Designation: B686/B686M − 11

Standard Specification for

Aluminum Alloy Castings, High-Strength1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation B686/B686M; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year
of original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.
A superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.

1. Scope* 2.2 ASTM Standards:2

B179 Specification for Aluminum Alloys in Ingot and Mol-
1.1 This specification covers aluminum-alloy high-strength
ten Forms for Castings from All Casting Processes
castings designated as shown in Table 1. B275 Practice for Codification of Certain Nonferrous Metals
1.2 Castings covered by this specification are intended for and Alloys, Cast and Wrought
use in airframe, missile, and other critical applications where B557 Test Methods for Tension Testing Wrought and Cast
high strength, ductility, and sound castings are required. Aluminum- and Magnesium-Alloy Products
B557M Test Methods for Tension Testing Wrought and Cast
1.3 Alloy and temper designations are in accordance with Aluminum- and Magnesium-Alloy Products (Metric)
ANSI H35.1/H35.1 (M). The equivalent Unified Numbering B660 Practices for Packaging/Packing of Aluminum and
System alloy designations are in accordance with Practice Magnesium Products
E527. B881 Terminology Relating to Aluminum- and Magnesium-
1.4 Unless the order specifies the “M” specification Alloy Products
B917/B917M Practice for Heat Treatment of Aluminum-
designation, the material shall be furnished to the inch-pound
Alloy Castings from All Processes
units.
D3951 Practice for Commercial Packaging
1.5 For acceptance criteria for inclusion of new aluminum E29 Practice for Using Significant Digits in Test Data to
and aluminum alloys and their properties in this specification, Determine Conformance with Specifications
see Annex A1 and Annex A2. E34 Test Methods for Chemical Analysis of Aluminum and
Aluminum-Base Alloys
1.6 Units—The values stated in either SI units or inch- E94 Guide for Radiographic Examination
pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The E155 Reference Radiographs for Inspection of Aluminum
values stated in each system may not be exact equivalents; and Magnesium Castings
therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. E165 Practice for Liquid Penetrant Examination for General
Combining values from the two systems may result in non- Industry
conformance with the standard. E527 Practice for Numbering Metals and Alloys in the
1.7 This standard does not purport to address all of the Unified Numbering System (UNS)
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the E607 Test Method for Atomic Emission Spectrometric
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- Analysis Aluminum Alloys by the Point to Plane Tech-
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica- nique Nitrogen Atmosphere (Withdrawn 2011)3
bility of regular limitations prior to use. E716 Practices for Sampling and Sample Preparation of
Aluminum and Aluminum Alloys for Determination of
2. Referenced Documents Chemical Composition by Spectrochemical Analysis
E1251 Test Method for Analysis of Aluminum and Alumi-
2.1 The following documents of the issue in effect on the num Alloys by Spark Atomic Emission Spectrometry
date of purchase form a part of this specification to the extent E2422 Digital Reference Images for Inspection of Alumi-
referenced herein: num Castings
IEEE/ASTM SI 10 Standard for Use of the International

1 2
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee B07 on Light For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Metals and Alloys and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee B07.01 on contact ASTM Customer Service at [email protected]. For Annual Book of ASTM
Aluminum Alloy Ingots and Castings. Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
Current edition approved May 1, 2011. Published June 2011. Originally the ASTM website.
3
approved in 1981. Last previous edition approved in 2010 as B686/B686M – 10. The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on
DOI: 10.1520/B0686_B0686M-11. www.astm.org.

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

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 B686/B686M − 11
TABLE 1 Chemical Composition Limits
NOTE 1—When single units are shown, they indicate the maximum amounts permitted.
NOTE 2—Analysis shall be made for the elements for which limits are shown in this table.
NOTE 3—The following applies to all specified limits in this table: For purposes of determining conformance to these limits, an observed value or a
calculated value obtained from analysis shall be rounded to the nearest unit in the last right-hand place of figures used in expressing the specified limit
in accordance with the rounding-off method of Practice E29.
Composition, %
ANSI ASTM Man- Magne- Others
Former Silicon Iron Copper Zinc Titanium Aluminum
H35.1 E527 ganese sium EachA TotalB
C
A201.0 A12010 0.05 0.10 4.0–5.0 0.20–0.40 0.15–0.35 0.15–0.35 0.03 0.10 remainder
354.0 A03540 SC92A 8.6–9.4 0.20 1.6–2.0 0.10 0.40–0.6 0.10 0.20 0.05 0.15 remainder
C355.0 A33550 SC51B 4.5–5.5 0.20 1.0–1.5 0.10 0.40–0.6 0.10 0.20 0.05 0.15 remainder
A356.0 A13560 SG70B 6.5–7.5 0.20 0.20 0.10 0.25–0.45 0.10 0.20 0.05 0.15 remainder
D
A357.0 A13570 6.5–7.5 0.20 0.20 0.10 0.40–0.7 0.10 0.04–0.20 0.05 0.15 remainder
A
“Others” includes listed elements for which no specific limit is shown as well as unlisted metallic elements. The producer may analyze samples for trace elements not
specified in the specification. However, such analysis is not required and may not cover all metallic “Others” elements. Should any analysis by the producer or the purchaser
establish that an “Others” element exceeds the limit of “Each” or that the aggregate of several “Others” elements exceeds the limit of “Total”, the material shall be considered
nonconforming.
B
Other Elements—Total shall be the sum of unspecified metallic elements 0.010 % or more, rounded to the second decimal before determining the sum.
C
Silver 0.40 to 1.0 %.
D
Beryllium 0.04–0.07.

