Designation: A 683 – 05

Standard Specification for

Nonoriented Electrical Steel, Semiprocessed Types1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation A 683; 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 A 720/A 720M Test Method for Ductility of Nonoriented

1.1 This specification covers the detailed requirements to Electrical Steel
which flat-rolled, nonoriented semiprocessed electrical steel A 971 Test Method for Measuring Edge Taper and Crown
shall conform. of Flat-Rolled Electrical Steel Coils
1.2 This steel is produced to specified maximum core-loss A 976 Classification of Insulating Coatings by Composi-
values and is intended primarily for commercial power fre- tion, Relative Insulating Ability, and Application
quency (50- and 60-Hz) applications in magnetic devices. 3. Terminology
Desirable core-loss and permeability characteristics are devel-
oped through heat treatment by the user. 3.1 The terms and symbols used in this specification are
1.3 These nonoriented, semiprocessed electrical steels are defined in Terminology A 340.
low carbon, silicon-iron or silicon-aluminum-iron alloys con- 4. Classification
taining up to about 2.5 % silicon and less than 1 % aluminum.
1.4 The values stated in customary (cgs-emu and inch- 4.1 The nonoriented electrical steel types described by this
pound) units are to be regarded as standard. The values given specification are shown in Table 1.
in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are 5. Ordering Information
provided for information only and are not considered standard.
5.1 Orders for material under this specification shall include
2. Referenced Documents as much of the following information as necessary to describe
2.1 ASTM Standards: 2 the desired material adequately:
A 34/A 34M Practice for Sampling and Procurement Test- 5.1.1 ASTM specification number.
ing of Magnetic Materials 5.1.2 Core-loss type number.
A 340 Terminology of Symbols and Definitions Relating to 5.1.3 Surface coating type.
Magnetic Testing 5.1.4 Thickness, width, and length (if in cut lengths instead
A 343/A 343M Test Method for Alternating-Current Mag- of coils).
netic Properties of Materials at Power Frequencies Using 5.1.5 Total weight of ordered item.
Wattmeter-Ammeter-Voltmeter Method and 25-cm Epstein 5.1.6 Limitations in coil size or lift weights.
Test Frame 5.1.7 End Use—The user shall disclose as much pertinent
A 664 Practice for Identification of Standard Electrical information as possible about the intended application to
Steel Grades in ASTM Specifications enable the producer to provide material characteristics most
A 700 Practices for Packaging, Marking, and Loading suitable for specific fabricating practices.
Methods for Steel Products for Domestic Shipment 5.1.8 Special requirements or exceptions to the provisions
A 719/A 719M Test Method for Lamination Factor of Mag- of this specification.
netic Materials 6. Materials and Manufacture
6.1 Typical Melting and Casting:
6.1.1 These semiprocessed electrical steels may be made by
1
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee A06 on basic-oxygen, electric furnace, or other steelmaking prac-
Magnetic Properties and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee A06.02 on
Material Specifications. tice(s).
Current edition approved Aug. 15, 2005. Published August 2005. Originally 6.1.2 These electrical steels are characterized by low car-
approved in 1974. Last previous edition approved in 1999 as A 683/A 683M – 99.
2
bon, usually less than 0.030 %. The principal alloying element
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
is commonly silicon, but aluminum up to about 0.8 % is
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on sometimes used instead of, or in addition to, silicon, depending
the ASTM website. on mill processing practice for the desired magnetic grade.

Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.

