John Deere Standard

APPROVED FOR SUPPLIER

DISTRIBUTION JDM A15

Specification for Steel Wire for Springs and Snap

Rings

Table of Contents
1 Scope ................................................................................................................................................... 2
2 Designations and Material Descriptions ............................................................................................... 2
3 Quality Assurance Requirements for Purchased Components ............................................................ 7
4 Methods of Specification for Steel Coiled Wires or Snap Rings .......................................................... 8
5 Applicable Standards and Material Grades for JDM A15 Designations ............................................... 9
6 Specification Requirements for JDM A15 Designations..................................................................... 12
7 Quality Assurance .............................................................................................................................. 14
8 References ......................................................................................................................................... 16
Summary of Changes from Previous Edition
(For Information Only — Not Part of the Standard) ............................................................................ 18

List of Tables
Table 1 JDM A15 Designations and Material Descriptions ...................................................................... 2
Table 2 Applicable Standards, Material Grades, and Evaluation Requirements for JDM A15 Material
Designations ......................................................................................................................................... 9
Table 3 Evaluation Requirements .......................................................................................................... 12

Current edition: Supersedes: First issued:

2018-03-19 2010-05-05 1938-07-01 Design Control: DT Page 1 of 18
John Deere Standards are intended for use by Deere & Company, its divisions and subsidiaries. Suppliers who rely on them in
furnishing products to or for the benefit of the Company must determine that they are in possession of the latest version.
Distribution of the standards to parties other than John Deere Suppliers, whether with or without charge, are for information only and
Deere & Company disclaims all responsibility for results attributable to the application of or compliance with such standards. The
Company makes no representation, express or implied, that conformity ensures compliance with applicable law or other rules or
regulations. Further, those who are in receipt of and elect to use the standards, agree to assume the responsibility for compliance
with patents, as well as potential patent infringement.
Deere & Company Engineering Standards Department, One John Deere Place, Moline, Illinois 61265-8098, U.S.A. Unpublished —
All rights reserved under the copyright laws.
JDM A15 APPROVED FOR SUPPLIER DISTRIBUTION

1 Scope

1.1 JDM A15 applies to steel wire used in the manufacturing of springs and snap rings.

1.2 JDM A15 specifies chemical composition, mechanical properties, and general requirements that
apply to the steel grade designations described in Table 1.

1.3 JDM A15 steel grades are specified in terms of appropriate international, national, or industry
standards as shown in Table 2.

1.4 This standard can contain mandatory provisions, which are identified by the words “shall” or
“required”. Compliance with the mandatory provisions is required to claim conformance with this standard.
This standard can also contain guideline provisions, which are generally identified by the words “should”
or “recommended”. Compliance with the guideline provisions is not required, because they might not be
appropriate for all machines or all applications.

2 Designations and Material Descriptions

2.1 Current JDM A15 Steel Grades

2.1.1 Designations and material descriptions of current JDM A15 steel grades are shown in Table 1.
Included in the material description are application notes, typical mechanical properties, and typical
chemical composition. Consult JDS-D3 for design considerations.

2.1.2 Actual mechanical properties (tensile strength and hardness) are dependent on wire diameter.
Consult applicable international, national, and industry standards for mechanical properties for a specific
wire diameter and material grade.

Table 1 JDM A15 Designations and Material Descriptions

JDM A15
Designation Material Description
JDM A15-1A Hard Drawn Springs — Class 1
 Low tensile strength, round, cold drawn steel wire
 Used in static, low stress applications
 Not to be used in high fatigue applications
 Maximum operational temperature: 120 °C
 Wire diameter range: 1.0–10.0 mm
 Typical tensile strength: 1060–1970 MPa
 Typical hardness: 31–52 HRC
 Typical Chemistry (%):
C Mn P S Si Cu
0.45–0.85 0.50–1.20 0.03 0.03 0.15–0.30 0.20

