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Home >> Application >> By Standard >> ASTM >> ASTM A-C >> ASTM A370 Test method for mechanical testing of steel

ASTM A370 Test method for mechanical testing of steel

ASTM A370 Standard Test Methods and Definitions for Mechanical Testing of Steel Products

ASTM A370 test methods cover procedures and definitions for the mechanical testing of steels, stainless steels, and related alloys. The various mechanical tests herein described are used to determine properties required in the product specifications. Variations in testing methods are to be avoided, and standard methods of testing are to be followed to obtain reproducible and comparable results. In those cases in which the testing requirements for certain products are unique or at variance with these general procedures, the product specification testing requirements shall control.

Covering tests like Tension, Bend, Hardness, Brinell, Rockwell, Portable, and Impact, each catering to distinct aspects of mechanical property assessment. Moreover, it accommodates annexes for specific product types, including Bar Products, Tubular Products, Fasteners, Round Wire Products, and more, ensuring a holistic approach to testing.

Specific Test Methods and Procedures Described in ASTM A370:

Test methods	Test details
Tension Test	Procedure: A machined specimen of standardized dimensions (round or flat) is placed in a tensile testing machine. The machine applies a continuously increasing uniaxial tensile force until the specimen fractures. Force and elongation are measured throughout the test.
	Properties Determined: Yield Strength: The stress at which the material begins to deform plastically. A370 describes the 0.2% offset method. the extension-under-load method for determining yield point/yield strength. Tensile Strength: The maximum stress the material can withstand before necking and fracture. Elongation: The permanent increase in gauge length after fracture, expressed as a percentage of the original gauge length. Formulas for calculating elongation with different gauge lengths are specified. Reduction of Area: The change in cross-sectional area at the point of fracture, expressed as a percentage.
	Test Specimens: Plate-Type (Flat): Rectangular cross-section. Standard gauge length is 2 inches (50mm) or 8 inches (200mm). Dimensions are proportional to material thickness. Sheet-Type (Flat): Similar to plate-type but with specific widths (e.g., 12.5mm, 20mm) for thinner materials. Round Specimens: The most common for bars, rods, and machined samples. Standard gauge length is 4x the diameter (4D), with 2-inch (50mm) and 8-inch (200mm) being most common. Sub-size specimens are also standardized for when full-size is not possible.
Bend Test	Evaluates the ductility and soundness of steel, especially its ability to resist cracking during bending. Procedure: Specimen Prep: Flat/round specimens with specified thickness/ diameter and edge finish. Setup: Use a 3-point or 4-point bend fixture; place the specimen over supports, center the load application point. Bending: Apply load to bend the specimen to a specified angle (e.g., 180°) over a mandrel of defined radius. Inspection: Examine for surface cracks; no cracks indicate pass.
	Key Parameters: Bend angle, mandrel diameter (often expressed as a multiple of the specimen thickness), and whether it's a face, root, or side bend.
	Bend Test Specimens: Usually a section of the full material thickness. Width is specified by the product standard (typically 1.5 inches / 38mm for plates, or 0.75-1.5 inches for other forms).
Hardness Test	Measures a material's resistance to indentation, which correlates with strength and wear resistance.
	Brinell Hardness (HBW): Uses a hardened steel or carbide ball indenter. The diameter of the indentation is measured. Rockwell Hardness (HRB, HRC, etc.): Measures the depth of indentation under a minor load, then a major load. Different scales (B, C) use different indenters and loads. Portable/Non-Standard Hardness: Provides guidelines for using portable equipment, noting that results are for information only unless correlated to standard test methods. Brinell: Apply load via a 10 mm tungsten carbide ball; measure indentation diameter after removing load Load: 3000 kgf; dwell time: 10–15 s Hardness: HBW = 2P / [πD(D - √(D² - d²))], where P=load, D=ball diameter, d=indentation diameter Rockwell: Apply minor load (10 kgf) first, then major load; measure depth difference Scales: HRB (100 kgf, 1/16 in ball), HRC (150 kgf, diamond cone), etc. Hardness: HRB, HRC, etc. (directly read from tester)

Impact Test (Charpy V-Notch)	Measures the material's toughness—its ability to absorb energy at high strain rates, indicating resistance to brittle fracture. Procedure: A standardized bar with a machined V-notch is cooled (or heated) to a specific temperature. It is placed in an impact testing machine and struck by a pendulum hammer on the side opposite the notch. The energy absorbed (in Joules or foot-pounds) to break the specimen is read from the machine's scale.
	Key Elements: The standard details specimen dimensions, notch configuration, the temperature of testing, and the reporting requirements. It is crucial for applications where low-temperature service is a concern.
	Charpy Impact Specimens: The standard specimen is 10mm x 10mm x 55mm with a V-notch (2mm depth, 0.25mm root radius). Sub-size specimens (e.g., 10x7.5mm, 10x5mm) are permitted for thin materials, with specific rules for interpreting the results.

