Designation: A 960 – 00 An American National Standard

Standard Specification for

Common Requirements for Wrought Steel Piping Fittings1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation A 960; 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 (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.

1. Scope fore each system must be used independently of the other.

1.1 This specification covers a group of common require- Combining values from the two systems may result in noncon-
ments that shall apply to wrought steel piping fittings covered formance with the specification. The inch-pound units shall
in any of the following individual product specifications or any apply unless the “M” designation [SI] of the product specifi-
other ASTM specification that invokes this specification or cation is specified in the order.
portions thereof: 2. Referenced Documents
A 234/A 234M Specification for Piping Fittings of Wrought
Carbon Steel and Alloy Steel for Moderate and Elevated 2.1 ASTM Standards:
Temperatures A 29/A 29M Specification for Steel Bars, Carbon and
A 403/A 403M Specification for Wrought Austenitic Stain- Alloy, Hot-Wrought and Cold-Finished, General Require-
less Steel Piping Fittings ments for2
A 420/A 420M Specification for Piping Fittings of Wrought A 234/A 234M Specification for Piping Fittings of
Carbon Steel and Alloy Steel for Low-Temperature Service Wrought Carbon Steel and Alloy Steel for Moderate and
A 758/A 758M Specification for Butt-Welding, Wrought- Elevated Temperatures3
Carbon Steel, Piping Fittings with Improved Notch Toughness A 262 Practices for Detecting Susceptibility to Intergranu-
A 774/A 774M Specification for As-Welded Wrought Aus- lar Attack in Austenitic Stainless Steels4
tenitic Stainless Steel Fittings for General Corrosive Service at A 370 Test Methods and Definitions for Mechanical Testing
Low and Moderate Temperatures of Steel Products4
A 815/A 815M Specification for Wrought Ferritic, Ferritic/ A 388/A 388M Practice for Ultrasonic Examination of
Austenitic, and Martensitic Stainless Steel Piping Fittings Heavy Steel Forgings2
A 858/A 858M Specification for Heat-Treated Carbon Steel A 403/A 403M Specification for Wrought Austenitic Stain-
Fittings for Low-Temperature and Corrosive Service less Steel Piping Fittings3
A 860/A 860M Specification for High-Strength Butt- A 420/A 420M Specification for Piping Fittings of
Welding Fittings of Wrought High-Strength Low-Alloy Steel Wrought Carbon Steel and Alloy Steel for Low-
1.2 In case of conflict between a requirement of the indi- Temperature Service3
vidual product specification and a requirement of this general A 700 Practices for Packaging, Marking and Loading Meth-
requirement specification, the requirements of the individual ods for Steel Products for Domestic Shipment2
product specification shall prevail over those of this specifica- A 736/A 736M Specification for Pressure Vessel Plates,
tion. Low-Carbon Age-Hardening Nickel-Copper-Chromium-
1.3 By mutual agreement between the purchaser and the Molybdenum-Columbium and Nickel-Copper-
supplier, additional requirements may be specified (see 4.1.7). Manganese-Molybdenum-Columbium Alloy Steel5
The acceptance of any such additional requirements shall be A 751 Test Methods, Practices and Terminology for Chemi-
dependent on negotiations with the supplier and must be cal Analysis of Steel Products4
included in the order as agreed upon by the purchaser and A 758/A 758M Specification for Butt-Welding, Wrought
supplier. Carbon Steel, Piping Fittings with Improved Notch Tough-
1.4 The values stated in either inch-pound units or SI units ness3
[metric] are to be regarded separately as standard. Within the A 774/A 774M Specification for As-Welded Wrought Aus-
text and the tables, the SI units are shown in brackets. The tenitic Stainless Steel Fittings for General Corrosive Ser-
values stated in each system are not exact equivalents; there- vice at Low and Moderate Temperatures3
A 815/A 815M Specification for Wrought Ferritic, Ferritic/
Austenitic, and Martensitic Stainless Steel Piping Fittings3
1
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee A01 on Steel,
Stainless Steel, and Related Alloys and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee
2
A01.22 on Steel Forgings and Wrought Fittings for Piping Applications and Bolting Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 01.05.
3
Materials for Piping and Special Purpose Applications. Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 01.01.
4
Current edition approved Sept. 10, 2000. Published November 2000. Originally Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 01.03.
5
published as A 960–96. Last previous edition A 960–99. Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 01.04.

Copyright © ASTM, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.

