Designation: F 68 – 99 (Reapproved 2004)

Standard Specification for

Oxygen-Free Copper in Wrought Forms for Electron
Devices1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F 68; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of original
adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A superscript
epsilon (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.

1. Scope* B 75M Specification for Seamless Copper Tube (Metric)

1.1 This specification establishes the requirements for B 152/B 152M Specification for Copper Sheet, Strip, Plate
wrought and fabricated shapes made from Copper UNS2 No. and Rolled Bar
C10100, conforming to the chemical requirements of Specifi- B 170 Specification for Oxygen-Free Electrolytic Copper—
cation B 170, Grade 1, and suitable for use in electron devices. Refinery Shapes
1.2 The requirements of this specification are in addition to B 187/B 187M Specification for Copper Bar, Bus Bar, Rod
those prescribed in the following product specifications appro- and Shapes
priate to the material being ordered: B 1, B 2, B 75, B 75M, B 188 Specification for Seamless Copper Bus Pipe and
B 152/B 152M, B 170, B 187/B 187M, B 272, and B 372. In Tube
case of conflict, however, this specification shall take prece- B 193 Test Method for Resistivity of Electrical Conductor
dence. Materials
1.3 The inch-pound units are the standard for this specifi- B 248 Specification for General Requirements for Wrought
cation except for grain sizes which are in metric units. Metric Copper and Copper-Alloy Plate, Sheet, Strip and Rolled
values given in parentheses are for information only. Bar
1.4 The following safety hazard caveat applies to sections B 248M Specification for General Requirements for
17.4, 17.5 and 18.7 of this specification: This standard does not Wrought Copper and Copper-Alloy Plate, Sheet, Strip and
purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated Rolled Bar [Metric]
with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard B 249/B 249M Specification for General Requirements for
to establish appropriate safety and health practices and Wrought Copper and Copper-Alloy Rod, Bar, Shapes, and
determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to Forgings
use. B 250/B 250M Specification for General Requirements for
Wrought Copper-Alloy Wire
2. Referenced Documents B 272 Specification for Copper Flat Products with Finished
2.1 The following documents in the current issue of the (Rolled or Drawn) Edges (Flat Wire and Strip)
Book of Standards form a part of this specification to the extent B 372 Specification for Seamless Copper and Copper-Alloy
referenced herein: Rectangular Waveguide Tube
2.2 ASTM Standards: 3 B 577 Test Methods for Detection of Cuprous Oxide Hy-
B 1 Specification for Hard-Drawn Copper Wire drogen Embrittlement Susceptibility in Copper
B 2 Specification for Medium-Hard-Drawn Copper Wire E 29 Practice for Using Significant Digits in Test Data to
B 3 Specification for Soft or Annealed Copper Wire Determine Conformance with Specifications
B 75 Specification for Seamless Copper Tube E 112 Test Methods for Determining Average Grain Sizes
E 527 Practice for Numbering Metals and Alloys (UNS)
2.3 ASTM Adjunct:
1
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee B05 on Copper Comparison Chart4
and Copper Alloys and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee B05.02 on Rod,
Bar, Wire, Shapes, and Forgings. 3. Terminology
Current edition approved May 1, 2004. Published June 2004. Originally
approved in 1966. Last previous edition approved in 1999 as F 68 – 99.
3.1 For definitions of terms related to this product, refer to
2
The UNS System for copper and copper alloys (see Practice E 527) is a simple the terminology sections of Specifications B 248, B 249/
expansion of the former standard designation system accomplished by the addition B 249M, B 250/B 250M, or B 251.
of a prefix “C” and a suffix “00”. The suffix can be used to accommodate 3.2 Definition of Terms Specific to This Standard:
composition variations of the base alloy.
3
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at [email protected]. For Annual Book of ASTM
4
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on Available from ASTM International Headquarters. Order Adjunct No.
the ASTM website. ADJF0068.

*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard.

Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.