Important General Procedures and Definitions in A370:

Specimen Preparation: Detailed requirements for machining tension and impact test specimens to avoid altering the material's properties.

Testing Equipment: Specifications for calibrating and maintaining testing machines, extensometers, and other equipment.

Definitions: Standardized definitions for terms like yield point elongation, uniform elongation, and strengthto ensure consistent interpretation of results.

Rounding Procedures: Rules for rounding calculated test results to the nearest unit specified in the product standard.

Typical Application in Practice:

When a mill certifies a heat of steel plate (e.g., ASTM A516 Grade 70), they will perform tests in accordance with ASTM A370. The test report (Mill Test Report) will list:

Yield Strength and Tensile Strength (from tension test)

% Elongation (from tension test)

Charpy V-Notch Impact Results at a specified temperature (e.g., -46°C)

These results are directly compared to the minimum requirements in the A516 specification to certify the material as compliant.

Examples of tensile performance requirements for typical steel grades

Steel grade no.	Yield strength(Mpa)	Tensile strength(Mpa)	Elongation after breaking (%)
ASTM A36	≥250	400-550	≥20
ASTM A572 Gr50	≥345	450-550	≥18
SAE 304 SS	≥205	≥515	≥40

Test application range:

1. Carbon Steel and Alloy Steel Plates: Including hot-rolled and cold-rolled medium-thick and thin plates, used in construction structures, pressure vessels, shipbuilding, and engineering machinery.

2. Various Steel Bars and Profiles: Covering round steel, square steel, flat steel, angle steel, channel steel, I-beams, etc., applied in mechanical parts, building frameworks, and infrastructure.

3. Stainless Steel Products: Including plates, bars, pipes, and profiles of austenitic, ferritic, martensitic, and duplex stainless steels, used in chemical, food, medical, and marine environments.

4. Cast Steel Parts: Steel components formed through casting processes, such as large gears, valve bodies, and machine tool bases, with evaluation of their casting condition or heat-treated performance.

5. Forged Steel Parts: Steel parts processed through forging, such as shafts, connecting rods, and molds, tested for flow structure and overall mechanical properties.

6. Steel Pipes and Pipe Fittings: Including seamless steel pipes, welded steel pipes, and their supporting flanges, elbows, etc., used for oil and gas transportation, boilers, and structural piping.

7. High-Strength Low-Alloy Steel: Steel with high strength and good weldability, widely used in bridges, vehicles, lifting equipment, and high-rise buildings.

8. Rebars and Prestressed Steel Strands: Deformed steel bars for reinforced concrete structures, and steel wires, bars, and strands for prestressed concrete.

9. Wire Rods and Steel Wires: Small-diameter coiled products used to make wire ropes, springs, welding wires, and cold-forged fasteners.

10. Heat-Treated Steels: Steel subjected to annealing, normalizing, quenching, tempering, and other heat treatment processes, with verification of whether the heat treatment results meet standards.

11. Bolts, Screws, and Fasteners: Assessment of the mechanical property grades of finished products or raw materials to ensure reliable connections.

12. Custom-Shaped Parts and Prototype Products: Non-standard steel or new material samples produced according to specific customer needs, undergoing comprehensive performance testing.

Importance of Mechanical Testing for Steel Products:

Mechanical testing is essential to confirm the quality and reliability of steel. Without testing, defects such as cracks, low ductility, or inadequate strength might go unnoticed until failure occurs in service. The ASTM A370 standard outlines tests that reveal critical properties like tensile strength, yield strength, and hardness. These properties determine how steel will behave under load or impact, giving engineers and purchasers confidence in their materials.

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Related Standard

ISO 6892-1 Metallic materials - Tensile testing –

ISO 6892 specifies the method for tensile testing of metallic materials and defines the mechanical properties which can be determined at room temperature. Related standard ASTM E8 , JIS Z2241 Method of tensile test for metallic materials.

