1.1 This specification covers bars and shapes of age-hardening stainless steels. Hot-finished or cold-finished rounds, squares, hexagons, bar shapes, angles, tees, and channels are included; these shapes may be produced by hot rolling, extruding, or forging. Billets or bars for reforging may be purchased to this specification.

1.2 These steels are generally used for parts requiring corrosion resistance and high strength at room temperature, or at temperatures up to 600°F [315°C]; 700°F [370°C] for Type 632. They are suitable for machining in the solution-annealed condition after which they may be age-hardened to the mechanical properties specified in Section 7 without danger of cracking or distortion. Type XM-25 is machinable in the as-received fully heat treated condition.

1.3 Types 631 and 632 contain a large amount of ferrite in the microstructure and can have low ductility in forgings and larger diameter bars. Applications should be limited to small diameter bar.

1.4 The values stated in either inch-pound units or SI (metric) units are to be regarded separately as standards; within the text and tables, the SI units are shown in [brackets]. The values stated in each system are not exact equivalents; therefore, each system must be used independent of the other. Combining values from the two systems may result in nonconformance with the specification.

1.5 Unless the order specifies an "M'' designation, the material shall be furnished to inch-pound units.

Note 1—For forgings, see Specification A 705/A 705M.

Note 2—For billets and bars for forging see Specification A 314.