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 F 68 – 99 (2004)
3.2.1 extrusion pipe, n—a lamination resulting from the 8. Physical Properties
flow of the oxide surface of a billet into the article being 8.1 Electrical Resistivity:
extruded and usually confined to the trailing-end portion of the 8.1.1 The maximum mass resistivity shall be 0.15176 ohms
extruded product. g/m2 (conductivity 101.0 % minimum, International Annealed
3.2.2 oxygen-free, adj—electrolytic copper produced sub- Copper Standard {IACS} at 20°C when tested in the annealed
stantially free of cuprous oxide and containing no more than 10 condition.
ppm oxygen, as determined by metallographic examination at 8.2 Scaling:
753 under polarized light, and manufactured without the use 8.2.1 The test specimens of oxygen-free copper shall show
of metallic or metalloidal deoxidizers. substantial surface oxide adherence when subjected to test as
3.2.3 oxygen-free, grade 1, adj—as defined in 3.2.2 except described in 15.3.
that the oxygen content must be 5 ppm maximum. This copper
is also commonly termed “oxygen-free electronic.” NOTE 1—The purpose of this test is to distinguish between oxygen free
and deoxidized copper. Deoxidized copper will not retain the surface
3.2.4 rms, n—root-mean-square, a statistical measure of oxide in this test.
surface roughness usually determined by means of a profilo-
meter. 9. Mechanical Properties
4. Ordering Information 9.1 All products shall conform to the mechanical property
requirements of the basic product specification to which the
4.1 Orders for the product shall include the following item was ordered, with the following exception:
information: 9.1.1 Sheet and strip with a thickness of 0.125 in. or less and
4.1.1 The designation and year of issue of both Specifica- intended for gaskets or for deep drawing shall conform to the
tion F 68 and the basic product specification involved, requirements prescribed in Table 1.
4.1.2 Shape of product,
4.1.3 Size, 10. Hydrogen Embrittlement (Reverse Bend Test
4.1.4 Total estimated weight or number of pieces, or both, Method)
for each size and shape,
4.1.5 The Specification F 68 Class of material, 10.1 Specimens shall withstand a minimum of ten reverse
4.1.6 Intended application (for example, wave guide), bends without breaking. Evidence of blisters, upon visual
4.1.7 Temper, examination, shall be cause for rejection.
4.1.8 Heat identification or traceability details, NOTE 2—Fractured areas of the bent samples should show some
4.1.9 Certification, reduction in area and have a distorted, smeared surface. The ideal break
4.2 The following options are available: will have the appearance of a cup and cone tensile failure.
4.2.1 Mill test report, 11. General Examination
4.2.2 Special packaging,
4.2.3 Special marking. 11.1 When examined the samples shall have:
11.1.1 A relatively uniform surface free of irregular rough
5. Materials and Manufacture spots sometimes termed open grains,
5.1 Material: 11.1.2 Edges free of seams, laps and cracks,
5.1.1 The material shall be oxygen-free electronic copper 11.1.3 Cross sections free of breaks, inclusions or extrusion
which conforms to the requirements of Specification B 170, pipe.
Grade 1.
5.2 Manufacture: 12. Special Examinations
5.2.1 The manufacturing process shall conform to the re- 12.1 Special Macro Examination:
quirements of this specification and to the basic product 12.1.1 The samples shall show no subsurface defects in
specification to which the product was ordered. excess of the following limits:
12.1.1.1 Tubular Products:
6. Chemical Composition (a) Tubes for Exhaust (Pinch-off) Purposes:
6.1 The cast refinery shape shall conform to the require- (a.1) For wall thickness over 0.1 in. (2.5 mm), no defects on
ments specified in Specification B 170, Grade 1, Table 1. the external surface deeper than 0.005 in. (0.13 mm).
6.1.1 Copper shall be taken as the difference between the (a.2) For wall thicknesses up to 0.1 (2.5 mm) inclusive, no
sum of results for Grade 1 specified elements and 100 %. defects on the external surface deeper than 5 % of the wall
6.2 These composition limits do not preclude the possible thickness.
presence of other unnamed elements. Limits may be estab-
lished and analysis required for unnamed elements by agree-
ment between the manufacturer and the purchaser. TABLE 1 Grain Size
Average Grain
Hardness
7. Temper Thickness Size,
HRFA max
max, mm
7.1 The temper of the wrought or fabricated product sup- Less than 0.040 in. (1.0 mm) 0.035 75
plied shall conform to the requirements of the basic product 0.040 to 0.125 in. (1.0 to 3.2 mm) 0.050 75
specification to which it was ordered. A
For information only.

