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: A108 − 18

Standard Specification for

Steel Bar, Carbon and Alloy, Cold-Finished1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation A108; 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.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.

1. Scope* A370 Test Methods and Definitions for Mechanical Testing

1.1 This specification covers cold-finished carbon and alloy of Steel Products
steel bars produced in straight length and coil. Cold-finished A400 Practice for Steel Bars, Selection Guide, Composition,
bars are suitable for heat treatment, for machining into and Mechanical Properties
components, or for use in the as-finished condition as shafting, A510/A510M Specification for General Requirements for
or in constructional applications, or for other similar purposes Wire Rods and Coarse Round Wire, Carbon Steel, and
(Note 1). Grades of steel are identified by grade numbers or by Alloy Steel
chemical composition. A576 Specification for Steel Bars, Carbon, Hot-Wrought,
NOTE 1—A guide for the selection of steel bars is contained in Practice Special Quality
A400. 2.2 Other Documents:
1.2 Some end uses may require one or more of the available SAE Handbook and SAE J1086 Recommended Practice for
designations shown under Supplementary Requirements. Numbering Metals and Alloys (UNS)3
Supplementary requirements shall apply only when specified AIST Bar Steels: Steel Product Manual4
individually by the purchaser. 3. Terminology
1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded 3.1 Definitions:
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical 3.1.1 product tolerance levels—cold-finished steel bar is
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only produced with up to three (3) increasingly tight tolerance
and are not considered standard. levels, for the individual product characteristics, dependent on
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor- the method of manufacture necessary to meet purchaser-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard- ordered specification requirements. (Product Tolerance Level 1
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the is selected, unless otherwise specified by the purchaser.)
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical 4. Ordering Information
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee. 4.1 Orders for cold-finished steel bar to this specification
should include the following items to adequately describe the
2. Referenced Documents material:
2.1 ASTM Standards:2 4.1.1 Name of material,
A29/A29M Specification for General Requirements for Steel 4.1.2 ASTM specification number and date of issue,
Bars, Carbon and Alloy, Hot-Wrought 4.1.3 Chemical composition, or steel grade designation or
A304 Specification for Carbon and Alloy Steel Bars Subject limits as defined in Specification A29/A29M,
to End-Quench Hardenability Requirements 4.1.4 Silicon level, if required,
A322 Specification for Steel Bars, Alloy, Standard Grades 4.1.5 Additional machinability-enhancing elements (see
Footnote F to Table 1 of Specification A29/A29M),
4.1.6 Surface Condition (Surface tolerances listed in Table
1
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee A01 on Steel, A1.7, Table A1.8, and Table A1.9),
Stainless Steel and Related Alloys and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee
A01.15 on Bars.
4.1.7 Tolerance Levels (Reference tolerances listed in Table
Current edition approved Nov. 1, 2018. Published November 2018. Originally A1.1 through Table A1.9),
approved in 1926. Last previous edition approved in 2013 as A108–13. DOI:
10.1520/A0108–18.
2 3
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or Available from SAE International (SAE), 400 Commonwealth Dr., Warrendale,
contact ASTM Customer Service at [email protected]. For Annual Book of ASTM PA 15096, http://www.sae.org.
4
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on Available from Association for Iron & Steel Technology (AIST), 180 Thorn
the ASTM website. Hill Road, Warrendale, PA 15086–7528, http://www.aist.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
 A108 − 18
4.1.8 Shape (round, hexagon, square, flat, etc.), size, and 6.3.2.3 Stress relieved,
length, 6.3.2.4 Quenched and tempered, and
4.1.9 Report of heat analysis, if required, 6.3.2.5 Induction hardened.
4.1.10 End use,
4.1.11 Additions to the specification and special or supple- 7. Chemical Composition
mentary requirements, if required, and 7.1 Chemical Composition:
4.1.12 For coiled product, the coil weights, inside diameter, 7.1.1 The chemical analysis of the steel shall conform to
