Designation: A 263 94a (Reapproved 1999)

Standard Specification for

Corrosion-Resisting Chromium Steel-Clad Plate, Sheet, and

Strip1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation A 263; 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 (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.

1. Scope
1.1 This specification2 covers plate, sheet, and strip of a
carbon steel or low-alloy steel base to which is integrally and
continuously bonded on one or both sides a layer of corrosionresisting chromium steel. The material is generally intended for
pressure vessel use.
1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
as the standard.

3.1.3 plateMaterial 316 in. (2.73 mm) and over in thickness and over 10 in. (254 mm) in width.
3.1.4 sheetMaterial under 316 in. in thickness and 24 in.
(609.6 mm) and over in width, material under 316 in. in
thickness and all widths and finishes of Nos. 3 to 8 inclusive,
and
3.1.5 stripCold-rolled material under 24 in. in width and
316 in. and under in thickness.

2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
A 20/A 20M Specification for General Requirements for
Steel Plates for Pressure Vessels3
A 240/A 240M Specification for Heat-Resisting Chromium
and Chromium-Nickel Stainless Steel Plate, Sheet, and
Strip for Pressure Vessels4
A 370 Test Methods and Definitions for Mechanical Testing
of Steel Products4
A 480/A 480M Specification for General Requirements for
Flat-Rolled Stainless and Heat-Resisting Steel Plate,
Sheet, and Strip4
A 751 Test Methods, Practices, and Terminology for
Chemical Analysis of Steel Products4
2.2 ASME Code:
Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, Section IX, Welding
Qualifications5

4. Ordering Information
4.1 It is the responsibility of the purchaser to specify all
requirements that are necessary for material ordered under this
specification. Such requirements may include, but are not
limited to, the following:
4.1.1 Quantity (mass or number of pieces).
4.1.2 Name of material (corrosion-resisting chromium steelclad plate, sheet or strip).
4.1.3 Cladding alloy.
4.1.4 Base metal.
4.1.5 Dimensions including the thickness of the cladding
alloy.
4.1.6 Product analysis, if required (see Section 8).
4.1.7 Mechanical properties (see Sections 7, 14, and 15).
4.1.8 Finish (see Section 11).
4.1.9 Restrictions, if required, on repair by welding (see
Section 12).
4.1.10 Additions to the specification or special requirements.

3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.1.1 This material is considered as single-clad or doubleclad corrosion-resisting chromium-steel plate, sheet, or strip
depending on whether one or both sides are covered.
3.1.2 The terms plate, sheet, and strip as used in this
specification apply to the following:

5. Materials and Manufacture

5.1 Process:
5.1.1 The steel shall be made by the open-hearth, electricfurnace (with separate degassing and refining optional), or
basic-oxygen processes, or by secondary processes whereby
steel made from these primary processes is remelted using
electroslag remelting or vacuum-arc remelting processes.
5.1.2 The alloy-cladding metal may be metallurgically
bonded to the base metal by any method that will produce a
clad steel that will conform to the requirements of this
specification.
5.2 Heat TreatmentUnless otherwise specified or agreed
upon between the purchaser and the manufacturer, all plates
shall be furnished in the normalized or tempered condition, or
both.

1
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee A-1 on Steel,
Stainless Steel and Related Alloys, and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee
A01.17 for Flat Stainless Steel Products.
Current edition approved Dec. 15, 1994. Published February 1995. Originally
published as A 263 43 T. Last previous edition A 263 94.
2
For ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code applications see related Specification SA-263 in Section II of that Code.
3
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 01.04.
4
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 01.03.
5
Available from American Society of Mechanical Engineers, 345 E. 47 th St.,
New York, NY 10017.

Copyright ASTM, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.

