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 ASTM F568M was withdrawn in 2012, with ISO 898-1 becoming the principal international standard for metric externally threaded fasteners.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 ASTM F568M was withdrawn in 2012, so current purchasing requirements should be checked against the applicable active metric fastener standard.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.

ASTM F568M Fasteners Types

Depending on the application and dimensional requirements, ASTM F568M-related metric fasteners can include:

Type Typical Use
ASTM F568M Metric BoltsMachinery, fabrication and general engineering
ASTM F568M Alloy Steel BoltsHigh-load mechanical assemblies
ASTM F568M Heavy Hex BoltsHeavy-duty bolted connections
ASTM F568M Threaded RodsSupports, mounting and fabrication
Metric Stud BoltsIndustrial equipment and flange assemblies
Hex Head ScrewsGeneral machinery and equipment
Socket Head ScrewsCompact high-strength assemblies
Machine ScrewsEquipment and component assembly
High Tensile FastenersHigh-load applications
Weathering Steel BoltsSuitable atmospheric exposure applications

ASTM F568M Specifications Chart

The following chart summarizes the historical scope and property classes of ASTM F568M.

Specification ASTM F568M
StandardASTM F568M-07
ProductCarbon and alloy steel externally threaded metric fasteners
Fastener TypesBolts, screws and studs
Nominal Diameter RangeM1.6 to M100
Property Classes4.6, 4.8, 5.8, 8.8, 8.8.3, 9.8, 10.9, 10.9.3, 12.9
MaterialCarbon steel / alloy steel / weathering steel for specified classes
Manufacturing ProcessesOpen-hearth, basic-oxygen or electric-furnace steel
Heat TreatmentDepending on property class
Thread SystemMetric
Chemical RequirementsHeat and product analysis
Mechanical RequirementsProof load, tensile, yield, elongation, hardness and related properties
StatusWithdrawn in 2012
Current ReferenceApplicable 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
4.6Low or medium carbon steelM5–M100
4.8Low or medium carbon steel, annealedM1.6–M16
5.8Low or medium carbon steel, cold workedM5–M24
8.8Medium carbon steel, quenched and temperedM20–M80
8.8.3Atmospheric corrosion-resistant steelM20–M36
9.8Medium carbon steel, quenched and temperedM1.6–M16
10.9Medium carbon/alloy steel, quenched and temperedM5–M100
10.9.3Atmospheric corrosion-resistant steelM16–M36
12.9Alloy steel, quenched and temperedM1.6–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
4.60.55 max—0.0480.058Low/medium carbon steel
4.80.55 max—0.0480.058Low/medium carbon steel
5.80.13–0.55—0.0480.058Cold-worked carbon steel
8.80.25–0.55—0.0480.058Medium carbon steel
8.8.3See special compositionControlled0.040 max*0.050 max*Weathering steel
9.80.25–0.55—0.0480.058Medium carbon steel
10.90.20–0.55—0.0480.058Medium carbon/alloy steel
10.9.3See special compositionControlled0.040 max*0.040 max*Weathering steel
12.9Alloy steelControlled0.048 max0.058 maxQuenched 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
4.6225240400Approx. HRB B67–95
4.8310340420Approx. HRB B71–95
5.8380420520Approx. HRB B82–95
8.8, smaller sizes580640800Approx. HRC 18–31
8.8, larger sizes600660830Approx. HRC 23–34
9.8650720900Approx. HRC 28–37
10.98309401040Approx. HRC 32–39
12.997011001220Approx. 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
M60.222
M80.395
M100.617
M120.888
M161.578
M202.466
M243.551
M274.495
M305.549
M367.990
M4210.876
M4814.205

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
4.6ISO 898-1 Class 4.6Standard strengthCarbon steel
4.8ISO 898-1 Class 4.8Standard strengthCarbon steel
5.8ISO 898-1 Class 5.8Medium strengthCarbon steel
8.8ISO 898-1 Class 8.8High strengthMedium carbon/Q&T steel
8.8.3No direct ISO equivalentHigh strength + weatheringWeathering steel
9.8ISO 898-1 Class 9.8High strengthQ&T steel
10.9ISO 898-1 Class 10.9Very high strengthAlloy/Q&T steel
10.9.3No direct ISO equivalentVery high strength + weatheringWeathering steel
12.9ISO 898-1 Class 12.9Very high strengthAlloy/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

They are metric externally threaded carbon and alloy steel fasteners historically covered by ASTM F568M, including bolts, screws and studs in different property classes.
The historical specification covered nominal thread diameters from M1.6 through M100.
They are high-strength metric bolts associated with the historical Class 12.9 property class. The historical minimum tensile strength was approximately 1220 MPa.
Class 8.8.3 was a special atmospheric corrosion-resistant/weathering steel class. ASTM stated that its weathering characteristics were comparable to ASTM A588/A588M steels.
No. ASTM F568M-07 was withdrawn in 2012. ISO 898-1 became the principal international standard for metric externally threaded fasteners.
Yes. We supply metric alloy steel fasteners and can review legacy ASTM F568M requirements to determine the appropriate size, property class, material and current applicable specification for your project.

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