ASTM A615 Testing of Steel Bars for Concrete Reinforcement –

ASTM A615/A615M : Standard Specification for Deformed and Plain Carbon-Steel Bars for Concrete Reinforcement

Steel reinforcing bars are designed to absorb the stress and weight of concrete structures such as bridges and buildings. ASTM D615 is a testing standard that provides dimensional, chemical, and physical requirements for plain and deformed carbon steel bars manufactured for concrete reinforcement. Deformed bars include surface protrusions to prevent longitudinal movement after being placed in concrete, while plain bars are smooth sided. These products may be supplied in cut lengths or coils, and are engineered for the express purpose of building and construction.

While ASTM A615 references ASTM A370 and ASTM E290 for tensile and bend testing respectively, this standard includes specific procedures relevant to performing these tests on plain and deformed bar. These tests are performed in order to determine physical properties such as strength, elongation, and satisfactory surface condition after bending. Notably, bars produced in accordance with ASTM A706/A706M are also considered to be in conformance to this standard.

ISO 6935-2 Test of Ribbed bars Steel for the reinforcement of concrete –

ISO 6935-2:2019 Steel for the reinforcement of concrete Part 2: Ribbed bars

This part of ISO 6935 specifies technical requirements for ribbed bars to be used as reinforcement in concrete.

Tensile test (ISO 6935-2 Ribbed bars rebar tensile testing machine)

The tensile test shall be carried out in accordance with ISO 15630-1.

For the determination of percenbtage elongation after fracture, A5,the original gauge length shall be 5 times the nominal diameter.

For the determination of percentage total elongation at maximum force, Agt, equidistant marks shall be made on the free length of the test piece. The distance between the marks shall be 20 mm, 10 mm or 5 mm, depending on the bar diameter.

ISO 15835 Steel Rebar Reinforcement couplers tensile test –

ISO 15835-1:2009 specifies requirements for reinforcement couplers, hereafter called couplers, to be used for splicing of steel reinforcing bars. For couplers to be used for mechanical splices in reinforced concrete structures under predominantly static loads and additional requirements for couplers to be used in structures subject to high cycle elastic fatigue loading and/or to low cycle elastic-plastic reverse loading.

ISO 15835-1:2009 is intended to be applicable in relation to the various reinforced concrete design standards as well as in relation to the various standards for steel reinforcing bars. also provides directions for the evaluation of conformity of couplers.

ASTM D790 Bending Test Flexural Properties of Unreinforced and Reinforced Plastics –

ASTM D790: Standard Test Methods for Flexural Properties of Unreinforced and Reinforced Plastics and Electrical Insulating Materials

ASTM D790 test methods are used to determine the flexural properties of unreinforced and reinforced plastics, including high modulus composites and electrical insulating materials utilizing a three-point loading system to apply a load to a simply supported beam (specimen). The method is generally applicable to both rigid and semi-rigid materials, but flexural strength cannot be determined for those materials that do not break or yield in the outer surface of the test specimen within the 5.0 % strain limit.

ASTM E290 Metal Bend testing of materials ductility –

ASTM E290 Standard Test Methods for Bend Testing of Material for Ductility

ASTM E290 test methods cover bend testing for ductility of materials. Included in the procedures are four conditions of constraint on the bent portion of the specimen; a guided-bend test using a mandrel or plunger of defined dimensions to force the mid-length of the specimen between two supports separated by a defined space; a semi-guided bend test in which the specimen is bent, while in contact with a mandrel, through a specified angle of bend or to a specified inside radius of bend (r) measured while under the bending force; a free-bend test in which the ends of the specimen are brought toward each other, but in which no transverse force is applied to the bend itself and there is no contact of the concave inside surface of the bend with other material; a bend-and-flatten test, in which a transverse force is applied to the bend such that the legs make contact with each other over the length of the specimen.

ISO 9585 Testing of surgery bone plates to ASTM F382 and ISO 9585, Bending / Flexural Test Method for Metallic Bone Plate –

ISO 9585 describes a test method for straight plates but may also be used for ones having a small initial curvature. The method is neither recommended for plates of a length less than 50 mm nor for those designed to be used with, or forming parts of, intramedullary devices.