A 263
6. Chemical Composition
6.1 The composite plate, sheet, or strip shall conform to any
desired combination of alloy-cladding metal and base metal as
described in 6.2 and 6.3 and as agreed upon between the
purchaser and the manufacturer.
6.2 Alloy Cladding MetalThe alloy-cladding metal specified shall conform to the requirements as to chemical composition prescribed for the respective chromium steel in Specification A 240/A 240M.
6.3 Base MetalThe base metal may be carbon steel or
low-alloy steel conforming to the ASTM specifications for
steels for pressure vessels. The base metal shall conform to the
chemical requirements of the specification to which it is
ordered.
7. Mechanical Properties
7.1 Plate:
7.1.1 Tensile Requirements:
7.1.1.1 The tensile properties shall be determined by a
tension test of the composite plate for clad plates that meet all
of the following conditions. However, if the cladding is for
corrosion allowance only, the cladding may be removed before
tensile testing. The tensile properties thus determined shall be
not less than the minimum and not more than 5000 psi (35
MPa) over the maximum prescribed in the specification for the
base steel used. All other tensile test requirements of the
specification for the base steel shall be met.
(a) (a) The composite gage is less than or equal to 112 in.
(b) (b) The specified minimum tensile strength of the base
steel is less than or equal to 70 000 psi (485 MPa).
(c) (c) The specified minimum yield strength of the base
steel is less than or equal to 40 000 psi (275 MPa).
7.1.1.2 The tensile properties shall be determined by a
tension test of the base steel only for clad plates that meet one
of the following conditions. The properties thus determined
shall meet all of the tensile test requirements for the base steel.
(a) (a) The composite gage is greater than 112 in.
(b) (b) The specified minimum tensile strength of the base
steel is greater than 70 000 psi (485 MPa).
(c) (c) The specified minimum yield strength of the base
steel is greater than 40 000 psi (275 MPa).
7.1.2 DuctilityTwo bend tests of the composite plate shall
be made, one with the alloy cladding in tension and the other
with the alloy cladding in compression, to determine the
ductility of the materials. On double-clad plates, the bend tests
shall be made so that one specimen represents the alloy
cladding in tension on one side while the other specimen
represents the alloy cladding in tension on the opposite side.
The bend test having the alloy cladding in tension shall be
made in accordance with the requirements prescribed in the
specifications for the cladding metal. The bend test having the
base metal in tension shall be made in accordance with the
requirements prescribed in the specifications for the base
metal.
7.1.3 Shear StrengthWhen required by the purchaser, the
minimum shear strength of the alloy cladding and base metals
shall be 20 000 psi (140 MPa). The shear test, when specified,
shall be made in the manner indicated in Fig. 1.

Metric Equivalents
in.

mm

in.

mm

0.005
18
34

0.127
3.18
19.1

25.4
64.5
76.2

2 12
3

FIG. 1 Test Specimen and Method of Making Shear Test of Clad

Plate

7.1.4 Bond StrengthAs an alternative to the shear strength

test provided in 7.1.2 and when required by the purchaser, three
bend tests shall be made with the alloy cladding in compression
to determine the quality of the bond. These bend tests shall be
made in accordance with the specifications for the cladding
metal. At least two of the three tests shall show not more than
50 % separation on both edges of the bent portion. Greater
separation shall be cause for rejection.
7.2 Sheet and Strip:
7.2.1 The bend test specimens of sheet and strip shall stand
being bent cold, without cracking on the outside of the bent
portion, through an angle of 180.
7.2.2 The bend test specimens shall be bent over a single
piece of flat stock of the same thickness as the material tested,
allowing the test material to form its natural curvature. The axis
of the bend shall be transverse to the direction of rolling.
NOTE 1The bend may be made over a diameter equal to the thickness
of the test material.

7.2.3 The bond between the alloy cladding and the base
metal shall be ascertained by observation of the behavior of the
composite sheet or strip when sheared with the alloy side
down.
7.3 Methods and practices relating to mechanical testing
required by this specification shall be in accordance with Test
Methods and Definitions A 370.
8. Product Analysis
8.1 Product analyses may be required on the finished
product only when the composite plate thickness is sufficient to
permit obtaining drillings or millings without danger of contamination from the adjacent layer.
8.2 If product analysis is specified by the purchaser, it shall
be made from drillings or millings taken from the final piece or
a broken test specimen. In order to avoid contamination by the
2

A 263
11.2 Plate alloy surfaces shall be sand-blasted, pickled, or
blast-cleaned and pickled.
11.3 The finish for the alloy surfaces of sheets and strips
shall be as specified in the applicable sections of Specification
A 240/A 240M.

base plate metal, cladding samples shall be taken from the test
coupon by removal and discard of all the base metal plate
material, plus 40 % of the cladding thickness from the bonded
side, not to exceed 116 in. (1.588 mm). The material shall be
chemically cleaned and millings shall be taken to represent the
full cross-section of the remainder.
8.3 Methods and practices relating to chemical analysis
required by this specification shall be in accordance with Test
Methods, Practices, and Terminology A 751.
8.4 Results of the product analysis shall conform to the
requirements of Section 7 of Specification A 480/A 480M.

12. Repair of Cladding by Welding

12.1 The material manufacturer may repair defects in cladding by welding provided the following requirements are met:
12.1.1 Prior approval shall be obtained from the purchaser if
the repaired area exceeds 3 % of the cladding surface.
12.1.2 The welding procedure and the welders or welding
operators shall be qualified in accordance with Section IX of
the ASME Code.
12.1.3 The defective area shall be removed and the area
prepared for repair shall be examined by a magnetic particle
method or a liquid penetrant method to ensure all defective
area has been removed. Method of test and acceptance standard
shall be as agreed upon between the purchaser and the
manufacturer.
12.1.4 The repair weld shall be deposited in accordance
with a welding procedure and welding materials suitable for
the cladding material. The surface condition of the repaired
area shall be restored to a condition similar to the rest of the
cladding.

