This 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.

Designation: A646/A646M − 17 (Reapproved 2022)

Standard Specification for

Premium Quality Alloy Steel Blooms and Billets for Aircraft
and Aerospace Forgings1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation A646/A646M; 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. Referenced Documents

1.1 This specification covers premium quality alloy steel 2.1 ASTM Standards:2
semifinished rolled or forged blooms and billets for reforging A255 Test Methods for Determining Hardenability of Steel
into critical parts such as aircraft landing-gear forgings. A388/A388M Practice for Ultrasonic Examination of Steel
Forgings
1.2 Blooms and billets, hereinafter referred to as blooms,
A788/A788M Specification for Steel Forgings, General Re-
are semifinished steel products, hot rolled or forged to approxi-
quirements
mate cross-sectional dimensions. Blooms may be square,
A604/A604M Practice for Macroetch Testing of Consum-
round, hexagonal, octagonal, or rectangular in section. For the
able Electrode Remelted Steel Bars and Billets
purposes of this specification, minimum bloom section size
E45 Test Methods for Determining the Inclusion Content of
will be 16 in.2 [103 cm2].
Steel
1.3 This specification covers two basic classifications of E114 Practice for Ultrasonic Pulse-Echo Straight-Beam
steel: Contact Testing
1.3.1 Class I—Vacuum-induction melted or consumable- E214 Practice for Immersed Ultrasonic Testing by the Re-
electrode vacuum melted, or other suitable processes which flection Method Using Pulsed Longitudinal Waves (With-
will satisfy the quality requirements of this specification. drawn 2007)3
1.3.2 Class II—Air-melted vacuum degassed. E381 Method of Macroetch Testing Steel Bars, Billets,
1.3.3 Class III—Air melted electric furnace ladle refined Blooms, and Forgings
and vacuum degassed. E428 Practice for Fabrication and Control of Metal, Other
than Aluminum, Reference Blocks Used in Ultrasonic
1.4 The values stated in either inch-pound units or SI
Testing (Withdrawn 2019)3
(metric) units are to be regarded separately as standard. Within
2.2 AMS Standards: 4
the text and tables, the SI units are shown in brackets. The
AMS 2300 Steel Cleanliness, Premium-Quality
values stated in each system are not necessarily exact equiva-
AMS 2301 Steel Cleanliness, Aircraft-Quality
lents; therefore, to ensure conformance with the standard, each
AMS 2304 Steel Cleanliness, Special Aircraft-Quality
system shall be used independently of the other, and values
from the two systems shall not be combined. 3. Terminology
1.5 Unless the order specifies the applicable “M” specifica- 3.1 In addition to the terminology requirements of Specifi-
tion the material shall be furnished to the inch-pound units. cation A788/A788M, the following terms that are specific to
1.6 This international standard was developed in accor- this specification apply:
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard- 3.2 Definitions:
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the 3.2.1 air-melted vacuum-degassed steel—arc- or induction-
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom- furnace-melted steel that is vacuum treated immediately prior
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical to or during the operation of pouring the ingot.
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at [email protected]. For Annual Book of ASTM
1
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee A01 on Steel, Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
Stainless Steel and Related Alloys and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee the ASTM website.
3
A01.06 on Steel Forgings and Billets. The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on
Current edition approved March 1, 2022. Published March 2022. Originally www.astm.org.
4
approved in 1971. Last previous edition approved in 2017 as A646/A646M – 17. Available from SAE International (SAE), 400 Commonwealth Dr., Warrendale,
DOI: 10.1520/A0646_A0646M-17R22. PA 15096, http://www.sae.org.