2
 APPROVED FOR SUPPLIER DISTRIBUTION JDM A15
JDM A15
Designation Material Description
JDM A15-1B Hard Drawn Springs — Class 2
 Medium tensile strength, round, cold drawn steel wire
 Used primarily in static applications
 Not to be used in high fatigue applications
 Maximum operational temperature": 120 °C
 Wire diameter range: 0.3–20.0 mm
 Typical tensile strength: 1370–2520 MPa
 Typical hardness: 31–52 HRC
 Typical Chemistry (%):
C Mn P S Si Cu
0.45–0.85 0.50–1.20 0.03 0.03 0.15–0.30 0.12
JDM A15-2 Oil Tempered Springs
 Low tensile strength, round, oil-hardened and tempered steel wire
 Used in low stress, medium fatigue applications
 Maximum operational temperature: 145 °C
 Wire diameter range: 0.5–10.0 mm.
 Typical tensile strength: 1390–1860 MPa
 Typical hardness: 42–55 HRC
 Typical Chemistry (%):
C Mn P S Si Cu
0.60–0.75 0.50–1.20 0.02 0.02 0.15–0.30 0.10
JDM A15-3 High Tensile Strength Hard Drawn Springs
 High tensile strength, round, cold drawn steel wire
 Used in static, high stress applications
 Not to be used in high fatigue applications
 Generally more brittle than JDM A15-1A and JDM A15B
 Maximum operational temperature: 120 °C
 Wire diameter range: 0.3–20.0 mm.
 Typical tensile strength: 1650–2650 MPa
 Typical hardness: 41–60 HRC
 Typical Chemistry (%):
C Mn P S Si Cu
0.65–1.00 0.50–1.20 0.03 0.04 0.15–0.30 0.20
JDM A15-5 High Tensile Strength Oil Tempered Springs
 High tensile strength, round, oil-hardened and tempered steel wire
 Used in low stress, medium fatigue applications
 More brittle than JDMA15-2
 Maximum operational temperature: 145 °C
 Wire diameter range: 0.5–10.0 mm.
 Typical tensile strength: 1320–2450 MPa
 Typical hardness: 40–50 HRC
 Typical Chemistry (%):
C Mn P S Si
0.55–0.85 0.30–1.20 0.04 0.05 0.15–0.35

3
JDM A15 APPROVED FOR SUPPLIER DISTRIBUTION

JDM A15
Designation Material Description
JDM A15-6A Carbon Steel Spring — Valve Quality
 Low tensile strength, high fatigue strength steel wire
 Used in dynamic loading and high fatigue applications
 Maximum operational temperature: 120 °C
 Wire diameter range: 1.0–10.0 mm
 Typical tensile strength: 1470–1770 MPa
 Typical hardness: 45–49 HRC
 Typical Chemistry (%):
C Mn P S Si Cu
0.60–0.75 0.60–0.90 0.02 0.02 0.15–0.30 0.06
JDM A15-6B Chromium Silicon Steel Spring — Valve Quality
 High tensile strength, high fatigue strength steel wire
 Used under heavy dynamic loading and high fatigue applications
 Maximum operational temperature: 230 °C
 Wire diameter range: 0.5–10.0 mm
 Typical tensile strength: 1690–2160 MPa
 Typical hardness: 48–55 HRC
 Typical Chemistry (%):
C Mn P S Si Cr Cu
0.51– 0.50– 1.20– 0.60–
0.025 0.02 0.06
0.59 0.80 1.60 0.80
JDM A15-6C Chromium Vanadium Steel Spring — Valve Quality
 Medium tensile strength, high fatigue strength steel wire
 Used in dynamic loading and high fatigue strength applications
 Maximum operational temperature: 215 °C
 Wire diameter range: 0.5–10.0 mm
 Typical tensile strength: 1370–1720 MPa
 Typical hardness: 41–55 HRC
 Typical Chemistry (%):
C Mn P S Si Cr V Cu
0.48–0.53 0.70–0.90 0.025 0.025 0.15–0.35 0.80–1.10 0.15–0.25 0.12
JDM A15-6D Chromium Vanadium Steel Spring Modified — Valve Quality
 Medium tensile strength, high fatigue strength steel wire
 Used in dynamic loading and high fatigue strength applications
 Maximum operational temperature: 215 °C
 Wire diameter range: 0.5–10.0 mm
 Typical tensile strength: 1410–2060 MPa
 Typical hardness: 46–51 HRC
 Typical Chemistry (%):
C Mn P S Si Cr V Cu
0.62–0.72 0.50–0.90 0.025 0.02 0.15–0.30 0.40–0.60 0.15–0.25 0.06

