ASTM B170-99(2020)

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: B170 − 99 (Reapproved 2020)
Standard Specification for
Oxygen-Free Electrolytic Copper—Refinery Shapes
This standard is issued under the fixed designation B170; 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.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.
1. Scope 2. Referenced Documents
1.1 This specification establishes the requirements for two 2.1 ASTM Standards:
grades of oxygen-free electrolytic copper wire bars, billets, and B5 Specification for High Conductivity Tough-Pitch Copper
cakes produced without the use of metallic or metaloidal Refinery Shapes
deoxidizers. B193 Test Method for Resistivity of Electrical Conductor
Materials
1.2 Oxygen-free copper, as described herein, is defined as
B224 Classification of Coppers
copper containing oxygen not in excess of 0.0010 % (10 ppm).
B577 Test Methods for Detection of Cuprous Oxide (Hydro-
1.2.1 Grade 1 copper (UNS C10100) corresponds to the
gen Embrittlement Susceptibility) in Copper
designation OFE in Classification B224.
B846 Terminology for Copper and Copper Alloys
1.2.2 Grade 2 copper (UNS C10200) corresponds to the
E29 Practice for Using Significant Digits in Test Data to
designation OF in Classification B224.
Determine Conformance with Specifications
1.2.3 Grade 2 copper may be used to produce OFS desig-
E50 Practices for Apparatus, Reagents, and Safety Consid-
nation coppers corresponding to UNS C10400, C10500, and
erations for Chemical Analysis of Metals, Ores, and
C10700.
Related Materials
1.3 Although this specification includes certain UNS desig-
E53 Test Method for Determination of Copper in Unalloyed
nations as described in Practice E527, these designations are
Copper by Gravimetry (Withdrawn 2022)
for cross reference only and are not specification requirements.
E76 Test Methods for Chemical Analysis of Nickel-Copper
In case of conflict, Specification B170 shall govern.
Alloys (Withdrawn 2003)
E255 Practice for Sampling Copper and Copper Alloys for
1.4 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for the Determination of Chemical Composition
information only, except for analytical measurements where SI E527 Practice for Numbering Metals and Alloys in the
Unified Numbering System (UNS)
units are the norm.
1.5 The following hazard caveat pertains only to Section 13
3. Terminology
and Annex A1, of this specification. This standard does not
3.1 Definitions:
purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated
3.1.1 Definition of terms used shall be that found in Clas-
with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard
sification B224 and Terminology B846.
to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental
practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limita-
4. Ordering Information
tions prior to use.
4.1 Orders for material shall include the following informa-
1.6 This international standard was developed in accor-
tion:
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
4.1.1 ASTM designation and year of issue,
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
4.1.2 Grade,
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
1 2
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee B05 on Copper For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
and Copper Alloys and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee B05.07 on contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
Refined Copper. Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
Current edition approved April 1, 2020. Published April 2020. Originally the ASTM website.
approved in 1942. Last previous edition approved in 2015 as B170–99 (2015). DOI: The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on
10.1520/B0170–99R20. www.astm.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
B170 − 99 (2020)
4.1.2.1 Grade 1 copper, (UNS C10100), corresponds to the 6.2 Embrittlement Test:
designation OFE in Classification B224, 6.2.1 Grade 1 shall withstand ten reverse bends without
4.1.2.2 Grade 2 copper (UNS C10200), corresponds to the
breaking, in accordance with Test Method D of Test Methods
designation OF in Classification B224, B577.
4.1.3 Shape and size, and
6.2.2 Grade 2 shall withstand eight reverse bends without
4.1.4 Quantity.
breaking in accordance with Test Method D of Test Methods
B577.
4.2 The following options are available and should be
specified at time of order when required:
7. Dimensions, Mass, and Permissible Variations
4.2.1 Certification,
4.2.2 Test reports,
7.1 Standard Shapes and Sizes—The copper shall be sup-
4.2.3 Piece identification,
plied in the form of wire bars, cakes, and billets (Note 1).
4.2.4 The amount of silver required in troy oz/short ton for
NOTE 1—For available shapes and sizes consult the manufacturer’s
silver bearing (OFS) coppers,
published list.
