This specification covers carbon and alloy steel bars subject to end-quench hardenability requirements. The methods for estimating the hardness value of the material are presented. Method A is the minimum and maximum hardness values at any desired distance, Method B is the minimum and maximum distances at which any desired hardness value occurs, Method C is the two maximum hardness values at two desired distances, Method D is the two minimum hardness values at two desired distances, and Method E is any minimum hardness plus any maximum hardness. The heat analysis shall conform to the requirements as to chemical composition. The fine austenitic grain size requirements of the steel material are presented in details. The end-quench hardenability shall conform to the requirements specified on the purchase order. The test specimen requirements indicates that, the number and location of test specimens shall be in accordance with the manufacturers standard practice and shall adequately represent the hardenability of each heat, also, all forged or rolled hardenability test specimens must be normalized prior to testing. The grain size and end-quench hardenability test methods are presented in details.

1.1 This specification covers hot-worked alloy, carbon, and carbon-boron steels in a variety of compositions and sizes, which may attain specified depth of hardening in the end quench test. These steel compositions are identified by the suffix letter “H” added to the conventional grade number.

1.2 This specification provides for analyses other than those listed under Tables 1 and 2. Special hardenability limits are also permissible when approved by the purchaser and manufacturer.

1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.

1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.