System of Units (SI): The Modern Metric System 4.1.1.2 Class 2—Class 1 castings not included in Class 1,
2.3 AMS Standard:4 the single failure of which would cause significant danger to
AMS 2771 Heat Treatment of Aluminum Alloy Castings operating personnel or would result in a significant operational
2.4 ANSI Standards:5 penalty. In the case of missiles, aircraft, and other vehicles, this
H35.1 / H35.1 (M) – 2006 Alloy and Temper Designation includes loss of major components, loss of control, uninten-
Systems for Aluminum tional release of inability to release armament stores, or failure
Z1.4 Sampling Procedures and Tables for Inspection by of weapon installation components.
Attributes 4.1.1.3 Class 3—Castings having a margin of safety of
2.5 Military Standard:6 200 % or less.
MIL-STD-129 Marking for Shipment and Storage 4.1.1.4 Class 4—Castings having a margin of safety of
2.6 Federal Standard:6 greater than 200 %, or for which no stress analysis is required.
Fed. Std. No. 123 Marking for Shipment (Civil Agencies) All target drone castings and aerospace ground support equip-
2.7 Other Standards:7 ment fall in this category, except for such critical parts, the
CEN EN 14242 Aluminum and aluminum alloys . Chemical failure of which would make the equipment unsatisfactory and
analysis. Inductively coupled plasma optical emission cause the vehicles which they are intended to support to be
spectral analysis inoperable.
4.1.2 Grades (Radiographic Quality):
3. Terminology
NOTE 1—Caution should be exercised in specifying the grade of
3.1 Definitions: Refer to Terminology B881 for definitions maximum permissible radiographic discontinuity level to be met in the
of product terms used in this specification. casting. Radiographic quality has only a qualitative relationship to
mechanical properties. In general, the highest property levels of an alloy
4. Classification will require the higher grades of radiographic quality. However, section
size and shape parameters may be able to tolerate certain discontinuities
4.1 Castings shall be classified by inspection classes. without significant reduction in functional integrity. Too severe soundness
4.1.1 Classes (Inspection): requirements may cause the part producibility to be impractical or
4.1.1.1 Class 1—A class of casting, the single failure of uneconomical.
which would result in the loss of a missile, aircraft, or other 4.1.2.1 Grade A—A grade in which there is no discernible
vehicle. discontinuity visible on the radiograph of the specified area of
the casting.
4
Available from Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), 400 Commonwealth 4.1.2.2 Grade B—A premium grade of casting for critical
Dr., Warrendale, PA 15096-0001, http://www.sae.org. applications or specified area of a casting with low margins of
5
Available from Aluminum Association, Inc., 1525 Wilson Blvd., Suite 600, safety.
Arlington, VA 22209, http://www.aluminum.org.
6
Available from Standardization Documents Order Desk, DODSSP, Bldg. 4, 4.1.2.3 Grade C—A high-quality grade of casting or area of
Section D, 700 Robbins Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19111-5098, http:// a casting for general applications.
dodssp.daps.dla.mil.
7
Available from European Committee for Standardization (CEN), 36 rue de 4.1.2.4 Grade D—A grade included for less important areas
Stassart, B-1050, Brussels, Belgium, http://www.cenorm.be. of a casting.

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 B686/B686M − 11
5. Ordering Information 5.2.3 Penetrant inspection standards (15.2).
5.1 Orders for material under this specification shall include 5.2.4 Whether Practices B660 applies and, if so, the levels
the following information: of preservation, packaging and packing required (16.3),
5.1.1 This specification designation (which includes the 5.2.5 Whether marking in accordance with Fed. Std. 123 or
number, the year, and the revision letter, if applicable). D3951 or MIL-STD-129 applies (16.3),
5.2.6 Whether certification is required (17).
NOTE 2—For inch-pound application, specify Specification B686 and
for metric application specify Specification B686M. Do not mix units. 6. Materials and Manufacture
5.1.2 Alloy number (Section 7.1, Table 1) radiographic 6.1 The responsibility of furnishing castings that can be laid
grade (4.1.2, Table 2) inspection class of castings (4.1.1, Table out and machined to the finished dimensions within the
3 or [Table 4]) and class of mechanical properties (Table 5 or permissible variations specified, as shown on the blueprints or
[Table 6]), drawings, shall rest with the producer, except where pattern
5.1.3 Tensile property requirements on the drawing or equipment is furnished by the purchaser and any dimensional
purchase order (9.1.5, 15.4, 15.5, Table 3 and Table 5 or [Table discrepancies can be clearly attributed to the pattern equipment
4] and [Table 6]), as furnished.
5.1.4 Identification of product information (Section 11), 6.1.1 Unless otherwise specified, only aluminum alloy con-
5.1.5 Applicable drawings or part number, forming to the requirements of Specification B179 or produc-
5.1.6 The quantity in either pieces or [kilograms], er’s foundry scrap (identified as being made from alloy
5.2 Additionally, orders for material to this specification conforming to Specification B179) shall be used in the remelt-
shall include the following information when required by the ing furnace from which molten metal is taken for pouring
purchaser: directly into castings. Additions of small amounts of modifiers
5.2.1 Whether heat treatment is to be performed in accor- and grain refining elements or alloys are permitted.
dance with AMS 2771 (10.2), 6.1.2 Pure materials, recycled materials, and master alloys
5.2.2 Where the preproduction samples shall be sent, and may be used to make alloys conforming to this specification,
activity responsible for testing, and instructions concerning provided chemical analysis can be taken and adjusted to
submittal of the test reports (14.2.1 and 14.2.2), conform to Table 1 prior to pouring any castings.

