Designation: A123/A123M − 13

Standard Specification for

Zinc (Hot-Dip Galvanized) Coatings on Iron and Steel
Products1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation A123/A123M; 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 Department of Defense.

1. Scope* way. In the case of orders in SI units, all testing and inspection
1.1 This specification covers the requirements for zinc shall be done using the metric equivalent of the test or
coating (galvanizing) by the hot-dip process on iron and steel inspection method as appropriate. In the case of orders in SI
products made from rolled pressed and forged shapes, castings, units, such shall be stated to the galvanizer when the order is
plates, bars, and strips. placed.
1.2 This specification covers both unfabricated products and 2. Referenced Documents
fabricated products, for example, assembled steel products,
2.1 ASTM Standards:2
structural steel fabrications, large tubes already bent or welded
A47/A47M Specification for Ferritic Malleable Iron Cast-
before galvanizing, and wire work fabricated from uncoated
ings
steel wire. This specification also covers steel forgings and iron
A90/A90M Test Method for Weight [Mass] of Coating on
castings incorporated into pieces fabricated before galvanizing
Iron and Steel Articles with Zinc or Zinc-Alloy Coatings
or which are too large to be centrifuged (or otherwise handled
A143/A143M Practice for Safeguarding Against Embrittle-
to remove excess galvanizing bath metal).
ment of Hot-Dip Galvanized Structural Steel Products and
NOTE 1—This specification covers those products previously addressed Procedure for Detecting Embrittlement
in Specifications A123-78 and A386-78. A153/A153M Specification for Zinc Coating (Hot-Dip) on
1.3 This specification does not apply to wire, pipe, tube, or Iron and Steel Hardware
steel sheet which is galvanized on specialized or continuous A384/A384M Practice for Safeguarding Against Warpage
lines, or to steel less than 22 gage (0.0299 in.) [0.76 mm] thick. and Distortion During Hot-Dip Galvanizing of Steel
1.4 The galvanizing of hardware items that are to be Assemblies
centrifuged or otherwise handled to remove excess zinc (such A385 Practice for Providing High-Quality Zinc Coatings
as bolts and similar threaded fasteners, castings and rolled, (Hot-Dip)
pressed and forged items) shall be in accordance with Speci- A767/A767M Specification for Zinc-Coated (Galvanized)
fication A153/A153M. Steel Bars for Concrete Reinforcement
A780 Practice for Repair of Damaged and Uncoated Areas
1.5 Fabricated reinforcing steel bar assemblies are covered of Hot-Dip Galvanized Coatings
by the present specification. The galvanizing of separate A902 Terminology Relating to Metallic Coated Steel Prod-
reinforcing steel bars shall be in accordance with Specification ucts
A767/A767M. B6 Specification for Zinc
1.6 This specification is applicable to orders in either B487 Test Method for Measurement of Metal and Oxide
inch-pound units (as A123) or SI units (as A123M). Inch- Coating Thickness by Microscopical Examination of
pound units and SI units are not necessarily exact equivalents. Cross Section
Within the text of this specification and where appropriate, SI B602 Test Method for Attribute Sampling of Metallic and
units are shown in parentheses. Each system shall be used Inorganic Coatings
independently of the other without combining values in any B960 Specification for Prime Western Grade-Recycled
(PWG-R) Zinc
1
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee A05 on
Metallic-Coated Iron and Steel Productsand is the direct responsibility of Subcom-
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2
mittee A05.13 on Structural Shapes and Hardware Specifications. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Current edition approved Nov. 1, 2013. Published November 2013. Originally contact ASTM Customer Service at [email protected]. For Annual Book of ASTM
approved in 1928. Last previous edition approved in 2012 as A123/A123M - 12. Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
DOI: 10.1520/A0123_A0123M-13. the ASTM website.

