Information

Status
Published
Publication Date
31-Oct-2021
Drafting Committee
B02.04 - Zinc and Cadmium

Relations

Effective Date
15-Dec-2017
Effective Date
01-Sep-2017
Effective Date
01-Oct-2016
Effective Date
01-Oct-2015
Effective Date
01-Oct-2014
Effective Date
01-Feb-2013
Effective Date
27-Jan-2012
Effective Date
27-Jan-2012
Effective Date
15-May-2011
Effective Date
01-May-2011
Effective Date
01-Oct-2009
Effective Date
01-Oct-2009
Effective Date
01-Oct-2008
Effective Date
01-Dec-2006
Effective Date
15-Nov-2006

Overview

ASTM B440-12(2021): Standard Specification for Cadmium is an internationally recognized ASTM standard that establishes requirements for refined cadmium metal provided in slab, ball, or stick form. This specification is vital for ensuring the consistent chemical quality and standardization of cadmium in commercial applications, facilitating reliable material sourcing and product manufacturing across industries. ASTM B440-12(2021) covers the delivery of cadmium in various forms and grades, addressing chemical composition, sampling, analysis, and safety guidelines.

All provisions are made in accordance with globally accepted principles for international standards, as set by the World Trade Organization’s TBT Committee. Key considerations regarding human health, safety, and environmental management are integrated into this specification due to the inherent toxicity of cadmium.

Key Topics

  • Material Forms and Grades

    • Refined cadmium must be supplied in slab, ball, or stick form, or in other agreed shapes.
    • Defines three grades of cadmium: 99.95%, 99.99%, and 99.995% minimum purity.
    • Assigns Unified Numbering System (UNS) designations: L01951, L01971, and L01981.
  • Chemical Composition Requirements

    • Specifies maximum permissible concentrations of impurities such as iron, copper, nickel, lead, zinc, thallium, tin, silver, antimony, arsenic, and mercury.
    • Ensures material consistency and quality through stringent chemical controls.
  • Sampling and Analysis

    • Details procedures for representative sampling during production and methods for chemical analysis.
    • Establishes processes for handling disputes over material quality, including umpire analysis.
  • Safety and Handling

    • Emphasizes toxicological risks: ingestion or inhalation of cadmium must be restricted in accordance with OSHA regulations.
    • Prohibits use of cadmium-containing alloys or coatings in food or beverage contact articles, dental devices, and other items meant for mouth insertion.
    • Requires appropriate ventilation and occupational exposure controls during processes such as welding or brazing.
  • Product Identification and Marking

    • Outlines marking requirements for containers and, optionally, for individual cadmium pieces, ensuring full traceability.

Applications

ASTM B440-12(2021) cadmium specification is critical in sectors where high-purity cadmium is necessary for performance, safety, or compliance with legal requirements, such as:

  • Electronics and Electrical Manufacturing

    • Used in components such as batteries, semiconductors, and plating processes where precise cadmium composition is essential.
  • Aerospace and Defense

    • Applied for corrosion-resistant coatings and specialized alloys requiring stringent material properties.
  • Industrial Alloy Production

    • Serves as a component or plating material in nonferrous metal alloys for enhanced performance in harsh environments.
  • Research and Laboratory Uses

    • Required for analytical standards, reference materials, and scientific studies involving cadmium properties.

Compliance ensures manufacturers meet market and regulatory expectations, minimize risk, and assure end-users of consistent product quality.

Related Standards

Organizations and users referencing ASTM B440-12(2021) for the specification and procurement of cadmium metal should also consider the following related ASTM standards:

  • ASTM B899: Terminology Relating to Non-ferrous Metals and Alloys
  • ASTM E29: Practice for Using Significant Digits in Test Data to Determine Conformance with Specifications
  • ASTM E88: Practice for Sampling Nonferrous Metals and Alloys in Cast Form for Determination of Chemical Composition
  • ASTM E396: Test Methods for Chemical Analysis of Cadmium
  • ASTM E527: Practice for Numbering Metals and Alloys in the Unified Numbering System (UNS)

These standards provide the necessary background for terminology, sampling methods, analysis techniques, and material classification to support efficient use and compliance with ASTM B440-12(2021) in industrial and commercial settings.