TABLE 2 Discontinuity-Level Requirements for High-Strength Aluminum Castings—Maximum Permissible in Accordance with
(Film Reference Radiographs E155 or Digital Reference Radiographs E2422)
NOTE 1—When two or more types of discontinuities are present within a 2 by 2-in. [50 mm by 50 mm] area to an extent equal to or not significantly
better than the acceptance standards for respective discontinuities, the castings shall be rejected.
NOTE 2—When two or more types of discontinuities are present within a 2 by 2-in. [50 mm by 50 mm] area and the predominating discontinuity is
not significantly better than the acceptance standard, the casting shall be considered borderline.
NOTE 3—Borderline castings shall be reviewed for acceptance or rejection by competent engineering personnel from the manufacturer and purchaser.
NOTE 4—Gas holes, sand spots, and inclusions allowed by this table shall be cause for rejection when closer than twice their maximum dimension to
an edge or extremity of a casting.
NOTE 5—Castings with the following characteristics apply to Alloy A201.1 only:
1. Banding or striated segregation shall be acceptable to the extent that the mechanical properties in the affected section meet the requirements of
Table 3.
2. Healed hot tears or discrete segregation cracks, evidenced by linear irregular white lines, shall be rejected.
3. Spheroidal segregation, evidenced by white spheroids, shall be evaluated for size and concentration by using the standards for gas holes.
Grade A Grade B Grade C Grade D
Discontinuity Radiograph Section Thickness, in.
1⁄ 4 3 ⁄4 1⁄ 4 3⁄ 4 1⁄ 4 3⁄4 1⁄4 3⁄4

[6 mm] [19 mm] [6 mm] [19 mm] [6 mm] [19 mm] [6 mm] [19 mm]
Gas holes 1.1 none 1 1 2 2 5 5
Gas porosity (round) 1.21 none 1 1 3 3 7 7
Gas porosity (elongated) 1.22 none 1 1 3 4 5 5
A A A
Shrinkage cavity 2.1 none 1 2 3
Shrinkage porosity or sponge 2.2 none 1 1 2 2 4 3
Foreign material (less dense 3.11 none 1 1 2 2 4 4
material)
Foreign material (more dense 3.12 none 1 1 2 1 4 3
material)
Segregation .... none none none none
Cracks .... none none none none
Cold shuts .... none none none none
Laps .... none none none none
Surface irregularity .... not to exceed drawing tolerance
Core shift .... not to exceed drawing tolerance
A
Not available. Use 1⁄4 in.[6 mm] for all section thicknesses.

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 B686/B686M − 11
TABLE 3 Mechanical Properties of SpecimensA Cut from Designated Areas of CastingB (Inch-Pound Units).
Alloy Number Yield Strength, 0.2 Elongation in
Class Tensile Strength,
% Offset, min, 2 in. or 4D,
ANSI H35.1 ASTM E527 (UNS) Former Number min, ksi
ksi min, %
A201.0C A12010 1 60.0 50.0 3
2D 60.0 50.0 5
354.0 A03540 SC92A 1 47.0 36.0 3
2D 50.0 42.0 2
C355.0 A33550 SC51 1 41.0 31.0 3
2 44.0 33.0 3
3D 50.0 40.0 2
A356.0 A13560 SC70B 1 38.0 28.0 5
2 40.0 30.0 3
3D 45.0 34.0 3
A357.0 A13570 1 45.0 35.0 3
2D 50.0 40.0 5
A
For purposes of determining conformance with this specification, each value for tensile strength and yield strength shall be rounded to the nearest 0.1 ksi, and each value
for elongation shall be rounded to the nearest 0.5 %, both in accordance with the rounding method of Practice E29.
B
For any casting process utilized, special mold, or sand mold permanent mold with chills may be used. Properties in other areas may vary with mold process and foundry
techniques used but will be inspected under foundry control (0.1.2). Special negotiated properties may be called for by the drawing note.
C
Alloy A201.0 is intended for use in the –T7 temper, which provides a high level of resistance to stress-corrosion cracking when properly heat treated. In other tempers,
alloy A201.0 may exhibit susceptibility to stress-corrosion cracking. Additionally, its tendency for hot shortness may make alloy A201.0 unsuitable in some casting designs.
D
This class is obtainable in favorable casting configurations and must be negotiated with the foundry for particular configuration desired. See Note 1 and 8.3.

TABLE 4 Mechanical Properties of SpecimensA Cut from Designated Areas of CastingB (SI Units) - [Metric].C
Alloy Number Yield Strength, 0.2
Class Tensile Strength, Elongation in
% Offset, min,
ANSI H35.1 ASTM E527 (UNS) Former Number min, MPa 5D, min, %
MPa
A201.0D A12010 1 415 345 3
2E 415 345 5
354.0 A03540 SC92A 1 325 250 3
2E 345 290 2
C355.0 A33550 SC51 1 285 215 3
2 305 230 3
3E 345 275 2
A356.0 A13560 SC70B 1 260 195 5
2 275 205 3
3E 310 235 3
A357.0 A13570 1 310 240 3
2E 345 275 5
A
For purposes of determining conformance with this specification, each value for tensile strength and yield strength shall be rounded to the nearest 1 MPa, and each value
for elongation shall be rounded to the nearest 0.5 %, both in accordance with the rounding method of Practice E29.
B
For any casting process utilized, special mold or sand mold, or permanent mold, with chills may be used. Properties in other areas may vary with mold process and
foundry techniques used but will be inspected under foundry control (8.3). Special negotiated properties may be called for by the drawing note.
C
Guidelines for metric conversion from the Tempers for Aluminum and Aluminum Alloys, Metric Edition (Tan Sheets) were used to convert the tensile and yield values
to SI units. Section 15.4 and 15.5.3 state that the “coupons must meet the tensile property requirements specified,” therefore there has been no reduction in elongation
values during metric conversion.8
D
Alloy A201.0 is intended for use in the –T7 temper, which provides a high level of resistance to stress-corrosion cracking when properly heat treated. In other tempers,
alloy A201.0 may exhibit susceptibility to stress-corrosion cracking. Additionally, its tendency for hot shortness may make alloy A201.0 unsuitable in some casting designs.
E
This class is obtainable in favorable casting configurations and must be negotiated with the foundry for particular configuration desired. See Note 1 and 8.3.