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

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

1
 A646/A646M − 17 (2022)
3.2.2 consumable-electrode vacuum-remelted steel—metal 5.1.1 The steel making provisions of Specification A788/
that has been remelted into a crucible in vacuum from single or A788M shall apply, except for the following modifications;
multiple electrodes. 5.1.1.1 Class I material shall be manufactured by the
3.2.3 electroslag-melted steel—metal that has been remelted vacuum-induction-melting process or by the consumable-
into a crucible from single or multiple electrodes utilizing an electrode vacuum-melting (VAR) process. By agreement other
electrical discharge through molten slag as a source of heat. processes such as electroslag or electron-beam melting may be
3.2.3.1 Discussion—For the purposes of this specification considered acceptable.
the parent heat from which any electrode for remelting by the 5.1.1.2 Class II material shall be manufactured by an
electroslag process has been produced shall have been either electric-furnace vacuum-degassed process.
melted under vacuum or vacuum degassed immediately prior 5.1.1.3 Class III material shall be manufactured by the
to or during pouring of the heat. electric furnace process with ladle refining and vacuum degas-
3.2.4 vacuum induction melted steel—metal that has been sing.
melted, refined, and poured from an induction furnace operat- 5.2 Hot-Working Procedure:
ing under vacuum. 5.2.1 Blooms may be either hot rolled or forged.
5.2.2 Blooms having cross-sectional areas ranging from
4. Ordering Information and General Requirements
16 in.2 to 225 in.2 [100 cm2 to 1450 cm2] when made from
4.1 Material supplied to this specification shall conform to air-melt ingots shall have at least 2 to 1 reduction of area from
the requirements of Specification A788/A788M, which out- ingot to bloom. On blooms exceeding 225 in.2 [1450 cm2]
lines additional ordering information, manufacturing forging reduction requirements shall be by agreement. Ingot-
requirements, testing and retesting methods and procedures, to-final forging reduction is not included in this requirement.
marking, certification, product analysis variations, and addi-
5.3 Heat Treatment:
tional supplementary requirements.
4.1.1 If the requirements of this specification are in conflict 5.3.1 Unless otherwise specified all material purchased to
with the requirements of Specification A788/A788M, the this specification will be furnished in the as forged or rolled
requirements of this specification shall prevail. (untreated) condition. In this condition some grades may not be
soft enough for cold sawing, and may be prone to cracking.
4.2 In addition to the ordering requirements of Specification 5.3.2 When specified, the material may be ordered annealed
A788/A788M, the following information should be supplied or normalized and tempered to a maximum Brinell Hardness,
by the purchaser: as specified in Table 2 or by agreement.
4.2.1 Class designation (see 1.3), 5.3.3 Material shall be furnished in condition to withstand,
4.2.2 Quality level (Table 1), grade designation (Table 2), or for an indefinite time, exposure to all climatic conditions
detailed chemistry for nonstandard grades, without developing any external or internal cracks. The method
4.2.3 Desired billet or bloom size, of cooling after hot working or of heat treatment before
4.2.4 Weight or quantity and length, shipment shall be optional with the manufacturer, who shall be
4.2.5 Minimum forging reduction required if ordered size responsible (in the same manner as for discontinuities dis-
exceeds 225 in.2 [1450 cm2] (see 5.2.2), closed after delivery) for cracks which may develop before
4.2.6 Annealing, if required (see 5.3.2), material is subjected to reheating. When a specific heat
4.2.7 Macroetch standards of acceptance (see 7.1), treatment or conditioning of material is specified by the
4.2.8 Microcleanliness standards of acceptance (see 7.2), purchaser, the manufacturer shall be responsible only for
4.2.9 Specific ultrasonic examination requirements, such as carrying out those specific operations and not for any cracking
transducer type and size, whether contact or immersion that may subsequently develop.
preferred, level of reportable discontinuities and any special
surface finish requirements. 6. Chemical Requirements
4.2.10 Hardenability standards of acceptance (see 8.1), and
4.2.11 Any supplementary requirements desired. 6.1 General Requirements:
6.1.1 Table 2 lists standard grades of alloy steel that are
5. Manufacture currently produced in premium quality; however, it is not the
5.1 Melting Practice: intent of this specification to restrict application only to the
materials listed in Table 2.
TABLE 1 Maximum Permissible Discontinuities in Ultrasonic 6.1.2 When a standard grade is ordered, the analysis shall
Examination conform to the requirements as to chemical composition
Response, prescribed in Table 2 for the ordered grade.
Quality in. [mm] Stringers, 6.1.3 The steel, when ordered to other than a standard
Level Single Multiple Length in. [mm]
analysis, shall conform to the requirements of the order.
Discontinuities Discontinuities
AA ⁄
3 64 [1.0] ⁄
2 64 [0.8] ⁄
2 64 –1⁄2 [1.0–12.0] 6.2 Heat Analysis:
A ⁄
5 64 [2.0] ⁄
3 64 [1.0] ⁄ –1 [1.0–25]
3 64
6.2.1 The heat analysis obtained from sampling in accor-
B 8⁄64 [3.0] 5⁄64 [2.0] 5⁄64 –1 [2.0–25]

C 12⁄64 [5.0] 8⁄64 [3.0] 8⁄64 –1 [3.0–25] dance with Specification A788/A788M shall comply with
Table 2 for standard grades, or to the requirements of the order.