1
 A 960
A 858/A 858M Specification for Heat-Treated Carbon 3.1.2 certifying organization—the company or association
Steel Fittings for Low-Temperature and Corrosive Ser- responsible for the conformance of, the marking of, and the
vice3 certification of the product to the specification requirements.
A 860/A 860M Specification for Wrought High-Strength 3.1.3 fitting—a component for non-bolted joints used in
Low-Alloy Steel Butt-Welded Fittings2 piping systems and pressure vessels.
A 967 Specification for Chemical Passivation Treatments 3.1.4 flange—a component for bolted joints used in piping
for Stainless Steel Parts4 systems and pressure vessels.
E 165 Test Method for Liquid Penetrant Examination6 3.1.5 forging—the product of a substantially compressive
E 709 Guide for Magnetic Particle Examination6 hot or cold plastic working operation that consolidates the
E 1916 Guide for the Identification and/or Segregation of material and produces the required shape.
Mixed Lots of Metal7 3.1.6 Discussion—The plastic working must be performed
2.2 ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code:8 by a forging machine, such as a hammer, press, or ring rolling
Section IX Welding Qualifications machine and must deform the material to produce an essen-
2.3 Military Standard:9 tially wrought structure throughout the material cross section.
MIL-STD-163 Steel Mill Products, Preparation for Ship-
4. Ordering Information
ment and Storage
2.4 Manufacturer’s Standardization Society Standards:10 4.1 It is the purchaser’s responsibility to specify in the
MSS SP-25 The Standard Marking System of Valves, purchase order all ordering information necessary to purchase
Fittings, Flanges and Unions the needed material. Examples of such information include but
MSS SP-43 Standard Practice for Light Weight Stainless are not limited to the following:
Steel Butt-Welding Fittings 4.1.1 Quantity,
MSS SP-75 Specification for High Test Wrought Butt- 4.1.2 Description of fitting and nominal dimensions (stan-
Welding Fittings dard or special),
MSS SP-79 Socket Welding Reducer Inserts 4.1.3 Steel composition by grade and class designation,
MSS SP-83 Steel Pipe Unions, Socket-Welding and 4.1.4 Construction, seamless or welded (unless seamless or
Threaded welded construction is specified by the purchaser, either may
MSS SP-95 Swage(d) Nipples and Bull Plugs be furnished at the option of the supplier),
MSS SP-97 Integrally Reinforced Forged Steel Branch 4.1.5 Specification number (including the year/date of is-
Outlet Fittings—Socket Welding, Threaded and Butterfly sue),
Ends 4.1.6 Supplementary requirements, and
2.5 American Society of Nondestructive Testing:11 4.1.7 Additional requirements.
SNT-TC-1A Recommended Practice for Nondestructive 5. Material
Testing Personnel Qualification and Certification 5.1 The material for fittings shall consist of forgings, bars,
2.6 ANSI Standards:12 plates and seamless or welded tubular products.
B16.9 Steel Butt-Welding Fittings 5.2 The steel shall conform to the chemical requirements of
B16.11 Forged Steel Fittings, Socket Welding and Threaded the individual product specification and may be made from any
B16.28 Wrought Steel Butt-Welding Short Radius Elbows process.
and Returns 5.3 Ferritic steels shall be fully killed.
3. Terminology 5.4 If secondary melting is employed, the heat shall be
defined as all ingots remelted from a primary heat.
3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard and
Related Individual Product Specifications: 6. Manufacture
3.1.1 bar—a solid section that is long in relationship to its 6.1 Forging or shaping operations may be performed by any
cross sectional dimensions, with a relatively constant cross of the methods included in the individual product specification.
section throughout its length. See Specification A 29/A 29M 6.2 Hollow cylindrically shaped parts up to and including
for definitions relating to the production of hot wrought and NPS 4 may be machined from bar or seamless tubular material
cold finished bars. provided the axial length of the part is approximately parallel
to the axial length of the fitting. Elbows, return bends, tees and
header tees shall not be machined directly from bar stock.
6
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 03.03. 6.3 Fittings, after forming at an elevated temperature, shall
7

8
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 03.06. be cooled to a temperature below the critical range under
Available from the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, Three Park
suitable conditions to prevent injury by cooling too rapidly.
Avenue, NY 10016–5990.
9
Available from Standardization Documents Order Desk, Bldg. 4, Section D, 7. Heat Treatment
700 Robbins Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19111-5094 Attn: NPODS.
10
Available from Manufacturers’ Standardization Society of the Valve and 7.1 Fittings requiring heat treatment shall be treated as
Fittings Industry, 1815 N. Fort Myer Dr., Arlington, VA 22209.
11
specified in the individual product specification using the
Available from American Society for Nondestructive Testing, 4153 Arlington
Plaza, Columbus, OH 43228-0518.
following procedures:
12
Available from American National Standards Institute, 11 W. 42nd St., 13th 7.1.1 Full Annealing—Fittings shall be uniformly reheated
Floor, New York, NY 10036. to a temperature above the transformation range and, after

