AEROSPACE AMS2259™ REV.

MATERIAL SPECIFICATION Issued 2000-07

Revised 201 7-1 0
Superseding AMS2259E

Chemical Check Analysis Limits

Wrought Low-Alloy and Carbon Steels

RATIONALE

AMS2259F results from a Five-Year Review and update of this document that corrects the upper manganese limit in Table 3.

1 . SCOPE

1 .1 Purpose

This specification defines limits of variation for determining acceptability of the composition of wrought low-alloy and carbon
steel parts and material acquired from a producer.

1 .1 .1 Check analysis limits for elements or for ranges of elements not listed herein shall be as specified in the applicable
material specification or as agreed upon by purchaser and producer.

1 .2 Application

When specifically referenced in the material specification, the purchaser may apply check analysis limits to determine the
acceptabil ity of parts and materials at purchaser’s final acceptance test or verification test operation. Use of check analysis
limits is not permitted for ladle or ingot analyses, or for other acceptance testing by the producer.

2. APPLICABLE DOCUMENTS

The issue of the following documents in effect on the date of the purchase order forms a part of this specification to the
extent specified herein. The supplier may work to a subsequent revision of a document unless a specific document issue is
specified. When the referenced document has been cancelled and no superseding document has been specified, the last
published issue of that document shall apply.

2.1 SAE Publications

Available from SAE International, 400 Commonwealth Drive, Warrendale, PA 1 5096-0001 , Tel: 877-606-7323 (inside USA
and Canada) or +1 724-776-4970 (outside USA), www.sae.org.

ARP1 91 7 Clarification of Terms Used in Aerospace Metals Specifications

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
SAE Technical Standards Board Rules provide that: “This report is published by SAE to advance the state of technical and engi neering sciences. The use of this report is entirely
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suggestions.
Copyright © 201 7 SAE International
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SAE INTERNATIONAL AMS2259™ F Page 2 of 7
2.2 ASTM Publications

Available from ASTM International, 1 00 Barr Harbor Drive, P.O. Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 1 9428-2959, Tel: 61 0-
832-9585, www. astm . org .

ASTM E1 806 Sampling Steel and Iron for Determination of Chemical Composition

3. TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS

3.1 Analytical Procedures

Referee analysis shall be by any method acceptable to purchaser and producer.

3.2 Definitions

3.2.1 Check (Product or Verification) Analysis

Analysis made by purchaser of parts or materials to verify the composition of a heat or lot or to determine variations in the
composition within a heat or lot. Acceptance or rejection of a heat or lot of material or batch of parts may be made by
applying variation limits as described in 3.2. 2. In the analysis of finished parts, limits do not apply to elements whose
percentage can be varied by fabricating techniques employed (for example carbon in steel) unless the sample is taken in
such a manner as to exclude such variations.

3.2.2 Variation Limit, Under Minimum or Over Maximum

Given in 3.3 is the amount an individual determination for a specified element may vary under or over the specified
composition limit. In no case shall the reported determinations of any element (except lead) in a heat, using the same
analytical procedure, vary both above and below the specified range. Lead may vary both abo ve and below the specified
range. Dimensional sizes shown in paragraph titles or text or in column headings refer to the cross -sectional area of the
product being analyzed.

3.2.3 Remainder

Shows the basis element from which the alloy is made and is assumed to be present in an amount approximately equal to
the difference between 1 00% and the sum percentage of the alloying elements and listed impurities. Analysis for and
reporting of the basis element are not required.

3.2.4 Residual Elements, Each, Maximum

The maximum amount of an individual element not mentioned specifically in the specified composition that may be present.
Producer normally will analyze only for elements which are possible to be present because of raw materials or manufacturing
processes and which may affect the product significantly. Others will analyze for impurities as they deem necessary.

3.2.5 Residual Elements, Total, Maximum

The sum percentage of the residual elements (see 3.2. 4) found. It shall not be concluded from this statement that an analysis
need be made for each element of the periodic table not mentioned specifically in the composition section.

3.3 Check Analysis Variation Limits

3.3.1 Carbon Steels

Variations for carbon, phosphorus, and sulfur do not apply to rimmed or capped steels. Variations for phos phorous and
sulfur do not apply to rephosphorized or resulfurized steels. Boron is not subject to check analysis variation limits.
SAE INTERNATIONAL AMS2259™ F Page 3 of 7
3.3.1 .1 Bars, Forgings, Wire, Seamless Tubing, and Stock for Forging or Heading

For product up to 1 00 in 2 (645 cm 2), inclusive in section area, check analysis variation limits shall be as shown in Table 1 .