*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard

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 A123/A123M − 13
E376 Practice for Measuring Coating Thickness by 3.2.2 black, adj—denotes the condition of not galvanized or
Magnetic-Field or Eddy-Current (Electromagnetic) Test- otherwise coated. For purposes of this specification the word
ing Methods “black” does not refer to the color or condition of surface, or to
a surface deposit or contamination.
3. Terminology (See Fig. 1)
3.2.3 coating thickness grade, n—the numerical value from
3.1 Definitions: Table 1 at the intersection of a material category and a
3.1.1 The following terms and definitions are specific to this thickness range.
specification. Terminology A902 contains other terms and 3.2.4 gross dross inclusions, n—the iron/zinc intermetallics
definitions relating to metallic-coated steel products. present in a galvanized coating in a form other than finely
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard: dispersed pimples.
3.2.1 average coating thickness, n—the average of three 3.2.4.1 Discussion—These inclusions would create an ex-
specimen coating thicknesses. posed steel spot if they were removed from the coating. These

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FIG. 1 Single- and Multi-Specimen Articles

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 A123/A123M − 13
TABLE 1 Minimum Average Coating Thickness Grade by Material Category
All Specimens Tested
Steel Thickness Range (Measured), in. [mm]
Material Category
<1⁄16 1⁄16 to <1⁄8 1⁄8 to 3⁄16 >3⁄16 to <1⁄4 $1⁄4 to< 5⁄8 >5 ⁄ 8
[<1.6] [1.6 to <3.2] [3.2 to 4.8] [>4.8 to <6.4] [$6.4 to <16.0] [>16.0]
Structural Shapes 45 65 75 75 100 100
Strip and Bar 45 65 75 75 75 100
Plate 45 65 75 75 75 100
Pipe and Tubing 45 45 75 75 75 75
Wire 35 50 60 65 80 80
Reinforcing Bar ... ... ... ... 100 100

inclusions are raised surfaces and are easily knocked off less than 160 in.2 [100 000 mm2], the entire surface area of
through contact with lifting straps or chains, tools, fixtures, or each test article constitutes a specimen. In the case of an article
other galvanized parts. containing more than one material category or steel thickness
3.2.5 material category, n—the general class or type of range as delineated in Table 1, that article will contain more
material or process of manufacture, or both, that nominally than one specimen, as appropriate (see Fig. 1).
describes a unit of product, or from which a unit of product is 3.2.10 specimen coating thickness, n—the average thickness
made. For example, bar grating belongs to the category “strip,” from no less than five test measurements on a specimen, when
handrail belongs to the category “pipe,” etc. each measurement location is selected to provide the widest
3.2.6 multi-specimen article, n—a unit of product whose dispersion (in all applicable directions) of locations for the
surface area is greater than 160 in.2 [100 000 mm2]. For steel category of the test article within the confines of the
thickness testing purposes, articles whose surface area is specimen volume.
greater than 160 in.2 are subdivided into three continuous local 3.2.11 test article, n—an individual unit of product that is a
sections, nominally equal in surface area, each of which member of the sample and that is examined for conformance to
constitutes a specimen. In the case of any such local section a part of this specification.
containing more than one material category or steel thickness
range as delineated in Table 1, that section will contain more 4. Ordering Information
than one specimen (see Fig. 1). 4.1 Orders for coatings provided under this specification
3.2.7 sample, n—a collection of individual units of product shall include the following:
from a single lot selected in accordance with Section 7, and 4.1.1 Quantity (number of pieces to be galvanized) and total
intended to represent that lot for acceptance. If a sample is weight.
taken as representing the lot for acceptance, the sample shall be 4.1.2 Description (type and size of products) and weight.
taken at random from the lot without regard to the perceived 4.1.3 ASTM specification designation and year of issue.
quality or appearance of any individual unit in the lot being 4.1.4 Material identification (see 5.1) and surface condition
sampled. The sample consists of one or more test articles. or contamination.
3.2.8 single-specimen article, n—a unit of product whose 4.1.5 Sampling plan, if different from 7.3.