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 A 683 – 05
TABLE 1 Core-Loss TypesA and Maximum Core LossesB at a (coating Type C-0 in Classification A 976) which has sufficient
Magnetic Flux Density of 15 kG (1.5 T) and 60 HzC of Quality insulating ability for most small cores. The insulating ability of
Evaluation Annealed Epstein SpecimensD
coating Type C-0 can be enhanced during the user’s heat
0.0185-in. (0.47-mm) Thickness 0.025-in. (0.64-mm) Thickness
treatment by using a slightly oxidizing atmosphere.
Core-Loss Maximum Core Loss Core-Loss Maximum Core Loss 8.2 Applied Coatings:
Type W/lb W/kg Type W/lb W/kg 8.2.1 Semiprocessed electrical steels may also be supplied
47S155 1.55 3.42 64S200 2.00 4.41 with a thin applied coating (coating Types C-4–AS and
47S165 1.65 3.64 64S210 2.10 4.63 C-5–AS in Classification A 976) which has sufficient insulating
47S175 1.75 3.86 64S220 2.20 4.85
47S190 1.90 4.19 64S230 2.30 5.07 ability for most small cores. A major purpose for using coating
A
See Practice A 664.
Types C-4–AS and C-5–AS is to reduce surface-to-surface
B
The test density shall be the correct ASTM assumed density (in accordance sticking during the user’s heat treatment.
with 14.2) for the chemistry used by the producer to meet the property require- 8.2.2 When essential, higher levels of insulating ability may
ments of this specification.
C
Maximum core losses at a magnetic flux density of 15 kG (1.5 T) and 50 Hz
be obtained by coating semiprocessed electrical steels with
are 0.79 times maximum core losses at 60 Hz. thicker applied coatings (coating Types C-4 and C-5 in
D
One half of strips cut parallel to the steel rolling direction and one half of strips Classification A 976). Usage of such coatings should be
cut perpendicular to the steel rolling direction.
approached with great caution since the coatings may have an
inhibiting effect on decarburization and thereby limit the
Individual producers will often have different silicon or alumi- attainment of the lowest core losses in the user’s heat treat-
num contents for a particular grade as a result of intrinsic mill ment.
processing procedures.
6.1.3 Sulfur content is typically less than 0.025 % and is 9. Mechanical Requirements
usually lowest in the numbered types representing lowest core 9.1 Lamination Factor—The lamination factor shall be
loss. Manganese is typically present in amounts between 0.10 determined using Test Method A 719/A 719M and shall be as
and 0.70 %. Phosphorus, copper, nickel, chromium, molybde- high as practicable. It is normally greater for 0.025-in. (0.64-
num, antimony, and tin are usually present only in residual mm) thick steel than for 0.0185-in. (0.47-mm) thick steel and
amounts except in the higher numbered core-loss types where when the surfaces are smooth and have no applied coating.
phosphorus, tin, or antimony up to 0.15 % may be present. 9.2 Ductility—The material shall be as ductile as possible,
6.1.4 The producer is not required to report chemical consistent with meeting magnetic requirements. When required
composition of each lot except where a clear need for such the ductility shall be determined by the bend test for ductility
information has been shown. In such cases, the analyses to be described in Test Method A 720/A 720M. Ductility is a func-
reported shall be negotiated between the producer and user. tion of microstructure and may differ between producers. The
6.2 Typical Processing—The processing sequence for semi- user’s anneal may also affect ductility.
processed nonoriented electrical steel comprises hot rolling,
pickling, cold rolling, and annealing. An additional annealing 10. Dimensions and Permissible Variations
operation may precede or follow the pickling operation. 10.1 Thickness—Specified thickness should be one of the
6.3 When changes in the manufacture of the material are common thicknesses as follows:
believed to exert possible significant effects upon the user’s
fabricating practices and upon the magnetic performance to be Thickness, in. (mm)
obtained in the specified end use, the producer shall notify the 0.025 (0.64)
user before shipment is made so the user has an opportunity to 0.0185 (0.47)
evaluate the effects. 10.2 Thickness Variations—The average thickness of the
material supplied shall be as close as possible to the ordered
7. Magnetic Property Requirements Magnetic Property thickness. Measurements made with a contacting micrometer
Requirements at points no closer than 3⁄8 in. (10 mm) from the edge of a sheet
7.1 Specific Core Loss—Each core-loss type of electrical or coil of specified width shall not differ from the specified
steel is identified by maximum core-loss limits as shown in thickness by more than the values (which include taper) shown
Table 1. in Table 2.
7.2 Permeability—The permeability at all inductions shall 10.3 Edge Taper—The rolling of flat-rolled strip inherently
be as high as possible consistent with the required core-loss produces an edge that is thinner than the rest of the strip. This
limits that govern the grade. Typical relative peak permeability
(µp) values are given in Appendix X1. TABLE 2 Thickness TolerancesA
7.3 Specific Exciting Power—The rms exciting power re- Thickness Tolerances, Over or Under, in. (mm) for
quired for the excitation of a particular type of electrical steel Specified Width, in. (mm)