outside diameter, and coil height limitations, when required. that specified in Specification A29/A29M for the steel grade
NOTE 2—A typical ordering description is as follows: Steel Bar; ASTM
ordered, or to such other limits as may be specified using the
A108, dated _____; ASTM Steel Grade - 1117; Coarse Grain; Cold standard ranges in Specification A29/A29M.
Drawn; 1.500 in. (38.10 mm) diameter round; 12 ft (3657.61 mm) long; 7.1.2 Steels may be selected from: Specifications A29/
Heat Analysis Required; Precision Machined Parts. A29M, A304, A322, A510/A510M, and A576; the SAE
NOTE 3—A more complex ordering description is as follows: Steel Bar; Handbook; or the AIST Bar Steels: Steel Product Manual.
ASTM A108, dated ____; ASTM Steel Grade - 1045; Fine Grain; Cold
Drawn, Turned, Ground and Polished; chamfer both ends; Mechanical 7.1.3 When a steel’s composition cannot be identified by a
Property Test Results; Hardness test; 2.000 in. (50.80 mm) diameter standard grade number in accordance with 7.1.1 and 7.1.2, the
round; 12 ft (3657.61 mm) long; Heat Analysis Required; Precision limits for each required element may be specified using the
Machined Parts. chemical ranges shown in the table (Heat Analysis Chemical
Ranges and Limits of Carbon Steel Bars) of Specification
5. General Requirements A29/A29M.
5.1 Material furnished under this specification shall con-
form to the applicable requirements of the current edition of 8. Tolerance Levels
Specification A29/A29M. 8.1 Cold-Finished Bars—The permissible dimensional
variations for cold-finished carbon and alloy steel bar shall not
6. Materials and Manufacture exceed the applicable tolerance levels or limits stated in Annex
6.1 Feedstock—Cold-finished steel bar shall be produced A1 for inch-pound values.
from hot-wrought carbon or alloy steel bar (Specification
A29/A29M), or from hot-wrought rod designated for cold- 9. Workmanship, Finish, and Product Presentation
finished bar (Specification A510/A510M). 9.1 Workmanship:
6.2 Condition—The product shall be furnished in one of the 9.1.1 Within the limits of good manufacturing and inspec-
following conditions as specified by the purchaser. tion practices, the bars shall be free of injurious imperfections
6.2.1 Rounds: which, due to their nature, degree, or extent, will interfere with
6.2.1.1 Cold drawn, the use of the material in machining or fabrication of suitable
6.2.1.2 Cold drawn, turned, and polished, parts.
6.2.1.3 Cold drawn, ground, and polished, 9.1.2 Table A1.8 contains the recommended minimum stock
6.2.1.4 Cold drawn, turned, ground, and polished, removal (per side of bar) to assist in the removal of surface
6.2.1.5 Cold drawn, turned, and ground, discontinuities in cold finished or hot rolled bars.
6.2.1.6 Hot wrought, turned, and polished, 9.2 Finish:
6.2.1.7 Hot wrought, turned, ground and polished, 9.2.1 Unless otherwise specified, the bars shall have a
6.2.1.8 Hot wrought, turned, and ground, and commercial bright smooth surface finish, obtained by conven-
6.2.1.9 Hot wrought, rough turned. tional cold-finishing operations such as cold drawing or cold
6.2.2 Squares, Hexagons: rolling.
6.2.2.1 Cold drawn, and 9.2.2 When a superior bar surface finish is required, bars
6.2.2.2 Cold rolled. may be obtained as: turned and polished, ground and polished,
6.2.3 Flats: or turned, ground, and polished. (Reference Table A1.7)
6.2.3.1 Cold drawn, and 9.2.3 Bars that are thermally treated after cold finishing may
6.2.3.2 Cold rolled. exhibit a discolored or oxidized surface.
6.2.4 Special Bar Sections: 9.2.4 When diameter tolerances for round bars are more
6.2.4.1 Cold drawn, and restrictive than commercial standard size tolerances listed in
6.2.4.2 Cold rolled. Table A1.1 or Table A1.2, then refer to Table A1.3 size
6.3 Heat Treatment: tolerances attained from the Grinding and Polished operation.
6.3.1 Unless otherwise specified, the bars shall be furnished 9.3 Product Presentation:
as cold-finished. Plain Carbon Steels with a maximum carbon 9.3.1 The bars shall be given a surface coating of oil or other
over 0.55 % and Alloy Steels with a maximum carbon over rust inhibitor to protect against corrosion during shipment.
0.38 % shall be annealed prior to cold finishing. 9.3.2 The bar bundles shall be identified, packaged and
6.3.2 The following heat-treatment processes may be per- loaded to preserve the physical appearance, product tolerance
formed singularly or in combination: and identity of the cold-finished product, as agreed upon
6.3.2.1 Annealed, between the purchaser and supplier, at time of order accep-
6.3.2.2 Normalized, tance.

