Designation: A 345 – 98
Standard Specification for
Flat-Rolled Electrical Steels for Magnetic Applications 1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation A 345; 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 Ammeter-Voltmeter Method and 25-cm Epstein Test
1.1 This specification covers general procedures for speci- Frame 2
fying requirements in the procurement and delivery of flat- A 347 Test Method for Alternating-Current Magnetic Prop-
rolled electrical steels for magnetic applications. When an erties of Materials Using the Dieterly Bridge Method with
applicable individual specification does not exist, this specifi- 25-cm Epstein Frame 2
cation enables the user to order a suitable material to be A 348 Test Method for Alternating-Current Magnetic Prop-
supplied under controlled conditions with respect to magnetic erties of Materials Using the Wattmeter-Ammeter-
quality, sampling, testing, packaging, and so forth, by specify- Voltmeter Method, 100 to 10 000 Hz and 25-cm Epstein
ing certain requirements on the purchase order and citing this Frame 2
specification. A 596 Test Method for Direct-Current Magnetic Properties
1.2 Individual specifications that are in conformity with this of Materials Using the Ballistic Method and Ring Speci-
specification are A677, A677M, A683, A683M, A726, A726M, mens 2
A840, A840M, A876, and A876M. A 664 Practice for Identification of Standard Electrical and
1.3 The following safety hazards caveat pertains only to the Laminations Steel Grades in ASTM Specifications 2
test methods portion, Section 13, of this specification. This A 677 Specification for Nonoriented Electrical Steel, Fully
standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, Processed Types 2
if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user A 677M Specification for Nonoriented Electrical Steel,
of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health Fully Processed Types (Metric) 2
practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limita- A 683 Specification for Nonoriented Electrical Steel, Semi-
tions prior to use. processed Types 2
A 683M Specification for Nonoriented Electrical Steel,
NOTE 1—For more information on procedures associated with this Semiprocessed Types (Metric) 2
specification, refer to the following: Test Methods A 341, A 343, A 347,
A 348, and A 596, Practice A 664, and Test Methods A 712, A 719, A 720,
A 700 Practices for Packaging, Marking, and Loading
A 721, A 804, and A 889. Methods for Steel Products for Domestic Shipment 3
A 712 Test Method for Electrical Resistivity of Soft Mag-
2. Referenced Documents netic Alloys 2
2.1 ASTM Standards: A 717 Test Method for Surface Insulation Resistivity of
A 34 Practice for Procurement Testing, and Sampling of Single-Strip Specimens 2
Magnetic Materials 2 A 719 Test Method for Lamination Factor of Magnetic
A 340 Terminology of Symbols and Definitions Relating to Materials 2
Magnetic Testing 2 A 720 Test Method for Ductility of Nonoriented Electrical
A 341 Test Method for Direct-Current Magnetic Properties Steel 2
of Materials Using D-C Permeameters and the Ballistic A 721 Test Method for Ductility of Oriented Electrical
Test Methods 2 Steel 2
A 343 Test Method for Alternating-Current Magnetic Prop- A 726 Specification for Cold-Rolled Magnetic Lamination
erties of Materials at Power Frequencies Using Wattmeter- Quality Steel, Semiprocessed Types 2
A 726M Specification for Cold-Rolled Magnetic Lamina-
tion Quality Steel, Semiprocessed Types (Metric) 2
A 804 Test Methods for Alternating-Magnetic Properties of
1
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee A-6 on Materials at Power Frequencies Using Sheet-Type Test
Magnetic Properties and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee A06.02 on
Materials Specifications.
Specimens 2
Current edition approved April 10, 1998. Published September 1998. Originally
published as A 345 – 49 to replace A 310. Last previous edition A 345 – 90
(1995){1.
2 3
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 03.04. Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 01.05.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
1
A 345
A 840 Specification for Fully Processed Magnetic Lamina- a statement of nominal chemistry being supplied.
tion Steel 2 5.2 The chemical composition and the method of manufac-
A 840M Specification for Fully Processed Magnetic Lami- ture shall not be unduly prescribed. Any restriction on the
nation Steel (Metic) 2 conditions of manufacture shall be negotiated between the
A 876 Specification for Flat-Rolled, Grain-Oriented, manufacturer and the purchaser.
Silicon-Iron, Electrical Steel, Fully Processed Types 2 5.3 When changes in the manufacture of successive ship-
A 876M Specification for Flat-Rolled, Grain-Oriented, ments of material because of changing technology are believed
Silicon-Iron, Electrical Steel, Fully Processed Types [Met- to increase the likelihood of adverse effects upon magnetic or
ric] 2 fabrication performance in the specified end use, the manufac-
A 889 Test Method for Alternating-Current Magnetic Prop- turer shall notify the purchaser before shipment is made so that
erties of Materials at Low Inductions Using the Wattmeter- he can be afforded an opportunity to evaluate the effects.