is frequently useful to the user. Typical values of specific Specified 6 (152) Over 6 (152) Over 12 (305) Over 36 (914)
Thickness, Wide and to 12 (305) to 36 (914) to 48 (1219)
exciting power are given in Appendix X1. in. (mm) Under Wide, Incl Wide, Incl Wide, Incl
0.0185 (0.47) 0.0015 (0.038) 0.002 (0.051) 0.002 (0.051) 0.003 (0.076)
8. Surface Insulation Characteristics 0.025 (0.64) 0.002 (0.051) 0.002 (0.051) 0.003 (0.076) 0.003 (0.076)
8.1 Unless otherwise specified, semiprocessed electrical A
Thickness is measured at any point across the width not less than 3⁄8 in. (10
steels are supplied with a thin, tightly adherent surface oxide mm) from a side edge.

2
 A 683 – 05
characteristic is termed “edge taper,” “feather,” or “gamma.” TABLE 4 Length Tolerances
Edge taper thickness variation is sometimes the major portion Length Tolerance
Specified Length
of the total overall thickness variation permitted by 10.2. Edge Over Under
taper is defined and may be measured in accordance with Test in. mm in. mm in. mm
Method A 971. Since edge taper occurs primarily within the To 30, incl (to 760, incl) ⁄
18 (3.2) 0 0
first 1 or 2 in. (25 or 50 mm) from the as-rolled edge, edge slit Over 30 to 60, incl (over 760 to 1520, incl) ⁄
14 (6.4) 0 0
coils tend to have the greatest variation in thickness. The Over 60 to 96, incl (over 1520 to 2340, 1⁄ 2 (12.7) 0 0
incl)
following limits on the differences in thickness measured Over 96 to 120, incl (over 2340 to 3050, ⁄
34 (19.1) 0 0
within the first 2 in. (50 mm) or less from either edge of the incl)
ordered width will apply. Over 120 to 144, incl (over 3050 to 3660, 1 (25.4) 0 0
incl)
Ordered Thickness Maximum Taper
in. mm in. mm

0.0185 0.47 0.0012 0.031

0.025 0.64 0.0014 0.036 cal steel sheets is extremely difficult; therefore, no specific
10.4 Width Tolerances—Maximum deviations from the or- limits for flatness have been established.
dered width shall be as shown in Table 3. 11.2.1 It is intended that flatness shall be suitable for the
10.5 Length Tolerances—The maximum deviations from intended application, and consequently the user should inform
the ordered length shall be as shown in Table 4. the producer of any requirements for a degree of flatness,
10.6 Camber—Camber is the greatest deviation of a side which exceeds that obtained from usual commercial practices.
edge from a straight line, the measurement being taken on the 11.2.2 Commercial practices recognize that sharp, short
concave side with a straightedge. It is limited to 1⁄4 in. (6.4 mm) waves and buckles are objectionable.
in any 8-ft (2.4-m) length. 11.2.3 Procedures for judging the degree of critical flatness
10.7 Out of Square—This tolerance applies to cut lengths necessary shall be subject to negotiation between user and
only and represents the deviation of an edge from a straight line producer.
placed at a right angle to the side, touching one corner and 11.3 Surface Imperfections—The surface shall be reason-
extending to the other side. It shall not exceed 1⁄16 in. (1.6 mm) ably clean and essentially free of manufacturing defects such as
in any 6 in. (150 mm) of width or fraction thereof. holes, blisters, slivers, indentations, and so forth, which would
interfere with its effective use in the intended application.
11. Workmanship and Finish
11.1 Surface Finishes—Many applications of these steels 12. Sampling
require some treatment of the normally smooth surface to 12.1 The producer shall assign a number to each test lot for
minimize sticking during the lamination anneal. This may take identification. The test lot shall not exceed 20 000 lb (9100 kg)
the form of an intentionally roughened surface or a chemical in weight.
treatment of the surface commonly referred to as antistick. The 12.2 Test samples shall be obtained after final mill heat
several ranges of roughness that are usually available include treatment or other operation which is the final operation to have
the following as determined by a profilometer and expressed as significant influence on the magnetic properties of semipro-
arithmetic average microinches at 0.030-in. (0.76-mm) cutoff cessed electrical steel.
and 0.3-in./s (7.6-mm) tracing speed: 12.3 The full width coil identified as a test lot shall be
Surface Profilometer sampled in accordance with Practice A 34/A 34M.
Finish (Ra), µin. (µm)