2
 A646/A646M − 17 (2022)
TABLE 2 Chemical and Hardness RequirementsA
Composition, %
Grade Maximum
Proprietary
No. Manga- Phos- Chro- Molyb- Vana- Annealed
Name or Carbon Sulfur Silicon Nickel Others
nese phorus mium denum dium Brinell
Grade
Hardness
3310 1 0.08–0.13 0.45–0.60 0.015max 0.012 max 0.20–0.35 3.25–3.75 1.40–1.75 ... ... ... 262
9310 2 0.08–0.13 0.45–0.65 0.015 max 0.012 max 0.20–0.35 3.00–3.50 1.00–1.40 0.08–0.15 ... ... 262
4620 3 0.17–0.22 0.45–0.65 0.015 max 0.012 max 0.20–0.35 1.65–2.00 ... 0.20–0.30 ... ... 229
8620 4 0.18–0.23 0.70–0.90 0.015max 0.012 max 0.20–0.35 0.40–0.70 0.40–0.60 0.15–0.25 ... ... 229
4330 Mod. 5 0.28–0.33 0.75–1.00 0.015 max 0.012 max 0.20–0.35 1.65–2.00 0.70–0.95 0.35–0.50 0.05–0.10 ... 285
4335 Mod. 6 0.33–0.38 0.60–0.90 0.015 max 0.012 max 0.40–0.60 1.65–2.00 0.65–0.90 0.30–0.40 0.17–0.23 ... 285
4340 7 0.38–0.43 0.65–0.85 0.015 max 0.012 max 0.20–0.35 1.65–2.00 0.70–0.90 0.20–0.30 ... ... 285
300 M 8 0.38–0.43 0.65–0.90 0.012 max 0.012 max 1.45–1.80 1.65–2.00 0.70–0.95 0.35–0.45 0.05–0.10 ... 285
D6AC 9 0.45–0.50 0.60–0.90 0.010 max 0.010 max 0.15–0.30 0.40–0.70 0.90–1.20 0.90–1.10 0.08–0.15 ... 285
H-11 10 0.38–0.43 0.20–0.40 0.015 max 0.015 max 0.80–1.00 ... 4.75–5.25 1.20–1.40 0.40–0.60 ... 235
4130 11 0.28–0.33 0.40–0.60 0.015 max 0.012 max 0.20–0.35 ... 0.80–1.10 0.15–0.25 ... ... 229
4140 12 0.38–0.43 0.75–1.00 0.015 max 0.012 max 0.20–0.35 ... 0.80–1.10 0.15–0.25 ... ... 235
98BV40 13 0.40–0.46 0.75–1.00 0.015 max 0.012 max 0.50–0.80 0.60–0.90 0.80–1.05 0.45–0.60 0.01–0.06 0.0005 min, 285
Boron
6150 14 0.48–0.53 0.70–0.90 0.015 max 0.012 max 0.20–0.35 ... 0.80–1.10 ... 0.15 min ... 235
52100 15 0.98–1.10 0.25–0.45 0.015 max 0.010 max 0.20–0.35 ... 1.30–1.60 ... ... ... 302
HP 9-4-20 16 0.17–0.23 0.20–0.40 0.010 max 0.010 max 0.10 max 8.5–9.5 0.65–0.85 0.90–1.10 0.06–0.12 Co 4.25–4.75 341
HP 9-4-30 17 0.29–0.34 0.10–0.35 0.010 max 0.010 max 0.10 max 7.0–8.0 0.90–1.10 0.90–1.10 0.06–0.12 Co 4.25–4.75 341
Marage 18 0.03 max 0.10 max 0.010 max 0.010 max 0.10 max 17.0–19.0 ... 3.0–3.50 ... Co 8.0–9.0 321
200 Ti 0.10–0.25
Al 0.05–0.15
B, Zr, Ca added
Marage 19 0.03 max 0.10 max 0.010 max 0.010 max 0.10 max 17.0–19.0 ... 4.6–5.2 ... Co 7.0–8.5 321
250 Ti 0.30–0.50
Al 0.05–0.15
B, Zr, Ca added
Marage 20 0.03 max 0.10 max 0.010 max 0.010 max 0.10 max 18.0–19.0 ... 4.7–5.2 ... Co 8.5–9.5 321
300 Ti 0.50–0.80
Al 0.05–0.15
B, Zr, Ca added
Nit. 135 21 0.38–0.43 0.50–0.70 0.015 max 0.012 max 0.20–0.40 ... 1.40–1.80 0.30–0.40 ... Al 0.95–1.30 285
A
If any of the following elements are not specified, the following maximum limits shall apply: Nickel 0.35 %; Chromium 0.20 %; Molybdenum 0.06 %; Copper 0.35 %.