2
 A 960
holding for a sufficient time at this temperature, cooled slowly TABLE 1 Product Analysis Tolerances for Low Alloy and Carbon
to a temperature below the transformation range. SteelsA
7.1.2 Solution Annealing—Fittings shall be heated to a
Permissible Variations
temperature that causes the carbides to go into solution and Elements
Limit, or Maximum of
Over Maximum Limit or
Specified Range, %
then quenched in water or rapidly cooled by other means to Under Minimum Limit, %
prevent reprecipitation. Carbon 0.30 and under 0.01
7.1.3 Isothermal Annealing—Isothermal annealing shall over 0.30 to 0.75, incl 0.02
over 0.75 0.03
consist of austenitizing a ferrous alloy and then cooling to and Manganese 0.90 and under 0.03
holding within the range of temperature at which the austenite over 0.90 to 2.10, incl 0.04
transforms to a relatively soft ferrite-carbide aggregate. Phosphorus over maximum only 0.005
Sulfur 0.060 and under 0.005
7.1.4 Normalizing—Fittings shall be uniformly reheated to Silicon 0.40 and under 0.02
a temperature above the transformation range and subsequently over 0.40 to 2.20, incl 0.05
cooled in air at room temperature. Nickel 1.00 and under 0.03
over 1.00 to 2.00, incl 0.05
7.1.5 Tempering and Post-Weld Heat Treatment—Fittings over 2.00 to 5.30, incl 0.07
shall be reheated to the prescribed temperature below the over 5.30 to 10.00, incl 0.10
transformation range, held at temperature for the greater of 1⁄2 Chromium 0.90 and under 0.03
over 0.90 to 2.10, incl 0.05
h or 1 h/in. [25.4 mm] of thickness at the thickest section and over 2.10 to 3.99, incl 0.10
cooled in still air. Molybdenum 0.20 and under 0.01
7.1.6 Stress Relieving—Fittings shall be uniformly heated to over 0.20 to 0.40, incl 0.02
over 0.40 to 1.15, incl 0.03
the selected stress relieving temperature. The temperature shall Vanadium 0.10 and under 0.01
not vary from the selected temperature by more than 625°F over 0.10 to 0.25, incl 0.02
[614°C]. over 0.25 to 0.50, incl 0.03
minimum value specified, 0.01
7.1.7 Quench and Temper—Fittings shall be fully austen- under minimum limit
itized and immediately quenched in a suitable liquid medium. only
The quenched fittings shall be reheated to a minimum tempera- Columbium (Niobium) Up to and incl 0.14 0.02
0.15 to 0.50, incl 0.06
ture of 1100°F [590°C] and cooled in still air. Titanium Up to and incl 0.85 0.05
Aluminum 0.10 and under 0.03
8. Chemical Requirements over 0.10 to 0.20, incl 0.04
over 0.20 to 0.30, incl 0.05
8.1 Chemical Analysis—Samples for chemical analysis and over 0.30 to 0.80, incl 0.07
methods of analysis shall be in accordance with Test Methods, over 0.80 to 1.80, incl 0.10
Practices and Terminology A 751 for Chemical Analysis of LeadB 0.15 to 0.35, incl 0.03
Copper to 1.00 incl 0.03
Steel Products. over 1.00 to 2.00, incl 0.05
8.2 Heat Analysis—An analysis of each heat of steel shall A
Chrome content less than 4.00.
be made by the manufacturer to determine the percentages of B
Product analysis tolerance for lead applies both over and under to a specified
those elements specified in the individual product specification. range of 0.15 to 0.35 %.
If secondary melting processes are employed, the heat analysis
shall be obtained from one remelted ingot of each primary required heat treatment temperature and equipped with record-
melt. The chemical analysis thus determined shall conform to ing pyrometers so that complete records of heat treatment are
the requirements of the individual product specification. Note available, and if the same heat treating cycles are used on the
that the product analysis (check analysis) tolerances are not to material represented by the tension test, then one tension test
be applied to the heat analysis requirements. from each heat shall be required, instead of one tension test
8.3 Product Analysis—If a product analysis is performed it from each heat in each heat treatment load in accordance with
shall be in accordance with Test Methods, Practices, and 9.2.
Terminology A 751. The chemical composition thus deter- 9.4 Retest—When a retest is permitted by the product
mined shall conform to limits of the product specification, specification, it shall be performed on twice the number of
within the permissible variations of Table 1 or Table 2 of this representative specimens that were originally nonconforming.
specification, as appropriate for the grade being supplied. When any retest specimen does not conform to the product
specification requirements for the characteristic in question, the
9. Mechanical Requirements lot represented by that specimen shall be rejected or reworked
9.1 Method of Mechanical Test—All tests shall be con- in accordance with Section 14.
ducted in accordance with Test Methods and Definitions A 370. 9.4.1 If the results of the tension test do not conform to the
9.2 The test specimen shall represent all material from the requirements specified in the product specification, retests are
same heat and heat treatment load whose maximum thick- permitted as outlined in Test Methods and Definitions A 370. If
nesses do not exceed the thickness of the test specimen or the results of any tension test specimen are less than specified
blank by more than 1⁄4 in. [6 mm]. because a flaw becomes evident in the test specimen during
9.3 One tension test at room temperature shall be made in testing, a retest shall be allowed provided that the defect is not
accordance with 9.2 from each heat in each heat treatment load. attributable to ruptures, cracks, or flakes in the steel.
9.3.1 If heat treatment is performed in either a continuous or 9.4.2 If the average impact energy value meets the product
batch type furnace controlled within 625°F [614°C] of the specification requirements, but one energy value is below the

