The full title of the standard is "Standard Specification for General Requirements for Flat-Rolled Stainless and Heat-Resisting Steel Plate, Sheet, and Strip". It establishes a uniform group of requirements that apply to several other specific ASTM material standards, such as ASTM A240 (for pressure vessels) and ASTM A666 (for annealed or cold-worked austenitic stainless steel).
: One of the most referenced sections, it details standard finishes from No. 1 (hot-rolled, annealed, and descaled) to No. 8 (mirror finish). Common industrial finishes include 2B (bright cold-rolled) and No. 4 (brushed/satin).
How much thinner or thicker a sheet can be, dependent on the ordered thickness.
As of this writing (2025), the active version is ASTM A480/A480M-24 (or the latest year). Always verify on ASTM International's website.
ASTM offers a "View Only" option for a lower price. You cannot print or save the PDF locally, but you can view it in your browser. This is risky if you lose internet access during an audit. astm a480 a480m pdf
If the MTR claims compliance with A480, but the material does not meet the flatness described in Section 12, you have a legitimate claim for rejection.
e.g., max deviation from flat surface per unit length depends on thickness and width.
Just then, Sarah, the shop’s veteran quality manager, walked over. She didn't offer a lecture; instead, she handed him a worn, bookmarked document: .
: Avoid "free download" sites (like the one found in search results), as they are often associated with malware or outdated, inaccurate versions of the standard. thickness tolerance tables or a comparison with another standard like The full title of the standard is "Standard
: Stainless and heat-resisting chromium steel plate, sheet, and strip. Key Technical Sections Within the Standard
If you work with stainless steel, nickel alloys, or other heat-resistant alloys in flat-rolled form (plate, sheet, and strip), you’ve likely encountered the citation .
The ASTM A480 standard acts as a companion document. It does not stand alone; instead, it is explicitly referenced within specific material standards. If there is a conflict between ASTM A480 and the individual product specification, the . It governs a specific group of ASTM standards, including:
Need help interpreting a specific table in A480/A480M? Leave a comment or contact our materials lab. 1 (hot-rolled, annealed, and descaled) to No
The standards can be purchased directly from ASTM as an individual PDF download or via a subscription service (ASTM Compass).
ASTM A480/A480M is the fundamental international specification for the of flat-rolled stainless and heat-resisting steel products, including plate, sheet, and strip. Rather than defining a specific grade of steel, it serves as an "umbrella" standard that dictates how these products must be manufactured, tested, and finished across many other ASTM material specifications, such as A240/A240M. Scope and Application
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Precise cutting tolerances for mill edges and sheared edges.