1.1 This guide covers the description of carbide structures in annealed high carbon bearing steels.

1.2 Included is a guide for rating steel specimens by a graded series of photomicrographs showing the incidence of certain conditions.

1.3 The reference photomicrographs are graded illustrations of annealed carbides categorized by size, network and lamellar content (shape).

1.4 This guide is to facilitate communication and description of microstructure. It does not establish limits of acceptability. Such limits are a matter of agreement between user and producer.

1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.