3
 A 960
TABLE 2 Product Analysis Tolerances for Higher Alloy and 9.5 For the purpose of determining conformance to the
Stainless SteelsA product specification requirements, specimens shall be ob-
tained from a finished product, or from production material that
Tolerances Over the
Upper Limit of
Maximum (Upper Limit) or
is in the same condition of working and heat treatment as the
Element Maximum of
Specified Range, %
Under the Minimum production material.
(Lower Limit)
Carbon to 0.010, incl 0.002
10. Hardness Requirements
over 0.010 to 0.030, incl 0.005 10.1 The part shall conform to the hardness requirements
over 0.030 to 0.20, incl 0.01
over 0.20 to 0.80, incl 0.02 prescribed in the product specification.
over 0.80 to 1.20, incl 0.03 10.2 Sampling for hardness testing shall conform to the
Manganese to 1.00, incl 0.03 product specification.
over 1.00 to 3.00, incl 0.04
over 3.00 to 6.00, incl 0.05 11. Tensile Requirements
over 6.00 to 10.00, incl 0.06
over 10.00 to 15.00, incl 0.10 11.1 The part shall conform to the tensile property require-
over 15.00 to 20.00, incl 0.15 ments prescribed in the product specification.
Phosphorus to 0.040, incl 0.005
over 0.040 to 0.20, incl 0.010 11.2 Sampling for tensile testing shall conform to the
Sulfur to 0.040, incl 0.005 product specification.
over 0.040 to 0.20, incl 0.010
11.3 When the dimensions of the material to be tested will
over 0.20 to 0.50, incl 0.020
Silicon to 1.00, incl 0.05 permit, the tension test specimens shall be machined to the
over 1.00 to 3.00, incl 0.10 form and dimensions of the standard 2-in. (50-mm) gage length
over 3.00 to 6.00, incl 0.15
Chromium over 4.00 to 10.00, incl 0.10
tension test specimens described in Test Methods and Defini-
over 10.00 to 15.00, incl 0.15 tions A 370.
over 15.00 to 20.00, incl 0.20 11.3.1 In the case of small sections, which will not permit
over 20.00 to 30.00, incl 0.25
Nickel to 1.00, incl 0.03
taking the standard test specimen described in 11.3, the subsize
over 1.00 to 5.00, incl 0.07 round or strip specimen shall be machined as described in Test
over 5.00 to 10.00, incl 0.10 Methods and Definitions A 370. The tension test specimen
over 10.00 to 20.00, incl 0.15
over 20.00 to 30.00, incl 0.20
shall be as large as feasible.
over 30.00 to 40.00, incl 0.25
over 40.00 0.30
12. Impact Requirements
Molybdenum over 0.20 to 0.60, incl 0.03 12.1 The part shall conform to the impact requirements
over 0.60 to 2.00, incl 0.05
over 2.00 to 7.00, incl 0.10
prescribed in the product specification.
over 7.00 to 15.00, incl 0.15 12.2 Sampling for impact testing shall conform to the
over 15.00 to 30.00, incl 0.20 product specification.
Titanium to 1.00, incl 0.05
over 1.00 to 3.00, incl 0.07 13. Hydrostatic Test Requirements
over 3.00 0.10
Columbium to 1.50, incl 0.05 13.1 Parts manufactured under this specification shall be
Tantalum to 0.10, incl 0.02 capable of passing a hydrostatic test compatible with the rating
Copper to 0.50, incl 0.03
over 0.50 to 1.00, incl 0.05 of the specified matching pipe of equivalent material. Such a
over 1.00 to 3.00, incl 0.10 test shall be conducted only when specified in the purchase
over 3.00 to 5.00, incl 0.15 order or when the hydrostatic test Supplementary Requirement
over 5.00 to 10.00, incl 0.20
Aluminum to 0.15, incl −0.005 is invoked by the purchaser.
+0.01
over 0.15 to 0.50, incl 0.05 14. Rework
over 0.50 to 2.00, incl 0.10
over 2.00 to 5.00, incl 0.20
14.1 When one or more representative test specimens or
over 5.00 to 10.00, incl 0.35 retest specimens do not conform to the requirements specified
Nitrogen to 0.02, incl 0.005 in the product specification for the tested characteristic, the lot
over 0.02 to 0.19, incl 0.01
over 0.19 to 0.25, incl 0.02
of material represented by the test specimen may be reworked
over 0.25 to 0.35, incl 0.03 according to the following requirements.
over 0.35 to 0.45, incl 0.04 14.1.1 If previously tested in the untreated condition, the
over 0.45 0.05
Vanadium to 0.50, incl 0.03
product may be reworked by heat treatment, and subsequently
over 0.50 to 1.50, incl 0.05 retested, in accordance with the product specification.
Cerium to 0.20, incl 0.01 14.1.2 If previously tested in the heat treated condition, the
Tungsten to 0.50, incl 0.20
over 0.50–1.00, incl 0.30
product may be reworked by reheat treatment, and subse-
over 1.00–2.00, incl 0.50 quently retested, in accordance with the product specification.
over 2.00–4.00, incl 0.60
A
Chrome content 4.00 or greater.
15. Finish and Appearance
15.1 The parts shall conform to the dimensions, tolerances
specified minimum value for individual specimens, a retest is and finish as specified in the purchaser’s order. Parts ordered to
permitted. The retest shall be conducted in accordance with the requirements of an ASTM specification shall conform to
Test Methods and Definitions A 370. the requirements of the individual product specification.