The static and dynamic strength of the bone plates are determined in 3-point or 4-point bending tests, whereby the bending device consists of two fixed and parallel supports. The bone plate (1) is fixed or clamped on the specimen holder (2). A cyclic, sinusoidal load is applied to the implant via a punch (3) until the specimen breaks or until the maximum number of cycles is reached. Testing in a liquid bath (heated to body temperature) with Ringer's solution increases the physiological relevance of the test. Force and displacement signals i.e. the deflection of the sample- must be recorded during the test.

ISO 7801: Metallic Wire Reverse bend testing –

ISO 7801: Metallic materials -- Wire -- Reverse bend test

Specifies the method for determining the ability of wire of diameter or thickness 0,3 to 10 mm inclusive to undergo plastic deformation during reverse bending. The range of diameters of thicknesses for which ISO 7801 is applicable may be more exactly specified in the relevant product standard. The test consists of repeated bending, through 90 in opposite directions, of a test piece held at one end, each bend being over a cylindrical support of a specified radius.

ISO 7438 Metallic materials Bending test –

ISO 7438 is a standard that specifies a method for determining the ability of metallic materials to undergo plastic deformation in bending. It is used to evaluate the flexural strength and stiffness of a material , The bend test shall be carried out in testing machines equipped with a bending device with two supports and a former; bending device with a V-block and a former; bending device with a clamp. Give our test engineers a call today for help configuring the best test machine and accessories according to your standard.

Main Testing Machine used for ASTM A370 and the test standard related

1	Electronic Universal Testing Machine	Used for static mechanical performance tests such as tension, compression, and bending. Equipped with high-precision load sensors and extensometers, it can accurately plot stress-strain curves.
2	Pendulum Impact Tester	Used for Charpy impact tests to determine the impact energy absorbed by materials at specified temperatures. The equipment should be equipped with a low-temperature bath to meet testing requirements at different temperatures.
3	Brinell Hardness Tester	Determines hardness through the indentation method, using a hard alloy ball indenter, suitable for materials with relatively coarse grains or non-uniform structures.
4	Rockwell Hardness Tester	Uses different indenters and load combinations to quickly measure material hardness, suitable for various metals ranging from soft to hard.
5	Vickers Hardness Tester and Microhardness:	Use a diamond square-pyramidal indenter, suitable for testing hardness and gradient analysis of thin layers, small components, and micro-regions.
6	Metallographic Sample Preparation System	Includes cutting machines, mounting presses, grinding and polishing machines, and polishing agent. used to prepare metallographic samples that meet observation requirements.
7	Optical Metallographic Microscope	Equipped with bright field, dark field, polarized light, and differential interference contrast observation modes, used for observing material microstructures, photography, and quantitative analysis.
8	Image Analysis System	Used with a metallographic microscope, professional software enables automatic or semi-automatic quantitative measurement of parameters such as grain size, phase area fraction, and inclusion rating.
9	Bending Test Machine	Usually an accessory to a universal testing machine, equipped with bending cores and support rollers of different diameters, used for three-point bending or coiling bending tests.
10	Precision Measuring Tools	Include micrometers, vernier calipers, marking machines, etc., used for accurate measurement and marking of specimen dimensions before and after processing.
11	Stereomicroscope	Used for low-magnification macroscopic observation and analysis of specimen fracture surfaces and surface defects.
12	Low-Temperature Environmental Chamber	Provides a controllable low-temperature testing environment for impact or tensile testing machines to meet the performance evaluation requirements of materials under low-temperature conditions.

ASTM A370 vs. ASTM E-Series (Test Method Standards)

Feature	ASTM A370	ASTM E8 (Tension)	ASTM E23 (Impact)	ASTM E290 (Bend)
Focus	Steel products with product-specific requirements	General metallic materials (all metals)	General metallic materials	General metallic materials
Annexes	A1–A10 for bars, tubes, fasteners, etc.	No product-specific annexes	No product-specific annexes	No product-specific annexes
Depth	References E-series for detailed procedures	Detailed extensometer use, strain measurement	Detailed notch design, temperature control	Detailed bend fixture specifications
Use Case	Product qualification, structural design	Material R&D, basic property characterization	Material R&D, fracture mechanics	Material formability assessment

Key International/Regional Equivalents related to ASTM A370:

Standard	Title	Region	Core Coverage
ISO 6892-1	Metallic Materials – Tensile Testing – Part 1: Room Temperature	Global	Tension testing only (yield, UTS, elongation)
ISO 148-1	Metallic Materials – Charpy Pendulum Impact Test – Part 1: Test Method	Global	Charpy impact testing only
ISO 7438	Metallic Materials – Bend Test	Global	Bend testing only
ISO 6508-1	Metallic Materials – Rockwell Hardness Test – Part 1: Test Method	Global	Rockwell hardness only
EN 10002-1	Metallic Materials – Tensile Testing – Part 1: Room Temperature	Europe	Tension testing (equivalent to ISO 6892-1)
EN 10045-1	Metallic Materials – Charpy Impact Test – Part 1: Test Method	Europe	Charpy impact (equivalent to ISO 148-1)
JIS Z 2241	Metallic Materials – Tensile Testing – Room Temperature	Japan	Tension testing
JIS Z 2242	Metallic Materials – Charpy Impact Test	Japan	Charpy impact
GB/T 228.1	Metallic Materials – Tensile Testing – Part 1: Room Temperature	China	Tension testing (equivalent to ISO 6892-1)
ASTM A1058	Test Methods for Mechanical Testing of Steel Products – Metric	USA	Metric alternative to A370 (no product annexes)

Extensometer for extension and the high temperature tension test:

1, ASTM A370 does not define the detailed specifications for extensometers itself. Instead, it mandates compliance with ASTM E8/E8M (for tension testing) and, crucially, ASTM E83, the standard for verifying and classifying extensometer systems.

Extensometers are used for the precise determination of Yield Strength (via the 0.2% offset or extension-under-load methods) and sometimes for Young's Modulus (Modulus of Elasticity).

ASTM A370 specifies that for determining yield strength by the offset method, the extensometer must remain on the specimen at least through the yield point. The strain rate during this portion of the test must be carefully controlled as specified in E8. Follow ASTM E83 for equipment verification/classification, and apply it as per the procedures in E8, which are invoked by A370.

2, ASTM A370 covers mechanical testing at room temperature. For tension testing at elevated temperatures, it explicitly defers to a different, dedicated standard;The standard clearly states that tension tests at elevated temperatures shall be performed in accordance with ASTM E21, "Standard Test Methods for Elevated Temperature Tension Tests of Metallic Materials." Follow the comprehensive requirements of ASTM E21, which governs furnace setup, temperature control, high-temperature extensometry, soaking times, and testing rates specifically for elevated temperatures.

Test Procedure of high temperature tension test:

Heating & Soaking: The specimen is heated to the desired test temperature and held ("soaked") for a sufficient time to ensure the entire specimen cross-section is at a uniform temperature. Soak time is typically at least 20 minutes per inch (25mm) of thickness.

Strain Measurement: This is a major challenge at high temperatures. High-temperature extensometers are required. They are often made of heat-resistant materials (like ceramics) and may use water-cooled contacts. They must maintain their E83 classification at the test temperature or be calibrated in-situ.

Strain Rate: Controlled strain rates are specified, typically slower than at room temperature. A common rate is 0.005 ±0.002 in./in./min for determining yield strength.

Atmosphere: Testing in air is common, but for oxidation-sensitive materials, a protective atmosphere (vacuum, inert gas) may be used, which adds complexity.

ASTM A370 Test Specimen Details:

Test Type	ASTM A370	ISO/EN/JIS	Key Difference
Tension	Round (12.7 mm dia, 50 mm gauge length), flat (25.4 mm wide) specimens; product-specific shapes in annexes	Metric specimens (10 mm dia, 50 mm gauge length); fewer product-specific details	Units: A370 uses imperial (inch-pound); ISO uses metric (SI). A370 has more product-specific specimen geometry (e.g., rebar, bolts)
Charpy Impact	10×10×55 mm V-notch (2 mm deep); subsize specimens (7.5×10×55, 5×10×55)	Same dimensions	Lateral expansion: A370 emphasizes this for ductile-brittle transition assessment; ISO focuses on absorbed energy only
Bend Test	3-point/4-point bend; specified mandrel radius based on material thickness	Similar setup	Angle: A370 often requires 180° bend; ISO allows variable angles per application
Hardness	Brinell (3000 kgf, 10 mm ball); Rockwell B/C scales	Same basic parameters	Dwell time: A370 specifies 10–15 s for Brinell; ISO allows 1–15 s (varies by material)

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