4
 APPROVED FOR SUPPLIER DISTRIBUTION JDM A15
JDM A15
Designation Material Description
JDM A15-7 Music Wire Spring
 High tensile strength
 Used in dynamic, moderate fatigue, moderate stress applications
 Maximum operational temperature: 120 °C
 Wire diameter range: 0.05–20.0 mm
 Typical tensile strength: 1620–3300 MPa
 Typical hardness: 41–60 HRC
 Typical Chemistry (%):
C Mn P S Si Cu
0.70–1.00 0.50–0.70 0.02 0.025 0.10–0.30 0.12
JDM A15-8A Hard Drawn Snap Rings
 Low tensile strength, cold drawn steel
 Used in static, low stress applications
 Not to be used in high fatigue applications
 Maximum operational temperature: 120 °C
 Typical tensile strength: 1010–2240 MPa
 Typical hardness: 31–52 HRC
 Typical Chemistry (%):
C Mn P S Si
0.45–0.85 0.30–1.00 0.04 0.05 0.15–0.35
JDM A15-8B Oil Tempered Snap Rings
 Low tensile strength, oil-hardened and tempered steel
 Used in low stress, medium fatigue applications
 Maximum operational temperature: 145 °C
 Typical tensile strength: 1120–2250 MPa MPa
 Typical hardness: 42–55 HRC
 Typical Chemistry (%):
C Mn P S Si
0.55–0.85 0.30–1.20 0.04 0.04 0.15–0.35
JDM A15-11 Chromium Silicon Steel Spring — Non-Valve Quality
 High tensile strength.
 Used in static, high stress applications.
 Not to be used in high fatigue applications.
 Maximum Operational Temperature: 230 °C.
 Wire diameter range: 0.5–17.0 mm.
 Typical tensile strength: 1550–2250 MPa
 Typical hardness: 47–51 HRC
 Typical Chemistry (%):
C Mn P S Si Cr Cu
0.51–0.59 0.60–0.90 0.03 0.025 1.20–1.60 0.60–0.80 0.12

5
JDM A15 APPROVED FOR SUPPLIER DISTRIBUTION

JDM A15
Designation Material Description
JDM A15-12A Chromium Vanadium Steel Spring — Non-Valve Quality
 Medium tensile strength steel wire
 Used in static applications
 Not to be used in high fatigue applications
 Maximum operational temperature: 200 °C
 Wire diameter range: 0.5–17.0 mm
 Typical tensile strength: 1320–2100 MPa
 Typical hardness: 42–48 HRC
 Typical Chemistry (%):
C Mn P S Si Cr V
0.48–0.53 0.70–0.90 0.03 0.03 0.15–0.35 0.80–1.10 0.15–0.25
JDM A15-12B Chromium Vanadium Steel Spring Modified — Non-Valve Quality
 Medium tensile strength
 Used in static applications
 Not to be used in high fatigue applications
 Maximum operational temperature: 200 °C
 Wire diameter range: 0.5–17.0 mm
 Typical tensile strength: 1400–2200 MPa
 Typical hardness: 45–50 HRC
 Typical Chemistry (%):
C Mn P S Si Cr V Cu
0.62–0.72 0.50–0.90 0.03 0.025 0.15–0.30 0.40–0.60 0.15–0.25 0.12
JDM A15-13A 302 Stainless Steel Spring
 Low tensile strength, round, cold drawn austenitic stainless steel wire
 Used in static, low stress applications
 Not to be used in high fatigue applications
 Maximum operational temperature: 200 °C
 Wire diameter range: 0.5–10.0 mm
 Typical tensile strength: 1250–2200 MPa
 Typical hardness: 35–45 HRC
 Typical Chemistry (%):
C Mn P S Si Cr Mo Ni N
0.05–0.12 2.00 0.045 0.015 1.00 17.0–19.0 0.80 8.0–9.5 0.10

6
 APPROVED FOR SUPPLIER DISTRIBUTION JDM A15
JDM A15
Designation Material Description
JDM A15-13B 316 Stainless Steel Spring
 Low tensile strength, round, cold drawn austenitic stainless steel wire
 Used in static, low stress applications
 Not to be used in high fatigue applications
 Maximum operational temperature: 200 °C
 Wire diameter range: 0.5–10.0 mm
 Typical tensile strength: 1050–1725 MPa
 Typical hardness: 35–45 HRC
 Typical Chemistry (%):
C Mn P S Si Cr Mo Ni Cu
0.07 2.00 0.045 0.015 1.00 16.5–18.0 2.00–2.50 10.0–13.0 0.10
 Mechanical properties (tensile strength and hardness) are dependent on wire diameter. Consult applicable
international, national, and industry standards for mechanical properties for a specific wire diameter and material
grade.