4
 A 960
15.2 The surface finish shall allow the detection of imper- etrant inspection in accordance with Test Method E 165, as
fections that can be disclosed by visual inspection. Where applicable.
necessary the finished parts shall be cleaned to remove all loose 16.2.3 After repair welding, the welded area shall be ma-
scale and processing compounds prior to the final surface chined or ground smooth to the original contour and shall be
examination. The cleaning process shall not injure the surface completely free of defects as verified by magnetic particle
finish, material properties, or the metallurgical structure. The examination in accordance with Guide E 709 or liquid pen-
cleaned parts shall be protected to prevent recontamination. etrant inspection in accordance with Test Method E 165, as
Protective coatings on parts subsequently subjected to socket applicable.
welds or butt welds shall be suitable for welding without 16.2.4 Repair welding shall not exceed 10 % of the external
removal of the coating. When specified in the purchase order, surface area of the part, or 331⁄3 % of the wall thickness of the
parts may be furnished in the as-formed condition. finished product, or 3⁄8 in. [10 mm] deep maximum at the
15.3 Fittings supplied under this specification shall be location of the repair, without prior approval of the purchaser.
examined visually. Selected typical surface discontinuities 16.2.5 Weld repaired material or parts, or both, shall be
shall be explored for depth. Unless otherwise specified in the marked “RW” when required by the product specification.
purchase order, the following shall apply. 16.3 The weld repair shall conform to the additional re-
15.3.1 Fittings conforming to ANSI B16.9, ANSI B16.28, quirements, if any, invoked in the product specification.
and MSS-SP-43 shall be free of surface discontinuities that
penetrate more than 5 % of the specified nominal wall thick- 17. Inspection
ness, except as defined in 15.3.3 and 15.3.4. Fittings conform- 17.1 The supplier shall provide the purchaser’s inspector
ing to ANSI B16.11 and MSS-SP-79 shall be free of surface with all reasonable facilities necessary to satisfy him that the
discontinuities that penetrate more than 5 % of the actual wall material is being produced and furnished in accordance with
thickness at the point of interest, or 1⁄16 in. [1.6 mm], whichever this specification and the applicable product specification. Site
is less, except as defined in 15.3.4. inspection by the purchaser shall not interfere unnecessarily
15.3.2 Surface discontinuities deeper than 5 % of the speci- with the supplier’s operations.
fied nominal wall thickness, except as defined in 15.3.3 and
15.3.4, shall be removed by the manufacturer by machining or 18. Rejection and Rehearing
grinding to sound metal, and the repaired areas shall blend 18.1 Samples representing material rejected by the pur-
smoothly into the contour of the finished fitting. Except for chaser shall be preserved until disposition of the claim has been
fittings conforming to MSS-SP-75, the wall thickness at all agreed to between the supplier and the purchaser.
points shall be at least the specified minimum wall thickness,
or 871⁄2 % of the specified nominal wall thickness and the 19. Marking
diameters shall be within the limits specified in the applicable 19.1 Each piece shall be legibly marked with the ASTM
dimensional standards. designation, grade and class, certifying organization’s name or
15.3.3 Surface checks (fish scale) deeper than 1⁄64 in. [0.4 symbol, the heat number or heat identification, size, and
mm] shall be removed. schedule or thickness, if applicable. It is not required to mark
15.3.4 Mechanical marks deeper than 1⁄16 in. [1.6 mm] shall the product with the specification year and date of issue. The
be removed. Standard Marking System of Valves, Fittings, Flanges and
15.3.5 When the removal of a surface discontinuity reduces Unions (MSS-SP-25) of the Manufacturer’s Standardization
the wall thickness below the specified minimum wall thickness Society of the Valve and Fittings Industry may be followed
at any point, the fitting shall be subject to rejection or to repair except the word “steel” shall not be substituted for the ASTM
as provided in Section 16. designation.
19.2 Product marking shall conform to the additional re-
16. Repair by Welding quirements, if any, invoked in the product specification.
16.1 The purchaser may require the supplier to submit
proposed weld repairs for approval by invoking the appropriate 20. Certification
Supplementary Requirement in the purchase order. 20.1 Application of the ASTM designation and other iden-
16.2 If the purchaser does not require prior approval of the tification marks as required in Section 19 shall be the certifi-
proposed weld repairs, these repairs shall be permitted at the cation that the material or parts, or both, have been furnished
discretion of the supplier. All weld repairs shall be performed in accordance with the requirements of the specification.
in accordance with the following limitations and requirements. 20.2 When test reports are required, they shall include the
16.2.1 The welding procedure, welders and operators shall year/date of issue, and shall be traceable to the part repre-
be qualified in accordance with Section IX of the ASME Boiler sented. In addition, the certification shall include the results of
and Pressure Vessel Code. The composition of the weld deposit all tests required by this specification, the product specification,
shall be compatible with the composition of the material being and the purchase order. The manufacturer, and any subsequent
welded. suppliers, shall provide the specific information required by the
16.2.2 Defects shall be completely removed prior to weld- product specification and the purchase order.
ing by machining, chipping or grinding to sound metal. 20.3 A certificate printed from or used in electronic data
Removal of these defects shall be verified by magnetic particle interchange (EDI) transmission shall be regarded as having the
examination in accordance with Guide E 709 or liquid pen- same validity as a counterpart printed in the certifier’s facility.