7. Chemical Composition and Sampling 7.3 Other methods of analysis or in the case of dispute may
7.1 The product shall conform to the chemical composition be by agreement between the producer and the purchaser.
limits prescribed in Table 1. Conformance shall be determined 7.4 A sample for determining of chemical composition shall
by the producer by taking samples at the time castings are be taken to represent the following:
poured in accordance with E716 and analyzed in accordance 7.4.1 Not more than 2000 lb [1000 kg] of clean castings
with E607, E1251, E34 or CEN EN 14242. If the producer has (gates and risers removed) or a single casting poured from one
determined the composition of the material during casting, they furnace.
shall not be required to sample and analyze the finished 7.4.2 Castings poured continuously from one furnace for
product. not more than 8 consecutive hours.
7.2 If it becomes necessary to analyze castings for confor-
mance to chemical composition limits, the method used to 8. Preproduction Sample
sample castings for the determination of chemical composition 8.1 In advance of production, unless otherwise specified in
shall be by agreement between the producer and the purchaser. the contract or order, two castings heat treated and straightened
Analysis shall be performed in accordance with E716, E607, to drawing requirements shall be submitted as directed by the
E1251, E34 or CEN EN 14242 (ICP method). purchaser for examination and written approval. One casting

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 B686/B686M − 11
TABLE 5 Mechanical Properties of SpecimensA Cut from Any Area of CastingB (Inch-Pound Units)
Alloy Number Class of Yield Strength, 0.2 Elongation in
Tensile Strength,
Mechanical Property % Offset, min, 2 in. or 4,
ANSI H35.1 ASTM E527 (UNS) Former min, ksi
(see 5.1.2)C ksiC min, %
A201.0D A12010 10 60.0 50.0 3
11 56.0 48.0 1.5
354.0 A03540 SC92A 10 47.0 36.0 3
11 43.0 33.0 2
C355.0 A33550 SC51 10 41.0 31.0 3
11 37.0 30.0 1
12 35.0 28.0 1
A356.0 A13560 SG70B 10 38.0 28.0 5
11 33.0 27.0 3
12 32.0 22.0 2
A357.0 A13570 10 38.0 28.0 5
11 41.0 31.0 3
A
For any casting process utilized, special mold or sand mold, or permanent mold, with chills may be used. Properties in other areas may vary with mold process and
foundry techniques used but will be inspected under foundry control (8.3). Special negotiated properties may be called for by the drawing note.
B
For purposes of determining conformance with this specification, each value for tensile strength and yield strength shall be rounded to the nearest 0.1 ksi, and each value
for elongation shall be rounded to the nearest 0.5 %, both in accordance with the rounding method of Practice E29.
C
For any alloy, yield strength will be reasonably consistent throughout the casting. This should be considered when selecting combinations of classes from Table 3 and
Table 5. See Note 1 and 8.3.
D
Alloy A201.0 is intended for use in the –T7 temper, which provides a high level of resistance to stress-corrosion cracking when properly heat treated. In other tempers,
alloy A201.0 may exhibit susceptibility to stress-corrosion cracking. Additionally, its tendency for hot shortness may make alloy A201.0 unsuitable in some casting designs.

TABLE 6 Mechanical Properties of SpecimensA Cut from Any Area of CastingB (SI Units) - [Metric]C
Alloy Number Class of Yield Strength, 0.2 Elongation in
Tensile Strength,
Mechanical Property % Offset, min, 5D,
ANSI H35.1 ASTM E527 (UNS) Former min, MPaC
(see 5.1.2)C MPaD min, %
A201.0E A12010 10 415 345 3
11 385 330 1.5
354.0 A03540 SC92A 10 325 250 3
11 295 230 2
C355.0 A33550 SC51 10 285 215 3
11 255 205 1
12 240 195 1
A356.0 A13560 SG70B 10 260 195 4
11 230 185 3
12 220 150 2
A357.0 A13570 10 260 195 4
11 285 215 3
A
For purposes of determining conformance with this specification, each value for tensile strength and yield strength shall be rounded to the nearest 1 MPa, and each value
for elongation shall be rounded to the nearest 0.5 %, both in accordance with the rounding method of Practice E29.
B
For any casting process utilized, special mold, sand mold, or permanent mold chills may be used. Properties in other areas may vary with mold process and foundry
techniques used, but will be inspected under foundry control (8.3). Special negotiated properties may be called for by the drawing note.
C
Guidelines for metric conversion from the Tempers for Aluminum and Aluminum Alloys, Metric Edition (Tan Sheets) were used to convert the tensile and yield values
to SI units. Section 15.4 and 15.5.3 state that the “coupons must meet the tensile property requirements specified,” therefore there has been no reduction in elongation
values during metric conversion.8
D
For any alloy, yield strength will be reasonably consistent throughout the casting. This should be considered when selecting combinations of classes from Table 5 and
Table 6. See Note 1 and 8.3.
E
Alloy A201.0 is intended for use in the –T7 temper, which provides a high level of resistance to stress-corrosion cracking when properly heat treated. In other tempers,
alloy A201.0 may exhibit susceptibility to stress-corrosion cracking. Additionally, its tendency for hot shortness may make alloy A201.0 unsuitable in some casting designs.