9. Dimensions, Mass, and Permissible Variations

9.1 Composite plates, sheets, and strips shall conform to the
dimensional and mass requirements prescribed in Table 1,
Table 2, Table 3, Table 4, and Table 5.
10. Thickness of Cladding Metal
10.1 The minimum thickness and tolerances on the thickness of the alloy-cladding metal shall be agreed upon between
the purchaser and the manufacturer.
11. Workmanship, Finish, and Appearance
11.1 The material shall be free of injurious defects, shall
have a workmanlike appearance, and shall conform to the
designated finish.

TABLE 1 Permissible Variations in Dimensions and Weight of Standard Sheet (No. 1 and No. 2 Finishes)
Permissible Variations in Thickness, 6, in. (mm)

Specified Thickness, in. (mm)

0.005 (0.127)
0.006 to 0.007 (0.152 to 0.178)
0.008 to 0.016 (0.203 to 0.406)
0.0161 to 0.026 (0.409 to 0.660)
0.027 to 0.040 (0.686 to 1.016)
0.041 to 0.058 (1.041 to 1.473)
0.059 to 0.072 (1.499 to 1.829)
0.073 to 0.083 (1.854 to 2.108)
0.084 to 0.098 (2.133 to 2.489)
0.099 to 0.114 (2.515 to 2.896)
0.115 to 0.130 (2.921 to 3.302)
0.131 to 0.145 (3.327 to 3.683)
0.146 to 0.176 (3.708 to 4.470)

0.001
0.0015
0.002
0.003
0.004
0.005
0.006
0.007
0.008
0.009
0.010
0.012
0.014

Specified Width, in. (mm)A

(0.025)
(0.038)
(0.051)
(0.076)
(0.102)
(0.127)
(0.152)
(0.178)
(0.203)
(0.229)
(0.254)
(0.305)
(0.356)

Permissible Variations in Width, in. (mm)

+

Up to 42 (1066.8)
42 and Over (1066.8 and Over)

(1.59)
18 (3.18)

0
0

1 16

Specified Length, in. (mm)A

Permissible Variations in Length, in. (mm)

Up to 120 (3048)
120 and Over (3048 and Over)

(1.59)
18 (3.18)

0
0

1 16

Weight
Permissible variations in weight apply only to polished finishes. The actual weight of any one item
of an ordered thickness and size in any finish is limited in overweight by the following tolerances:
Any item of 5 sheets or less, or any item estimated to weigh 200 lb (90.72 kg) or less
Any item of more than 5 sheets, and estimated to weigh more than 200 lb (90.72 kg)

Estimated Permissible Variations, Actual

Weight Over the Estimated Weight, %B
10
7.5

Sheet 0.131 in. (3.33 mm) and over in thickness, regardless of size, may have permissible variations of 614 in. (6.35 mm) in width and in length, respectively.
There is no under variation in weight for No. 1 and No. 2 finishes, these finishes being limited in under variations only by the permissible variations in thickness. Polished
sheets may actually weigh as much as 5 % less than the estimated weight. Estimated weight of the composite plates may be calculated using the following weights of the
component materials:
Weight per Square Foot for
Material 1 in. in Thickness, lb
Steel
40.8
Chromium steel cladding
41.2
A
B

A 263
TABLE 2 Permissible Variations in Thickness of Cold-Rolled Strip

NOTEPermissible variations in thickness are based on measurements taken 38 in. (9.53 mm) in from the edge on cold-rolled strip 1 in. (25.4 mm or
over in width and at any place on the strip on material less than 1 in. (25.4 mm) in width.
Permissible Variations in Thickness, 6, for Widths Given, in. (mm)

Specified Thickness, in. (mm)

12to 1
112to 3
to 12
1 to 112
(4.76 to 12.7 (12.7 to (25.4 to 38.1 (38.1 to
mm)
mm)
25.4 mm)
76.2 mm)
3 16

3 to 6
(76.2 to
152.4
mm)

Over 6 to
9 (152.4
to 228.6
mm)

Over 9 to
12 (228.6
to 304.8
mm)

Over 12
to 16
(304.8 to
406.4 mm)

Over 16
Over 20 to
to 20
231516 (508.0
to 608.1
(406.4 to
mm)
508.0 mm)

0.249 to 0.161 (6.632 to 4.09), incl $

0.002
(0.0508)

0.002
(0.0508)