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surface area is equal to or less than 160 in.2 [100 000 mm2] or 4.1.6 Special test requirements (see 8.1).
that is centrifuged or otherwise similarly handled in the 4.1.7 Special requirements (special stacking, heavier coat-
galvanizing process to remove excess galvanizing bath metal ing weight, etc.).
(free zinc). For thickness testing purposes, the entire surface 4.1.8 Tagging or piece identification method.
area of each unit of product constitutes a specimen. In the case
of any such article containing more than one material category 5. Materials and Manufacture
or steel thickness range as delineated in Table 1, that article 5.1 Steel or Iron—The specification, grade, or designation
will contain more than one specimen (see Fig. 1). and type and degree of surface contamination of the iron or
3.2.9 specimen, n—the surface of an individual test article steel in articles to be galvanized shall be supplied by the
or a portion of a test article, upon which thickness measure- purchaser to the hot-dip galvanizer prior to galvanizing.
ments are to be performed, which is a member of a lot, or a NOTE 2—The presence in steels and weld metal, in certain percentages,
member of a sample representing that lot. For magnetic of some elements such as silicon, carbon, and phosphorus tends to
thickness measurements, specimen excludes any area of the accelerate the growth of the zinc-iron alloy layer so that the coating may
have a matte finish with little or no outer zinc layer. The galvanizer has
surface which is subject to processes (such as flame cutting, only limited control over this condition. The mass, shape, and amount of
machining, threading, etc.) that can be expected to result in cold working of the product being galvanized may also affect this
surface conditions not representative of the general surface condition. Practice A385 provides guidance on steel selection and
condition of the test article, or is disqualified by the measure- discusses the effects of various elements in steel compositions (for
ment method. The minimum average coating thickness grade example, silicon), that influence coating weight and appearance.
for any specimen shall be one coating grade below that 5.2 Fabrication—The design and fabrication of the product
required for the appropriate material category and thickness in to be galvanized are the responsibilities of the designer and the
Table 1. For a unit of product whose surface area is equal to or fabricator. Practices A143/A143M, A384/A384M, and A385

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 A123/A123M − 13
provide guidance for steel fabrication for optimum hot dip the use of Table 2. The specification of coating thicknesses
galvanizing and shall be complied with in both design and heavier than those required by Table 1 shall be subject to
fabrication. Consultation between the designer, fabricator, and mutual agreement between the galvanizer and the purchaser.
galvanizer at appropriate stages in the design and fabrication (Fig. 2 is a graphic representation of the sampling and
process will reduce future problems. specimen delineation steps, and Fig. 3 is a graphic representa-
5.3 Castings—The composition and heat treatment of iron tion of the coating thickness inspection steps.)
and steel castings shall conform to specifications designated by 6.1.1 For articles whose surface area is greater than 160 in.2
the purchaser. Some types of castings have been known to [100 000 mm2] (multi-specimen articles), each test article in
show potential problems with predisposition to being em- the sample must meet the appropriate minimum average
brittled during the normal thermal cycle of hot-dip galvanizing. coating thickness grade requirements of Table 1, and each
It is the responsibility of the purchaser to heat treat or specimen coating thickness grade comprising that overall
otherwise allow for the possibility of such embrittling phenom- average for each test article shall average not less than one
ena. The requirements for malleable iron castings to be coating grade below that required in Table 1.
galvanized shall be as stated in Specification A47/A47M. 6.1.2 For articles whose surface area is equal to or less than
5.4 Zinc—The zinc used in the galvanizing bath shall 160 in.2 [100 000 mm2] (single-specimen articles), the average
conform to Specification B6, or Specification B960, or both. If of all test articles in the sample must meet the appropriate
a zinc alloy is used as the primary feed to the galvanizing bath, minimum average coating thickness grade requirements of
then the base material used to make that alloy shall conform to Table 1, and for each test article, its specimen coating thickness
Specification B6, or Specification B960, or both. shall be not less than one coating grade below that required in
5.5 Bath Composition—The molten metal in the working Table 1.
volume of the galvanizing bath shall contain not less than an 6.1.3 No individual measurement, or cluster of measure-
average value of 98.0 % zinc by weight. ments at the same general location, on a test specimen shall be
NOTE 3—The galvanizer may choose to add trace amounts of certain
cause for rejection under the coating thickness requirements of
elements (for example, aluminum, nickel, and tin) to the zinc bath to help this specification provided that when those measurements are
in the processing of certain reactive steels or to enhance the cosmetic averaged with the other dispersed measurements to determine
appearance of the finished product. The use of these trace elements is the specimen coating thickness grade for that specimen, the
permitted provided that the bulk chemistry of the galvanizing bath is at
least 98.0 % zinc by weight. The elements can be added to the galvanizing
requirements of 6.1.1 or 6.1.2, as appropriate are met.
bath as part of a pre-alloyed zinc feed, or they can be added to the bath by
NOTE 4—The coating thickness grades in Table 1 represent the
the galvanizer using a master feed alloy.
minimum value obtainable with a high level of confidence for the ranges
typically found in each material category. While most coating thicknesses
6. Coating Properties
will be in excess of those values, some materials in each category may be
6.1 Coating Thickness—The average thickness of coating less reactive (for example, because of chemistry or surface condition) than
for all specimens tested shall conform to the requirements of other materials of the steel category spectrum. Therefore, some articles
Table 1 for the categories and thicknesses of the material being may have a coating grade at or close to the minimum requirement shown
in Table 1. In such cases, the precision and accuracy of the coating
galvanized. Minimum average thickness of coating for any thickness measuring technique should be taken into consideration when
individual specimen is one coating grade less than that required rejecting such articles for coating thickness below that required by this
in Table 1. Where products consisting of various material specification. Purchasers desiring a guarantee of heavier coatings than the
thicknesses or categories are galvanized, the coating thickness minimum thicknesses shown herein should use the special requirements
grades for each thickness range and material category of (see 4.1.6) to specify coating thickness grades higher than those shown in
Table 1. In addition, the purchaser should anticipate the need for test
material shall be as shown in Table 1. In the case of orders in
batches or extra preparation steps, or both, such as blasting before
SI units, the values in Table 1, shall be applicable as metric galvanizing or other methods, to attempt to reach the higher requirements
units in micrometres. In the case of orders in inch-pound units, with consistency. Some higher-than-standard thicknesses may be imprac-
the measured value shall be converted to coating grade units by tical or unattainable.

