ASTM F568M Alloy Steel Fasteners are metric externally threaded carbon and alloy steel fasteners historically specified under ASTM F568M. The specification covered sizes M1.6 to M100 and nine property classes, including 4.8, 8.8, 8.8.3, 9.8, 10.9, 10.9.3 and 12.9. ASTM F568M was withdrawn in 2012, with ISO 898-1 becoming the principal international standard for metric externally threaded fasteners.
ASTM F568M Alloy Steel Fasteners are metric carbon and alloy steel externally threaded fasteners historically covered by ASTM F568M. The specification covered chemical and mechanical requirements for property classes 4.6, 4.8, 5.8, 8.8, 8.8.3, 9.8, 10.9, 10.9.3 and 12.9, with nominal thread diameters from M1.6 to M100. ASTM F568M was withdrawn in 2012, so current purchasing requirements should be checked against the applicable active metric fastener standard.
We supply metric bolts, screws, studs, threaded rods and other industrial fasteners according to required dimensions, property class, material, finish and application requirements.
What Is ASTM F568M?
ASTM F568M was a specification for the chemical and mechanical requirements of carbon and alloy steel externally threaded metric fasteners used in general engineering applications. It covered bolts, screws and studs, but it did not establish the dimensional requirements of individual fasteners. Size, type, style, thread and special dimensions had to be specified separately when ordering.
The specification included nine property classes. Classes 4.6 through 12.9 generally followed the corresponding metric property-class system used in ISO 898-1, while 8.8.3 and 10.9.3 were special ASTM classes associated with atmospheric corrosion resistance and weathering characteristics.
Table of Contents
- ➤ What Is ASTM F568M?
- ➤ ASTM F568M Fasteners Types
- ➤ ASTM F568M Specifications Chart
- ➤ ASTM F568M Property Classes
- ➤ ASTM F568M Chemical Composition
- ➤ ASTM F568M Mechanical Properties
- ➤ ASTM F568M Class 12.9 Metric Bolts
- ➤ ASTM F568M High Tensile Fasteners
- ➤ ASTM F568M Class 8.8.3 Weathering Steel Bolts
- ➤ ASTM F568M Class 4.8 Screws
- ➤ ASTM F568M Threaded Rods
- ➤ ASTM F568M Heavy Hex Bolts
- ➤ ASTM F568M Weight Chart
- ➤ ASTM F568M Equivalent Grades Chart
- ➤ Applications of ASTM F568M Metric Fasteners
- ➤ Why Choose Us for ASTM F568M Fasteners?
ASTM F568M Fasteners Types
Depending on the application and dimensional requirements, ASTM F568M-related metric fasteners can include:
| Type | Typical Use |
|---|---|
| ASTM F568M Metric Bolts | Machinery, fabrication and general engineering |
| ASTM F568M Alloy Steel Bolts | High-load mechanical assemblies |
| ASTM F568M Heavy Hex Bolts | Heavy-duty bolted connections |
| ASTM F568M Threaded Rods | Supports, mounting and fabrication |
| Metric Stud Bolts | Industrial equipment and flange assemblies |
| Hex Head Screws | General machinery and equipment |
| Socket Head Screws | Compact high-strength assemblies |
| Machine Screws | Equipment and component assembly |
| High Tensile Fasteners | High-load applications |
| Weathering Steel Bolts | Suitable atmospheric exposure applications |
ASTM F568M Specifications Chart
The following chart summarizes the historical scope and property classes of ASTM F568M.
| Specification | ASTM F568M |
|---|---|
| Standard | ASTM F568M-07 |
| Product | Carbon and alloy steel externally threaded metric fasteners |
| Fastener Types | Bolts, screws and studs |
| Nominal Diameter Range | M1.6 to M100 |
| Property Classes | 4.6, 4.8, 5.8, 8.8, 8.8.3, 9.8, 10.9, 10.9.3, 12.9 |
| Material | Carbon steel / alloy steel / weathering steel for specified classes |
| Manufacturing Processes | Open-hearth, basic-oxygen or electric-furnace steel |
| Heat Treatment | Depending on property class |
| Thread System | Metric |
| Chemical Requirements | Heat and product analysis |
| Mechanical Requirements | Proof load, tensile, yield, elongation, hardness and related properties |
| Status | Withdrawn in 2012 |
| Current Reference | Applicable current metric fastener specification should be confirmed |
ASTM specifically states that F568M did not cover dimensional requirements, making it important to specify the size, type, style and special dimensions separately.