0.003
(0.0762)

0.003
(0.0762)

0.004
(0.1016)

0.004
(0.1016)

0.004
(0.1016)

0.005
(0.1270)

0.006
(0.1524)

0.006
(0.1524)

0.160 to 0.100 (4.08 to 2.54), incl

0.002
(0.0508)

0.002
(0.0508)

0.002
(0.0508)

0.002
(0.0508)

0.003
(0.0762)

0.004
(0.1016)

0.004
(0.1016)

0.004
(0.1016)

0.005
(0.1270)

0.005
(0.1270)

0.099 to 0.069 (2.53 to 1.75), incl

0.002
(0.0508)

0.002
(0.0508)

0.002
(0.0508)

0.002
(0.0508)

0.003
(0.0762)

0.003
(0.0762)

0.003
(0.0762)

0.004
(0.1016)

0.004
(0.1016)

0.004
(0.1016)

0.068 to 0.050 (1.74 to 1.27), incl

0.002
(0.0508)

0.002
(0.0508)

0.002
(0.0508)

0.002
(0.0508)

0.003
(0.0762)

0.003
(0.0762)

0.003
(0.0762)

0.003
(0.0762)

0.004
(0.1016)

0.004
(0.1016)

0.048 to 0.040 (1.26 to1.02), incl

0.002
(0.0508)

0.002
(0.0508)

0.002
(0.0508)

0.002
(0.0508)

0.0025
(0.0635)

0.003
(0.0762)

0.003
(0.0762)

0.003
(0.0762)

0.004
(0.1016)

0.004
(0.1016)

0.039 to 0.035 (1.01 to 0.88), incl

0.002
(0.0508)

0.002
(0.0508)

0.002
(0.0508)

0.002
(0.0508)

0.0025
(0.0635)

0.003
(0.0762)

0.003
(0.0762)

0.003
(0.0762)

0.003
(0.0762)

0.003
(0.0762)

0.034 to 0.032 (0.87 to 0.81), incl

0.0015
(0.038)

0.0015
(0.038)

0.0015
(0.038)

0.0015
(0.038)

0.002
(0.051)

0.0025
(0.064)

0.0025
(0.064)

0.0025
(0.064)

0.003
(0.076)

0.003
(0.076)

0.031 to 0.029 (0.80 to 0.74), incl

0.0015
(0.038)

0.0015
(0.038)

0.0015
(0.038)

0.0015
(0.038)

0.002
(0.051)

0.0025
(0.064)

0.0025
(0.064)

0.0025
(0.064)

0.003
(0.076)

0.003
(0.076)

0.028 to 0.026 (0.73 to 0.66), incl

0.001
(0.025)

0.001
(0.025)

0.0015
(0.038)

0.0015
(0.038)

0.0015
(0.038)

0.002
(0.051)

0.002
(0.051)

0.002
(0.051)

0.0025
(0.064)

0.003
(0.076)

0.025 to 0.023 (0.65 to 0.58), incl

0.001
(0.025)

0.001
(0.025)

0.001
(0.025)

0.001
(0.025)

0.0015
(0.038)

0.002
(0.051)

0.002
(0.051)

0.002
(0.051)

0.0025
(0.064)

0.0025
(0.064)

0.022 to 0.020 (0.57 to 0.51), incl

0.001
(0.025)

0.001
(0.025)

0.001
(0.025)

0.001
(0.025)

0.0015
(0.038)

0.002
(0.051)

0.002
(0.051)

0.002
(0.051)

0.0025
(0.064)

0.0025
(0.064)

0.019 to 0.017 (0.50 to 0.43), incl

0.001
(0.025)

0.001
(0.025)

0.001
(0.025)

0.001
(0.025)

0.001
(0.025)

0.0015
(0.038)

0.0015
(0.038)

0.002
(0.051)

0.002
(0.051)

0.002
(0.051)

0.016 to 0.015 (0.42 to 0.38), incl

0.001
(0.025)

0.001
(0.025)

0.001
(0.025)

0.001
(0.025)

0.001
(0.025)

0.0015
(0.038)

0.0015
(0.038)

0.0015
(0.038)

0.002
(0.051)

0.002
(0.051)

0.014 to 0.013 (0.37 to 0.33), incl

0.001
(0.025)

0.001
(0.025)

0.001
(0.025)

0.001
(0.025)

0.001
(0.025)

0.0015
(0.038)

0.0015
(0.038)

0.0015
(0.038)

0.002
(0.051)

0.002
(0.051)

0.012 (0.30)

0.001
(0.025)

0.001
(0.025)

0.001
(0.025)

0.001
(0.025)

0.001
(0.025)

0.001
(0.025)

0.0015
(0.038)