shall be completely laid out by the foundry and identified as the details of manufacture and processing shall be recorded and
“dimensional sample” for dimensional approval. The other documented by photographs, sketches, specifications, and
casting shall be identified as the “foundry control sample” and manufacturing procedures.
shall be for all other inspections and requirements as necessary
for approval. 8.3 The user of this specification is specifically cautioned to
verify the capability of the foundry to competently produce
8.2 The submitted castings shall be fully representative of parts to the specification. On-site survey should be performed
the foundry practice that will be used in production. If to verify the producers’ technical, manufacturing, and quality
temporary gating was used to develop suitable foundry
control capabilities. Verification of properties of sample test
practice, the submitted casting shall be made after the gating
parts is suggested. The ability to produce guaranteed property
has been installed. If chills are required, their size and location
castings requires technical knowledge, foundry technique, and
shall also be permanently identified and recorded. Pouring
temperature of the submitted casting shall be recorded. All vigorous controls uncommon to conventional foundries.

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 B686/B686M − 11
9. Radiographic Soundness and Mechanical Property 9.1.4.4 When any change is made in gates, risers, or chills,
Control 9.1.4.5 When any change in the “as-cast” shape is made,
9.1 Prior to production, radiographic and mechanical prop- 9.1.4.6 When strength requirements are raised,
erty control shall be established. Castings shall be examined by 9.1.4.7 When an old pattern is transferred to a new vendor,
radiographic methods for internal discontinuities. Sectioning 9.1.4.8 When another alloy is used, or
and etching may be performed to determine the presence of 9.1.4.9 When melting or processing techniques are changed.
internal discontinuities. Full-size casting or tension specimens 9.1.5 Tensile Properties—The mechanical properties of test
machined from castings shall be tested for conformance to the specimens, taken as specified in 9.1.2, shall conform to the
required mechanical properties. This control shall be continued requirements of Table 3 and Table 5 or [Table 4 and Table 6].
until the gating and other foundry practices have been estab- The strength requirement of the casting tested in full size shall
lished to produce castings conforming to this specification. be as agreed upon between the foundry and the purchaser.
9.1.1 Radiographic Requirements—After the foundry con- 10. Heat Treatment
trol methods have been established as specified in 8.1, 8.2, and
8.3, castings shall be radiographically inspected as specified in 10.1 Heat treatment shall be performed in accordance with
15.1. Unless otherwise specified in the contract or order, Practice B917/B917M.
acceptance shall be by comparison with a standard set of 10.2 When specified, heat treatment shall be in accordance
radiographs contained in Reference Radiograph E155. Unless with AMS 2771.
otherwise specified, radiographic indications shall be identified
in terms of the discontinuities listed in Table 2. Unless 11. Identification of Product
otherwise specified, acceptance shall be made in accordance 11.1 Where practicable, or unless otherwise specified in the
with one of four grades specified on the engineering drawing contract or order, each casting shall be identified with the part
(4.1.2). When no grade is specified, Grade C shall apply. When number and the serial number by the use of raised numbers in
a drawing specifies “critical” area and indicates no grade, a location indicated on the drawing. When no location is shown
Grade B shall apply to that area and Grade C to the remainder on the drawing, the numbers shall be so located as not to be
of the casting. machined off in finishing to the required dimensions.
9.1.1.1 Acceptability is indicated in Table 2 by the indexed 11.1.1 Castings on which it is impractical to provide raised
number of the E155 radiograph which is acceptable for the numerals shall be marked in accordance with the purchaser’s
applicable grade. To be acceptable to the applicable grade, a requirements.
casting must be acceptable for all discontinuities listed in Table
2. Nonconformance with the applicable standard for any single 12. Dimensions
discontinuity shall make a casting nonacceptable. 12.1 The dimensions of the castings shall be within the
9.1.2 Acceptance Procedure—The radiographs shall be re- dimensions and tolerances specified on the applicable drawing.
viewed to determine conformance to Table 2. Unless otherwise
noted, mechanical property test coupons shall be located in 13. Workmanship, Finish, and Appearance
relation to the radiographs and high- and low-stress areas of the 13.1 Requirements such as surface finish, parting line
casting. Mechanical properties tests shall be made to assure projections, snagging projections where gates and risers were
conformance to this specification. Mechanical property test removed, etc., may be checked visually. It is advisable to have
coupons sectioned through areas of discrete allowable radio- agreed upon observational standards representing both accept-
graphic soundness discontinuities should be tested for infor- able and unacceptable material.
mation only and shall not be cause for rejection of the casting 13.1.1 Castings may be repaired only by processes ap-
or lot except when the test coupon includes a significant proved and agreed upon between the producer and purchaser;
portion of the total cast section. that is, welding, impregnation, chemical treatment or coating to
9.1.3 Foundry Control Approval—Production of a given prevent leaking, peening, blending, soldering, etc. Limitations
casting shall not begin until the foundry control is approved, on the extent and frequency of such repairs, and methods of
unless such approval is waived in writing by the purchaser. inspection of repaired areas should also be agreed upon.
9.1.4 Manufacturing Changes—The manufacturer shall use 13.1.2 Castings shall not be mechanically straightened after
the same foundry practices and the same heat-treating proce- precipitation heat treatment without written permission from
dures for production castings as for approved sample castings. the purchaser.
If necessary to make any change, the foundry shall notify the
purchaser prior to the first shipment of castings incorporating 14. Responsibility for Quality Assurance
such a change, and shall submit sample castings produced by 14.1 Responsibility for Inspection and Tests—Unless other-
the changed procedure for approval in accordance with Section wise specified in the contract or purchase order, the producer
9. A sample casting may be required by the purchaser to assure shall be responsible for the performance of all inspection and
that any of the following change(s) do not adversely affect the test requirements specified herein. Except as otherwise speci-
quality of the casting: fied in the contract or order, the producer may use his own or
9.1.4.1 When a new pattern or permanent mold is used, any other suitable facilities for the performance of the inspec-
9.1.4.2 For each new pattern or cavity in multiple tooling, tion and test requirements specified herein unless disapproved
9.1.4.3 When a duplicate pattern or mold is to be used, by the purchaser. The purchaser shall have the right to perform