2.2 Discontinued JDM A15 Steel Grades — Not for New Design
JDM A15-4 (the designation for Hot Wound Springs) is discontinued and shall not be specified for new
designs. When JDM A15-4 is specified on existing part drawings, use steel grade JDM A0 5160H.

3 Quality Assurance Requirements for Purchased Components

3.1 The supplier shall pursue a program for continuous improvement with the goal of process capability
as outlined in the JDS-G223. The appropriate John Deere personnel may periodically evaluate the
program. All test data and pertinent process control information shall be retained in a readily retrievable
format for a minimum of three years and shall be accessible to John Deere personnel during that period.
The suppliers shall be responsible to ensure that all parts shipped to John Deere units meet all
specifications. The supplier shall have trained personnel who are capable of understanding the
requirements of this standard and knowledgeable in the operation of spring manufacturing and related
measurement methods to consistently comply with this standard. If problems are found, the supplier shall
contact the appropriate John Deere personnel. Parts not meeting specifications shall not be used without
an explicit and written deviation. Requests for deviations shall be made by the supplier to the appropriate
John Deere personnel. Some examples of what a deviation request should contain are: the part number,
the number of parts, what is discrepant about the parts, information about the scope and location of the
problem, and what corrective action has been taken. Suppliers shall not ship parts that do not meet
specification without an approved deviation from John Deere.

3.2 The material notes, special process notes, and related standards shall be reviewed and approved
in a Design, Process, and Assembly Review (DPAR) or Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) with
the appropriate John Deere personnel. Part conformance to specifications is documented in an Initial
Sample Inspection Report (ISIR). Test standards, methods, and procedures should be reviewed and
agreed during the DPAR.

7
JDM A15 APPROVED FOR SUPPLIER DISTRIBUTION

4 Methods of Specification for Steel Coiled Wires or Snap Rings

4.1 JDM A15 Designations

4.1.1 The specification of JDM A15 grades on part drawings shall include the material designation from
Table 1. The standard number is embedded in the JDM A15 designation. The drawing material call-out on
part drawings shall also include relevant requirements for material condition (for example, tensile strength
and inclusion content) if those requirements are not inherent in the material description for the specified
JDM A15 grade. Requirements for material condition may be specified by reference to appropriate
international, national, industry, or John Deere standards. Contact John Deere materials engineering
personnel for proper material callout.
Examples JDM A15-6B – ASTM A877
JDM A15-2
JDM A15-1A

4.1.2 If the material is restricted to one or more of the applicable standards and grades shown in
Table 2, then the particular standard shall be specified in the material callout. Contact John Deere
materials engineering personnel for proper material callout.

4.2 Other Specifications on Part Drawings

Any specific requirements on the part drawing supersede the corresponding specifications in this
standard.

8
 APPROVED FOR SUPPLIER DISTRIBUTION JDM A15
5 Applicable Standards and Material Grades for JDM A15 Designations

5.1 JDM A15 designations and applicable material grades and descriptions according to ISO, ASTM,
EN, and JIS standards are shown in Table 2. Steel specified by JDM A15 grade designation shall
conform to the requirements of one or more of the applicable standards and material grades listed in the
table for the specified JDM A15 grade.
Note 1 In the ASTM system for designating standards, the letter "M" follows the numerical designation to indicate
that SI units of measurement apply. When both inch-pound and SI units are used as separate
requirements within the same standard, ASTM dual-designates the standard using the format
"Axxxx/AxxxxM". Both inch-pound and SI metric versions of ASTM standards are listed separately in
Table 2, even when there is a single dual-designated standard. This is necessary to ensure that the correct
standard for dimensional tolerances is used. Applicable dual-designated ASTM standards are shown in
reference clause 8.3.2.
Note 2 EN standards use both numeric and symbolic steel grade designation systems, which may be used
interchangeably. Both types of EN steel grade designations are included in Table 2.