0.0015
(0.038)

0.0015
(0.038)

0.0015
(0.038)

0.011 (0.28)

0.001
(0.025)

0.001
(0.025)

0.001
(0.025)

0.001
(0.025)

0.001
(0.025)

0.001
(0.025)

0.001
(0.025)

0.0015
(0.038)

0.0015
(0.038)

0.0015
(0.038)

0.010 (0.25)

0.001
(0.025)

0.001
(0.025)

0.001
(0.025)

0.001
(0.025)

0.001
(0.025)

0.001
(0.025)

0.001
(0.025)

0.001
(0.025)

0.0015
(0.038)

0.0015
(0.038)

0.00075
(0.019)

0.00075
(0.019)

0.00075
(0.019)

0.00075
(0.019)

...

...

...

...

0.00075
(0.019)

...

0.009 to 0.006 (0.23 to 0.15), incl

0.0005
(0.013)

0.0005
(0.013)

0.0005
(0.013)

0.0005
(0.013)

...

...

...

...

0.0005
(0.013)

...

Under 0.006 (Under 0.15)

12.1.5 The repaired area shall be examined by a liquid

penetrant method in accordance with 12.1.3.
12.1.6 The location and extent of the weld repairs together
with the repair procedure and examination results shall be
transmitted as a part of the certification.
12.2 All repairs in Alloy type 410 or repairs penetrating into

the base steel shall be stress relieved to eliminate residual

stresses.
13. General Requirements for Delivery
13.1 Material furnished under this specification shall conform to the applicable requirements of the current edition of
4

A 263
TABLE 3 Permissible Variations in Dimensions of Cold-Rolled Strip
Edge

Description

Specified Width, in. (mm)

No. 1
Round or
Square
Edge, Rolled

No. 5

No. 6

932 (7.14) or under

Over 932 to 34(7.14 to 19.05), incl
Over 34to 5 (19.05 to 127.0), incl

Permissible
Variations in
Width, 6, in.
(mm)A

(1.59) or under
(2.39) or under

0.005 (0.125)
0.005 (0.125)

(3.18) or under

0.005 (0.125)

(1.59) or under
(2.39) or under
(3.18) or under

0.005
0.005
0.005
0.010

1 16
3 32

18

932(7.14) or under
Over 932 to 34 (7.14 to 19.05), incl
Over 34 to 5 (19.05 to 127.0), incl
Over 5 to 9 (127.0 to 228.6), incl
Over 9 to 20 (228.6 to 508.0), incl
Over 20 to 231516(508.0 to 608.0), incl

Square rolled
or filed, after
slitting

Square
edge, rolled

Specified Thickness, in.

(mm)

1 16
3 32
18

18 to 0.008 (3.18 to 0.203), incl

0.105 to 0.015 (2.667 to 0.381)
0.080 to 0.023 (2.03 to 0.584)

(0.125)
(0.125)
(0.125)
(0.254)

0.010 (0.254)
0.015 (0.381)

12 (12.7) or under
Over 12 to 1516(12.7 to 23.81), incl
Over 1516to 2 (23.81 to 50.8), incl
Over 2 to 6 (50.8 to 152.4) incl

0.010 (0.254)
164 (0.396)
132 (0.794)
364 (1.648)

316 (4.76) or under

to 0.025 (4.76 to 0.635), incl
14 to 0.025 (6.35 to 0.635), incl
14 to 0.225 (6.35 to 5.72), incl

3 16

Permissible Variations in Width of No. 3 Edge Strip, in. (mm)

Specified Thickness, in. (mm)

Up to 2 in. (50.8)

Over 2 to 6 in.
(50.8 to 152.4)

Over 6 to 12 in.
(152.4 to 304.8)

Over 12 to 231516
incl (304.8 to
608.0)

0.050 (1.27) or under

0.051 to 0.083 (1.28 to 2.11)
0.084 (2.12) or Over

0.007 (0.178)
0.010 (0.254)
0.012 (0.305)

0.010 (0.254)
0.012 (0.305)
0.015 (0.381)

0.015 (0.381)
0.015 (0.381)
0.018 (0.457)

0.015 (0.381)
0.020 (0.508)
0.20 (0.508)

Specified Length, ft (cm)

Permissible Variation in Length +, in. (mm)

Up to 5, incl
Over 5 (152.40) to 10 (304.8), incl
Over 10 (304.8) to 20 (609.6), incl
Over 20 (609.6) to 30 (914.4), incl
Over 30 (914.4) to 40 (1219.2), incl
Over 40 (1219.2) to 60 (1828.8), incl
Over 60 (1828.8) to 90 (2743.2), incl
Over 90 (2743.2) to 200 (6096.0), incl