6.3 Product Analysis: Test Methods E45, using Method D (Modified JK Chart) for
6.3.1 The purchaser may use the product analysis provision Class I steel and Method A (JK Chart) for Classes II and III
of Specification A788/A788M to obtain a product analysis steel. Standards of acceptance shall be specified by the pur-
from a billet or bloom representing each heat or multiple heat. chaser in the order.
7. Quality Evaluation Tests 7.3 Nondestructive Testing, Ultrasonic Inspection:
7.3.1 General:
7.1 Macroetch—Macroetch inspection shall be required for 7.3.1.1 All material ordered to this specification shall be
all material furnished to this specification. Samples represent- subjected to ultrasonic examination. Inspection may be per-
ing the top and bottom of each ingot shall be examined. formed by either the immersion or the contact method provid-
Macroetching shall be performed in accordance with Method ing that the manufacturer can ensure adequate resolution of the
E381 and Practice A604/A604M, as applicable. Standards of applicable reference standards with the chosen method.
acceptance shall be specified by the purchaser in the order. 7.3.1.2 The usage of reference blocks containing flat-
7.2 Microcleanliness—All material furnished to this speci- bottomed holes for calibration is the preferred method for
fication shall be inspected for microcleanliness. At least one evaluation of discontinuity size up to billet cross-sectional
sample shall be removed from a location midway between the dimensions of approximately 12 in. [300 mm]. With larger
center and outside surface representing the top and bottom of sizes, it is recognized that reference block fabrication becomes
the first and last ingots of each heat or from an ingot from each difficult and in general a back reflection method of calibration
plate for bottom poured ingots. For blooms produced from can be used as an alternative as referenced in 7.3.6.3.
continually cast material the samples shall represent the 7.3.2 Immersion Examination Procedure—This method is
beginning and end of each strand produced from the heat. The recommended for material where the cross-sectional dimension
specimens shall be prepared and rated by the procedure to be inspected is less than approximately 8 in. [200 mm].
described in Method A of Test Methods E45. The polished face Material inspected by the immersion method shall be per-
shall be longitudinal to the direction of maximum hot working. formed in accordance with the procedure outlined in Practice
All specimens shall be prepared and rated in accordance with E214.

3
 A646/A646M − 17 (2022)
7.3.3 Contact Examination Procedure—Material inspected “multiple discontinuity” standard for the applicable quality
by the contact method shall be performed in accordance with level, shall be unacceptable.
the procedure outlined in Practice E114 or Practice A388/ 7.3.7.3 Any stringer discontinuity whose response and
A388M. length exceeds that of the standard for the applicable quality
7.3.4 Scanning—Blooms shall be examined using the level shall be unacceptable.
straight-beam (longitudinal-wave) technique. Blooms having
parallel surfaces shall be scanned from two adjacent sides, 8. Heat Treatment Quality
excluding ends. Cylindrical blooms shall be scanned a mini- 8.1 Hardenability—All heats of material produced to this
mum of 180° around the circumference, with the beam directed specification shall be tested for hardenability in accordance
along the radius, noting that an axial scan from the end faces is with Test Methods A255. The standards of acceptance shall be
not normally applicable. by agreement.
7.3.5 Quality Levels and Reference Standards: 8.2 Supplementary requirement S2 provides for demonstra-
7.3.5.1 The reference blocks shall be fabricated in accor- tion of the mechanical property capability of the material and
dance with the procedures of Practice E428, with the exception should be specified if this information is needed.
of surface finish. Transducer contact surfaces of the product
and the reference block should be comparable roughness. 9. Permissible Variations in Weight
Flat-bottom hole sizes shall be in accord with the applicable 9.1 The permissible variation from the specified or theoreti-
quality level specified in Table 1. cal weight of the blooms or billets shall be 65 % for individual
7.3.5.2 A comparison of the back reflections between pieces or for lots of less than 20 tons [18 t]. For lots of 20 tons
equivalent thicknesses of the reference block material and the [18 t] or over, the permissible variation shall be 62.5 % of the
actual material to be tested, without change in instrument specified or theoretical weight of the lot.
setting shall not show a variation in excess of 25 %. Reference
9.2 The term “lot” is defined as all the blooms or billets of
blocks which do not meet the comparison requirement shall not
the same nominal cross-sectional dimensions and specified
be used for the specific part to be inspected.
piece weight in a shipment.
7.3.6 Evaluation of Discontinuities:
7.3.6.1 When inspecting material to the flat-surface 10. Finish and Appearance
standards, estimate the size of a discontinuity by comparing its 10.1 The material shall be free from rejectable discontinui-
response to that of a flat-surface standard of the same depth, ties.
except as follows:
Depth of Discontinuity, Allowable Difference,
10.2 Conditioning, cutting, or parting of material may be
in. [mm] ± in. [mm] done by scarfing or flame cutting. Methods involving preheat-
Less than 1 [25] 1⁄8 [3]
ing and temperature control necessary to avoid any damage to
1 to 3 [25 to 75] 1⁄4 [6]