4.2.4.1 The addition of silver up to an average of 30 troy
7.1.1 Wire bars covered by this specification do not conform
oz/short ton (0.102 %) will be considered within the
in dimension to Specification B5.
specification, with no individual silver analysis to exceed
35 troy oz ⁄short ton (0.12 %), and
7.2 Wire Bars:
4.2.4.2 Copper with added silver corresponds to the desig-
7.2.1 A variation of 5 % in weight, or
nation OFS as shown in Classification B224 and to coppers
7.2.2 A variation of ⁄4 in. (6.4 mm) in height, or width, or
UNS C10400, C10500, and C10700 as defined by the agreed
both, or
silver content.
7.2.3 A variation of 1 % in length from the purchaser’s
specification shall be considered good delivery.
5. Chemical Composition
7.3 Cakes:
5.1 The composition of each grade shall be in accordance
7.3.1 A variation of 5 % in weight, or
with the requirements of Table 1.
7.3.2 A variation of ⁄4 in. (6.4 mm) in height or width, or
5.2 By agreement between purchaser and supplier, analysis
both, from the purchaser’s specification shall be considered
may be required and limits established for elements not
good delivery.
specified in Table 1.
7.3.3 Cakes may vary by 3 % from any listed or specified
dimension greater than 8 in. (203 mm).
6. Physical Properties
7.4 Billets:
6.1 Electrical Resistivity:
7.4.1 For billets up to 6 in. (152.4 mm) in diameter, a
6.1.1 The maximum mass resistivity for Grade 1 is 0.15176
2 variation of 5 % in weight and 6 ⁄16 in. (1.6 mm) in diameter
Ω g/m (conductivity 101 %, minimum, International An-
from the purchaser’s specification shall be considered good
nealed Copper Standards, (IACS).
delivery.
6.1.2 The maximum mass resistivity for Grade 2 is 0.15328
7.4.2 For billets 6 in. (152.4 mm) and over in diameter, the
Ω g/m (conductivity 100 %, minimum, IACS).
1 1
diameter tolerance shall be + ⁄16, − ⁄8 in. (+1.6 mm, −3.2 mm)
for good delivery.
A 7.4.3 By agreement between the manufacturer and the
TABLE 1 Chemical Composition
purchaser a diameter tolerance of +0 in., − ⁄16 in. (+0 mm,
Element Grade 1 Grade 2
B −4.8 mm) may be specified for billets 6 in. and over in
Copper, min % 99.99 . . .
Copper (including silver), min % . . . 99.95 diameter.
ppm, max ppm, max
7.4.4 Billets varying in length by 62 % from the listed or
Antimony 4 . . .
specified length shall be considered good delivery.
Arsenic 5 . . .
Bismuth 1 . . .
7.4.5 Billets shall be straight within ⁄4 in. (6.4 mm) in 4 ft
Cadmium 1 . . .
(1.22 m) as measured at the center of the billet.
Iron 10 . . .
7.4.6 Billets shall not be cupped except by specific agree-
Lead 5 . . .
Manganese 0.5 . . .
ment at time of purchase.
Nickel 10 . . .
Oxygen 5 10
C
8. Workmanship, Finish, and Appearance
Phosphorus 3 . . .
Selenium 3 . . .
8.1 Wire Bars, Billets, and Cakes—Shall be substantially
Silver 25 . . .
Sulfur 15 . . .
free of shrink holes, porosity, cracks, cold sets, pits, inclusions,
Tellurium 2 . . .
and similar defects.
Tin 2 . . .
Zinc 1 . . .
A 9. Sampling
Analytical uncertainty is not incorporated into the specified limits.
B
Copper is determined by the difference of impurity total from 100.
C 9.1 For routine sampling, the method of sampling shall be at
Refer to Section 13.
the discretion of the sampler.
B170 − 99 (2020)
9.2 In the case of special requirements specified in the 9.6 Resistivity—In case of dispute concerning mass
purchase order or contract, the method of sampling shall be as resistivity, each party shall select two pieces from the lot.
agreed upon between the producer, or supplier, and the
9.6.1 In the presence of both parties, and by mutually
purchaser.
agreeable means, a single sample of adequate size shall be cut
from each of the four pieces and fabricated into a wire.