(9.53)
(12.7)
58 (15.88)
34 (19.05)
1 (25.4)
112 (38.1)
2 (50.8)
212 (63.5)
38
12

Permissible CamberB

Specified Width, in. (mm)

1 and under (38.1 and under)
Over 112to 231516 (Over 38.1 to 608.0), incl

in. in any 8 ft length (12.7 mm in any 243.84 cm)

in. in any 8 ft length (6.35 mm in any 243.84 cm)

12

A
B

12
14

These permissible variations are plus or minus. If variation is desired all one way, double the figure indicated.
Camber shall be determined by placing an 8 ft (243.84 cm) straightedge against the concave side of the strip.

middle third of the gage length of an 8-in. (203.2-mm)

specimen, as indicated by scribe scratches marked on the
specimen before testing, a retest shall be allowed.
14.2 Sheet and Strip:
14.2.1 In the case of single-clad sheet or strip produced in
coil form, two bend tests shall be made from each end of the
coil. On double-clad sheet or strip produced in coil form, one
bend test shall be made from each end of the coil.
14.2.2 In the case of single-clad sheet or strip produced in
discrete cut lengths, four bend tests shall be made on each 100
or less pieces of the same heat and nominal thickness, provided
the 100 pieces weigh not less than 1000 lb. In the event that
100 pieces weigh less than 1000 lb, four bend tests shall be
made from each 1000 lb or less of the same heat and nominal
thickness. On double-clad sheet or strip, two bend tests shall be
made on each lot as defined in the two preceding sentences.
14.2.3 On double-clad materials, the bend tests shall be
made so that one specimen will represent the alloy-cladding

Specification A 20/A 20M.

14. Number of Tests and Retests
14.1 Plate:
14.1.1 One or more tension tests, as required by the specifications for the base metal, one face bend test (alloy cladding
in tension), one reverse bend test (alloy cladding in compression), and, when specified, one shear test or three bond bend
tests shall be made representing each plate as rolled. Each
specimen shall be in the final condition of heat treatment
required for the plate.
14.1.2 If any test specimen shows defective machining or
develops flaws, it may be discarded and another specimen
substituted.
14.1.3 If the percentage of elongation of any tension test
specimen is less than that specified in 7.1.1 and any part of the
fracture is more than 34in. (19.1 mm) from the center of the
gage length of a 2-in. (50.8-mm) specimen or is outside the
5

A 263
TABLE 4 Permissible Variations in Dimensions of Hot-Rolled Strip
Permissible Variations in Thickness, 6, in. (mm)A
Specified Thickness, Bwg or in. (mm)

No. 23 to No. 18, incl

No. 1 to No. 11, incl
No. 10 to 0.187 (4.75 mm), incl
0.188 to 0.249 (4.76 to 6.32 mm), incl

5 in. (127 mm)

and Under in
Width
0.003
0.004
0.005
0.006

Over 5 to 10, incl

(127 to 254 mm)
in Width

(0.076)
(0.102)
(0.127)
(0.152)

0.004
0.005
0.006
0.007

Over 10 to 15, incl

(254 to 381
mm) in Width

Over 15 to 231516,
incl (381 to 608
mm) in Width

...
0.006 (0.152)
0.007 (0.178)
0.008 (0.203)

...
0.007 (0.178)
0.008 (0.203)
0.009 (0.229)

(0.102)
(0.127)
(0.152)
(0.178)

Permissible Variation in Width, in. (mm)

Specified Width, in. (mm)
Plus
Up to 1 (25.4) by No. 16 Bwg and heavier
Up to 1 (25.4) by No. 17 Bwg and lighter
Over 1 to 2 (25.4 to 50.8), incl
Over 2 to 5 (50.8 to 127), incl
Over 5 to 10 (127 to 254), incl
Over 10 to 15 (254 to 381), incl
Over 15 to 20 (381 to 508), incl
Over 20 to 231516 (508 to 608), incl

Minus

(0.794)
132 (0.794)
132(0.794)
364(1.911)
116(1.588)
332(2.381)
18(3.175)
532(3.969)

(0.794)
132 (0.794)
132 (0.794)
364 (1.911)
116(1.588)
332 (2.381)
18 (3.175)
532(3.969)

1 32

1 32

Permissible Variations in Length, in. (mm)A

Specified Length, ft. (cm)

Up to 3 in. (76.2 mm)

in Width
Plus

Up to 5 (152.4)
Over 5 to 10 (152.4 to 304.8), incl
Over 10 to 20 (304.8 to 609.6), incl
Over 20 to 30 (609.6 to 914.4), incl
Over 30 to 40 (914.4 to 1219.2), incl
Over 40 (1219.2)