2
 A108 − 18
NOTE 4—Steel bar or machined bar surface is a perishable quality tured and tested in accordance with this specification together
condition and may be altered by mis-handling or detrimental exposure to with a report of the test results shall be furnished at the time of
moisture or corrosive conditions. The preservation of surface quality
requires the utmost care in subsequent customer handling, storage, or shipment.
processing. Rust preventive oils are necessary to coat and provide a barrier
to displace harmful moisture or corrosive conditions to prevent rust. 11. Keywords
10. Certification 11.1 alloy steel; carbon steel; cold-finished; steel bar; turned
10.1 Upon request of the purchaser in the contract or order, bar
a manufacturer’s certification that the material was manufac-

SUPPLEMENTARY REQUIREMENTS

One or more of the following supplementary requirements shall be applied only when specified by
the purchaser in the inquiry, contract, or order. Details of these supplementary requirements shall be
agreed upon in writing, by the manufacturer and the purchaser. Supplementary requirements shall in
no way negate any requirement of the specification itself.

S1. Hot Rolling Reduction Ratio S5.2 When required, purchaser may require the supplier to
S1.1 When required, purchaser may require the supplier to report the country of origin where the steel was hot rolled for
report the reduction ratio of the initial Bloom/Billet cross each heat/lot number supplied to the purchaser.
sectional area to finished hot rolled cross sectional area. S5.3 When required, purchaser may require the supplier to
report the country of origin where the steel was cold finished
for each heat/lot number supplied to the purchaser.
S2. Steel Melting Process
S2.1 When required, purchaser may require the supplier to S6. Mechanical Properties
report the steel melting process (Basic Oxygen Furnace, S6.1 When required, at time of inquiry or purchase, pur-
Electric Arc Furnace, etc.) for each initial heat/lot number chaser may require the supplier to report the cold-finished steel
supplied to the purchaser. bar mechanical properties for each heat/lot number supplied to
the purchaser. Mechanical properties shall be evaluated in
S3. Steel Refinement Process accordance with Test Methods and Definitions in Test Methods
A370.
S3.1 When required, purchaser may require the supplier to
report the steel refinement processes performed after melting S7. Surface Inspection
and before casting (Vacuumed Degassed, etc.) on the heat/lot S7.1 When required, at time of inquiry or purchase, pur-
number supplied to the purchaser. chaser may require the supplier to inspect the cold finish steel
bar surface within a non-destructive surface inspection process
S4. Continuous Casting Process to assist in the detection of most surface discontinuities that
S4.1 When required, purchaser may require the supplier to exceed the maximum allowed depth tolerances listed in Table
report the casting process (Bloom, Billet, etc.) for each heat/lot A1.8 or other tolerances agreed upon between the purchaser
number supplied to the purchaser. and supplier. Non-destructive surface inspection process has
limitations and will not guarantee or warranty 100 % detection
S5. Country or Countries of Origin of all surface discontinuities in a steel bar.

S5.1 When required, purchaser may require the supplier to S8. Bar Marking
report the country of origin where the steel was melted for each S8.1 When required, bar marking specification require-
heat/lot number supplied to the purchaser. ments shall be agreed upon between the purchaser and supplier.