ASTM F568M Property Classes
The property class identifies the mechanical strength level of a metric fastener. The historical F568M specification covered nine classes.
| Property Class | General Material / Treatment | Historical Size Range |
|---|---|---|
| 4.6 | Low or medium carbon steel | M5–M100 |
| 4.8 | Low or medium carbon steel, annealed | M1.6–M16 |
| 5.8 | Low or medium carbon steel, cold worked | M5–M24 |
| 8.8 | Medium carbon steel, quenched and tempered | M20–M80 |
| 8.8.3 | Atmospheric corrosion-resistant steel | M20–M36 |
| 9.8 | Medium carbon steel, quenched and tempered | M1.6–M16 |
| 10.9 | Medium carbon/alloy steel, quenched and tempered | M5–M100 |
| 10.9.3 | Atmospheric corrosion-resistant steel | M16–M36 |
| 12.9 | Alloy steel, quenched and tempered | M1.6–M100 |
These size ranges are based on the historical F568M-07 requirements and should not be interpreted as current procurement limits for a replacement specification.
ASTM F568M Chemical Composition
| Property Class | Carbon, % | Manganese | Phosphorus, Max. % | Sulfur, Max. % | Material Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.6 | 0.55 max | — | 0.048 | 0.058 | Low/medium carbon steel |
| 4.8 | 0.55 max | — | 0.048 | 0.058 | Low/medium carbon steel |
| 5.8 | 0.13–0.55 | — | 0.048 | 0.058 | Cold-worked carbon steel |
| 8.8 | 0.25–0.55 | — | 0.048 | 0.058 | Medium carbon steel |
| 8.8.3 | See special composition | Controlled | 0.040 max* | 0.050 max* | Weathering steel |
| 9.8 | 0.25–0.55 | — | 0.048 | 0.058 | Medium carbon steel |
| 10.9 | 0.20–0.55 | — | 0.048 | 0.058 | Medium carbon/alloy steel |
| 10.9.3 | See special composition | Controlled | 0.040 max* | 0.040 max* | Weathering steel |
| 12.9 | Alloy steel | Controlled | 0.048 max | 0.058 max | Quenched and tempered alloy steel |
ASTM F568M Mechanical Properties
| Property Class | Proof Strength, MPa Min. | Yield Strength, MPa Min. | Tensile Strength, MPa Min. | Typical Hardness Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.6 | 225 | 240 | 400 | Approx. HRB B67–95 |
| 4.8 | 310 | 340 | 420 | Approx. HRB B71–95 |
| 5.8 | 380 | 420 | 520 | Approx. HRB B82–95 |
| 8.8, smaller sizes | 580 | 640 | 800 | Approx. HRC 18–31 |
| 8.8, larger sizes | 600 | 660 | 830 | Approx. HRC 23–34 |
| 9.8 | 650 | 720 | 900 | Approx. HRC 28–37 |
| 10.9 | 830 | 940 | 1040 | Approx. HRC 32–39 |
| 12.9 | 970 | 1100 | 1220 | Approx. HRC 39–44 |
ASTM F568M Class 12.9 Metric Bolts
ASTM F568M Class 12.9 Metric Bolts represented one of the highest-strength classes in the historical specification. The class was associated with quenched and tempered alloy steel and a minimum tensile strength of approximately 1220 MPa.
These high tensile metric bolts are suitable for demanding mechanical assemblies where high strength is required. Typical applications include machinery, automotive components, heavy equipment, tooling and highly loaded engineering assemblies.
Correct nut compatibility, thread engagement and controlled tightening are especially important when using Class 12.9 fasteners.
ASTM F568M High Tensile Fasteners
ASTM F568M High Tensile Fasteners included Classes 8.8, 9.8, 10.9 and 12.9. Higher property classes provide progressively greater tensile and yield strength.
For example, historical Class 8.8 fasteners had minimum tensile strengths of approximately 800 MPa for smaller diameters and 830 MPa for larger diameters, while Class 10.9 and 12.9 had minimum tensile strengths of approximately 1040 MPa and 1220 MPa respectively.
ASTM F568M Class 8.8.3 Weathering Steel Bolts
ASTM F568M Class 8.8.3 Weathering Steel Bolts were a distinctive part of the specification. ASTM stated that Classes 8.8.3 and 10.9.3 had atmospheric corrosion resistance and weathering characteristics comparable to ASTM A588/A588M steels. When properly exposed, these steels could be used bare in suitable applications.