2
 F 68 – 99 (2004)
(a.3) No significant defects on the inside surface when 13. Dimensions, Mass and Permissible Variations
examined with fiber optics or a boroscope. 13.1 The dimensional tolerances for the product described
(b) Waveguides—No defects on the external surface deeper by this specification shall be as prescribed in the basic product
than 0.005 in. (0.13 mm) or 5 % of the wall thickness, specification to which it was ordered.
whichever is smaller. No significant defects on the inside
surface when examined with fiber optics or a boroscope. 14. Workmanship, Finish and Appearance
(c) Tube for Other Applications—No defects on either the 14.1 The product shall be prepared and handled in such a
internal or external surfaces deeper than 0.020 in. (0.51 mm) or manner as to be substantially free from surface oxide and the
5 % of the wall thickness, whichever is the smaller. presence of foreign material such as metal chips, dirt and
12.1.1.2 Bar and Plate Products—No defects deeper than grease.
0.06 in. (1.6 mm) or 5 % of the thickness, whichever is the
smaller. 15. Sampling
12.1.1.3 Sheet, Strip and Flat Wire Products—No defects 15.1 The sampling practice shall be as prescribed in the
deeper than 0.005 in. (0.13 mm) or 5 % of the thickness, basic product specification to which it was ordered.
whichever is smaller. 15.1.1 The number of sample pieces to be selected, how-
12.1.1.4 Rod and Wire Products: ever, shall be twice the number prescribed in the basic product
(a) Rod and Wire less than 0.19 in. (4.8 mm) in Diameter: specification.
(a.1) No defects deeper than 0.005 in. (0.13 mm) or 5 % of
the diameter, whichever is smaller. 16. Number of Tests and Retests
(b) Rod and Wire 0.19 in. (4.8 mm) and Over in Diameter: 16.1 Tests:
(b.1) No defects deeper than 0.06 in. (1.6 mm) or 5 % of the 16.1.1 The number of samples submitted to all tests shall be
diameter, whichever is smaller. twice that required by the basic product specification to which
12.2 Special Microscopical Examination: the product was ordered.
12.2.1 Samples shall be classified by comparison to Plate 1, 16.2 Retests:
which is available from ASTM International Headquarters as 16.2.1 Retests are permitted as stated in the basic product
an adjunct (see 2.3). specification to which the product was ordered for tests
12.2.1.1 Product whose samples have an appearance in associated with the basic product specification.
conforming to either Class 1 or Class 2 shall be considered 16.2.2 Retests shall be permitted for tests and examinations
acceptable. required by this specification.
12.2.1.2 Subsurface microporosity similar to those typical 16.2.3 Products which fail in retest shall be rejected.
of Class 3, 4 or 5 as illustrated in Plate 1, are permissible in
Class 1 and 2 material provided the microporosity does not 17. Specimen Preparation
appear below the metal surface at depths exceeding the 17.1 Chemical Composition:
following: 17.1.1 Analytical sample preparation shall be as directed in
(a) Tubular Products: the basic product specification to which the product was
(a.1) Tubes for Exhaust Purposes and Waveguides—No ordered.
indications at any depth below the surface. 17.2 Electrical Resistivity:
(a.2) Tubes for Other Applications—Microporosity permis- 17.2.1 Specimen preparation shall be as directed in the basic
sible to depths of 0.020 in. (0.51 mm) or 5 % of the tube wall, product specification to which the product was ordered.
whichever is smaller. 17.3 Grain Size:
(b) Bar and Plate—Microporosity permissible to depths of 17.3.1 Specimen preparation shall be as directed in the basic
0.06 in. (1.5 mm) or 5 % of the thickness, whichever is smaller. product specification to which the product was ordered.
(c) Sheet, Strip and Flat Wire—Microporosity permissible 17.4 General and Special Macro Examination:
to depths of 0.010 in. (0.25 mm) or 5 % of the thickness, 17.4.1 Transverse sections of the samples shall be machined
whichever is smaller. to a 63 rms or smoother surface finish and degreased.
(d) Rod and Wire Products: 17.4.1.1 In a properly ventilated fume hood, etch the
(d.1) Rod and Wire less than 0.19 in. (4.8 mm) in samples for 3 to 5 min by lowering the samples into a freshly
Diameter—Microporosity permissible to depths of 0.010 in. prepared etching solution and slowly agitate.
(0.25 mm) or 5 % of the diameter or thickness, whichever is 17.4.1.2 Prepare the etching solution by mixing equal parts
smaller. of concentrated reagent grade nitric acid (HNO3) and deionized
(d.2) Rod and Wire 0.19 in. (4.8 mm) and Over in or distilled water. Add 5 grams of copper for each liter of the
Diameter—Microporosity permissible to depths of 0.06 in. 50 % acid solution and cool the solution to ambient tempera-
(1.5 mm) or 5 % of the diameter or thickness, whichever is the ture prior to use. The solution shall be kept free of dirt and
smaller. maintained at 75 6 5°F (24 6 3°C) during use.
12.2.1.3 Product whose samples have an appearance corre- (Warning—Do not pour the water into the acid.)
sponding to Class 3, 4 or 5 and not in conformance with 17.4.1.3 Remove the samples periodically from the etching
12.2.1.2, shall be acceptable only by agreement between the solution and visually examine to determine whether sufficiently
manufacturer or supplier and the purchaser. etched. Should the samples tend to stain, add 25 mL of