3
 A108 − 18

ANNEX

(Mandatory Information)

A1. PERMISSIBLE VARIATIONS IN QUALITY CHARACTERISTICS—INCH-POUND AND METRIC UNITS

TABLE A1.1 Size Tolerances for Level One Cold-Finished Carbon Steel Bars, Cold DrawnA or Turned and PolishedA
Maximum of Carbon Range
Maximum of Carbon Range
Maximum of over 0.55 % or All Grades
Maximum of Carbon Range to 0.55 % incl,
Carbon Range Quenched and Tempered or
Size, in. (mm)B over 0.28 % to 0.55 % incl Stress Relieved or Annealed
0.28 % or less Normalized and Tempered
after Cold Finishing
before or after Cold Finishing
All tolerances are in inches (mm) and are minusC
D
Rounds—Cold Drawn to 6 in. (152.4 mm) or Turned and Polished
To 11⁄2 (38.1) incl, in coils, or cut lengths 0.002 (0.051) 0.003 (0.076) 0.004 (0.102) 0.005 (0.127)
Over 11⁄2 (38.10) to 21⁄2 (63.50) incl 0.003 (0.076) 0.004 (0.102) 0.005 (0.127) 0.006 (0.152)
Over 21⁄2 (63.50) to 4 (101.60) incl 0.004 (0.102) 0.005 (0.127) 0.006 (0.152) 0.007 (0.178)
Over 4 (101.60) to 6 (152.40) incl 0.005 (0.127) 0.006 (0.152) 0.007 (0.178) 0.008 (0.203)
Over 6 (152.40) to 8 (203.20) incl 0.006 (0.152) 0.007 (0.178) 0.008 (0.203) 0.009 (0.229)
Over 8 (203.20) to 9 (228.60) incl 0.007 (0.178) 0.008 (0.203) 0.009 (0.229) 0.010 (0.254)
Hexagons
To 3⁄4 (19.05) incl 0.002 (0.051) 0.003 (0.076) 0.004 (0.102) 0.006 (0.152)
Over 3⁄4 (19.05) to 11⁄2 (38.10) incl 0.003 (0.076) 0.004 (0.102) 0.005 (0.127) 0.007 (0.178)
Over 11⁄2 (38.10) to 21⁄2 (63.50) incl 0.004 (0.102) 0.005 (0.127) 0.006 (0.152) 0.008 (0.203)
Over 21⁄2 (63.50) to 31⁄8 (79.38) incl 0.005 (0.127) 0.006 (0.152) 0.007 (0.178) 0.009 (0.229)
Over 31⁄8 (79.38) to 4 (101.60) incl 0.005 (0.127) 0.006 (0.152) ... ...
Squares
To 3⁄4 (19.05) incl 0.002 (0.051) 0.004 (0.102) 0.005 (0.127) 0.007 (0.178)
Over 3⁄4 (19.05) to 11⁄2 (38.10) incl 0.003 (0.076) 0.005 (0.127) 0.006 (0.152) 0.008 (0.203)
Over 11⁄2 (38.10) to 21⁄2 (63.50) incl 0.004 (0.102) 0.006 (0.152) 0.007 (0.178) 0.009 (0.229)
Over 21⁄2 (63.50) to 4 (101.60) incl 0.006 (0.152) 0.008 (0.203) 0.009 (0.229) 0.011 (0.279)
Over 4 (101.60) to 5 (127.00) incl 0.010 (0.254) ... ... ...
Over 5 (127.00) to 6 (152.4) incl 0.014 (0.356) ... ... ...
FlatsE
Width:
To 3⁄4 (19.05) incl 0.003 (0.076) 0.004 (0.102) 0.006 (0.152) 0.008 (0.203)
Over 3⁄4 (19.05) to 1 1⁄2 (38.10) incl 0.004 (0.102) 0.005 (0.127) 0.008 (0.203) 0.010 (0.254)
Over 11⁄2 (38.10) to 3 (76.2) incl 0.005 (0.127) 0.006 (0.152) 0.010 (0.254) 0.012 (0.305)
Over 3 (76.2) to 4 (101.60) incl 0.006 (0.152) 0.008 (0.203) 0.011 (0.279) 0.016 (0.410)
Over 4 (101.60) to 6 (152.40) incl 0.008 (0.203) 0.010 (0.254) 0.012 (0.305) 0.020 (0.508)
Over 6 (152.40) 0.013 (0.330) 0.015 (0.381) ... ...
A
When the purchaser requires a more restrictive size tolerance, then refer to Table A1.3, which requires the above cold drawn or turned and polished bar product to be
ground and polished as a final sizing operation.
B
Standard manufacturing practice can cause end distortion resulting in those portions of the bar being outside the applicable size tolerance. When this end condition is
undesirable, a saw cut end to remove end distortion should be considered.
C
While size tolerances are usually specified as minus, tolerances may be ordered all plus, or distributed plus and minus, with the sum being equivalent to the tolerances
listed.
D
Maximum allowable deviation in roundness around the circumference of the same cross-section of a round cold drawn bar is 1⁄2 the size tolerance range.
E
Width governs the tolerances for both width and thickness of flats. For example, when the maximum of carbon range is 0.28 % or less, for a flat 2 in. (50.80 mm) wide
and 1 in. (25.40 mm) thick, the width tolerance is 0.005 in. (0.127 mm) and the thickness tolerance is the same, namely, 0.005 in. (0.127 mm).