This makes the historical Class 8.8.3 designation particularly relevant when searching for metric fasteners combining high strength with atmospheric weathering resistance.
ASTM F568M Class 4.8 Screws
ASTM F568M Class 4.8 Screws were positioned in the lower-strength portion of the historical property-class range. They were associated with low or medium carbon steel and partially or fully annealed material.
These fasteners can be considered for general machinery, equipment and fabrication where the joint does not require the strength level of Classes 8.8, 10.9 or 12.9.
ASTM F568M Threaded Rods
ASTM F568M Threaded Rods provide continuous external threading and can be used for supports, mounting systems, fabrication, equipment installation and anchoring arrangements.
When ordering metric threaded rods, specify:
- Diameter
- Length
- Thread pitch
- Property class
- Material
- Surface finish
- End configuration
- Quantity
- Current applicable specification
Because F568M itself did not define dimensional requirements, these details are essential for an accurate quotation.
ASTM F568M Heavy Hex Bolts
ASTM F568M Heavy Hex Bolts are metric heavy-duty fasteners with a larger head and bearing surface than standard hex configurations. They can be used for machinery, fabrication and heavy engineering applications where the selected dimensional standard and property class are appropriate.
The exact head dimensions should be specified separately because ASTM F568M was a material and mechanical requirements specification rather than a dimensional fastener standard.
ASTM F568M Weight Chart
| Nominal Diameter | Approx. Theoretical Weight kg/m |
|---|---|
| M6 | 0.222 |
| M8 | 0.395 |
| M10 | 0.617 |
| M12 | 0.888 |
| M16 | 1.578 |
| M20 | 2.466 |
| M24 | 3.551 |
| M27 | 4.495 |
| M30 | 5.549 |
| M36 | 7.990 |
| M42 | 10.876 |
| M48 | 14.205 |
For commercial quotations, actual piece weight should be calculated from the specified fastener dimensions rather than relying only on nominal diameter.
ASTM F568M Equivalent Grades Chart
The historical ASTM specification stated that seven classes were essentially identical in requirements to corresponding classes in ISO 898-1. The special 8.8.3 and 10.9.3 classes were not recognized in ISO standards.
| ASTM F568M Class | Closely Related Metric Class | General Strength Level | Typical Material |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4.6 | ISO 898-1 Class 4.6 | Standard strength | Carbon steel |
| 4.8 | ISO 898-1 Class 4.8 | Standard strength | Carbon steel |
| 5.8 | ISO 898-1 Class 5.8 | Medium strength | Carbon steel |
| 8.8 | ISO 898-1 Class 8.8 | High strength | Medium carbon/Q&T steel |
| 8.8.3 | No direct ISO equivalent | High strength + weathering | Weathering steel |
| 9.8 | ISO 898-1 Class 9.8 | High strength | Q&T steel |
| 10.9 | ISO 898-1 Class 10.9 | Very high strength | Alloy/Q&T steel |
| 10.9.3 | No direct ISO equivalent | Very high strength + weathering | Weathering steel |
| 12.9 | ISO 898-1 Class 12.9 | Very high strength | Alloy/Q&T steel |
These are equivalency relationships for the historical property-class system, not a statement that a current ISO-certified product is automatically interchangeable in every application.
Applications of ASTM F568M Metric Fasteners
Metric alloy steel fasteners are used across a wide range of engineering applications, including:
- Heavy machinery
- Industrial equipment
- Automotive components
- Fabrication
- Construction equipment
- Pumps and valves
- Mechanical assemblies
- Agricultural machinery
- Maintenance and repair
- General engineering
- Equipment manufacturing
The appropriate property class should be selected according to the actual load, joint design, operating environment, temperature, corrosion conditions and applicable current standard.
Why Choose Us for ASTM F568M Fasteners?
We understand that industrial fastener procurement involves more than selecting a diameter and length. Strength class, material, thread configuration, finish, heat treatment and documentation all need to match the application.
We offer support for:
- ASTM F568M metric fastener requirements
- Metric alloy steel bolts
- Class 8.8, 10.9 and 12.9 fasteners
- Metric heavy hex bolts
- Threaded rods and studs
- High tensile fasteners
- Weathering steel fasteners
- Different metric sizes and thread configurations
- Industrial and export orders
- Material and inspection documentation where required
As an ASTM F568M Metric Fasteners Manufacturer in Mumbai and ASTM F568M Alloy Steel Fasteners Supplier in India, we can review historical F568M requirements and help identify the appropriate current specification for new procurement.
Frequently Asked Questions
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