Varmeter-Ammeter-Voltmeter Method and 25-cm Epstein
Frame 2 6. Magnetic Properties
A 937 Test Method for Determining Interlaminar Resis- 6.1 Electrical steels are normally purchased to specified
tance of Insulating Coatings Using Two Adjacent Test maximum core–loss requirements. The purchaser shall make
Surfaces2 clear to the supplier the limiting values of core loss required for
A 976 Classification of Insulating Coatings by Composi- the ordered material. The grain direction of the test specimen,
tion, Relative Insulating Ability and Application2 whether as sheared or given a specific anneal, the test induction
and frequency, the test method, and other information pertinent
3. Terminology to the proper qualification of the material shall be specified.
3.1 The terms and symbols used in this specification are 6.2 When the desired end use imposes definite limits on
defined in Terminology A 340. other magnetic properties such as specific power exciting,
permeability, coercive force, and so forth, the purchaser is
4. Ordering Information responsible for so specifying on the order. The purchaser shall
4.1 Orders for material under this specification shall include also state whether specific tests are required for these other
as much of the following information as necessary to describe properties or whether the specified characteristics are for
the desired material: informational purposes only.
4.1.1 Specification A 345 or the individual specification
number for the specification that shall govern. 7. Electrical Properties
4.1.2 Class of electrical steel, whether grain-oriented elec- 7.1 Electrical steels are normally provided with an electrical
trical steel, nonoriented electrical steel, or magnetic lamination resistivity appropriate to the core-loss limit and the specified
steel. end use. If the electrical resistivity must be restricted, the
4.1.3 Whether semi- or fully processed. limiting value shall be negotiated with the supplier.
4.1.4 Core loss type number or standard grade designation. 7.2 The surface insulation ability inherent in the processing
If an individual specification is not cited, the limiting value of of electrical steels for magnetic applications may differ widely
the core loss or other magnetic property that shall control, as with the class of electrical steel and the intended end use.
well as all applicable test conditions and test methods, shall be Several types of applied coatings are available to attain
stated on the order. different levels of insulation ability as needed for critical
4.1.5 Surface coating type. applications. These inherent and applied coating types C-0,
4.1.6 Thickness, width, and length, if in cut lengths instead C-2, C-3, C-4, C-4AS, C-5, C5-AS, and C-6 are described and
of coils, for the ordered item. characterized in Classification A 976. If the inherent mill-
4.1.7 Total weight of ordered item. processed surface lacks sufficient insulating ability for the
4.1.8 Limitations on coil size or lift weight. user’s purposes, the purchaser shall specify the applied coating
4.1.9 End use. Whenever possible, state a single end use for type to be used, whether tests shall be made by Test Method
the desired material. For instance, specify whether it is for A 717 or Test Method A 937, any special test conditions under
punched or stamped laminations, sheared laminations, wound these test methods, and any limiting value of the insulation
cores, formed cores, welded lamination cores, adhesive- ability.
bonded cores, and so forth. This will help the supplier to
provide material with the most desirable physical characteris- 8. Mechanical Properties
tics for the user’s fabricating practices. 8.1 Requirements for ductility, lamination factor, tensile or
4.1.10 Exceptions to the cited specification or a statement of yield strength, and so forth that differ from those inherent in the
special requirements. usual product meeting the magnetic requirements should be
specified. Any limiting value(s), the test method(s), and test
5. Materials and Manufacture conditions that apply should be specified also.
5.1 Normally, these electrical steels are composed princi-
pally of iron with relatively small amounts of alloying elements 9. Dimensions and Permissible Variations
such as silicon and aluminum. Other chemical elements are 9.1 Thickness—Electrical steels are normally supplied in
either in residual amounts or added in small amounts to certain standardized decimal thicknesses for the various classes
improve fabrication. The manufacturer shall provide on request of electrical steel covered by the individual specifications listed
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A 345
in 1.2. The specified thickness should be one of the standard- tion. Surface oxide and core plate coatings should be thin and
ized decimal thicknesses whenever possible. Where the re- tightly adherent.
quirements of the end use indicate thicknesses that are lighter
or heavier than those commonly offered, the manufacturer 11. Sampling
should be consulted by the purchaser and a thickness agreeable 11.1 The manufacturer shall assign a number to each test lot
to both (and agreement on the corresponding effects on the for identification. The test lot shall conform to the requirements
magnetic requirements) should be negotiated. of Practice A 34 unless otherwise agreed between the pur-
9.2 Thickness Variations—The thickness supplied shall be chaser and the supplier.
as close as possible to the ordered decimal thickness. The 11.2 Samples shall be obtained from full width coils after
variations with respect to the ordered thickness may differ the final mill heat treatment or the final operation that may have
appreciably with the class of electrical steel to be provided and a significant influence on the magnetic properties of the steel.