9.3 In case of dispute, a sampling lot shall consist of all
9.6.2 Each coil shall be cut into three portions of approxi-
pieces in a shipment manufactured during a single production
mately equal length, and the twelve portions thus obtained
period as defined and recorded by the manufacturer.
shall be individually identified.
9.4 Chemical Composition—In case of dispute concerning
9.6.3 The twelve wires shall be divided into three groups of
chemical composition, each party shall select two pieces from
four wires each, one from each of the four original selected
the lot to be investigated.
pieces; one group each for the manufacturer, the purchaser, and
9.4.1 Each of the four selected pieces shall be sampled in
the umpire, if necessary.
the presence of both parties by drilling five holes, approxi-
9.7 Embrittlement—In case of dispute concerning freedom
mately ⁄2 in. (12.7 mm) in diameter, at points equally spaced
from embrittlement, sampling shall be described in 9.6.
between the ends of the pieces.
9.4.2 For wire bars or billets, these holes shall be along an
9.8 Variation in Weights or Dimensions—In case of dispute
approximate center line, and with cakes, along an approximate
concerning weights or dimensions, the representative of the
diagonal line between opposite corners.
manufacturer and purchaser shall inspect all pieces where
9.4.3 The drilling shall be completely through each piece.
physical defects or variations in weights are claimed. If such
Surface drillings shall be rejected.
inspection is not practical, or if agreement is not reached, the
9.4.3.1 The drill bit used shall be thoroughly cleaned prior
question of fact shall be submitted to a mutually agreeable
to use. The bit shall be made from a noncontaminating
umpire.
material.
9.4.3.2 No lubricant shall be used, and the drill shall not be
10. Number of Tests and Retests
forced sufficiently to cause oxidation of the drillings.
10.1 Number of Tests:
9.4.4 In case of a section more than 5 in. (125 mm) in
10.1.1 The chemical composition, except for oxygen, shall
thickness, drillings may be made from opposite sides for a
be determined as the mean of the observations from three
depth of not less than 2 in. (51 mm) in each direction instead
replicate analyses of each of the four portions.
of completely through each piece, but, in other respects, the
10.1.2 The oxygen content shall be determined as the mean
drillings shall be conducted as previously described.
of the results from the four test specimens.
9.4.5 The drillings from each of the four pieces are indi-
10.1.3 The mass resistivity shall be determined as the mean
vidually mixed and divided into three approximately equal
of the results from the four test specimens.
portions.
10.1.4 The freedom from embrittlement shall be determined
9.4.5.1 Each portion shall be placed in a sealed,
as the mean of the results from the four test specimens.
noncontaminating, package, and
9.4.5.2 The twelve portions shall be individually identified,
10.2 Retest:
and
10.2.1 In case of dispute one retest may be made by the
9.4.5.3 Divided into three groups of four portion each, one
manufacturer or the purchaser or both, under the conditions of
portion from each of the original four pieces; one group each
10.1.
for the manufacturer, the purchaser, and the umpire, if neces-
10.3 Umpire Test:
sary.
10.3.1 In the case where the retest does not settle the
9.4.6 Sampling of individual pieces weighing over 1000 lb
dispute, a second retest may be made by a third qualified
(453 kg) shall be by agreement between manufacturer and the
laboratory agreeable to the manufacturer and the purchaser.
purchaser.
The second retest shall be made on the samples set aside for
9.5 Oxygen—In case of dispute concerning oxygen content,
this purpose.
each party shall select two pieces from the lot to be investi-
10.3.2 The umpire provision does not preclude other
gated.
arrangements, by agreement or contract.
9.5.1 Each of the four selected pieces shall be sampled in
the presence of both parties. A single piece of adequate size
11. Specimen Preparation
shall be cut from each of the four pieces by mutually agreeable
11.1 Oxygen:
means.
11.1.1 The test specimen shall originate as a single piece of
9.5.2 Each piece shall be cut into three approximately equal
portions. The twelve portions thus obtained shall be individu- appropriate size cut from a bar, cake, or billet from which a
0.25 in. (6.4 mm) test cube specimen is fabricated by means
ally identified.
agreeable to the manufacturer and the purchaser.