5.2 The inclusion of a material grade in Table 2 indicates that the grade meets the base requirements
of the corresponding JDM A15 designation, not that it is equivalent in all respects to other grades that
also meet the base requirements of the corresponding JDM A15 designation.

5.3 When the material callout on the part drawing specifies steel grades to particular international,
national, or industry standards (see clause 4.1.2), steel produced to standards that are listed in Table 2
but are not specified on the part drawing shall not be substituted for the grades specified in the material
callout unless the supplier receives approval from the John Deere design control unit.

5.4 Steel produced to standards and material grades not specified in Table 2 shall not be substituted
for the standards and grades specified in Table 2 unless the supplier provides satisfactory evidence of
material equivalency and receives approval from the John Deere design control unit.

Table 2 Applicable Standards, Material Grades, and Evaluation Requirements for

JDM A15 Material Designations
JDM A15 Evaluation
Designation Applicable Standard Material Grade Requirements
ISO 8458-2 SL
ASTM A227 Class 1 A
JDM A15-1A ASTM A227M Class 1 B
EN 10270-1 SL C

JIS G3521 SW-B

SM
ISO 8458-2
DM
ASTM A227 Class 2 A
JDM A15-1B ASTM A227M Class 2 B
SM D
EN 10270-1
DM
JIS G3521 SW-C

9
JDM A15 APPROVED FOR SUPPLIER DISTRIBUTION

JDM A15 Evaluation

Designation Applicable Standard Material Grade Requirements
ISO 8458-3 TDC
ASTM A229 Class 1 A
JDM A15-2 ASTM A229M Class 1 B
EN 10270-2 TDC E

JIS G3560 SWO-B

ISO 8458-2 SH
ASTM A679 A679 A
JDM A15-3 B
ASTM A679M A679M D
EN 10270-1 SH
ASTM A229 Class 2 A
JDM A15-5 B
ASTM A229M Class 2 E
ISO 8458-3 VDC A
F
ASTM A230 Valve Quality
H
JDM A15-6A ASTM A230M Valve Quality J
EN 10270-2 VDC K
L
JIS G3561 SWO-V M
ISO 8458-3 VDSiCr A
F
ASTM A877 Valve Quality
H
JDM A15-6B ASTM A877M Valve Quality J
EN 10270-2 VDSiCr K
L
JIS G3561 SWOSC-V M
ISO 8458-3 VDCrV-A A
F
ASTM A232 Valve Quality H
JDM A15-6C J
ASTM A232M Valve Quality K
L
JIS G3561 SWOCV-V M
ISO 8458-3 VDCrV-B A
F
ASTM A878 Valve Quality Modified H
JDM A15-6D J
ASTM A878M Valve Quality Modified K
L
EN 10270-2 VDCrV M

10
 APPROVED FOR SUPPLIER DISTRIBUTION JDM A15
JDM A15 Evaluation
Designation Applicable Standard Material Grade Requirements
ISO 8458-2 DH
ASTM A228 Music Spring Quality A
C
JDM A15-7 ASTM A228M Music Spring Quality
D
EN 10270-1 DH G
JIS G3522 SWP-B
ASTM A227 Class 1 A
JDM A15-8A B
ASTM A227M Class 1 D
ASTM A229 Class 1 A
JDM A15-8B B
ASTM A229M Class 1 E
ISO 8458-3 FDSiCr
ASTM A401 Non-Valve Quality A
JDM A15-11 B
ASTM A401M Non-Valve Quality E
EN 10270-2 FDSiCr
ISO 8458-3 FDCrV-A A
JDM A15-12A ASTM A231 Non-Valve Quality B
ASTM A231M Non-Valve Quality E

ISO 8458-3 FDCrV-B A

JDM A15-12B B
EN 10270-1 FDCrV E
ISO 6931-1 X9CrNi18-8
ASTM A313 302 Stainless
ASTM A313M 302 Stainless A
JDM A15-13A B
X9CrNi18-8 M
EN 10270-3
1.4310
JIS G4314 SUS302-WPB
ISO 6931-1 X5CrMo17-12-2
ASTM A313 316 Stainless
ASTM A313M 316 Stainless A
JDM A15-13B B
X5CrMo17-12-2 M
EN 10270-3
1.4401
JIS G4314 SUS316-WPA

11
JDM A15 APPROVED FOR SUPPLIER DISTRIBUTION

6 Specification Requirements for JDM A15 Designations

6.1 Evaluation Requirements

Requirements for evaluation apply to the JDM 15 designations as stated in Table 2. Evaluation
requirements are identified by letters as shown in Table 3, which also describes the requirements.