5
 A 960
The content of the EDI transmitted document shall conform to Level A is specified, preservation, packaging, and packing shall
any existing EDI agreement between the purchaser and the be in accordance with Level A requirements of MIL-STD-163.
supplier.
20.4 Not withstanding the absence of a signature, the 22. Keywords
organization submitting either a printed certificate or an EDI
transmitted certificate is responsible for the content of the 22.1 austenitic stainless steel; corrosive service applica-
report. tions; ferritic/austenitic stainless steel; ferritic stainless steel;
high strength low alloy steel; martensitic stainless steel; piping
21. Packaging, Marking and Loading for Shipment applications; pressure containing parts; pressure vessel service;
21.1 Packaging, marking, and loading for shipment shall be stainless steel fittings; temperature service applications-
in accordance with Practice A 700. elevated; temperature service applications-low; temperature
21.2 When specified in the contract or order, and or direct service applications-moderate
procurement by or direct shipment to the government, when

SUPPLEMENTARY REQUIREMENTS

These requirements shall not be considered unless specified in the order, in which event, the
supplementary requirements specified shall be made at the place of manufacture, unless otherwise
agreed upon, at the purchaser’s expense. The test specified shall be witnessed by the purchaser’s
inspector before shipment of material, if so specified in the order. The rationale for beginning the
section numbering with S50 is to eliminate the possibility of confusion with supplementary
requirements existing in individual product specifications.