9.5.3 The twelve portions shall be divided into three groups
of four portions each, one from each of the original four pieces; 11.1.2 The test specimen shall be etched with a solution of
one group each for the manufacturer, the purchaser, and the nitric acid (HNO ) (1+1) for a time sufficient to produce a
umpire, if necessary. visible reaction.
B170 − 99 (2020)
11.1.3 The test specimen is removed from the acid with 12.6 In case of dispute concerning the oxygen content of
stainless steel, or platinum tipped, tongs, or forceps, and rinsed Grade 1 or Grade 2, the method of analysis shall be by the
four times with distilled or deionized water. conductometric method, the vacuum fusion method, or the
11.1.4 The test specimen is covered with concentrated inert gas fusion technique, described in the annex.
hydrochloric acid (HCl) for 5 min, rinsed four times with
12.7 In case of dispute concerning the sulfur content of
water, blotted dry, dipped in acetone, and allowed to air dry.
Grade 1, the method of analysis shall be by induction furnace
11.1.5 The test specimen is weighed to the nearest 0.1 mg
combustion and infrared detection instrumentation in accor-
and analyzed in a properly calibrated oxygen analyzer.
dance with the test method described in the annex, or by
agreement between the manufacturer or supplier and the
11.2 Resistivity:
11.2.1 Each test specimen shall originate as a single piece of purchaser, or by the direct combustion method described in
Test Methods E76.
appropriate size cut from a bar, cake, or billet. The specimen
shall be forged or hot rolled.
12.8 In case of dispute concerning copper content of Grade
11.2.2 The external oxide shall be removed and the speci-
2, the method of analysis shall be the electrolytic determination
men cold drawn into a wire approximately 0.080 in. (2.03 mm)
of copper method in Test Method E53.
in diameter.
12.9 Resistivity—In case of dispute concerning the electrical
11.2.3 The wire shall be annealed in an inert atmosphere at
resistivity, the test method shall be in accordance with Test
approximately 500 °C (932 °F) for 30 min and cooled to
Method B193.
ambient temperature in the same inert atmosphere.
12.10 Embrittlement—As required in 6.2, freedom from
11.3 Embrittlement (Bend):
embrittlement shall be determined by lightly clamping each of
11.3.1 Each specimen shall originate as a single piece of
the four test specimens, individually, between jaws having a
appropriate size cut from a selected bar, cake, or billet. The
radius of 0.200 in. (5.1 mm).
specimen shall be forged or hot rolled.
12.10.1 The specimen shall then be bent by hand over one
11.3.2 The external oxide shall be removed and the speci-
edge through an angle of 90° and returned to its original
men cold drawn into a wire approximately 0.080 in. (2.03 mm)
position, this constitutes one bend.
in diameter.
12.10.2 The specimen shall then be bent in the reverse
11.3.3 The wire shall be annealed in an atmosphere contain-
direction through 90° and returned to its original position, this
ing not less than 10 % hydrogen for 30 min at 850 °C 6 25 °C
constitutes a second bend.
(1517 °F to 1607 °F) and cooled to ambient temperature in the
12.10.3 Each successive bend shall be made in the opposite
same atmosphere.
direction of the previous bend until the test is completed.
12. Test Methods
13. Significance of Numerical Limits
12.1 For routine analysis, the analytical test method shall be
13.1 For purposes of determining conformance with this
at the discretion of the analyst.
specification, an observed value obtained from analysis shall
be rounded to the nearest unit in the last right-hand place of
12.2 In the case of special requirements specified in the
figures used in expressing the limiting value in accordance with
purchase order or contract, the methods of analysis used shall
Practice E29.
be as agreed upon between the producer, or the supplier, and
the purchaser.
14. Inspection
12.3 In case of dispute concerning the chemical composi-
14.1 The manufacturer shall inspect and make tests neces-
tion of Grade 1, except for phosphorus, oxygen, and sulfur, the
sary to verify that the product furnished, conforms to the
method of analysis shall be by electrothermal atomization
specified requirements.
atomic absorption spectrometer with background correction
14.2 The manufacturer and the purchaser, by mutual
capability as described in the annex.
agreement, may accomplish the final inspection simultane-
12.4 In case of dispute concerning the copper content of
ously.
Grade 1, copper shall be determined by difference of “impurity
total” from 100 %.