Table 3 Evaluation Requirements

Evaluation Letter Evaluation Requirement
A Microscopic examination of all springs shall not show marked banding or
segregation, pipe, internal ruptures or other defects.
B Wire shall be reasonably free from visible scale, scratches, seams, corrosion,
gouges, pits, and other defects which would serve as stress risers or otherwise
affect the service spring.
C Wire shall be free from scale, scratches, seams, corrosion, gouges, pits, and other
defects which would serve as stress risers or otherwise affect the service of the
spring. After inspection for scale and corrosion, the surface shall then be etched
0.03 mm to 0.038 mm from the diameter in a solution of equal parts hydrochloric
acid and water at a temperature of 74 °C to 80 °C, and examined at 10x
magnification.
D Wire shall be suitably cold worked to develop specified physical properties.
Microstructure shall be indicative of cold worked steel.
E Microstructure shall consist of tempered martensite and/or low temperature
isothermal products (bainite and/or retained austenite).
F A longitudinal section shall show a fine homogeneous tempered martensitic
structure. Decarburization shall be determined by etching a polished transverse
section of the tempered wire in nital and examining the entire periphery at 100X
magnification, measuring the worst area present. Inspection at 100X magnification
shall show no completely decarburized (carbon free) areas and partial
decarburization shall not exceed a depth of 0.03 mm on wire 4.88 mm diameter
and smaller or 0.038 mm on wire larger than 4.88 mm diameter.
G Shall be stress relieved at 260 °C to 316 °C after inspection for scale and corrosion
and prior to etching for surface examination
H Wire shall be free from scale, scratches, seams, corrosion, gouges, pits and other
defects which would serve as stress risers or otherwise affect the service of the
spring. The surface of the wire specimens shall be examined at 10x magnification
after etching in a solution of equal parts hydrochloric acid and water at a
temperature of 74 °C to 80 °C for a sufficient time to remove approximately 1% of
the wire diameter. The surface of the wire shall be free from imperfections such as
seams, pits, die marks, scratches, and other defects tending to impair the fatigue
strength of the springs. A flat on the surface is permissible providing that it does not
affect the diameter by more than 1%.
J The springs produced to this specification shall be shot peened to show 100%
coverage as viewed at 10X magnification.
K The springs shall be tempered at a minimum 315 °C after coiling for a minimum of
30 minutes at heat to stress relieve. After shot peening, the springs shall be
tempered at a minimum 205 °C.

12
 APPROVED FOR SUPPLIER DISTRIBUTION JDM A15
Evaluation Letter Evaluation Requirement
L The entire length of every valve spring wire coil must be inspected for surface
imperfections with either a magnetic or eddy current defect analyzer or both.
Springs made from wire containing surface defects 0.05 mm deep and greater
must be rejected.
M The supplier shall supply a Goodman Diagram for the material under consideration
before the material can be approved for use by John Deere personnel.

6.2 Mechanical Properties

Mechanical properties of JDM A15 steel shall conform to the requirements of the applicable standards
and grades referenced in Table 2.

6.3 Chemical Composition

Chemical composition of JDM A15 materials shall conform to the requirements of the applicable
standards and grades referenced in Table 2.

6.4 Reduction in Area

Allowable reduction in area of JDM A15 materials shall conform to the requirements of the applicable
standards and grades referenced in Table 2.

6.5 Non-Metallic Inclusions

Non-metallic inclusion requirements of JDM A15 materials shall conform to the requirements of the
applicable standards and grades referenced in Table 2 unless otherwise specified on the part drawing.

6.6 Dimensional Variation

6.6.1 Size and Tolerances

Steel wire shall conform to the size required by the part drawing. Tolerances shall conform to the
requirements of the applicable standards referenced in Table 2 unless other tolerances are specified on
the part drawing.

6.6.2 Load and Deflection

Springs shall conform to the load and deflection ranges specified on the part drawing. When no ranges
are specified, springs shall conform to load 10% at deflection or load position designated.