Over 3 to 6 in.
(76.2 to 152.4 mm)
in Width

Minus

(6.35)
38 (9.53)
12 (12.7)
34 (19.1)
1 (25.4)
112 (38.1)

0
0
0
0
0
0

14

Plus
(9.53)
12 (12.7)
58 (15.88)
34 (19.1)
1 (25.4)
112 (38.1)
38

Over 6 in. (152.4 mm)

in Width

Minus
0
0
0
0
0
0

Plus

Minus

(12.7)
34(19.1)
1 (25.4)
114 (31.8)
112 (38.1)
134 (44.5)
12

0
0
0
0
0
0

Permissible Camber
Strip shall be as straight as practicable and not more than 14 in. (6.35 mm) out of line in any 8 ft (243.8 cm) of length, with camber measurement taken on the
concave edge.
A
Thickness measurement shall be taken 38 in. (9.53 mm) from edge of strip. In the case of center measurements for thickness the permissible variations shall be that
for the edge measurement plus the following:

0.001 in. (0.025 mm) for width 12 to 112 in. (12.77 to 38.1 mm)
0.002 in. (0.051 mm) for width 112 to 212 in. (38.1 to 63.5 mm)
0.003 in. (0.076 mm) for width 212 to 5 in. (63.5 to 127.0 mm)
0.004 in. (0.102 mm) for width 5 to 10 in. (127.0 to 254.0 mm)
0.005 in. (0.127 mm) for width 10 to 15 in. (254.0 to 381.0 mm)
0.006 in. (0.152 mm) for width 15 to 231516 in. (381.0 to 608.1 mm)

15.1.5 When specified in the purchase order, additional test

specimens representing the as-furnished composite plate shall
be thermally treated to simulate a post-weld heat treatment.
The temperature range, time, and cooling rates shall be
specified in the purchase order. Mechanical properties in the
simulated post-weld heat-treated condition shall meet the
minimum requirements of the as-furnished composite plate.
15.1.6 For plates 112 in. (38.1 mm) and under in thickness
tension test specimens shall be full thickness of the material
except as specified in 7.1.1.1 and 7.1.1.2; the bend test
specimen shall be the full thickness of the material and shall be
machined to the form and dimensions shown in Fig. 2, or may
be machined with both edges parallel.
15.1.7 For plates over 112 in. in thickness, tension tests shall
be of the form shown in Fig. 3 and shall be of all base steel
conforming to the requirements of the specification for the base
steel.
15.1.8 For plates over 112 in. in thickness the bend tests

metal in tension on one side while the other specimen will

represent the alloy-cladding metal in tension on the opposite
side.
15. Test Specimens
15.1 Plate:
15.1.1 The tension test specimens from plate shall conform
to the requirements prescribed in the specifications for the base
metal.
15.1.2 Bend test specimens shall be taken from the middle
of the top of the plate as rolled, at right angles to its
longitudinal axis.
15.1.3 When required by the purchaser, the shear test
specimen shall be taken from a top or bottom corner of the
plate as rolled, parallel to its longitudinal axis.
15.1.4 All tests shall be made on specimens in the same
condition of heat treatment to which the composite plate is
furnished.
6

A 263
TABLE 5 Permissible Variations in Thickness and Overweights of PlatesA
ThicknessB
All plates shall be ordered to thickness and not to weight per square foot. No plates shall vary more than 0.01 in. (0.254 mm) under the thickness ordered, and the
overweight of each lotA in each shipment shall not exceed the amount given in the table below.
WeightC
Permissible Excess in Average Weight per Square Foot Plates for Widths Given in
Inches (mm). Expressed in Percentage of Nominal Weight
Specified Thickness, in. (mm)

(4.76) to 14 (6.35), excl

(6.35) to 516 (7.94), excl
516(7.94) to 38 (9.52) excl
38(9.52) to 716 (11.11), excl
716(11.11) to 12 (12.7), excl
12(12.7) to 58 (15.88), excl
58(15.88) to 34 (19.05), excl
34(19.05) to 1 (25.4), excl
1 (25.4) or Over
3 16
14

Under

48

60

72

84

96

108

120

132

48
(1219.2)