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 B686/B686M − 11
any of the inspection and tests set forth in this specification TABLE 7 Sample Size (Radiographic Class 2 Castings)
where such inspections are deemed necessary to confirm that NOTE 1—Acceptance number is 0.
material conforms to prescribed requirements. Sample Sample
Lot Size Lot Size
14.2 Classification of Tests—The inspection and testing of Size Size
2–5 all 27–36 10
castings shall be classified as (1) preproduction tests and (2) 6–8 5 37–51 11
quality-conformance tests. 9–11 6 52–82 12
12–15 7 83–162 13
14.2.1 Preproduction Tests—The first two castings submit-
16–20 8 163–971 14
ted under each contract or order shall be the preproduction test 21–26 9 972 and over 15
samples. The manufacturer shall supply a certified statement of
composition and prior tests that shows that the castings comply
with the requirements of this specification. TABLE 8 Sample Size (Radiographic Class 3 Castings)
14.2.2 Preproduction Testing—Preproduction testing of the NOTE 1—Acceptance number is 0.
castings shall consist of all tests described in Section 15. Sample Sample
Lot Size Lot Size
14.3 Quality-Conformance Tests—Quality-conformance Size Size
2–4 all 18–27 7
tests shall consist of all tests required under Section 15. 5–6 4 28–48 8
14.3.1 Lot—A lot shall consist of not more than 4000 lb 7–11 5 49 and over 9
[2000 kg] of castings of the same part number produced in a 12–17 6

pouring period not exceeding eight hours with metal from a

single melt that are heat-treated in one furnace load. A melt is
defined as metal withdrawn from a single furnace to which all 15.2.1 When specified, liquid penetrant inspection shall be
alloying, grain refining, degassing, and processing has been in accordance with Test Method E165, and Type I penetrant
completed. shall be used unless otherwise specified.
14.3.2 Traceability—Castings produced to this specification 15.2.2 Acceptance standards for discontinuities shall be
shall be serialized sequentially as they are produced. The serial agreed upon, including size and frequency per unit area and
number shall be used to provide traceability to all production location.
and inspection operations. The drawing or contract shall denote 15.2.3 Each casting shall be subjected to penetrant inspec-
the method of serialization, that is, cast-on, vibro-etched, etc. tion.
14.3.3 Sampling Instructions—Sampling plans and proce- 15.3 Tensile Properties—The tensile properties shall be
dures in the determination of the acceptability of products determined in accordance with Test Methods B557 or
submitted by a supplier shall be in accordance with the [B557M]. When the size or shape of the casting restricts the
provisions set forth in ANSI Z1.4 or as specified in this use of test specimens, or when otherwise determined, the
specification; however, more stringent sampling requirements full-size casting may be tested. When a complete casting test is
may be specified on the drawing or in purchase documents. required, the strength requirement and the direction or method
of loading of the full-size casting shall be specified on the
15. Test Methods drawing for the part concerned.
15.1 Radiographic Inspection: 15.4 Tensile Properties—Small Castings—Castings shall be
15.1.1 Radiographic inspection shall be in accordance with selected at random from each lot, after heat treatment and
Guide E94 and Reference Radiograph E155. nondestructive testing operations have been completed, in
15.1.2 When agreed upon between the manufacturer and accordance with ANSI Z1.4, Inspection Level S-2, acceptance
purchaser, digital radiographic inspection shall be in accor- number zero, for the test of 9.1.5. Tension test coupons shall be
dance with Guide E94 and Digital Reference Radiographs cut from locations specified on the engineering drawing. If no
E2422. location is shown, three specimens shall be taken from a thick,
15.1.3 Radiographic acceptance shall be in accordance with medium, and thin section of each casting selected at random.
requirements selected from Table 2. Any modifications of this Tests of these coupons must meet the tensile property require-
table and the frequency per unit area and location shall also be ments specified for the zone of the casting from which they
agreed upon. were taken. In the event of a failure of any test the lot of
15.1.4 Castings shall be radiographically inspected as indi- castings that the sample represents shall be rejected pending
cated below: material review board action by the purchaser.
15.1.4.1 Class 1 (see Section 4) Castings—Each shall be
15.5 Tensile Properties—Larger Castings:
completely examined.
15.5.1 Each casting shall be cast with one or more cast-on
15.1.4.2 Class 2 Castings—Casting shall be selected in coupons for tensile property testing. These coupons shall
accordance with Table 7 and completely examined. remain on the casting until after the completion of all heat-treat
15.1.4.3 Class 3 Castings—Castings shall be selected in operations and shall then be tested to ensure that the casting has
accordance with Table 8 and completely examined. been heat-treated to achieve the required tensile properties.
15.1.4.4 Class 4 Castings—Radiographic examination is not Regardless of where they are attached, the coupons shall meet
required unless otherwise specified. the highest strength requirements for the casting. If cast-on
15.2 Liquid Penetrant Inspection: coupons must be removed prior to heat treatment or if the