Smooth 0–20 (0–0.5) 13. Specimen Preparation

Matte 30–60 (0.8–1.5)
Rough 70–110 (1.8–2.8) 13.1 The Epstein test specimen shall consist of one half of
the test strips obtained parallel to rolling and one half trans-
The user shall specify on the order what surface finish or verse to the rolling direction, in accordance with Fig. 1 of
surface treatment is required. Practice A 34/A 34M.
11.2 Flatness—Adequately defining the degree of flatness 13.2 To determine conformity with the magnetic require-
necessary for the general application of semiprocessed electri- ments of this specification, the specimen strips to be tested
TABLE 3 Width Tolerances shall be given a controlled quality evaluation anneal in a
Width Tolerance
decarburizing atmosphere. The anneal shall be made under
Specified Width conditions which ensure that the specimen strips reach a
Over Under
temperature of 1550°F (843°C) except that the temperature
in. mm in. mm in. mm
shall be 1450°F (788°C) for alloy contents less than 1.3 %
2 to 6, incl (50 to 150 incl) 0.008 (0.20) 0.008 (0.20) silicon plus aluminum, for approximately 1 h and with condi-
Over 6 to 9, incl (over 150 to 230, incl) 0.016 (0.41) 0.016 (0.41)
Over 9 to 12, incl (over 230 to 300, incl) 0.032 (0.81) 0.032 (0.81) tions favorable to decarburization. The atmosphere shall con-
Over 12 to 30, incl (over 300 to 760, incl) 1⁄ 8 (3.2) 0 0 tain sufficient moisture to be highly decarburizing but should
Over 30 to 48, incl (over 760 to 1220, incl) 3⁄16 (4.8) 0 0 not excessively oxidize the specimens. An atmosphere meeting
Over 48 to 60, incl (over 1220 to 1520, 1⁄ 4 (6.4) 0 0
incl) these conditions contains about 20 % hydrogen, 80 % nitrogen
and has a dew point of +55°F (+13°C). Care shall be taken to

3
 A 683 – 05
maintain the strips flat in the anneal and to permit ready access 16. Marking
of the atmosphere to the edges of the specimen strips. 16.1 Each package of coils or lift of cut lengths shall have
13.3 Care shall be practiced to exclude from the test firmly attached to its outside wrappings, a tag showing the
specimen any bent, twisted, heavily burred, or improperly user’s order number, specification number, grade designation,
sheared strips. coating or surface type-designation, thickness, width, (and
14. Test Methods length if in sheet form), weight, and test lot number.
16.2 Each wide coil shall have the specification number,
14.1 The required tests for core loss to determine the
grade designation, coating or surface-type designation, thick-
core-loss grade, and other magnetic tests when made, shall be
ness, width, weight, and test lot number marked on the outer
in accordance with the procedure of Test Method A 343/
surface of the coil itself.
A 343M.
16.3 In a lift of narrow coils, each narrow coil in the
14.2 The assumed density of these materials for test pur-
package shall be tagged with the specification number, grade
poses varies according to the amounts of silicon and aluminum
designation, coating or surface-type designation, thickness,
present in the steel as shown in Practice A 34/A 34M. The
width, and test lot number.
factor, percent silicon plus 1.7 multiplied by percent aluminum
as determined for the median or aim silicon and aluminum of 17. Packaging
the melt, shall determine the assumed density to be used as
17.1 Methods of packaging, loading, and shipping, unless
follows:
otherwise specified, shall correspond to the latest revision of
Chemical Composition Assumed Test Density,
(% Si + 1.7 3 % Al) g/cm3 (kg/m3) the procedures recommended by Practices A 700.