Keywords: ASTM B440, cadmium metal, refined cadmium, cadmium specification, nonferrous metals, industrial standards, purity requirements, material safety, chemical composition.

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Frequently Asked Questions

ASTM B440-12(2021) is a technical specification published by ASTM International. Its full title is "Standard Specification for Cadmium". This standard covers: ABSTRACT This specification covers refined cadmium metal in slab, ball or stick form. The cadmium shall be furnished in commercial standard forms or shapes. The cadmium supplied shall conform to the chemical requirements for one of the three grades, L01951, L01971, L01981. The producer may obtain representative samples from the molten metal during casting, and all or part of these samples may be cast into shapes suitable for chemical analysis. The material shall also conform to the chemical composition in iron, copper, nickel, lead, zinc, thallium, tin, silver, antimony, arsenic, and mercury. SCOPE 1.1 This specification covers refined cadmium metal in slab, ball or stick form. 1.2 Toxicity—Warning: Soluble and respirable forms of cadmium may be harmful to human health and the environment in certain forms and concentrations. Therefore, ingestion and inhalation of cadmium should be controlled under the appropriate regulations of the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Cadmium-containing alloys and coatings should not be used on articles that will contact food or beverages, or for dental and other equipment that is normally inserted in the mouth. Similarly, if articles using cadmium-containing alloys or coatings are welded, soldered, brazed, ground, “flame-cut,” or otherwise heated during fabrication, adequate ventilation must be provided to maintain occupational cadmium exposure below the OSHA Permissible Exposure Level (PEL). 1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard. 1.4 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 become familiar with all hazards including those identified in the appropriate Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for this product/material as provided by the manufacturer, to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices, and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. 1.5 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.

ABSTRACT This specification covers refined cadmium metal in slab, ball or stick form. The cadmium shall be furnished in commercial standard forms or shapes. The cadmium supplied shall conform to the chemical requirements for one of the three grades, L01951, L01971, L01981. The producer may obtain representative samples from the molten metal during casting, and all or part of these samples may be cast into shapes suitable for chemical analysis. The material shall also conform to the chemical composition in iron, copper, nickel, lead, zinc, thallium, tin, silver, antimony, arsenic, and mercury. SCOPE 1.1 This specification covers refined cadmium metal in slab, ball or stick form. 1.2 Toxicity—Warning: Soluble and respirable forms of cadmium may be harmful to human health and the environment in certain forms and concentrations. Therefore, ingestion and inhalation of cadmium should be controlled under the appropriate regulations of the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Cadmium-containing alloys and coatings should not be used on articles that will contact food or beverages, or for dental and other equipment that is normally inserted in the mouth. Similarly, if articles using cadmium-containing alloys or coatings are welded, soldered, brazed, ground, “flame-cut,” or otherwise heated during fabrication, adequate ventilation must be provided to maintain occupational cadmium exposure below the OSHA Permissible Exposure Level (PEL). 1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard. 1.4 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 become familiar with all hazards including those identified in the appropriate Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for this product/material as provided by the manufacturer, to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices, and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. 1.5 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.

ASTM B440-12(2021) is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 77.120.70 - Cadmium, cobalt and their alloys. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.

ASTM B440-12(2021) has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to ASTM E396-17, ASTM E88-11(2017), ASTM B899-16, ASTM B899-15, ASTM B899-14, ASTM B899-13, ASTM E396-12e1, ASTM E396-12, ASTM E396-05(2011), ASTM E88-11, ASTM B899-09, ASTM B899-09e1, ASTM E29-08, ASTM B899-06, ASTM E29-06b. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.

ASTM B440-12(2021) is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.