4
 A108 − 18
TABLE A1.2 Size Tolerances for Level One Cold-Finished Alloy Steel Bars, Cold DrawnA or Turned and PolishedA
Maximum of Carbon Range
over 0.55 % with or without
Maximum of Carbon Range Stress Relieving or Annealing
Maximum of
Maximum of Carbon Range to 0.55 % incl, after Cold Finishing.
Carbon Range
Size, in. (mm)B over 0.28 % to 0.55 % incl Stress Relieved or Annealed Also, all Carbons, Quenched
0.28 % or less
after Cold Finishing and tempered (heat treated),
or Normalized and Tempered,
before or after Cold Finishing
All tolerances are in inches (mm) and are minusC
D
Rounds-Cold Drawn to 6 in. (152.40 mm) or Turned and Polished
To 1 (25.4) incl, in coils 0.002 (0.051) 0.003 (0.076) 0.004 (0.102) 0.005 (0.127)
Cut Lengths:
To 11⁄2 (38.10) incl 0.003 (0.076) 0.004 (0.102) 0.005 (0.127) 0.006 (0.152)
Over 11⁄2 (38.10) to 21⁄2 (63.50) incl 0.004 (0.102) 0.005 (0.127) 0.006 (0.152) 0.007 (0.178)
Over 21⁄2 (63.50) to 4 (101.60) incl 0.005 (0.127) 0.006 (0.152) 0.007 (0.178) 0.008 (0.203)
Over 4 (101.60) to 6 (152.40) incl 0.006 (0.152) 0.007 (0.178) 0.008 (0.203) 0.009 (0.229)
Over 6 (152.40) to 8 (203.20) incl 0.007 (0.178) 0.008 (0.203) 0.009 (0.229) 0.010 (0.254)
Over 8 (203.20) to 9 (228.60) incl 0.008 (0.203) 0.009 (0.229) 0.010 (0.254) 0.011 (0.279)
Hexagons
To 3⁄4 (19.05) incl 0.003 (0.076) 0.004 (0.102) 0.005 (0.127) 0.007 (0.178)
Over 3⁄4 (19.05) to 11⁄2 (38.10) incl 0.004 (0.102) 0.005 (0.127) 0.006 (0.152) 0.008 (0.203)
Over 11⁄2 (38.10) to 21⁄2 (63.50) incl 0.005 (0.127) 0.006 (0.152) 0.007 (0.178) 0.009 (0.229)
Over 21⁄2 (63.50) to 31⁄8 (79.38) incl 0.006 (0.152) 0.007 (0.178) 0.008 (0.203) 0.010 (0.254)
Over 31⁄8 (79.38) to 4 (101.60) incl 0.006 (0.152) ... ... ...
Squares
To 3⁄4 (19.05) incl 0.003 (0.076) 0.005 (0.127) 0.006 (0.152) 0.008 (0.203)
Over 3⁄4 (19.05) to 11⁄2 (38.10) incl 0.004 (0.102) 0.006 (0.152) 0.007 (0.178) 0.009 (0.229)
Over 11⁄2 (38.10) to 21⁄2 (63.50) incl 0.005 (0.127) 0.007 (0.178) 0.008 (0.203) 0.010 (0.254)
Over 21⁄2 (63.50) to 4 (101.60) incl 0.007 (0.178) 0.009 (0.229) 0.010 (0.254) 0.012 (0.305)
Over 4 (101.60) to 5 (127.00) incl 0.011 (0.279) ... ... ...
FlatsE
To 3⁄4 (19.05) incl 0.004 (0.102) 0.005 (0.127) 0.007 (0.178) 0.009 (0.229)
Over 3⁄4 (19.05) to 11⁄2 (38.10) incl 0.005 (0.127) 0.006 (0.152) 0.009 (0.229) 0.011 (0.279)
Over 11⁄2 (38.10) to 3 (76.2) incl 0.006 (0.152) 0.007 (0.178) 0.011 (0.279) 0.013 (0.330)
Over 3 (76.2) to 4 (101.60) incl 0.007 (0.178) 0.009 (0.229) 0.012 (0.305) 0.017 (0.432)
Over 4 (101.60) to 6 (152.40) incl 0.009 (0.229) 0.011 (0.279) 0.013 (0.330) 0.021 (0.533)
Over 6 (152.40) 0.014 (0.356) ... ... ...
A
When the purchaser requires a more restrictive size tolerance, then refer to Table A1.3, which requires the above cold drawn or turned and polished bar product to be
ground and polished as a final sizing operation.
B
Standard manufacturing practice can cause end distortion resulting in those portions of the bar being outside the applicable size tolerance. When this end condition is
undesirable, a saw cut end to remove end distortion should be considered.
C
While size tolerances are usually specified as minus, tolerances may be ordered all plus, or distributed plus and minus, with the sum being equivalent to the tolerances
listed.
D
Maximum allowable deviation in roundness around the circumference of the same cross-section of a round cold drawn bar is 1⁄2 the size tolerance range.
E
Width governs the tolerances for both width and thickness of flats. For example, when the maximum of carbon range is 0.28 % or less, for a flat 2 in. (50.80 mm) wide
and 1 in. (25.40 mm) thick, the width tolerance is 0.006 in. (0.152 mm) and the thickness tolerance is the same, namely, 0.006 in. (0.152mm).