the mill equipment normally used for its manufacture. The
specified thickness tolerances should be no more stringent than 12. Specimen Preparation
required for satisfactory fabrication of the desired end product. 12.1 The required samples shall be made into specimens
The tolerances given in the individual specifications represent suitable for magnetic, electrical, or mechanical tests as required
normal commercial tolerances. For further details or require- by Practice A 34 or by the test method cited in the individual
ments more stringent than the normal ones, the manufacturer specification or the purchase order. Care should be practiced to
should be consulted. eliminate any bent, twisted, dented, highly burred, or improp-
9.3 Width Limitations—Maximum widths that are available erly prepared pieces from the test specimen.
are limited by the width capability of the rolling and other
13. Test Methods
steel-processing equipment used for the manufacture of the
various classes of electrical steels. Narrower than economic 13.1 The required tests to determine the core-loss grade, and
widths are usually provided as subwidths slit from a more other tests, when required, shall be in accordance with the test
economic width. Tolerances on the ordered width are depen- methods of Practice A 34 or as designated in the individual
dent on the limitations imposed by the equipment required for specification or the purchase order.
the ordered width. The individual specifications or the supplier 13.2 The density of the material will vary according to the
should be consulted for the normal tolerances that can be chemical composition of the material to be supplied. The
provided. proper test density shall be determined and used in the testing
9.4 Cut Lengths—Material to be supplied as sheets or by the supplier in compliance with the requirements of Practice
blanks is generally obtained by shearing from coils. The A 34.
tolerances normally available may be determined by consulting 14. Test Report
the individual specifications or the manufacturer of the desired
material. 14.1 The producer or supplier shall submit to the purchaser,
9.5 Camber—In cut lengths or coiled strip, the tolerance for at the time of shipment or as promptly as possible thereafter, a
the deviation of a side edge from a true straight line touching certified report of the measured core loss value(s) or other
both ends of the side over a specified length may be determined required test value(s) to show that the material conforms to the
by consulting the individual specifications or the manufacturer individual specification or the purchase order. The test methods
of the desired material. and applicable test conditions, including the test density, shall
be clearly stated. The test report shall also carry the lot
10. Workmanship and Finish identification, purchase order number, and other information
that is deemed necessary to identify the test results with the
10.1 Flatness: proper shipment and item.
10.1.1 Adequately defining a limiting degree of flatness of
electrical steels for commercial purposes is extremely difficult. 15. Rejection and Rehearing
Therefore, no specific limits or qualifications for flatness 15.1 Material that fails to conform to the requirements of
evaluation are generally accepted. It is recognized that sharp the purchase order or the individual specification may be
waves and buckles are objectionable and that they should be rejected by the purchaser. The rejection shall be reported to the
minimized in the delivered material to an extent that will producer promptly and in writing. The rejected material shall
ensure that it is suitable for fabrication of the intended end be set aside, adequately protected, and correctly identified.
product. 15.2 The producer may make claim for a rehearing. In this
10.1.2 The purchaser shall inform the supplier of any event, the purchaser shall make samples which are represen-
requirements for a degree of flatness more critical than that tative of the rejected material available to the producer for
provided by the usual commercial manufacturing practices. evaluation.
Procedures for evaluating the required degree of flatness shall
be negotiated between the purchaser and the supplier. 16. Marking
10.2 Surface Defects—The surface shall be reasonably free 16.1 Each package of coils or lift of cut lengths shall have
of loose dust and essentially free of manufacturing defects such firmly attached to it, outside its wrappings, a tag showing the
as holes, blisters, slivers, indentations, and so forth, which purchaser’s order number, grade designation, thickness, width
would interfere with its effective use in the intended applica- (and length if in sheet form), weight, and test lot number. In
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A 345
addition, each wide coil shall have the specification number, otherwise specified, shall correspond to Practices A 700.
grade designation, coating or surface type designation, thick-
ness, width, and test lot number marked on the outer surface of 18. Keywords
the coil itself. In a package of narrow coils, each narrow coil in
18.1 electrical steel; fully processed; grain-oriented electri-
the package shall be tagged with the specification number,
grade designation, coating or surface type designation, thick- cal steel; identification; magnetic lamination steel; nonoriented
ness, width, and test lot number. electrical steel; semiprocessed
17. Packaging
17.1 Methods of packaging, loading, and shipping, unless
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