Standards Content (Sample)


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.
Designation: B440 −12 (Reapproved 2021)
Standard Specification for
Cadmium
This standard is issued under the fixed designation B440; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
1.1 This specification covers refined cadmium metal in slab,
B899 Terminology Relating to Non-ferrous Metals and Al-
ball or stick form.
loys
1.2 Toxicity—Warning: Soluble and respirable forms of
E29 Practice for Using Significant Digits in Test Data to
cadmiummaybeharmfultohumanhealthandtheenvironment
Determine Conformance with Specifications
in certain forms and concentrations. Therefore, ingestion and
E88 Practice for Sampling Nonferrous Metals and Alloys in
inhalation of cadmium should be controlled under the appro-
Cast Form for Determination of Chemical Composition
priate regulations of the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health
E396 Test Methods for Chemical Analysis of Cadmium
Administration(OSHA).Cadmium-containingalloysandcoat-
E527 Practice for Numbering Metals and Alloys in the
ings should not be used on articles that will contact food or
Unified Numbering System (UNS)
beverages, or for dental and other equipment that is normally
inserted in the mouth. Similarly, if articles using cadmium- 3. Terminology
containing alloys or coatings are welded, soldered, brazed,
3.1 Terms shall be defined in accordance with Terminology
ground, “flame-cut,” or otherwise heated during fabrication,
B899.
adequateventilationmustbeprovidedtomaintainoccupational
4. Ordering Information
cadmium exposure below the OSHA Permissible Exposure
Level (PEL).
4.1 Orders for cadmium under this specification shall in-
clude the following information:
1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
4.1.1 ASTM designation,
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
4.1.2 Quantity (weight),
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only
4.1.3 Grade (Table 1), and
and are not considered standard.
4.1.4 Shape and size (Section 7).
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
5. Materials and Manufacture
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
responsibility of the user of this standard to become familiar
5.1 The cadmium shall be furnished in commercial standard
with all hazards including those identified in the appropriate
forms or shapes requested by purchaser.
Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for this product/material as provided
6. Chemical Requirements
by the manufacturer, to establish appropriate safety, health,
and environmental practices, and determine the applicability
6.1 The cadmium supplied shall conform to the require-
of regulatory limitations prior to use. ments of Table 1 for one of the three grades.
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
7. Shape and Size
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
7.1 Various forms and sizes of commercially available
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
cadmium are:
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
Form Shape and Size
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
Ball Spherical, about 2 in. (50.8 mm) in diameter
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
1 3 1
Stick Bar, about 9 × ⁄2 × ⁄8 in. (229 × 9.5 mm) or stick about 9 × ⁄2 in.
(229 × 12.7 mm) in diameter.
Slab Plate or bar, varying in weight from about 20 to 60 lb (9.0 to 27.2
kg)
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee B02 on
Nonferrous Metals and Alloys and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee
B02.04 on Zinc and Cadmium. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Current edition approved Nov. 1, 2021. Published December 2021. Originally contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
approved in 1966. Last previous edition approved in 2017 as B440 – 12 (2017). Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
DOI: 10.1520/B0440-12R21. the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
B440 − 12 (2021)
A
TABLE 1 Chemical Requirements
into one sample and thoroughly mixed. The total sample
weight shall be not less than 300 g.
NOTE 1—With the mutual agreement of the buyer and seller, chemical
limits for Tin, Silver, Antimony, Arsenic, and Mercury may also be
9.4 In those cases where the cadmium involved is in some
assigned to the grades 99.95 and 99.99 Cd.
other shape or form that does not lend itself to any of the above
Grade
B methods,thesamplingprocedureshallbeagreeduponbetween
(UNS)
Element
the manufacturer or seller and purchaser. The method of 9.1
99.95 Cd 99.99 Cd 99.995 Cd
(L01951) (L01971) (L01981) offers many advantages.
A
Cadmium, min. 99.95 % 99.99 % 99.995 %
9.5 Aspectsofsamplingandsamplepreparationnotcovered
Iron, ma
...

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