15. Rejection and Rehearing
12.4.1 impurity total—defined as the sum of antimony,
15.1 Rejection:
arsenic, bismuth, cadmium, iron, lead, manganese, nickel,
15.1.1 Product that fails to conform to the specification
oxygen, phosphorus, silver, selenium, sulfur, tellurium, tin, and
requirements when tested by the purchaser or purchaser’s agent
zinc.
may be rejected.
12.5 Phosphorous is normally determined by the optical 15.1.2 Rejection shall be considered as follows:
emission spectroscopy technique. Therefore, in case of dispute 15.1.2.1 Chemical composition, embrittlement, or resistiv-
concerning the phosphorous content, reference material for ity by lot,
instrument calibration shall be by agreement between the 15.1.2.2 Variation in weight, dimensions, and workmanship
producer, or the supplier, and the purchaser in the absence of by individual pieces,
suitable standard reference materials from the National Insti- 15.1.3 Rejection shall be reported to the manufacturer or
tute of Standards and Technology. supplier promptly, and in writing, and
B170 − 99 (2020)
15.1.4 In case of dissatisfaction with results of the test upon 17. Test Report
which rejection is based, the manufacturer or supplier may
17.1 When specified in the contract or purchase order, a
make claim for a rehearing.
report of test results shall be furnished.
15.2 Rehearing—As a result of product rejection, the manu-
facturer or supplier may make claim for a retest to be
18. Product Marking
conducted by the manufacturer or supplier and the purchaser.
18.1 Each wire bar, billet, and cake shall be stamped with
Samples of the rejected product shall be taken in accordance
the manufacturer’s brand and with an identifying number.
with the product specification and subjected to test by both
parties using the test method(s) specified therein, or
alternatively, upon agreement by both parties, an independent 19. Packaging and Package Marking
laboratory may be selected for the test(s) using the test methods
19.1 The manufacturer shall arrange rail car loads, truck
specified in the specification.
loads, or other shipping units so that, as far as possible, each
16. Certification shipping unit shall contain pieces bearing a single identifying
lot number.
16.1 When specified in the purchase order or contract, the
purchaser shall be furnished certification that samples repre-
19.2 In case of dispute, a lot shall consist of all pieces of the
senting each lot have been either tested or inspected as directed
same shape and size bearing the same identifying number.
in this specification and the requirements have been met.
16.2 When specified in the purchase order the certificate of
20. Keywords
compliance shall include the statement, “The material fur-
20.1 billets; cakes; oxygen free; refinery shapes; silver
nished on this purchase order does not contain functional
containing; wire bars
mercury in any form.”
ANNEX
(Mandatory Information)
A1. TEST METHODS FOR DETERMINATION OF COMPLIANCE WITH CHEMICAL COMPOSITION
REQUIREMENTS OF SPECIFICATION B170 FOR OXYGEN-FREE ELECTROLYTIC
COPPER-REFINERY SHAPES
A1.1 Scope A1.2 Significance and Use
A1.2.1 These test methods are primarily intended to test
A1.1.1 These test methods cover the chemical analysis of
oxygen-free copper for compliance with chemical composition
oxygen-free electrolytic copper for the elements with the
requirements of Specification B170. It is assumed that all who
specified limiting value stated in Table 1 of Specification B170.
use these test methods will be trained analysts capable of
A1.1.2 These test methods may involve hazardous
performing common laboratory procedures skillfully and
materials, operations, and equipment. These test methods do
safely. It is expected that work will be performed in a properly
not purport to address all of the safety concerns associated
equipped laboratory.
with their use. It is the responsibility of the user of these test
A1.3 Apparatus
methods to establish appropriate safety, health, and environ-
mental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory A1.3.1 Apparatus required for each determination are listed
limitations prior to their use. Special hazard statements are in separate sections preceding the procedure.
given in A1.11, A1.24, and A1.36.
A1.4 Reagents and Material
A1.1.3 These test methods are arranged as follows:
A1.4.1 Reagents and materials required for each test
method are listed in a separate section in the test method.
Sections
Antimony, Arsenic, Bismuth, Cadmium, Iron Lead, A1.7 – A1.17
A1.5 Sampling
Manganese, Mercury, Nickel, Selenium, Silver,
Tellurium, Tin, and Zinc by Electrothermal Atomization
...