6.6.3 Spring Length

Spring length shall conform to the dimensions required by the part drawing. When no length tolerance is
specified, the following shall apply:
 Compression Springs. The tolerance shall be 3% of the length of the spring.
 Close Wound Extension Springs. The tolerance shall be one wire diameter or 3% of the length
of the spring, whichever is less.

13
JDM A15 APPROVED FOR SUPPLIER DISTRIBUTION

6.6.4 Ends

6.6.4.1 When "Ends Squared" or "Ends Squared and Ground" is specified, ends shall be square within
3° of the axis of the spring unless otherwise specified on the part drawing.

6.6.4.2 When "Ends Squared and Ground" is specified, the end grind shall be visible on 270° 30° of
the end coils to ensure sufficient area for square seating of the springs and to minimize the possibility of a
feather edge on the end coils.

6.7 Grain Size

JDM A15 materials shall be fine grained, defined as grain size 5 to 8 according to ASTM E112.

6.8 Rust Preventative

If oil finish is specified, the finish shall be a rust preventative suitable to protect the product against rust
during shipment and subsequently for a minimum six months of indoor storage.

6.9 Packaging
Springs and snap rings shall be packed to avoid damage in transit. Each container shall be clearly
marked with purchaser's order number, the part number, and the number of pieces in the container. Refer
to JDV 9 and JDS-G222 for more information, including bar coding requirements.

6.10 Special Requirements

Any special requirements that are not included in JDM A15 or in the applicable referenced standard shall
be specified by the purchaser by means of notes on the part drawing or purchase order.

6.11 Other Requirements

Unless otherwise specified, the standard provisions of the latest relevant ISO, ASTM, EN, JIS, or other
equivalent standards shall apply for all points not covered by JDM A15.

7 Quality Assurance

7.1 General
Suppliers shall conform to the requirements of JDS-G223.

7.2 Inspection and Rejection

While samples may be taken from incoming shipments and checked for conformance to the requirements
of this standard, the supplier shall accept the responsibility of making shipments which meet the
appropriate specification limits without dependence upon inspection by John Deere. Shipments may be
rejected if they do not meet specifications.

7.3 Certification of Quality

7.3.1 Chemical Composition

The supplier shall furnish a certificate of analysis for chemical composition, including residual alloy
content, for each shipment.

14
 APPROVED FOR SUPPLIER DISTRIBUTION JDM A15
7.3.2 Mechanical Properties

The supplier shall furnish a certificate of testing for the specified mechanical properties.

7.3.3 Other Properties

For other properties, individual John Deere units may require additional certification for some or all
shipments to that unit. The decision whether to require such certification, as well as the details of any
certification program, are the responsibility of the purchasing John Deere unit.

7.4 Sampling and Test Methods

7.4.1 General

Samples shall be representative of the material. Sampling and test methods shall be consistent with
appropriate industry standards. The following shall apply unless otherwise agreed upon by both
purchaser and supplier. The testing laboratory shall report the test method used.

7.4.2 Chemical Composition

Chemical composition may be determined by using any recognized analytical method. Referee methods
shall conform to appropriate ISO or ASTM methods. Samples for chemical composition should be
obtained by methods consistent with ASTM E59.

7.4.3 Nonmetallic Inclusions

Nonmetallic inclusions shall be evaluated according to ASTM E45, Method A, except that, for each
inclusion type and thickness, the worst field rating on any test specimen (not the average of worst field
ratings on individual test specimens) shall be used to determine the final rating. Samples for evaluation of
nonmetallic inclusions shall be taken at six locations selected as being representative of the material.

7.4.4 Grain Size

Grain size shall be determined according to ASTM E112.

7.5 Retests
7.5.1 Supplier Retests

If test results obtained by the supplier fail to meet specification requirements on a maximum of two of the
six required specimens for evaluation of internal soundness and nonmetallic inclusions, then two
additional samples for each discrepant specimen shall be tested. If any of these additional samples fails
to meet specification requirements, the material is unacceptable.

7.5.2 Purchaser Retests

If test results obtained by the purchaser fail to meet specification requirements on the first sample taken
for evaluation of internal soundness and nonmetallic inclusions, then five additional samples shall be
tested. If any of these additional samples fails to meet specification requirements, the material may be
rejected.

15
JDM A15 APPROVED FOR SUPPLIER DISTRIBUTION

8 References

For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments)
applies.