S50. Product Analysis S56. Special Heat Treatment

S50.1 A product analysis shall be made from each heat of S56.1 A special heat treatment shall be applied as agreed
base metal and, if of welded construction, from each lot upon between the manufacturer and the purchaser.
number of welding material of the fittings offered for delivery.
S57. Hardness Test
The analysis shall conform to the requirements specified in
Section 7. S57.1 If actual hardness testing of fittings is required, the
frequency and the method used shall be as agreed upon
S51. Tension Test between the manufacturer and the purchaser.
S51.1 One tension test shall be made on one fitting or
S58. Special Fittings
representative test piece per lot of fittings. If the fittings are of
welded construction, the tension specimen shall include the S58.1 Partial compliance fittings of size or shape not con-
weld and shall be prepared so that the weld is at the midlength forming to the dimensional requirements of ANSI B16.9,
location of the specimen. However, in no case shall the tensile B16.11, B16.28, MSS-SP-79, and MSS-SP-95 shall meet all
properties of the finished fitting be less than the requirements other requirements of the individual product specification. In
listed in the individual product specification. addition to the marking required by Section 19, the grade
designation symbol of the individual product specification shall
S52. Liquid Penetrant Examination be followed by the symbol “S58”.
S52.1 All surfaces shall be liquid penetrant examined in
S59. Heat Treatment of Concentric Reducers
accordance with Practice E 165. Acceptance limits shall be
specified by the purchaser. Personnel performing the examina- S59.1 Concentric reducers formed by local heating of the
tion shall be qualified in accordance with SNT-TC-1A-1984. fitting shall be subsequently annealed, normalized, or normal-
ized and tempered.
S53. Magnetic-Particle Examination
S60. Marking Small Fittings
S53.1 All accessible surfaces shall be magnetic particle
examined in accordance with Practice E 709. Acceptance limits S60.1 For small products where the space for marking is
shall be specified by the purchaser. Personnel performing the less than 1 in. (25.4 mm) in any direction, test reports are
examination shall be qualified in accordance with SNT-TC-1A- mandatory and marking may be restricted to only such symbols
1984. or codes as are necessary to identify the parts with test reports.
S60.2 When the configuration or size does not permit
S54. Hydrostatic Test marking directly on the fitting, the marking method shall be a
S54.1 A hydrostatic test shall be applied as agreed upon matter of agreement between the manufacturer and the pur-
between the manufacturer and purchaser. chaser.
S55. Bar Stock Fittings S61. Phosphorous and Sulphur Content
S55.1 Bar stock fittings shall not be permitted. S61.1 The phosphorous and sulphur contents of the fittings

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 A 960
shall not exceed 0.025 %. S69.2.3 Four or more indications in any line separated by
⁄ in. [1.6 mm],
1 16
S62. Ultrasonic Test S69.2.4 Ten or more indications located in any 6 in.2[4000
S62.1 Each fitting or the raw material from which the fitting mm2] of surface, with the major dimensions not to exceed 6 in.
is made shall be ultrasonically tested to determine its sound- [150 mm] when the major dimension is oriented so that the
ness. The method, where applicable, shall be in accordance area includes the maximum number of indications being
with Practice A 388/A 388M. Acceptance limits shall be speci- evaluated.
fied by the purchaser. Personnel performing NDE examinations S69.3 Personnel performing NDE examinations shall be
shall be qualified in accordance with SNT-TC-1A-1984. qualified in accordance with SNT-TC-1A-1984.
S63. Intergranular Corrosion Bend Test S70. Liquid Penetrant Examination of Weld Metal
S63.1 An intergranular corrosion bend test shall be made on S70.1 All accessible surfaces of fittings shall be examined
one fitting or representative test piece per lot of fittings. If the in accordance with Test Method E 165. Accessible is defined in
fittings are of welded construction, the bend specimen shall S69.
include the weld and be prepared so that the weld is at the S70.2 Acceptance criteria shall be in accordance with
midlength location of the specimen. Specimens containing a S69.2.
weld shall be bent so that the location of weld is at the point of S70.3 Personnel performing NDE examinations shall be
maximum bend. The method of testing shall be in accordance qualified in accordance with SNT-TC-1A-1984.
with Practices A 262 or Practices A 763, as applicable.
S71. Product Marking
S64. Photomicrographs S71.1 Weld repaired parts shall be marked “S71”.
S64.1 Photomicrographs at 100 diameters shall be made for
information only of the actual base metal structure from one S72. Nondestructive Electromagnetic (Eddy-Current) Test
fitting as furnished in each lot. The photomicrographs shall be S72.1 For eddy-current testing, the calibration tube shall
identified as to fitting size, wall thickness, lot identification, contain, at the option of the manufacturer, any one of the
and heat. The definition of “lot” shall be as specified by the following discontinuities placed in the weld to establish a
purchaser. minimum sensitivity level for rejection.
S72.2 Drilled Hole—A hole not larger than 0.031 in. (0.79
S65. Surface Finish mm) in diameter shall be drilled radially and completely
S65.1 Machined surfaces shall have a maximum roughness through the tube wall, with care being taken to avoid distortion
of 250 µin. AARH [6.3 µm]. All other surfaces shall be suitable of the tube while drilling.
for ultrasonic testing. S72.3 Transverse Tangential Notch—Using a round tool or
file with a 1⁄4-in. [6-mm] diameter, a notch shall be filed or
S66. Repair Welding milled tangential to the surface and transverse to the longitu-
S66.1 No weld repair shall be permitted without prior dinal axis of the tube. The notch shall have a depth not
approval of the purchaser. exceeding 121⁄2 % of the specified wall thickness of the tube or
0.004 in. [0.102 mm], whichever is greater.
S67. Charpy V-Notch Test S72.4 Longitudinal Notch—A notch 0.031 in. [0.79 mm] or
S67.1 Charpy V-notch test shall be made as specified on the less in width shall be machined in a radial plane parallel to the
order. The test temperature, acceptance criteria, number of tube axis on the outside surface of the tube, to have a depth not
tests, and location of tests (whether from base metal, weld exceeding 121⁄2 % of the specified wall thickness of the tube or
metal, or heat affected zone of welds) shall be specified. 0.004 in. [0.102 mm], whichever is greater. The length of the
notch shall be compatible with the testing method.
S68. Special Notch Toughness S72.5 Fittings producing a signal equal to or greater than the
S68.1 The impact test temperature or acceptance values, or calibration defect shall be subject to rejection. To be accepted,
both, shall be as agreed upon, but only with respect to lower after rework, the fittings must pass the same test to which it
temperatures or higher energy values. was originally subjected.
S72.6 Personnel performing NDE examinations shall be
S69. Magnetic Particle Examination—Weld Metal qualified in accordance with SNT-TC-1A-1984.
S69.1 All accessible welds shall be examined in accordance
with Practice E 709. Accessible is defined as all outside S73. Weld Metal Analysis
surfaces, all inside fitting surfaces 24 in. [610 mm] in diameter S73.1 Analysis of weld metal shall be reported.
and greater, and inside fitting surfaces less than 24 in. [610
mm] in diameter, for a distance of one diameter from the ends. S74. Welding Procedure Test Record
S69.2 Acceptance Criteria—The following indications are S74.1 A welding procedure test record shall be furnished.
unacceptable:
S69.2.1 Any cracks and linear indications, S75. Chemical Analysis of Remelted Steel
S69.2.2 Rounded indications with dimensions greater than S75.1 Each remelted ingot shall be assigned a unique
3⁄16in. [4.8 mm], identification number.

