ASTM A487 Properties⚙️ (Chem., Mech. & Rankings) rev. 2022

In this post I'll talk about and give details about ASTM A487. First let's describe it and then have a look at its material's properties.

What is ASTM A487?

ASTM A487 is a Specification for Steel Castings Suitable for Pressure Service.

Category

Steel Castings

Scope

This specification covers low-alloy steels and martensitic stainless steels in the normalized and tempered, or quenched and tempered, condition suitable for pressure containing parts.

Ok let's start with ASTM A487 chemical composition.

Chemical Composition

Grade CA6NM

C max.

0.06

Mn max.

1.00

P max.

0.04

S max.

0.03

Si max.

1.00

Ni

3.5 - 4.5

Cr

11.5 - 14.0

Mo

0.4 - 1.0

Cu max.

0.50

W max.

0.10

V max.

0.05

Others (Sum) max.

0.50

Learn more about chemical composition.

Now it's the mechanical properties turn:

Yield Strength

Grade CA6NM Class A

80 ksi (550 MPa) min.

Learn more about what is yield strength.

Tensile Strength

Grade CA6NM Class A

110 - 135 ksi (760 - 930 MPa)

Learn more about what is tensile strength.

Elongation (min.) 50 mm

0.15.

Learn more about what is elongation.

Reduction of Area (min. %)

0.35.

Learn more about reduction of area.

Hardness Requirements

Grade CA6NM Class B

23 HRC or 255 HB max.

Learn more about what is hardness.

Density

7800 - 8000 kg/m3 (around 7.9 g/cm3 or 0.285 lb/in3).

Learn more about density.

Elastic Modulus

190 GPa (27557 ksi) - 210GPa (30458 ksi).

Learn more about the Elastic Modulus.

Poisson's Ratio

0.27 – 0.30.

Learn more about the poisson ratio.

Allowable Stress

Depends on the project (And its factor of safety).

Learn more about the what is allowable stress.

My Material's Rank

While engineers will often look for the cheapest material they can use, I took a different approach to material's selection to help newbie students.

I ranked materials according to their yield strengths and ASTM A487 currently ranks 23 in my yield strength index. This means there are other 22 materials that are more resistant.

Note: I've analysed 134 materials in order to create an yield strength index. Check my astm material's comparison post for more details.

Details and PDF

Instructions:

1. Go to this page.
2. Type the name of the standard you are looking for in the search box. Tip: Don't forget to include "ASTM" as a keyword.
3. Read the details about the standard or download the PDF.

ASTM Classroom

Are you having trouble understanding the basics of ASTM?

What is the difference between Code, Standard & Specification?

This video will walk you through:

References

Citation

When you need to include a fact or piece of information in an assignment or essay you should also include where and how you found that piece of information.

That gives credibility to your paper and it is sometimes required in higher education.

To make your life (and citation) easier just copy & paste the information below into your assignment or essay:

Luz, Gelson. ASTM A487 Properties (Chem., Mech. & Rankings). Materials Blog. Gelsonluz.com. dd mmmm. yyyy. <URL>

Now replace dd, mmmm and yyyy with the day, month, and year you browsed this page. Also replace URL for the actual url of this page (The < and > stay, ok?). This citation format is based on MLA.

Other References

A370 Test Methods and Definitions for Mechanical Testing⁣
of Steel Products⁣
A488/A488M Practice for Steel Castings, Welding, Qualifications⁣
of Procedures and Personnel⁣
A703/A703M Specification for Steel Castings, General⁣
Requirements, for Pressure-Containing Parts⁣
E165 Practice for Liquid Penetrant Examination for General⁣
Industry⁣
E709 Guide for Magnetic Particle Testing⁣