Greater than 3 [75] 1⁄2 [12]

flame-cut material shall be employed.
Greater than 6 [150] 1 [25] 10.3 The surface of the billet or bloom must be adequate for
7.3.6.2 As an alternative, a distance-amplitude correction ultrasonic examination to the applicable reference standard. In
(DAC) curve or circuitry may be used. some cases, a smooth ground or milled surface may be
7.3.6.3 Material having a cross-sectional dimension exceed- necessary for adequate penetration and resolution.
ing 12 in. [300 mm] may be examined by the following 10.4 Material may be conditioned to remove rejectable
procedure, using the back-reflection method, instead of prepar- surface discontinuities, provided the depth of conditioning
ing large reference blocks by agreement between manufacturer does not exceed 1⁄16 in. [1.5 mm] for each inch of dimension
and purchaser. A straight-beam longitudinal-wave search unit concerned, up to a maximum depth of 3⁄4 in. [20 mm], and
shall be placed on the material under test in a discontinuity-free provided that the width of the conditioning is at least four times
area having a satisfactory surface condition to produce the its greatest depth. The maximum depth of conditioning on two
desired result. The type, size and frequency of the transducer parallel sides at opposite locations shall not exceed 11⁄2 times
shall be mutually agreed upon as required by the specific the maximum allowed for one side.
situation. The instrument sensitivity shall be adjusted so that
the height of the first back reflection occupies at least 75 %, but 11. Marking, Inspection, Rejection, Inspection, and
less than 100 %, of the full screen amplitude. The reporting Certification
levels and acceptability limits in terms of discontinuity size 11.1 Marking, rejection, inspection, and certification shall
shall be mutually agreed upon prior to order placement. be in accordance with the requirements of Specification A788/
7.3.7 Acceptance Criteria (Table 1): A788M.
7.3.7.1 Any single discontinuity response that exceeds that
of the single discontinuity standard for the applicable quality 12. Keywords
level shall be unacceptable. 12.1 aerospace application; alloy steels; consumable elec-
7.3.7.2 Any multiple discontinuity, that is, any two that have trode remelted; electric furnace; ladle refined; premium qual-
an indicated distance between centers of less than 1 in. ity; reforging stock; steel billets; steel blooms; vacuum de-
[25 mm] and whose responses equal or exceed that of the gassed; vacuum melted

4
 A646/A646M − 17 (2022)

SUPPLEMENTARY REQUIREMENTS

These requirements shall not apply unless specified in the order.

S1. Magnetic Particle Cleanliness S2. Mechanical Property Capability

S1.1 When specified, each heat of billet or bloom material S2.1 When specified, mechanical property testing may be
shall be examined in accordance with Aeronautical Material required to represent the capability of the material to respond
Specification AMS 2300 for Class I, AMS 2301 for Class II, or to the final heat treatment to be performed on the end product.
AMS 2304 for Class III. The purchaser shall specify the details of the capability heat
treatment along with minimum property levels to be achieved
after heat treatment.

SUMMARY OF CHANGES

Committee A01 has identified the location of selected changes to this standard since the last issue
(A646/A646M – 06 (2016)) that may impact the use of this standard. (Approved Nov. 15, 2017.)

(1) Changed Subsection 7.3.5.1 to correct reference blocks. (3) Corrected table references in Subsections 4.2.2, 6.1.1,
(2) Updated Referenced Documents 2.1. 6.1.2, 6.2.1, and 7.3.5.1.

ASTM International 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 International Headquarters. Your comments will receive careful consideration at a meeting of the
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.

This standard is copyrighted by ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959,
United States. Individual reprints (single or multiple copies) of this standard may be obtained by contacting ASTM at the above
address or at 610-832-9585 (phone), 610-832-9555 (fax), or [email protected] (e-mail); or through the ASTM website
(www.astm.org). Permission rights to photocopy the standard may also be secured from the Copyright Clearance Center, 222
Rosewood Drive, Danvers, MA 01923, Tel: (978) 646-2600; http://www.copyright.com/