3
 F 68 – 99 (2004)
concentrated reagent grade hydrochloric acid (HCl) to each 17.6.4.2 For products with a thickness greater than 0.081 in.
liter of etching solution. (2.06 mm), the samples shall be machined to a thickness of
17.4.1.4 After etching, rinse the samples thoroughly with 0.081 6 0.001 in. (2.06 6 0.025 mm) and at least one of the
deionized or distilled water and blow dry with air for exami- original surfaces of the finished product shall be retained on
nation. one of the samples.
17.5 Special Microscopical Examination: 17.6.4.3 Samples shall be heated to 1560 6 40°F
17.5.1 Cut and degrease longitudinal samples taken from (850 6 20°C) and held at that temperature for a period of 30
the finished product. min in an atmosphere containing not less than 10 % hydrogen
17.5.2 Heat the samples to 1870 6 40°F (1020 6 20°C) and and then rapidly cooled by quenching in ambient temperature
hold at temperature for 30 min in an atmosphere comprising water.
not less than 10 % hydrogen. Rapidly cool to ambient tempera- 17.6.5 Rod and Wire Products:
ture by quenching in water without undue exposure to air. 17.6.5.1 For products with a diameter or thickness of 0.081
17.5.3 Polish and etch for examination using the etching in. (2.06 mm) and under the sample shall be prepared without
solution described in Table 2. CAUTION: With constant gentle machining.
stirring or swirling of the water, slowly add the acid. Do not 17.6.5.2 For products with a diameter or thickness greater
pour the water into the acid. than 0.081 in. (2.06 mm) the samples shall be machined to a
17.6 Hydrogen Embrittlement (Reverse Bend Test Method): thickness of 0.081 6 0.001 in. (2.06 6 0.025 mm) and at least
17.6.1 Sample preparation shall be in accordance with Test one of the original surfaces of the finished product shall be
Specimens Section of Test Methods B 577. retained on one of the samples.
17.6.2 Tubular Products: 17.6.5.3 Samples shall be heated to 1560 6 40°F
17.6.2.1 For tube with an outside diameter of 0.12 in. (3 (850 6 20°C) and held at that temperature for a period of 30
mm) or less, the samples shall be flattened by pressing or min in an atmosphere containing not less than 10 % hydrogen
rolling. and then rapidly cooled by quenching in ambient temperature
17.6.2.2 For tube with an outside diameter greater than 0.12 water.
in. (3 mm) but less than 1 in. (25.4 mm) the samples shall be
cut longitudinally from the tube and flattened, when necessary 18. Test Methods
by either pressing or rolling.
17.6.2.3 For tube with an outside diameter of 1 in. (25.4 18.1 Chemical Composition:
mm) and greater, samples may be cut either parallel or 18.1.1 The test methods used for the determination of
transverse to the axis of the tube and then flattened. composition shall be as specified in the basic product specifi-
17.6.2.4 Should the thickness of any flattened sample be cation to which the material was ordered.
greater than 0.081 in. (2.06 mm), it shall be machined to a 18.1.2 The test method(s) used for the determination of
thickness of 0.081 6 0.001 in. (2.06 6 0.025 mm) and at least elements required by contractual or purchase order agreement
one of the original surfaces of the finished tube shall be shall be as agreed upon between the manufacturer or supplier
retained on one of the samples. and the purchaser.
17.6.2.5 Samples shall be heated to 1560 6 40°F 18.2 Grain Size:
(850 6 20°C) and held at that temperature for a period of 30 18.2.1 Grain size shall be determined in accordance with
min in an atmosphere containing not less than 10 % hydrogen Test Methods E 112. In case of dispute, the intercept method
and then rapidly cooled by quenching in ambient temperature shall be used.
water. 18.3 Electrical Resistivity:
17.6.3 Bar and Plate Products: 18.3.1 Electrical resistivity shall be determined in accor-
17.6.3.1 Samples shall be machined to a thickness of dance with Test Methods B 193. Measurement uncertainty
0.081 6 0.001 in. (2.06 6 0.025 mm) and at least one of the shall not exceed 60.15 %.
original surfaces of the finished product shall be retained on 18.4 General Examination and Special Macro Examina-
one of the samples. tion:
17.6.3.2 Samples shall be heated to 1560 6 40°F 18.4.1 Examination shall be visually with the unaided eye
(850 6 20°C) and held at that temperature for a period of 30 or at 103 magnification.
min in an atmosphere containing not less than 10 % hydrogen
18.5 Special Microscopical Examination:
and then rapidly cooled by quenching in ambient temperature
18.5.1 Examination shall be made at 1003 magnification
water.
and classified by comparison to Plate 1.
17.6.4 Sheet, Strip and Flat Wire Products:
17.6.4.1 For products with a thickness of 0.081 in. (2.06 18.6 Hydrogen Embrittlement Susceptibility (Reverse Bend
mm) or less, the samples shall be prepared without machining. Test Method):
18.6.1 Hydrogen embrittlement shall be determined in ac-
TABLE 2 Etching Solution cordance with Test Method D of Test Methods B 577.
Sodium Dichromate 16 grams 18.7 Scaling Test:
Sodium Chloride 12 grams 18.7.1 The samples shall be heated in air in a clean muffle
Sulfuric Acid (Conc.) 64 mL
Water (deionized or distilled) 100 mL furnace for 30 min at 1560 6 40°F (850 6 20°C) and imme-
diately quenched in clean, ambient temperature water.