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 A 960
S75.2 A chemical analysis shall be made from each re- shipment of the fittings. This examination is to assure that no
melted ingot. material grade mix-up has happened during manufacturing and
marking of the fittings.
S76. Electropolished Austenitic Grades
S77.2 Fittings shall receive a Positive Material Identifica-
S76.1 All electropolished austenitic fittings shall be of a tion examination using the methods of Guide E 1916.
cleanliness according to Specification A 967.
S76.2 Details concerning which test method of Specifica- S77.3 The quantity examined shall be 100 % of the fittings.
tion A 967 are to be a matter of agreement between the S77.4 All fittings that are not of the correct material grade
manufacturer and the purchaser. shall be rejected.
S77.5 The method of fitting marking after this examination
S77. Positive Material Identification Examination shall be agreed upon between the manufacturer and purchaser.
S77.1 Fittings shall be examined to assure that the pur-
chaser is receiving fittings of the correct material grade prior to

ANNEX

(Mandatory Information)

A1. Requirements for the Introduction of New Materials

A1.1 New materials may be proposed for inclusion in A1.1.3 The application shall be accompanied by test data as
specifications referencing this specification of general require- required by the applicable specification. Test data from a
ments subject to the following conditions: minimum of three test lots, as defined by the specification, each
A1.1.1 Application for the addition of a new grade to a from a different heat, shall be furnished.
specification shall be made to the chairman of the subcommit- A1.1.4 The application shall provide recommendations for
tee, which has jurisdiction over that specification. all requirements appearing in the applicable specification.
A1.1.2 The application shall be accompanied by a statement A1.1.5 The application shall state whether the new grade is
from at least one user indicating that there is a need for the new covered by patent.
grade to be included in the applicable specification.

The American Society for Testing and Materials takes no position respecting the validity of any patent rights asserted in connection
with any item mentioned in this standard. Users of this standard are expressly advised that determination of the validity of any such
patent rights, and the risk of infringement of such rights, are entirely their own responsibility.

This standard is subject to revision at any time by the responsible technical committee and must be reviewed every five years and
if not revised, either reapproved or withdrawn. Your comments are invited either for revision of this standard or for additional standards
and should be addressed to ASTM Headquarters. Your comments will receive careful consideration at a meeting of the responsible
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views known to the ASTM Committee on Standards, at the address shown below.

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