TABLE A1.3 Size Tolerances for Level Two and Level Three Cold Finished Round Bars: Cold Drawn - Ground and Polished, Cold Drawn
- Turned - Ground and Polished, or Turned - Ground and Polished
Size, in. (mm) Cold Drawn - Ground and Polished, Tolerances from Specified Size, Minus Only, in. (mm)
Size, in. (mm) Turned, Ground and PolishedA
Cold Drawn - Turned - Ground and PolishedA Level 2 Level 3
To 11⁄2 (38.10) incl To 11⁄2 (38.10) incl 0.001 (0.0254) 0.0008 (0.0203)
Over 11⁄2 (38.10) to 21⁄2 (63.50) excl Over 11⁄2 (38.10) to 21⁄2 (63.50) excl 0.0015 (0.0381) 0.0013 (0.033)
21⁄2 (63.50) to 3 (76.20) incl 21⁄2 (63.50) to 3 (76.20) incl 0.002 (0.0508) 0.0015 (0.0381)
Over 3 (76.20) to 4 (101.60) incl Over 3 (76.20) to 4 (101.60) incl 0.003 (0.0762) 0.0025 (0.0635)
... Over 4 (101.60) to 6 (152.40) incl 0.004 (0.1016)B 0.003 (0.0762)B
... Over 6 (152.40) 0.005 (0.127)B 0.004 (0.1016)B
A
Maximum allowable deviation of roundness or ovality tolerances are agreed upon between purchaser and supplier.
B
For nonresulfurized steels (steels specified to maximum sulfur limits under 0.08 %), or for steels thermally treated, the tolerance is increased by 0.001 in. (0.025 mm).