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 B686/B686M − 11
casting must be reheat treated after they have been removed, inspection shall be so conducted as not to interfere unneces-
the cast-on coupons shall accompany the part through the heat sarily with the operation of the works.
treat operation.
16. Packaging, Marking, and Shipping
15.5.2 One casting shall be selected at random from each 25
castings or major fraction thereof. The casting selected for 16.1 The material shall be packaged to provide adequate
testing must be one of 25 castings remaining to be submitted protection during normal handling and transportation, and each
package shall contain only castings of the same configuration
from a sequence of pouring. All castings, sequentially serial-
unless otherwise agreed upon. The type of packaging and gross
ized as they are poured, must be accounted for, either as
weight of containers shall, unless otherwise agreed upon, be at
scrapped out or submitted in the batch of 25 castings. Tension
the producer’s discretion, provided they are such to ensure
test specimens shall be taken from each tensile property
acceptance by common or other carriers for safe transportation
strength zone in the casting from locations designated on the
at the lowest rate to the delivery point.
engineering drawings. In addition, the attached coupon or
coupons shall be tested and reported as part of the survey. 16.2 Each package or container shall be marked with the
15.5.3 All tests must meet the minimum requirements for purchase order number, drawing number, quantity, specifica-
the zone of the casting from which they are taken. In the event tion number, alloy and temper, gross and net weights, and the
of a test failure, the group of 25 castings which the test casting name of the producer.
represents shall be rejected pending material review board 16.3 When specified in the contract or purchase order,
action by the purchaser. castings shall be preserved, packaged, and packed in accor-
dance with the requirements of Practices B660. The applicable
15.6 Visual and Dimensional Examination—A random levels shall be specified in the contract or order. Marking for
sample shall be selected from each lot in accordance with shipment of such material shall be in accordance with Fed. Std.
ANSI Z1.4, Inspection Level 11, Acceptance Quality Level No. 123 or Practice D3951 for civil agencies and MIL-STD-
2.5 % Defective, for the examinations of Sections 12 and 13. 129 for military agencies.
15.7 Source Inspection: 17. Certification
15.7.1 If the purchaser desires to make an inspection of the 17.1 The producer shall, on request, furnish to the purchaser
casting at the producers works, it shall be so stated in the a certificate stating that each lot has been sampled, tested, and
contract or order. inspected in accordance with this specification, and has met the
15.7.2 If the purchaser elects to have inspection made at the requirements.
producer’s works, the producer shall afford the inspector all
reasonable facilities to satisfy him that the material is being 18. Keywords
furnished in accordance with this specification. All tests and 18.1 aluminum; high strength; sand casting

ANNEXES

(Mandatory Information)

A1. BASIS FOR INCLUSION OF PROPERTY LIMITS

A1.1 Limits are established at a level at which a statistical more than ten data from a given lot. All tests are performed in
evaluation of the data indicates that 99 % of the population accordance with the appropriate ASTM test methods. For
obtained from all standard material meets the limit with 95 % informational purposes, refer to “Statistical Aspects of Me-
confidence. For the products described, mechanical property chanical Property Assurance” in the Related Material section of
limits for the respective size ranges are based on the analyses the Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 02.02.
of at least 100 data from standard production material with no

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 B686/B686M − 11

A2. ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA FOR INCLUSION OF NEW ALUMINUM AND ALUMINUM ALLOYS IN
THIS SPECIFICATION

A2.1 Prior to acceptance for inclusion in this specification, A2.2.5 For codification purposes, an alloying element is any
the composition of wrought or cast aluminum or aluminum element intentionally added for any purpose other than grain
alloy shall be registered in accordance with ANSI H35.1 / refinement and for which minimum and maximum limits are
H35.1 (M). The Aluminum Association8 holds the Secretariat specified. Unalloyed aluminum contains a minimum of
of ANSI H35 Committee and administers the criteria and 99.00 % aluminum.
procedures for registration.
A2.2.6 Standard limits for alloying elements and impurities
A2.2 If it is documented that the Aluminum Association are expressed to the following decimal places:
could not or would not register a given composition, an Less than 0.001 % 0.000X
alternative procedure and the criteria for acceptance shall be as 0.001 to but less than 0.01 % 0.00X
0.01 to but less than 0.10 %
follows: Unalloyed aluminum made by a refining process 0.0XX
A2.2.1 The designation submitted for inclusion does not Alloys and unalloyed aluminum not made by a refining
process 0.0X
utilize the same designation system as described in ANSI 0.10 through 0.55 % 0.XX
H35.1 / H35.1 (M). A designation not in conflict with other (It is customary to express limits of 0.30 through 0.55 % as
designation systems or a trade name is acceptable. 0.X0 or 0.X5)
Over 0.55 % 0.X, X.X, etc.
A2.2.2 The aluminum or aluminum alloy has been offered (Except that combined Si + Fe limits for 99.00 % minimum
for sale in commercial quantities within the prior twelve aluminum must be expressed as 0.XX or 1.XX)

months to at least three identifiable users. A2.2.7 Standard limits for alloying elements and impuri-
A2.2.3 The complete chemical composition limits are sub- ties are expressed in the following sequence: Silicon; Iron;
mitted. Copper; Manganese; Magnesium; Chromium; Nickel; Zinc;
A2.2.4 The composition is, in the judgement of the respon- Titanium (Note A2.1); Other Elements, Each; Other Elements,
sible subcommittee, significantly different from that of any Total; Aluminum (Note A2.2).
other aluminum or aluminum alloy already in this specifica- NOTE A2.1—Additional specified elements having limits are inserted in
tion. alphabetical order of their chemical symbols between Titanium and Other
Elements, Each or are specified in footnotes.
8
Available from Aluminum Association, Inc., 1525 Wilson Blvd., Suite 600, NOTE A2.2—Aluminum is specified as minimum for unalloyed alumi-
Arlington, VA 22209, http://www.aluminum.org. num and as a remainder for aluminum alloys.

