ASTM A 320/A320M : 2024

1.1This specification2 covers alloy and stainless steel bolting materials and bolting components for pressure vessels, valves, flanges, and fittings for low-temperature service. See Specification A962/A962M for the definition of bolting. The bars shall be hot-wrought and may be further processed by centerless grinding or by cold drawing. Austenitic stainless steel may be solution annealed or annealed and strain-hardened. When strain hardened austenitic stainless steel is ordered, the purchaser should take special care to ensure that Appendix X1 is thoroughly understood.

1.2Several grades are covered, including both ferritic and austenitic steels designated L7, B8, etc. Selection will depend on design, service conditions, mechanical properties, and low-temperature characteristics. The mechanical requirements of Table 1 indicate the diameters for which the minimum mechanical properties apply to the various grades and classes, and Table 2 stipulates the requirements for Charpy impact energy absorption. The manufacturer should determine that the material can conform to these requirements before parts are manufactured. For example, when Grade L43 is specified to meet the Table 2 impact energy values at −150 °F [−101 °C], additional restrictions (such as procuring a steel with lower P and S contents than might normally be supplied) in the chemical composition for AISI 4340 are likely to be required.

1.3The following referenced general requirements are indispensable for application of this specification: Specification A962/A962M.

1.4Nuts for use with bolting are covered in Section 10 and the nut material shall be impact tested.

1.5Supplementary Requirements are provided for use at the option of the purchaser. The supplementary requirements shall apply only when specified in the purchase order or contract.

1.6This specification is expressed in both inch-pound units and SI units; however, unless the purchase order or contract specifies the applicable M specification designation (SI) units, the inch-pound units shall apply.

1.7The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems may result in non-conformance with the standard.

1.8This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.