5
 A108 − 18
TABLE A1.4 Straightness Tolerances for Cold Finished BarsA,B
NOTE 1—These straightness tolerances are not applicable to steel bars having Brinell Hardness exceeding 269. This also includes: all grades quenched
and tempered or normalized and tempered before or after cold finishing; and all grades stress relieved or annealed after cold finishing having a Brinell
Hardness above 269.
Straightness Tolerances, in. (mm) (Maximum Deviation) from Straightness
in any 10 ft Portion of the Bar
Maximum of Carbon Range,
Maximum of Carbon Range,
Size, in. (mm) Length, ft (mm) over 0.28 % and
0.28 % or Less
All Grades Thermally Treated
Squares, Hexagons, Squares, Hexagons,
Rounds Rounds
and Octagons and Octagons
Less than 5⁄8 (15.88) Less than 15 (4572) 1⁄8 (3.17) 3⁄16 (4.76) 3⁄16 (4.76) 1⁄4 (6.35)

Less than 5⁄8 (15.88) 15 (4572) and over 1⁄8 (3.17) 5⁄16 (7.94) 5⁄16 (7.94) 3⁄8 (9.53)

5⁄8 (15.88) and over Less than 15 (4572) 1⁄16 (1.59) 1⁄8 (3.17) 1⁄8 (3.17) 3⁄16 (4.76)

5⁄8 (15.88) and over 15 (4572) and over 1⁄8 (3.17) 3⁄16 (4.76) 3⁄16 (4.76) 1⁄4 (6.35)

A
The foregoing tolerances are based on the following method of measuring straightness: Departure from straightness is measured by placing the bar on a level table so
that the arc or departure from straightness is horizontal, and the depth of the arc is measured with a feeler gage and a straightedge.
B
It should be recognized that straightness is a perishable quality and may be altered by mishandling. The preservation of straightness in cold-finished bars requires the
utmost care in subsequent handling and storage. Specific straightness tolerances are sometimes required for carbon and alloy steels in which case the purchaser should
inform the manufacturer of the straightness tolerances and the methods to be used in checking the straightness.

TABLE A1.5 Length Tolerances for Cold Finished Steel Bar

Product Tolerances, in. (mm) Plus
Tolerance Allowable Deviation above Specified Uniform Length
Level Cutting Process Minimum Maximum
Level 1 Shear Cut 0.000 2.000 (50.80)
Level 2 In-Line Saw Cut 0.000 1.000 (25.40)
Level 3 Off-Line Saw Cut 0.000 0.500 (12.70)

TABLE A1.6 Across-Corner Tolerances for Hexagon and Square Cold Drawn Steel BarA
Product Tolerance Range Applied to Across Corner Calculations
Tolerance Hexagon, Square,
Level in. (mm), Minus in. (mm), Minus
Level 1 0.025 (0.64) 0.030 (0.76)
Level 2 0.020 (0.51) 0.025 (0.64)
Level 3 0.015 (0.38) 0.020 (0.51)
Sharp Corner Hexagon Calculation = (1.1547 × D) Sharp Corner Square Calculation = (1.4142 × D)
Round Corner Hexagon Calculation = [1.1547 × (D - 2r)] + 2r Round Corner Square Calculation = [1.4142 × (D - 2r)] + 2r
A
When required, type of corner must be specified at time of order inquiry.