APPENDIXES

(Nonmandatory Information)

X1. ALLOY PROPERTIES AND CHARACTERISTICS

X1.1 The data in Table X1.1 are approximate and are

supplied for general information only.

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 B686/B686M − 11
TABLE X1.1 Properties and Characteristics (Inch-Pound Units) and (SI Units) - [Metric]
NOTE 1—1 indicates best of group, 5 indicates poorest of group.
Pattern
Solidifi- Chemi-
AlloyA Shrink- Approxi-mate Resis- Pres- Strength Suita-
cation Nor- Resis- Anodiz- cal Ox- Suita-
age Melt- tance Ma- at El- bility
sure Fluid- Shrink- mally tance to Polish- Electro- ing (Ap- ide bility
Allow- ing Range, to Hot Tight- ityE chin-
ingI platingJ
evated for
age Heat Corro- pear- Coating for
ance, ° FC Crack- ingH Temper- Weld-
ANSI UNS ness Tend- Treated sionG ance)K (Protec- BrazingO
in. ftB [°C] ingD F atureM ingN
[mm/m] ency tion)L

201.0 A02010 5⁄32 1060–1200 4 3 3 4 yes 4 1 1 1 2 2 1 4 no

[13] [565–649]
354.0 A03540 5⁄32 1015–1150 1 1 1 1 yes 3 3 3 1 4 2 2 2 no
[13] [546–621]
C355.0 A33550 5⁄32 1015–1150 1 1 1 1 yes 3 3 3 1 4 2 2 2 no
[13] [546–621]
A356.0 A13560 5⁄32 1035–1135 1 1 1 1 yes 2 4 5 2 4 2 3 2 no
[13] [557–613]
A357.0 A13570 5⁄32 1035–1135 1 1 1 1 yes 2 4 5 2 4 2 3 2 no
[13] [557–613
A
ASTM alloy designations are in Practice B275.
B
Allowances for average castings. Shrinkage requirements will vary with intricacy of design and dimensions.
C
Temperatures of solidus and liquidus are indicated; pouring temperatures will be higher.
D
Ability of alloy to withstand contraction stresses while cooling through hot-short or brittle-temperature range.
E
Ability of liquid alloy to flow readily in mold and fill thin sections.
F
Decrease in volume accompanying freezing of alloy and measure of amount of compensating feed metal required in form of risers.
G
Based on alloy resistance in standard-type salt-spray test.
H
Composite rating based on ease of cutting, chip characteristics, quality of finish, and tool life. Ratings in the case of heat-treatable alloys, based on − T6 Temper. Other
tempers, particularly the annealed temper, may have lower rating.
I
Composite rating based on ease and speed of polishing and quality of finish provided by typical polishing procedure.
J
Ability of casting to take and hold an electroplate applied by present standard methods.
K
Rated on lightness of color, brightness, and uniformity of clear anodized coating applied in sulfuric acid electrolyte.
L
Rated on combined resistance of coating and base alloy to corrosion.
M
Rating based on tensile and yield strengths at temperatures up to 500°F (260°C), after prolonged heating at testing temperature.
N
Based on ability of material to be fusion welded with filler rod of same alloy.
O
Refers to suitability of alloy to withstand brazing temperatures without excessive distortion or melting.
P
710.0 formerly A712.0, 712.0 formerly D712.0, 851.0 formerly A850.0, 852.0 formerly B850.0.

X2. METRIC EQUIVALENTS

X2.1 The SI unit for strength properties now shown is in newton per square metre (N/m2), which has been named the
accordance with the International Systems of Units (SI) (IEEE/ pascal (Pa) by the General Conference on Weights and Mea-
ASTM SI 10). The derived SI unit for force is the newton (N), sures. Since 1 ksi = 6 894 757 Pa, the metric equivalents are
which is defined as that force which when applied to a body expressed as megapascal (MPa), which is the same as MN/m2
having a mass of 1 kg gives it an acceleration of 1 m/s2 and N/mm2.
(N = kg·m/s2). The derived SI unit for pressure or stress is the

SUMMARY OF CHANGES

Committee B07 has identified the location of selected changes to this standard since the last issue
(B608/B608M – 10) that may impact the use of this standard. (Approved May 1, 2011.)

(1) Added Digital Reference Images E2422 to Section 2. (3) Added Section 15.1.2.
(2) Revised title of Table 2.

Committee B07 has identified the location of selected changes to this standard since the last issue
(B608/B608M – 08) that may impact the use of this standard. (Approved Nov. 1, 2010.)

(1) 5.2.4 revised and 5.2.5 and 5.2.6 added.

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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.

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responsible technical committee, which you may attend. If you feel that your comments have not received a fair hearing you should
make your views known to the ASTM Committee on Standards, at the address shown below.

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