TABLE 2 Coating Thickness GradeA

Coating
mils oz/ft2 µm g/m2
Grade
35 1.4 0.8 35 245
45 1.8 1.0 45 320
50 2.0 1.2 50 355
55 2.2 1.3 55 390
60 2.4 1.4 60 425
65 2.6 1.5 65 460
75 3.0 1.7 75 530
80 3.1 1.9 80 565
85 3.3 2.0 85 600
100 3.9 2.3 100 705
A
The values in micrometres (µm) are based on the Coating Grade. The other values are based on conversions using the following formulas: mils = µm × 0.03937;
oz/ft2 = µm × 0.02316; g/m2 = µm × 7.067.

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 A123/A123M − 13

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NOTE 1—Each specimen comprises nominally one third of the total
surface area of the article. A minimum of five measurements should be
made within the volume of each specimen, as widely dispersed within that
volume as is practical, so as to represent as much as possible, the general
coating thickness within that specimen volume.
FIG. 2 Articles Made of Many Components

6.2 Finish—The coating shall be continuous (except as

provided below), and as reasonably smooth and uniform in
thickness as the weight, size, shape of the item, and necessary
handling of the item during the dipping and draining operations
at the galvanizing kettle will permit. Except for local excess
coating thickness which would interfere with the use of the
product, or make it dangerous to handle (edge tears or spikes),
rejection for nonuniform coating shall be made only for plainly
visible excess coating not related to design factors such as
holes, joints, or special drainage problems (see Note 6). Since
surface smoothness is a relative term, minor roughness that
does not interfere with the intended use of the product, or
roughness that is related to the as-received (un-galvanized)
surface condition, steel chemistry, or steel reactivity to zinc
shall not be grounds for rejection (see Note 7). Surface
conditions related to deficiencies related to design, detailing, or
fabrication as addressed by Practice A385 shall not be grounds
for rejection. The zinc coating on threaded components of
articles galvanized under this specification shall conform to
that required in Specification A153/A153M. Surfaces that
remain uncoated after galvanizing shall be renovated in accor-
dance with the methods in Practice A780 unless directed by the FIG. 3 Coating Thickness Inspection Steps

