As of 2025, the latest active version is ASTM A297/A297M-21 (issued 2021). Always verify the year. If your drawing calls for "ASTM A279 obsolete," they likely mean a 1970s edition of A297. In that case, you need the historical PDF from ASTM Archives.
The standard dictates the exact percentage of elements such as Chromium, Nickel, Molybdenum, and Carbon. For example, a common grade like 304 stainless under this specification must typically contain between 17.5% and 19.5% Chromium and 8.0% to 10.5% Nickel to ensure the formation of the passive oxide layer that prevents rust.
ASTM A279, formerly used for total immersion corrosion testing of stainless steels, was withdrawn in 1945 and replaced by ASTM G31. While sometimes mistakenly listed in modern catalogs, active, relevant standards for stainless steel testing include ASTM G31 for immersion and ASTM A269 or A479 for materials. For more information, visit All-Standards. ASTM A279 Withdrawn - All-Standards
standard, historically titled "Method of Total Immersion Corrosion Test of Stainless Steels," has been by ASTM International and is no longer an active standard
While some manufacturers may still reference it when describing stainless steel products (such as bars or tubes) to imply corrosion resistance testing, it has largely been replaced or superseded by more modern testing practices like
(Standard Guide for Laboratory Immersion Corrosion Testing of Metals) Historical Overview of ASTM A279 Original Scope:
It established procedures for the "Total Immersion Corrosion Test" specifically for stainless steels
To evaluate the corrosion rate (typically in mils per year) by completely submerging a specimen in a corrosive liquid under controlled temperature and aeration Current Status:
Withdrawn. Users looking for total immersion protocols are now generally directed to Modern Replacements & Related Standards Astm A279 Pdf
If you are looking for content related to stainless steel specifications or corrosion testing that has replaced A279, consider the following active standards:
The primary modern guide for laboratory immersion corrosion testing of all metals, including stainless steel ASTM A262:
Specifically used for detecting susceptibility to intergranular attack in austenitic stainless steels ASTM A479:
Often confused with or cross-referenced with A279 in commercial catalogs; it covers stainless steel bars and shapes for use in boilers and pressure vessels ASTM A269:
Covers seamless and welded austenitic stainless steel tubing for general corrosion-resisting service Typical Testing Parameters (Under Immersion)
When performing immersion tests similar to what A279 originally covered, the following factors are measured:
ASTM A279 was an ASTM International standard titled "Method of Total Immersion Corrosion Test of Stainless Steels". It was later withdrawn and replaced by ASTM G31, which currently governs the standard practice for laboratory immersion corrosion testing of metals.
While the original standard is no longer active, the term "ASTM A279" is frequently used by manufacturers and suppliers to refer to high-precision stainless steel products—particularly bars, shapes, and tubes—often in conjunction with active standards like ASTM A276 (for bars and shapes) or ASTM A269 (for tubing). Core Overview of the Specification As of 2025, the latest active version is
In modern industrial contexts, materials labeled under this designation are typically austenitic stainless steels known for their exceptional corrosion resistance and mechanical durability.
Primary Focus: Corrosion resistance and dimensional accuracy. Common Grades: 304, 304L, 316, 316L, 321, and 347.
Product Forms: Seamless tubes, welded tubes, hexagonal rods, and round bars. Chemical & Mechanical Properties
Products associated with this designation must meet strict chemical requirements to ensure performance in harsh environments. Typical Range (Austenitic Grades) Chromium (Cr) 16.0% – 20.0% (provides corrosion resistance) Nickel (Ni) 8.0% – 14.0% (improves toughness and ductility) Molybdenum (Mo) 2.0% – 3.0% (added in Grade 316 for pitting resistance) Carbon (C) 0.03% – 0.08% max (lower in "L" grades for weldability) Mechanical Benchmarks (Annealed State): Tensile Strength: Often exceeds 75-90 ksi. Yield Strength: Typically starts at 30-45 ksi.
Hardness: Generally measured via Brinell or Rockwell scales (e.g., 160-190 Brinell). Applications & Industries
Because of its roots in corrosion testing and its association with high-grade stainless alloys, materials meeting these criteria are used in specialized sectors:
Petrochemical & Gas: For handling acidic fluids and high-pressure environments.
Pharmaceutical & Food: Where non-porous, easy-to-sanitize surfaces are required. If you have landed on this page searching
Marine: Hexagonal and round bars used in saltwater-resistant hardware.
Boilers & Pressure Vessels: Often cross-certified with ASTM A479 for high-temperature structural use. ASTM A279 - Wikidata
ASTM A249 covers welded austenitic steel tubes for boilers and heat exchangers, featuring mandatory mechanical tests like flattening and reverse-flattening to ensure weld integrity [1.1]. The specification mandates rigorous non-destructive examination (NDE) methods, including eddy current or hydrostatic testing, to ensure material reliability under high-pressure conditions [1.1]. For detailed technical specifications, consult the ASTM A249 standard documentation.
Title: Standard Specification for Seamless and Welded Ferritic and Austenitic Stainless Steel Tubing for General Service
Designation: ASTM A279 / A279M – 18
Status: Withdrawn (Historical Standard)
If you have landed on this page searching for the "ASTM A279 PDF," you are likely experiencing a common frustration in the engineering and metallurgical world. You need a material specification for heat-resistant alloy castings, but your search keeps hitting dead ends.
Here is the critical truth: There is no active or historical ASTM standard designated as A279.
The most probable standard you are looking for is ASTM A297 (Standard Specification for Steel Castings, Iron-Chromium and Iron-Chromium-Nickel, Heat Resistant, for General Application). Alternatively, you might be searching for a legacy document related to a different alloy group. This article will serve two purposes:
Let’s clear up the confusion and get you the right standard.