(1219.2)
to 60
(1524.0)
excl

(1524.0)
to 72
(1828.8)
excl

(1828.8)
to 84
(2133.6)
excl

(2133.6)
to 96
(2438.4)
excl

(2438.4)
to 108
(2743.2)
excl

(2743.2)
to 120
(3048.0)
excl

(3048.0)
to 132
(3352.8)
excl

(3352.8)
to 144
(3657.6)
excl

10.5
9.0
7.5
7.0
6.0
5.5
4.5
4.0
4.0

12.0
10.5
9.0
7.5
7.0
6.0
5.5
4.5
4.0

13.5
12.0
10.5
9.0
7.5
7.0
6.0
5.5
4.5

15.0
13.5
12.0
10.5
9.0
7.5
7.0
6.0
5.5

18.0
15.0
13.5
12.0
10.5
9.0
7.5
7.0
6.0

...
18.0
15.0
13.5
12.0
10.5
9.0
7.5
7.0

...
21.0
18.0
15.0
13.5
12.0
10.5
9.0
7.5

...
24.0
21.0
18.0
15.0
13.5
12.0
10.5
9.0

...
28.5
25.5
22.5
19.5
16.5
13.5
12.0
10.5

The term lot means all of the plates of each group width and each group thickness.
Spot grinding is permitted to remove surface imperfections not to exceed 0.01 in. (0.254 mm) under the specified thickness.
C
The weight of individual plates shall not exceed the nominal weight by more than one and one-third times the amount prescribed in the above table.
B

NOTE 1When necessary, it is permissible to use a narrower specimen,

but in such a case the reduced portion shall be not less than 1 in. in width.
NOTE 2Punch marks for measuring elongation after fracture shall be
made on the flat or on the edge of the specimen and within the parallel
section; either a set of nine punch marks 1 in. apart, or one or more sets
of 8-in. punch marks may be used.
NOTE 3The dimension t is the thickness of the test specimen as
provided for in the applicable material specifications.

NOTEThe gate length and fillets shall be as shown, but the ends may
be of any shape to fit the holders of the testing machine in such a way that
the load shall be axial. The reduced section shall have a gradual taper from
the ends toward the center, with the ends 0.003 to 0.005 in. larger in
diameter than the center.
FIG. 3 Standard Round Tension Test Specimen with 2-in. Gage
Length

FIG. 2 Standard Rectangular Tension Test Specimen with 8-in.

Gage Length

15.2 Sheet and Strip:

15.2.1 Bend test specimens from sheet and strip shall be of
the full thickness of the material and shall have a width equal
to six times the thickness but not less than 1 in. (25.4 mm). The
length shall be equal to the width of the sheet or strip but in no
case longer than 12 in. (304.8 mm). The edges of the test
specimen may be rounded to a radius equal to one half the
thickness.
15.2.2 Any test specimen used for the determination of the
minimum thickness of alloy-cladding metal shall have distorted metal, due to burning or shearing, completely removed.

specimens need not be greater in thickness than 112 in. but

shall not be less than 112 in. Specimens shall be of the form and
dimensions shown in Fig. 2. In reducing the thickness of the
specimen, both the alloy cladding and the base steel shall be
machined so as to maintain the same ratio of clad metal to base
steel as is maintained in the plate, except that the thickness of
the clad metal need not be reduced below 18in. (3.17 mm).
15.1.9 The sides of the bend test specimen may have the
corners rounded to a radius not over 116in. (1.58 mm) for
plates, 2 in. (50.8 mm) and under in thickness, and not over 18
in. for plates over 2 in. in thickness.
7

A 263
results of the tests, the manufacturer may make claim for a
rehearing within that time.

16. Inspection
16.1 The manufacturer shall afford the inspector all reasonable facilities, without charge, to satisfy him that the material
is being furnished in accordance with this specification. All
tests (except product analysis) and inspection shall be made at
the place of manufacture prior to shipment, unless otherwise
specified, and shall be so conducted as not to interfere
unnecessarily with the operation of the works.

18. Certification
18.1 The chemical analysis of the base metal shall be
certified to the purchaser by the manufacturer.
18.2 The results of the tests in Section 7 shall be reported to
the purchaser or his representative.
19. Product Marking
19.1 Except as specified in 19.2, the name or brand of the
manufacturer, the manufacturers test identification number,
the class of the base steel, the type number of the alloycladding metal, and the specified minimum tensile strength
shall be legibly stamped on each finished single-clad plate in
two places on the base steel side not less than 12 in. (304.8
mm) from the edges. The manufacturers identification number
shall be legibly stamped on each test specimen.
19.2 For double-clad material or for material under 14 in.
(6.35 mm) in thickness, the marking specified in 18.1 shall be
legibly stenciled instead of stamped.

17. Rejection and Rehearing

17.1 Unless otherwise specified, any rejection based on tests
made in accordance with Section 8 shall be reported to the
manufacturer within 5 working days from the receipt of
samples by the purchaser.
17.2 Material that shows injurious defects subsequent to its
acceptance at the manufacturers work will be rejected, and the
manufacturer shall be notified.
17.3 Samples tested in accordance with Section 8 that
represent rejected material shall be preserved for 3 weeks from
the date of the test report. In case of dissatisfaction with the

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