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 A123/A123M − 13
purchaser to leave the uncoated areas untreated for subsequent 7. Sampling
renovation by the purchaser. 7.1 Sampling of each lot shall be performed for confor-
6.2.1 Each area subject to renovation shall be 1 in. [25 mm] mance with the requirements of this specification.
or less in its narrowest dimension.
6.2.2 The total area subject to renovation on each article 7.2 A lot is a unit of production or shipment from which a
shall be no more than 1⁄2 of 1 % of the accessible surface area sample is taken for testing. Unless otherwise agreed upon
to be coated on that article, or 36 in.2 per short ton [256 cm2 per between the galvanizer and the purchaser, or established within
metric ton] of piece weight, whichever is less. this specification, the lot shall be as follows: For testing at a
galvanizer’s facility, a lot is one or more articles of the same
NOTE 5—Inaccessible surface areas are those which cannot be reached type and size comprising a single order or a single delivery
for appropriate surface preparation and application of repair materials as load, whichever is the smaller, or any number of articles
described in Practice A780. Such inaccessible areas, for example, would
be the internal surfaces of certain tanks, poles, pipes, tubes, and so forth. identified as a lot by the galvanizer, when these have been
galvanized within a single production shift and in the same
6.2.3 The thickness of renovation shall be that required by bath. For test by the purchaser after delivery, the lot consists of
the thickness grade for the appropriate material category and the single order or the single delivery load, whichever is the
thickness range in Table 1 in accordance with the requirements smaller, unless the lot identity, established in accordance with
of 6.1, except that for renovation using zinc paints, the the above, is maintained and clearly indicated in the shipment
thickness of renovation shall be 50 % higher than that required by the galvanizer.
by Table 1, but not greater than 4.0 mils.
6.2.4 When areas requiring renovation exceed the criteria 7.3 The method of selection and number of test articles shall
previously provided, or are inaccessible for repair, the coating be agreed upon between the galvanizer and the purchaser.
shall be rejected. Otherwise, the test articles shall be selected at random from
each lot. In this case, the minimum number of test articles from
NOTE 6—The requirements for the finish of a galvanized product each lot shall be as follows:
address themselves to a visual type of inspection. They do not address the
Number of Pieces in Lot Number of Test Articles
matter of measured coating thickness variations that can be encountered
because of different steels or different thicknesses of a given steel being 3 or less all
used in an assembly. 4 to 500 3
NOTE 7—Items which are prepared for galvanizing by abrasive cleaning 501 to 1 200 5
will generally develop a thicker coating with a moderately rougher 1 201 to 3 200 8
surface. 3 201 to 10 000 13
10 001 and over 20
6.3 Threaded Components in Assemblies— The zinc coating
on external threads shall not be subjected to a cutting, rolling, NOTE 10—Where a number of identical items are to be galvanized, a
statistical sampling plan may be desired. Such a plan is contained in Test
or finishing tool operation, unless specifically authorized by the Method B602 which addresses sampling procedures for the inspection of
purchaser. Internal threads are not prohibited from being electrodeposited metallic coatings and related finishes. If Test Method
tapped or retapped after galvanizing. Coatings shall conform to B602 is used, the level of sampling shall be agreed upon between the
the requirements of Specification A153/A153M. galvanizer and the purchaser at the time the coating order is placed.

6.4 Appearance—Upon shipment from the galvanizing 7.4 A test article which fails to conform to a requirement of
facility, galvanized articles shall be free from uncoated areas, this specification shall not be used to determine the confor-
blisters, flux deposits, and gross dross inclusions. Lumps, mance to other requirements.
projections, globules, or heavy deposits of zinc which will
interfere with the intended use of the material will not be 8. Test Methods
permitted. Plain holes of 1⁄2-in. [12.5-mm] diameter or more 8.1 Test Requirements—The following tests shall be con-
shall be clean and reasonably free from excess zinc. Marks in ducted to ensure that the zinc coating is being furnished in
the zinc coating caused by tongs or other items used in accordance with this specification. The specifying of tests for
handling the article during the galvanizing operation shall not adhesion and embrittlement shall be subject to mutual agree-
be cause for rejection unless such marks have exposed the base ment between the galvanizer and purchaser. Visual inspection
metal and the bare metal areas exceed allowable maximums
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of the coating shall be made for compliance with the require-

from 6.2.1 and 6.2.2. The pieces shall be handled so that after ments.
galvanizing they will not freeze together on cooling. 8.2 Thickness of Coating Test—The thickness of coating is
NOTE 8—Depending upon product design or material thickness, or both, determined by one or more of the three methods described as
filming or excess zinc buildup in plain holes of less than 1⁄2-in. [12.5-mm] follows.
diameter may occur that requires additional work to make the holes usable 8.2.1 Magnetic Thickness Measurements— The thickness of
as intended.
the coating shall be determined by magnetic thickness gage
6.5 Adherence—The zinc coating shall withstand handling measurements in accordance with Practice E376 unless the
consistent with the nature and thickness of the coating and the methods described in 8.2.2, 8.2.3, or 8.2.4 are used. For each
normal use of the article, without peeling or flaking. specimen (as described in 3.2.9) five or more measurements
NOTE 9—Although some material may be formed after galvanizing, in shall be made at points widely dispersed throughout the
general the zinc coating on the articles covered by this specification is too volume occupied by the specimen so as to represent as much as
heavy to permit severe bending without damaging the coating. practical, the entire surface area of the test specimen. The