Table 1 - Check analysis variation limits for carbon steel bars, forgings,
wire, seamless tubing, and stock up to 100 in2 section area
Limit or Maximum of Variation Limit, %
Element Specified Range, % Under Min or Over Max
Carbon Up to 0.25, incl 0.02
Over 0. 25 to 0. 55, incl 0.03
Over 0. 55 0.04
Manganese Up to 0.90, incl 0.03
Over 0. 90 to 1 . 65, incl 0.06
Silicon Up to 0.35, incl 0.02
Over 0. 35 to 0. 60, incl 0.05
Phosphorus Up to 0.040, incl 0.008 (3.3.1 .1 . 1 )
Sulfur Up to 0.050, incl 0.008 (3.3.1 .1 . 1 )
Copper All 0.02 (3.3.1 .1 .2)
Lead 0.1 5 to 0.35, incl 0.03 (3.2.2)

3.3.1 .1 .1 Variation applicable only to over maximum.

3.3.1 .1 .2 Variation applicable only to under minimum for copper bearing steels.

3.3.1 .2 Forging Stock Over 1 00 in 2 (645 cm 2) in Section Area

Check analysis variation limits shall be as shown in Table 2.

Table 2 - Check analysis variation limits for carbon steel

forging stock over 100 in2 section area
Variation, % Variation, % Variation, %
Section Over 1 00 to Section Over 200 to Section Over 400 to
Limit or Maximum of 200 in 2 (over 400 in 2 800 in 2 (over
Element Specified Range, % 645 to 1 290 cm 2 ), Incl (over1 290 to 2581 cm 2 ), Incl 2581 to 51 61 cm 2 ), Incl
Carbon Up to 0.25, incl 0.03 0.04 0.05
Over 0.25 to 0.55, incl 0.04 0.05 0.06
Over 0.55 0.05 0.06 0.07
Manganese Up to 0.90, incl 0.04 0.06 0.07
Over 0.90 to 1 .65, incl 0.06 0.07 0.08
Silicon (3.3.1 .2.1 ) Up to 0.35, incl 0.02 0.03 0.04
Over 0.35 to 0.60, incl -- -- --
Phosphorus Up to 0.040, incl 0.008 0.01 0 0.01 5
(3.3.1 .1 .1 )
Sulfur (3.3.1 .1 .1 ) Up to 0.050, incl 0.01 0 0.01 0 0.01 5
Copper (3.3.1 .1 .2) All 0.03 -- --
(3.3.1 .2.1 )
Lead (3.2.2) 0.1 5 to 0.35, incl 0.03 -- --
(3.3.1 .2.1 )

3.3.1 .2.1 Where no variation limit is shown, limits have not been established, and shall be subject to agreement between
purchaser and producer.
SAE INTERNATIONAL AMS2259™ F Page 4 of 7
3.3.1 .3 Sheet, Strip, Plate, and Welded Tubing

Check analysis variation limits shall be as shown in Table 3.

Table 3 - Check analysis variation limits for carbon steel sheet,

strip, plate, and welded tubing
Limit or Maximum of Variation, % Variation, %
Element Specified Range, % Under Min Over Max
Carbon Up to 0.1 5, incl 0.02 0.03
Over 0.1 5 to 0.40, incl 0.03 0.04
Over 0.40 to 0.80, incl 0.03 0.05
Over 0.80 0.03 0.06
Manganese Up to 0.60, incl 0.03 0.03
Over 0.60 to 1 .1 5, incl 0.04 0.04
Over 1 .1 5 to 1 .65 incl 0.05 0.05
Silicon Up to 0.30, incl 0.02 0.03
Over 0.30 to 0.60, incl 0.05 0.05
Phosphorus All -- 0.01
Sulfur All -- 0.01
Copper All 0.02 --

3.3.2 Low-Alloy Steels

3.3.2.1 Product Up to 1 00 in 2 (645 cm 2), Inclusive, in Section Area, Except Plate

Check analysis variation limits shall be as shown in Table 4.