4
 F 68 – 99 (2004)
19. Significance of Numerical Limits 21.1.3 In case of dissatisfaction with results of the test upon
19.1 For the purpose of determining compliance with speci- which rejection is based, the manufacturer, or supplier, may
fied limits an observed value or calculated value shall be make claim for a rehearing.
rounded as indicated in accordance with the rounding method 21.2 Rehearing:
of Practice E 29. 21.2.1 As a result of product rejection, the manufacturer, or
supplier, may make claim for a retest to be conducted by the
Property Rounded Unit for Observed or
manufacturer, or supplier, and the purchaser. Samples of the
Calculated Value rejected product shall be taken in accordance with this speci-
Chemical composition Nearest unit in the last right-hand fication and subjected to test by both parties using the test
significant digit used in expressing
the limiting value
method(s) specified herein or, alternatively, upon agreement by
Electrical resist. both parties, an independent laboratory may be selected for the
Grain size test(s) using the test methods specified in this product specifi-
Up to 0.055 mm, incl. nearest multiple 0.005 mm
Over 0.055 to 160 mm nearest 0.01 mm
cation.
22. Certification
22.1 When specified in the contract or purchase order, the
20. Inspection purchaser shall be furnished certification that samples repre-
senting each lot have been tested or inspected as directed in this
20.1 The manufacturer shall inspect and make tests neces-
specification and the requirements have been met.
sary to verify that the product furnished conforms to the
requirements prescribed in the basic product specification to 23. Mill Test Report
which the product was ordered and the requirements of this 23.1 When specified in the contract or purchase order, a
specification. report of the test results shall be furnished.
20.2 Source inspection of the product by the purchaser may
be agreed upon between the manufacturer or supplier and the 24. Packaging and Package Marking
purchaser as part of the contract or purchase order. 24.1 Packaging:
20.2.1 The nature of the facilities needed to satisfy the 24.1.1 The product shall be separated by shape, size and
inspector representing the purchaser that the product being temper and prepared for shipment in such a manner as to afford
furnished is in accordance with the product specification shall protection from the normal hazards of transportation.
be included in the agreement. 24.1.2 Special packing or packaging required shall be by
20.2.2 All tests and inspection shall be conducted so as not agreement between the manufacturer or supplier and the
to interfere unnecessarily with the operations of the works. purchaser at the time of the contract or purchase order.
20.3 The manufacturer or supplier may accomplish the final 24.2 Package Marking:
inspection simultaneously by mutual agreement. 24.2.1 Each shipping unit shall be legibly marked with the
purchase order number, metal designation, temper, size, shape,
21. Rejection and Rehearing gross and net weight, and the name of the supplier. The
specification numbers shall also be shown when so specified in
21.1 Rejection: the contract or purchase order.
21.1.1 Product which fails to conform to the requirements
of this specification when inspected or tested by the purchaser, 25. Keywords
or the purchaser’s agent, may be rejected. 25.1 oxygen-free copper; oxygen-free copper for electron
21.1.2 Rejection shall be reported to the manufacturer or devices; wrought copper forms for electron devices; wrought
supplier, promptly, and in writing. oxygen-free copper for electron devices

5
 F 68 – 99 (2004)

SUMMARY OF CHANGES

Committee B05 has identified the location of selected changes to this standard since the last issue (F 68 – 93)
that may impact the use of this standard.

(1) A five-year review was conducted with minor technical (2) Several editorial revisions were made to clarify wording or
changes. comply with the Committee B05 Outline of Form.

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of infringement of such rights, are entirely their own responsibility.

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