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 A123/A123M − 13
average of the five or more measurements thus made for each a point value. No less than five such measurements shall be
specimen is the specimen coating thickness. made at locations on the test article which are as widely
8.2.1.1 For articles whose surface area is greater than 160 dispersed as practical, so as to be representative of the whole
in.2 [100 000 mm2] (multi-specimen articles as described in surface of the test article. The average of no less than five such
3.2.6), the average of the three specimen coating thickness measurements is the specimen coating thickness.
grades comprising each test article is the average coating 8.2.4.1 The microscopy method is a destructive test and is
thickness for that test article. A specimen must be evaluated for appropriate for single-specimen articles, but is not practical for
each steel category and material thickness within the require- multi-specimen articles.
ments for each specimen of the test article. 8.2.5 Referee Method—In the event of a dispute over
8.2.1.2 For articles whose surface area is equal to or less thickness of coating measurements, the dispute shall be re-
than 160 in.2 [100 000 mm2] (single-specimen articles as solved as follows:

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described in 3.2.8), the average of all specimen coating 8.2.5.1 For multi-specimen articles, a new sample shall be
thickness grades is the average coating thickness for the taken randomly from the lot of material, which has twice the
sample. number of test articles as the sample which failed to conform
8.2.1.3 In the case of threaded components, the thickness of to this specification. If the lot size is such that the sample size
coating shall be made on a portion of the article that does not cannot be doubled, then the sample size shall be as previous,
include any threads. but the number of widely dispersed sites at which measure-
8.2.1.4 The use of magnetic measurement methods is ap- ments were made shall be doubled, and these sites will
propriate for larger articles, and is appropriate for smaller constitute the new sample. This new sample shall be measured
articles when there is sufficient flat surface area for the probe using magnetic thickness gages which have been calibrated for
tip to sit flat on the surface using Practice E376. accuracy against reference material thickness standards. If the
8.2.2 Stripping Method—The average weight of coating lot is found to be nonconforming by the new sample, the
shall be determined by stripping a test article, a specimen galvanizer has the right to sort the lot for conforming articles
removed from a test article, or group of test articles in the case by individual test, to re-galvanize non-conforming articles, or
of very small items such as nails, etc., in accordance with Test to renovate the nonconforming articles in accordance with 6.2.
Method A90/A90M unless the methods described in 8.2.1, 8.2.5.2 For single-specimen articles, a new sample shall be
8.2.3, or 8.2.4 are used. The weight of coating per unit area taken randomly from the lot of material, which has twice the
thus determined is converted to equivalent coating thickness number of test articles as the sample which failed to conform
values in accordance with Table 2 (rounding up or down as to this specification. The test method for the new sample shall
appropriate). The thickness of coating thus obtained is the test be selected by mutual agreement between the purchaser and
article coating thickness, or in the case of a specimen removed galvanizer. If the lot is found to be nonconforming by the new
from a test article, is the specimen average coating thickness. sample, the galvanizer has the right to sort the lot for
8.2.2.1 The stripping method is a destructive test and is conforming articles by individual test, to re-galvanize non-
appropriate for single specimen articles, but is not practical for conforming articles, or to renovate the nonconforming articles
multi-specimen articles. in accordance with 6.2.
8.2.3 Weighing Before and After Galvanizing—The average
weight of coating shall be determined by weighing articles 8.3 Adhesion—Determine adhesion of the zinc coating to
before and after galvanizing, subtracting the first weight from the surface of the base metal by cutting or prying with the point
the second and dividing the result by the surface area unless the of a stout knife, applied with considerable pressure in a manner
methods described in 8.2.1, 8.2.2, or 8.2.4 are used. The first tending to remove a portion of the coating. The adhesion shall
weight shall be determined after pickling and drying and the be considered inadequate if the coating flakes off in the form of
second after cooling to ambient temperature. The weight of a layer of the coating so as to expose the base metal in advance
coating per unit area thus determined is converted to equivalent of the knife point. Do not use testing carried out at edges or
coating thickness values according to Table 2 (rounding up or corners (points of lowest coating adhesion) to determine
down as appropriate). The thickness of coating thus obtained is adhesion of the coating. Likewise, do not use removal of small
the test article coating thickness. particles of the coating by paring or whittling to determine
8.2.3.1 The weighing before and after method is appropriate failure.
for single-specimen articles, but is not practical for multi- 8.4 Embrittlement—Test for embrittlement shall be made in
specimen articles. accordance with Practice A143/A143M. These tests shall not
NOTE 11—Both the stripping method and the weighing before and after be required unless strong evidence of embrittlement is present.
method do not take into account the weight of iron reacted from the article
that is incorporated into the coating. Thus, the methods may underestimate 9. Inspection, Rejection, and Retest
coating weight (and therefore the calculated thickness) by up to 10 %. The
accuracy of both methods will be influenced by the accuracy to which the 9.1 Inspection by the Galvanizer—It is the responsibility of
surface area of the articles tested can be determined. the galvanizer to ensure compliance with this specification.
8.2.4 Microscopy—The thickness of coating shall be deter- This shall be achieved by an in-plant inspection program
mined by cross-sectional and optical measurement in accor- designed to maintain the coating thickness, finish, and appear-
dance with Test Method B487 unless the methods described in ance within the requirements of this specification unless the
8.2.1, 8.2.2, or 8.2.3 are used. The thickness thus determined is inspection is performed in accordance with 9.2.