Table 4 - Check analysis variation limits for low-alloy steel product

up to 100 in2 (645 cm2) section area
Limit or Maximum of Variation, %
Element Specified Range, % Under Min or Over Max
Carbon Up to 0.30, incl 0.01
Over 0.30 to 0.75, incl 0.02
Over 0.75 0.03
Manganese Up to 0.90, incl 0.03
Over 0.90 to 2.1 0, incl 0.04
Silicon Up to 0.40, incl 0.02
Over 0.40 to 2.20, incl 0.05
Phosphorus All 0.005 (3.3.2.1 .1 )
Sulfur Up to 0.060, incl 0.005 (3.3.2.1 .1 )
Chromium Up to 0.90, incl 0.03
Over 0.90 to 2.1 0, incl 0.05
Over 2.1 0 to 1 0.00, incl 0.1 0
Nickel Up to 1 .00, incl 0.03
Over 1 .00 to 2.00, incl 0.05
Over 2.00 to 5.30, incl 0.07
Over 5.30 to 1 0.00, incl 0.1 0
Over 1 0.00 to 20.00, incl 0.1 5
Cobalt Up to 1 .00, incl 0.03
Over 1 .00 to 5.00, incl 0.05
Over 5.00 to 1 0.00, incl 0.1 0
Molybdenum Up to 0.20, incl 0.01
Over 0.20 to 0.40, incl 0.02
Over 0.40 to 1 .1 5, incl 0.03
Over 1 .1 5 to 2.50, incl 0.05
Over 2.50 to 5.00, incl 0.1 0
Tungsten Up to 1 .00, incl 0.04
Over 1 .00 to 4.00, incl 0.08
SAE INTERNATIONAL AMS2259™ F Page 5 of 7
Table 4 - Check analysis variation limits for low-alloy steel product
up to 100 in2 (645 cm2) section area (continued)
Limit or Maximum of Variation, %
Element Specified Range, % Under Min or Over Max
Aluminum Up to 0.1 0, incl 0.03
Over 0.1 0 to 0.20, incl 0.04
Over 0.20 to 0.30, incl 0.05
Over 0.30 to 0.80, incl 0.07
Over 0.80 to 1 .80, incl 0.1 0
Vanadium Up to 0.1 0, incl 0.01
(3.3.2.1 .2) Over 0.1 0 to 0.25, incl 0.02
Over 0.25 to 0.50, incl 0.03
Over 0.50 to 1 .1 0, incl 0.04
Copper Up to 1 .00, incl 0.03
Over 1 .00 to 2.00, incl 0.05
Zirconium Up to 0.50, incl 0.02
Lead 0.1 5 to 0.35, incl 0.03 (3.2.2)

3.3.2.1 .1 Variation applies only to over maximum.

3.3.2.1 .2 If a minimum value is specified, check analysis variation limit is 0.01 under minimum for all ranges in all sizes
and the tabulated limit applies only over maximum.

3.3.2.1 .3 Boron is not subject to check analysis variation limits.

3.3.2.2 Semifinished Product Over 1 00 in 2 (645 cm 2) in Section Area, and Plate

Check analysis variation limits shall be as shown in Table 5.