8.1 Access to John Deere Standards

8.1.1 John Deere Standards can be accessed by John Deere personnel via the Engineering Standards
internal website.

8.1.2 Employees of suppliers with an approved John Deere supplier number can obtain access to
John Deere Standards via the JD Supply Network (JDSN). Access to JDSN is by approved individual
name and password. Suppliers should contact their Supply Management representative with questions
about JDSN.

Note 3 Only John Deere Standards which have been approved for supplier distribution are available via JDSN.

8.2 Access to Standards from External Organizations

8.2.1 Most standards from organizations external to John Deere are available to John Deere personnel
via the Engineering Standards internal website.

8.2.2 Suppliers are responsible for obtaining relevant external standards. In accordance with copyright
laws and Company policy, John Deere personnel shall not provide copies of these standards to suppliers.

8.3 References Cited in This Standard

8.3.1 John Deere Standards

JDS-G223 Supplier Quality Manual

JDS-D3 Springs

8.3.2 ASTM Standards (ASTM International)

ASTM A6/A6M General Requirements for Rolled Structural Steel Bars, Plates, Shapes, and
Sheet Piling
ASTM A227/A227M Specification for Steel Wire, Cold-Drawn for Mechanical Springs
ASTM A228/A228M Specification for Steel Wire, Music Spring Quality
ASTM A229/A229M Specification for Steel Wire, Oil-Tempered Mechanical Springs
ASTM A230/A230M Specification for Steel Wire, Oil-Tempered Carbon Valve Spring Quality
ASTM A231/A231M Specification for Steel Wire for Chromium-Vanadium Alloy Steel Spring Wire
ASTM A232/A232M Specification for Steel Wire for Chromium-Vanadium Alloy Steel Valve Spring
Quality Wire
ASTM A313/A313M Specification for Stainless Steel Spring Wire
ASTM A401/A401M Specification for Steel Wire, Chromium-Silicon Alloy
ASTM A679/A679M Specification for Steel Wire, High Tensile Strength, Cold Drawn
ASTM A877/A877M Specification for Steel Wire, Chromium-Silicon Alloy Valve Spring Quality

16
 APPROVED FOR SUPPLIER DISTRIBUTION JDM A15
ASTM A878/A878M Specification for Steel Wire, Modified Chromium Vanadium Valve Spring Quality
ASTM E45 Practice for Determining the Inclusion Content of Steel
ASTM E59 Sampling Steel and Iron for Determination of Chemical Composition
ASTM E112 Method for Estimating the Average Grain Size of Metals

8.3.3 EN Standards (European Committee for Standardization — CEN)

EN 10270-1 Steel wire for mechanical springs — Part 1: Patented cold drawn unalloyed
spring steel wire
EN 10270-2 Steel wire for mechanical springs — Part 2: Oil hardened and tempered spring
steel wire
EN 10270-3 Steel wire for mechanical springs — Part 3: Stainless spring steel wire

8.3.4 ISO Standards (International Organization for Standardization)

ISO 5931-1 Stainless steels for springs — Part 1: Wire

ISO 8458-1 Steel wire for mechanical springs — Part 1: General requirements
ISO 8458-2 Steel wire for mechanical springs — Part 2: Patented cold-drawn non-alloy steel
wire
ISO 8458-3 Steel wire for mechanical springs — Part 3: Oil-hardened and tempered wire

8.3.5 JIS Standards (Japanese Standards Association — JSA)

JIS G3521 Hard Drawn Steel Wires

JIS G3522 Piano Wires
JIS G3560 Oil Tempered Wire for Mechanical Springs
JIS G3561 Oil Tempered Wire for Valve Springs
JIS G4314 Stainless Steel Wires for Springs

17
JDM A15 APPROVED FOR SUPPLIER DISTRIBUTION

Summary of Changes from Previous Edition

(For Information Only — Not Part of the Standard)

2018-03-19 Editorial Revision:

Revised Table 2. Corrected the evaluation criteria for JDM A15-8B from A B D to A B E.

2010-05-05 Technical Correction:

Table 2, Designation JDM A15-8B, ASTM A229 and ASTM A229M, Material Grade has been changed
from Class 2 to Class 1.

2010-04-28 Revision:
This edition constitutes a complete revision of JDM A15.

18