ASTM B971-10 (2020)e1 PDF

Full title and description

Standard Specification for Silver‑Coated Braid and Ribbon Flat Copper Wire intended for use in Electronic Application (ASTM B971‑10(2020)e1). This specification defines material, dimensional, electrical, mechanical, coating, finish, inspection, and ordering requirements for silver‑coated flat copper braid and ribbon wire used in electronic applications.

Abstract

This specification covers silver‑coated braid and ribbon flat copper wire in two classes (Class A — annealed; Class H — hard‑drawn) intended for electronic applications. It prescribes acceptable dimensions and tolerances for thickness and width, electrical resistivity limits, elongation/tensile characteristics, coating continuity and finish requirements, test and inspection procedures, and the information required on purchaser orders.

General information

• Status: Active (current edition designation B971‑10(2020)e1).
• Publication date: Original edition approved April 1, 2010; published May 2010; reapproved/updated January 20, 2020 (designation shows 2020 reapproval with editorial change e1).
• Publisher: ASTM International.
• ICS / categories: 29.060.10 — Electrical wires and cables: Wires.
• Edition / version: B971‑10(2020)e1 (original 2010 edition, reapproved 2020; “e1” indicates an editorial change).
• Number of pages: 6 pages (compact specification).

Scope

The standard applies to silver‑coated flat copper wire in braid and ribbon form for electronic applications. It covers two classes by temper (annealed and hard‑drawn), establishes inch‑pound units as standard (with SI conversions informational only except for specified exceptions), and sets requirements for dimensional tolerances, permissible variations, electrical resistivity, coating continuity and finish, inspection, and required ordering information.

Key topics and requirements

• Classification: Class A (annealed) and Class H (hard‑drawn) silver‑coated flat copper wire.
• Dimensional requirements: nominal thickness and width ranges with specified permissible tolerances and methods for measurement.
• Mechanical properties: minimum elongation/tensile criteria by equivalent round‑wire area ranges.
• Electrical properties: resistivity requirements and acceptable test methods for verification.
• Coating and finish: continuity of silver coating, surface‑finish inspection criteria, and acceptability limits (including blackening/visual checks).
• Inspection and testing: manufacturer inspection responsibilities, sampling, dimensional and coating continuity tests, and documentation/certification when requested.
• Ordering information: required purchaser order details (quantity, size, class, type of copper if special, packaging, place of inspection, etc.).

Typical use and users

Used in electronic assemblies where silver‑coated flat braid or ribbon is required for flexible connections, grounding straps, EMI/RFI shielding, slide contacts, and other interconnects. Typical users include electronic component manufacturers, cable and harness assemblers, procurement/specification engineers, quality and test laboratories, and designers of electrical/electronic equipment requiring low‑resistance, corrosion‑resistant flat conductors.

Related standards

Standards commonly referenced with or related to ASTM B971 include other ASTM copper/flat‑wire and coated‑wire specifications and test methods such as ASTM B972 (nickel‑coated braid/ribbon flat copper wire), ASTM B973 (tin‑coated braid/ribbon flat copper wire), ASTM B33 (tin‑coated soft or annealed copper wire) and applicable test methods for resistivity and dimensional measurement (for example ASTM test methods referenced within the specification). Industry wire/gauge tables (AWG) and conductor standards are also relevant when converting nominal flat dimensions to equivalent round sizes.

Keywords

silver‑coated, silver‑plated, braid, ribbon, flat wire, copper, electronic applications, Class A, Class H, resistivity, thickness tolerance, width tolerance, coating continuity, finish, inspection.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM B971‑10(2020)e1 is a specification that sets requirements for silver‑coated braid and ribbon flat copper wire intended for electronic applications, covering material, dimensions, electrical and mechanical properties, coating, finish, inspection, and ordering information.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers two classes of flat silver‑coated copper wire (annealed and hard‑drawn), dimensional tolerances for thickness and width, permissible variations, electrical resistivity limits, coating continuity and finish acceptance, test/inspection procedures, and purchaser order information.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Electronic component manufacturers, cable and harness makers, procurement/specification engineers, test labs, and designers who need approved requirements for silver‑coated flat copper conductors used in EMI shielding, grounding straps, flexible bus connections, and other electronic interconnects.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The document designation B971‑10(2020)e1 indicates the original 2010 edition was reapproved/updated in 2020 with an editorial change (e1). As of the reapproval date it is active; users should verify the current status with ASTM International for any updates after 2020.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes. ASTM B971 forms part of a family of specifications for coated braid and ribbon flat copper wire (for example ASTM B972 for nickel‑coated and ASTM B973 for tin‑coated variants) and sits within ASTM’s electrical conductors collection addressing coated wires, flat wire products and related test methods.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Silver‑coated, silver‑plated, flat wire, braid, ribbon, copper, electronic, resistivity, thickness tolerance, width tolerance, coating continuity.