Table 5 - Check analysis variation limits for low-alloy steel semifinished

product over 100 in2 (645 cm2) section area, and plate
Variation, %
Section Over 1 00 to Variation, % Variation, %
200 in 2 (over Section Over 200 to Section Over 400 to
Limit or Maximum 645 to 1 290 cm 2 ), Incl 400 in 2 (over 1 290 to 2581 800 in 2 (over 2581 to 51 61
Element of Specified Range, % and All Plate cm 2 ), Incl cm 2 ), Incl
Carbon Up to 0.30, incl 0.03 0.04 0.05
Over 0.30 to 0.75, incl 0.04 0.05 0.06
Over 0.75 0.05 0.06 0.07
Manganese Up to 0.90, incl 0.04 0.06 0.07
Over 0.90 to 2.1 0, incl 0.06 0.07 0.08
Silicon Up to 0.40, incl 0.02 0.03 0.04
Over 0.40 to 2.20, incl -- -- --
Phosphorus All 0.008 0.01 0 0.01 5
Sulfur Up to 0.040, incl 0.01 0 0.01 0 0.01 5
Chromium Up to 0.90, incl 0.04 0.04 0.05
Over 0.90 to 2.1 0, incl 0.06 0.06 0.07
Over 2.1 0 to 1 0.00, incl 0.1 0 0.1 2 0.1 4
Nickel Up to 1 .00, incl 0.03 0.03 0.03
Over 1 .00 to 2.00, incl 0.05 0.05 0.05
Over 2.00 to 5.30, incl 0.07 0.07 0.07
Over 5.30 to 1 0.00, incl 0.1 0 0.1 0 0.1 0
Over 1 0.00 to 20.00, incl 0.1 5 0.1 5 0.1 5
Cobalt Up to 1 .00, incl 0.03 0.03 0.03
Over 1 .00 to 5.00, incl 0.05 0.05 0.05
Over 5.00 to 1 0.00, incl 0.1 0 0.1 0 0.1 0
Molybdenum Up to 0.20, incl 0.01 0.02 0.03
Over 0.20 to 0.40, incl 0.03 0.03 0.04
Over 0.40 to 1 .1 5, incl 0.04 0.05 0.06
Over 1 .1 5 to 2.50, incl 0.06 0.07 0.08
Over 2.50 to 5.00, incl 0.1 1 0.1 2 0.1 3
SAE INTERNATIONAL AMS2259™ F Page 6 of 7
Table 5 - Check analysis variation limits for low-alloy steel semifinished
product over 100 in2 (645 cm2) section area, and plate (continued)
Variation, %
Section Over 1 00 to Variation, % Variation, %
200 in 2 (over 645 to 1 290 Section Over 200 to Section Over 400 to
Limit or Maximum cm 2 ), Incl 400 in 2 (over 1 290 to 2581 800 in 2 (over 2581 to 51 61
Element of Specified Range, % and All Plate cm 2 ), Incl cm 2 ), Incl
Tungsten Up to 1 .00, incl 0.05 0.05 0.06
Over 1 .00 to 4.00, incl 0.09 0.1 0 0.1 2
Aluminum All (3.3.2.2.1 ) (3.3.2.2.1 ) (3.3.2.2.1 )
Vanadium Up to 0.1 0, incl 0.01 0.01 0.01
(3.3.2.1 .2) Over 0.1 0 to 0.25, incl 0.02 0.02 0.02
Over 0.25 to 0.50, incl 0.03 0.03 0.03
Over 0.50 to 1 .1 0, incl 0.04 0.04 0.04
Copper All (3.3.2.2.1 ) (3.3.2.2.1 ) (3.3.2.2.1 )
Zirconium Up to 0.50, incl -- -- --
(3.3.2.2.2)
Lead 0.1 5 to 0.35, incl -- -- --
(3.3.2.2.2)

3.3.2.2.1 Variation limits in 3.3.2.1 apply to all sizes of plate. No limits are established for these sizes of other forms.

3.3.2.2.2 Where no variation limit is shown, limits have not been established and shall be subject to agreement between
purchaser and producer.

3.3.2.2.3 Boron is not subject to check analysis variation limits.

4. QUALITY ASSURANCE PROVISIONS

4.1 Sampling

For the purpose of determining conform ance to the material specification composition requirement, each heat or lot in a
shipment shall be considered separately. All samples shall be taken from product in the condition in which it is received,
except that all protective surface treatments shall be removed before sampling finished parts. Sample material shall be free
from scale, grease, dirt, and other foreign materials, and shall be taken in such a manner as to prevent alteration of the
chemical composition of the sample. If finished parts are too hard for machining, they may be tempered in a protective
atmosphere prior to sampling. Sampling shall be in accordance with ASTM E1 806, insofar as practical.

5. PREPARATION FOR DELI VERY

Not applicable.

6. ACKNOWLEDGMENT

Not applicable.

7. REJECTIONS

Not applicable.

8. NOTES

8.1 Revision Indicator

A change bar (l) located in the left margin is for the convenience of the user in locating areas where technical revisions, n ot
editorial changes, have been made to the previous issue of this document. An (R) symbol to the left of the document title
indicates a complete revision of the document, including technical revisions. Change bars and (R) are not used in original
publications, nor in documents that contain editorial changes only.
SAE INTERNATIONAL AMS2259™ F Page 7 of 7
8.2 All percentages shown in this AMS are of the total content of the material, not of the applicable specified range.

8.3 Terms used in AMS are clarified in ARP1 91 7.

8.4 Dimensions and properties in inch/pound units and the Fahrenheit temperatures are primary; dimensions and
properties in SI units and the Celsius temperatures are shown as the approximate equivalents of the primary units
and are presented only for information.

8.5 Similar Specifications

SAE J409 is listed for inform ation only and shall not be construed as an acceptable al ternate unless all requirements of this
AMS are met.

PREPARED BY AMS COMM ITTEE “E”