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 A123/A123M − 13
9.2 Inspection By the Purchaser—The purchaser shall ac- mutual agreement, the galvanizer is not prohibited from
cept or reject material by inspection either through the galva- submitting the lot remaining after sorting and removing non-
nizer’s inspector, the purchaser’s inspector, or an independent conforming articles without replacement of the nonconforming
inspector. The inspector representing the purchaser shall have articles. In such case, the now-smaller lot shall be treated as a
access at all times to those areas of the galvanizer’s facility new lot for purposes of inspection and acceptance.
which concern the application of the zinc coating to the
material ordered while work on the contract of the purchaser is 9.6 Materials that have been rejected for reasons other than
being performed. The galvanizer shall afford the inspector all embrittlement are not prohibited from being stripped and
reasonable facilities to satisfy him that the zinc coating is being regalvanized and again submitted for inspection and test at
furnished in accordance with this specification. which time they shall conform to the requirements of this
specification.
9.3 Location—The material shall be inspected at the galva-
nizer’s plant prior to shipment. However, by agreement the
10. Certification
purchaser is not prohibited from making tests which govern the
acceptance or rejection of the materials in his own laboratory 10.1 When specified in the purchase order or contract, the
or elsewhere. purchaser shall be furnished certification that samples repre-
9.4 Reinspection—When inspection of materials to deter- senting each lot have been either tested or inspected as directed
mine conformity with the visual requirements of 6.2 warrants by this specification and the requirements have been met.
rejection of a lot, the galvanizer is not prohibited from sorting When specified in the purchase order or contract, a report of
the lot and submit it once again for acceptance after he has the test results shall be furnished.
removed any nonconforming articles and replaced them with
conforming articles. 11. Keywords
9.5 The sampling plan that was used when the lot was first 11.1 coatings—zinc; galvanized coatings; steel products—
inspected shall be used for resampling of a sorted lot. By metallic coated; zinc coatings—steel products
--````,,,```,`,,,,``,`,,,,```,-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---

SUMMARY OF CHANGES

Committee A05 has identified the location of selected changes to this standard since the last issue
(A123/A123M - 12) that may impact the use of this standard. (Nov. 1, 2013)

(1) Revised Table 1 by making separate line items for struc- (2) Changed “test specimen” to “test article” throughout Sec-
tural shapes and for plate. The thickness requirements for tion 7 to avoid confusion with the definition of specimen in
structural shapes remains the same. The thickness requirements Section 3. A “test article” can contain more than one specimen.
for plate are reduced in plate materials up to 5/8 in. thick due
to steelmaking practices and chemistries.

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