0.00–0.65 7.85 (7850) 18. Rejection

0.66–1.40 7.80 (7800)
1.41–2.15 7.75 (7750) 18.1 Unless otherwise specified, any rejection shall be
2.16–2.95 7.70 (7700) reported to the producer within reasonable time after receipt of
2.96–3.70 7.65 (7650) material by the user.
3.71–4.50 7.60 (7600)
18.2 Material that is reported to be defective subsequent to
15. Certification the acceptance at the user’s works shall be set aside, adequately
15.1 The producer shall submit to the user, as promptly as protected, and correctly identified. The producer shall be
possible after shipment, a certified report of the average notified as soon as possible so that an investigation may be
core-loss values or any other required test values, for each test initiated.
lot, to show that the material conforms to this specification. 18.3 Samples that are representative of the rejected material
15.2 The test methods and applicable test conditions, in- shall be made available to the producer so a mutually agreeable
cluding the test density, shall be clearly stated. settlement can be reached.
15.3 The test report shall carry the lot identification, pur-
chase order number, and other information that is deemed 19. Keywords
necessary to identify the test results with the proper shipment 19.1 core loss; electrical steel; flat-rolled; nonoriented;
and shipping lot. semiprocessed

APPENDIX

(Nonmandatory Information)

X1. TYPICAL PROPERTIES

TABLE X1.1 Typical Values for Relative Peak Permeability at X1.1 Peak Permeability—Typical values for relative peak
15 kG (1.5 T) and 60 Hz of Quality Evaluation Annealed Epstein permeability (µp) at an induction of 15 kG (1.5 T) determined
SpecimensA
in accordance with Test Method A 343/A 343M are given in
0.0185-in. (0.47-mm) Thickness 0.025-in. (0.64-mm) Thickness
Table X1.1.
Core-Loss Typical Relative Core-Loss Typical Relative
Type Peak Permeability Type Peak Permeability
X1.2 Specific Exciting Power—Typical values of specific
47S155 1700–2500 64S200 2000–2900
47S165 2000–2900 64S210 2400–3400 exciting power for these materials at 15 kG (1.5) and 60 Hz
47S175 2100–3000 64S220 2400–3400 determined in accordance with Test Method A 343/A 343M are
47S190 2100–3000 64S230 2400–3400
A
provided in Table X1.2.
One half of strips cut parallel to the steel rolling direction and one half of strips
cut perpendicular to the steel rolling direction.

4
 A 683 – 05
TABLE X1.2 Typical Values for Specific Exciting Power at 15 kG
(1.5 T) and 60 Hz of Quality Evaluation Annealed Epstein
SpecimensA
0.0185-in. (0.47-mm) Thickness 0.025-in. (0.64-mm) Thickness
Core-Loss Typical Specific Exciting Core-Loss Typical Specific Exciting
Type Power, VA/lb (VA/kg) Type Power, VA/lb (VA/kg)
47S155 4.0–5.5 (8.8–12.1) 64S200 4.0–5.0 (8.8–12.1)
47S165 3.5–5.0 (7.7–11.0) 64S210 3.5–4.5 (7.7–9.9)
47S175 3.5–5.0 (7.7–11.0) 64S220 3.5–4.5 (7.7–9.9)
47S190 3.5–5.0 (7.7–11.0) 64S230 3.5–4.5 (7.7–9.9)
A
One half of strips cut parallel to the steel rolling direction and one half of strips
cut perpendicular to the steel rolling direction.

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