ASTM A279 (often referenced in full as ASTM A279/A279M) is a standard specification established by ASTM International, formerly known as the American Society for Testing and Materials. This standard covers the requirements for stainless steel bars, shapes, and forgings intended for use in pressure vessels and general applications.
While the standard itself is a technical document, the search for an "ASTM A279 PDF" usually indicates a need to understand the material properties, chemical composition, and industrial applications of these steel grades.
While less stringent than standards for nuclear applications, A279 allowed for non-destructive testing methods such as:
ASTM A279 — Austenitic Stainless Steel Tubing, Grade: UNS S31600 (316L), Condition: Annealed; Size: 1.5" OD × 0.120" wall; Length: random/straightened cut to 12 ft; End finish: beveled (for butt weld); Surface finish: pickled and passivated; Tests required: MTR with chemical & mechanical, PMI on request, radiographic inspection of welded seam; Marking: heat number & grade on each piece.
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.
ASTM A279 was a standard developed by ASTM International (formerly the American Society for Testing and Materials) to cover a broad range of stainless steel tubing. Unlike standards specifically tailored for high-pressure boilers (e.g., ASTM A213) or sanitary applications (e.g., ASTM A270), ASTM A279 provided guidelines for "General Service."
This classification meant the tubing was suitable for applications involving structural supports, mechanical components, and general fluid transport where standard corrosion resistance was required, but the extreme conditions of nuclear or high-pressure boiler applications were absent. The standard has since been withdrawn by ASTM International, meaning it is no longer actively maintained or updated. It is often replaced by more specific standards or absorbed into broader specifications. However, understanding A279 remains vital for maintenance of older infrastructure and historical engineering analysis.
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.