ASME SA-370 Testing of Steel Products
Summary of ASME SA-370 (Identical to ASTM A370)
ASME SA-370 is a standard specification that outlines test methods and definitions for the mechanical testing of steel products, including steels, stainless steels, and related alloys. It ensures consistent evaluation of material properties like strength, ductility, and toughness. Many of the other material specifications reference SA-370 which promotes uniformity in testing across many materials, and helps minimize lab testing procedures.
Scope of SA-370
The standard covers procedures for tensile, impact, bend, hardness, and other mechanical tests on various steel forms (e.g., bars, tubes, fasteners, wire). It provides specimen preparation guidelines, test conditions, and calculations, often referencing related ASTM standards like E8/E8M (tensile testing) and E23 (impact testing). Unlike more general standards, SA-370 tailors requirements to specific steel product types through detailed annexes.
Key Test Methods
Tensile Testing: describes yield strength, tensile strength, elongation, reduction of area, and modulus of elasticity. Specimens vary by product (e.g., full-section for pipes, dogbone for bars). Controls include strain rate and crosshead speed; calculations are provided to account for material-specific factors.
Bend Testing: Evaluates ductility by bending bars or tubes to detect cracks. Specifies bend radii and fixtures for hot-rolled vs. cold-finished materials.
Hardness Testing: Includes Brinell and Rockwell methods for surface hardness as well as hardness conversion charts for a variety of materials.
Charpy Impact Testing: Assesses energy absorption and fracture behavior under impact. Uses V-notched specimens; minimum energy requirements apply (e.g., 50 ft-lbs at certain temperatures).
Other Tests: Compression (flattening/flaring for tubes), shear (for fasteners), and proof load tests.