TABLE A1.7 Surface Roughness AverageA (Ra) Tolerances for Cold-Finished Steel BarB, C

Allowable Maximum Deviation of Surface Roughness Average (Ra) Measurement

Product
Tolerance Turned and Polished Ground and Polished
Level Maximum, (µin.) Maximum, (µin.)
(Ra) (Ra)
Level 1 Not Required 40
Level 2B 60 30
Level 3B 40 20
A
RMS (root mean square calculation) is no longer applied to measure surface roughness. Roughness average (Ra) is current technology measurement output data.
B
Special surface Ra restrictions must be agreed upon at time of order inquiry, between purchaser and supplier. Lower Ra values are available with additional bar passes
and/or special processing conditions.
C
This table excludes a cold drawn bar surface because there is no surface stock removal. The cold drawn bar surface quality is dependent on the pre-existing hot roll
surface condition and the type of descaling method (shot blast, or pickled) employed before cold drawing.

6
 A108 − 18
TABLE A1.8 Surface Discontinuity Tolerances for Cold-Finished Steel BarA, B

Maximum Allowable Surface Discontinuity Depth and Recommended Stock Removal Depth per Side of Bar
Carbon and Alloy Carbon and Alloy Carbon and Alloy
Non-resulfurized Resulfurized (0.08 thru 0.19 % Sulfur) Resulfurized (0.20 thru 0.35 % Sulfur)
Product
Tolerance Maximum Depth Maximum Depth Maximum Depth Maximum Depth Maximum Depth Maximum Depth
1⁄4 (6.35 mm) (% of Size) 1⁄4 (6.35 mm) (% of Size) 1⁄4 (6.35 mm) (% of Size)
Level
thru 5⁄8 (15.88 over 5⁄8 (15.88 mm) thru 5⁄8 (15.88 over 5⁄8 (15.88 mm) thru 5⁄8 (15.88 over 5⁄8 (15.88 mm)
mm) thru 6 (152.40 mm) mm) thru 6 (152.40 mm) mm) thru 6 (152.40 mm)
max. in. (mm) (max. percentage) max. in. (mm) max. percentage) max. in. (mm) (max. percentage)
Level 1 0.008 (0.20) 1.6 % 0.010 (0.25) 2.0 % 0.012 (0.30) 2.4 %
Level 2 Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil
A
The information in the chart is the expected maximum surface discontinuity depth within the limits of good manufacturing practice. Occasional bars in a shipment may
have surface discontinuities that exceed these limits. For critical applications, the purchaser may require the cold finish steel bar supplier to perform non-destructive surface
testing on the bars prior to shipment. Non-destructive surface testing does not guarantee 100 % surface detection of all surface discontinuities. For critical applications
or assemblies, it is advisable to perform final surface inspection on the finished machined part (after machining or heat treatment, or both, is completed).
B
Level 2 requires surface stock removal by turning or multiple grinding passes when Level 1 max allowed depth (per side of bar) are not acceptable in a cold drawn steel
bar.

TABLE A1.9 Surface Decarburization Tolerances for Cold-Finished Steel BarA

Maximum Affected Depth
All Carbon or Alloy Steel Grades

Product Maximum Percentage of Decarburization

Maximum Inches of Decarburization
Tolerance per Side
per Side of Bar
Level 1⁄4 (6.35 mm) thru 5⁄8 (15.88 mm) Sizes,
Based on Percentage of Size over 5⁄8
(15.88 mm) thru 6 (152.40 mm) Sizes,
All Shapes,
All Shapes,
max. in. (mm)
(max., %)
Level 1 0.010 in. (0.25) 1.6 %
Level 2 Nil Nil
A
Level 2 requires metal removal by turning or multiple grinding for small bars.

SUMMARY OF CHANGES

Committee A01 has identified the location of selected changes to this standard since the last issue (A108 – 13)
that may impact the use of this standard. (Approved Nov. 1, 2018.)

(1) Deleted “to chemical compositions” from first sentence of (4) Added the word “over” before 5⁄8 in Carbon and Alloy
1.1. Resulfurized (0.20 thru 0.35 % Sulfur) Maximum Depth (% of
(2) Added the word “the” before purchaser in 3.1.1. Size) column of Table A1.8.
(3) Added 6.3.2.5 Induction hardened.

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/