How to Perform ASTM A370 Mechanical Testing of Steel Products

Home / Testing Standards / ASTM A370 Mechanical Testing of Steel Products

Summary of Test

ASTM A370 is a testing standard that covers the mechanical testing definitions and procedures of steel products such as wrought and cast steels, stainless steels, and related alloys. This standard covers tension, bend, hardness, and impact tests.

The various mechanical tests described in this specification can be used to determine the properties required by the ASTM A370 standard. ADMET universal testing machines conform to the requirements of Practices E4 and can be used for A370 tension and bend testing. Hardness and impact tests will not be covered in detail in this post, as we do not offer machines for these tests. Prior to conducting ASTM A370, it is important to read the entire specification in the relevant ASTM publication.

eXpert 2600 Universal Testing System
eXpert 1600 Servohydraulic Universal Testing System

Wedge Grips
Bend Fixtures
Extensometer

Testing Procedure

Note that in general, the testing equipment and methods are given in ASTM E8. However, there are certain exceptions to ASTM E8 practices in the testing of steel, and these are covered in the methods below.

Procedure A: Tension Test

Measure and record the specimen dimensions necessary to determine the cross sectional area at its smallest point. MTESTQuattro will calculate the original cross sectional area and use this area for all engineering stress calculations.
Mark the gauge length with a center punch, scribe marks or draw with ink. The distance between the gauge marks after the specimen is broken is used to determine the percent elongation at break.
Zero the testing machine without the specimen inserted in the grips. Install the specimen in the grips and attach a Class B1 axial extensometer to the specimen.
Begin the test procedure. The speed of testing is determined in one of three manners: a) free running, unloaded crosshead speed (inches/minute; b) free running, loaded crosshead speed (inches/minute) c) stress rate (psi/minute or mpa/minute); or d) strain rate (inch/inch/minute axial strain). Any convenient speed of testing may be used up to one half the specified yield point and down to 1/10 the specified maximum rates for determining yield strength and tensile strength.
Remove extensometer after yield but before specimen failure. Note: ADMET Software can be configured to pause the test and can prompt for the removal of the extensometer once sufficient strain data has been collected to calculate the required analyses.
Run the test until specimen failure or fracture. Remove the broken sample from the machine and fit the fractured ends together. Measure the distance between the gauge marks to the nearest 0.05 millimeters.

Calculations:

Ultimate Tensile Strength or Peak Stress
Yield Strength by Offset or Extension Under Load Method
Percent Elongation at Break (includes plastic deformations only)
Reduction of Area
Yield Point Elongation (YPE)
Elongation at Fracture (includes elastic and plastic deformations)

Procedure B: Bend Test

Test methods E190 and E290 should be consulted to perform bend testing per ASTM A370. Bend tests should be performed to test ductility but it cannot be considered as a quantitative means of predicting service performance in bending operations.

Calculations: