ASTM E1077-14
Standard Test Methods for Estimating the Depth of Decarburization of Steel Specimens

Standard No.

ASTM E1077-14

Release Date

2014

Published By

American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)

Status

Be replaced

Replace By

ASTM E1077-14(2021)

Latest

ASTM E1077-14(2021)

Scope

5.1 These test methods are used to detect surface losses in carbon content due to heating at elevated temperatures, as in hot working or heat treatment.

5.2 Results of such tests may be used to qualify material for shipment according to agreed upon guidelines between purchaser and manufacturer, for guidance as to machining allowances, or to assess the influence of processing upon decarburization tendency.

5.3 Screening tests are simple, fast, low-cost tests designed to separate non-decarburized samples from those with appreciable decarburization. Based on the results of such tests, the other procedures may be utilized as applicable.

5.4 Microscopical tests require a metallographically polished cross section to permit reasonably accurate determination of the depth and nature of the decarburization present. Several methods may be employed for estimation of the depth of decarburization. The statistical accuracy of each varies with the amount of effort expended.

5.5 Microindentation hardness methods are employed on polished cross sections and are most suitable for hardened specimens with reasonably uniform microstructures. This procedure can be used to define the depth to a specific minimum hardness or the depth to a uniform hardness.

5.6 Chemical analytical methods are limited to specimens with simple, uniform shapes and are based on analysis of incremental turnings or after milling at fixed increments.

5.7 Microscopical tests are generally satisfactory for determining the suitability of material for intended use, specification acceptance, manufacturing control, development, or research.

1.1 These test methods cover procedures for estimating the depth of decarburization of steels irrespective of the composition, matrix microstructure, or section shape. The following basic procedures may be used:

1.1.1 Screening methods.

1.1.2 Microscopical methods.

1.1.3 Microindentation hardness methods.

1.1.4 Chemical analysis methods.

1.2 In case of a dispute, the rigorous quantitative or lineal analysis method (see 7.3.5 and 7.3.6) shall be the referee method. These methods can be employed with any cross-sectional shape. The chemical analytical methods generally reveal a greater depth of decarburization than the microscopical methods but are limited to certain simple shapes and by availability of equipment. These techniques are generally reserved for research studies. The microindentation hardness method is suitable for accurate measurements of hardened structures with relatively homogeneous microstructures.

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

1.4 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.

ASTM E1077-14 Referenced Document

• ASTM A941 Standard Terminology Relating to Steel, Stainless Steel, Related Alloys, and Ferroalloys
• ASTM E1951 Standard Guide for Calibrating Reticles and Light Microscope Magnifications
• ASTM E3 Standard Practice for Preparation of Metallographic Specimens
• ASTM E340 Standard Practice for Macroetching Metals and Alloys
• ASTM E350 Standard Test Methods for Chemical Analysis of Carbon Steel, Low-Alloy Steel, Silicon Electrical Steel, Ingot Iron, and Wrought Iron
• ASTM E384 Standard Test Method for Microindentation Hardness of Materials
• ASTM E407 Standard Practice for Microetching Metals and Alloys
• ASTM E415 Standard Test Method for Optical Emission Vacuum Spectrometric Analysis of Carbon and Low-Alloy Steel
• ASTM E7 Standard Terminology Relating to Metallography

ASTM E1077-14 history

• 2021 ASTM E1077-14(2021) Standard Test Methods for Estimating the Depth of Decarburization of Steel Specimens
• 2014 ASTM E1077-14 Standard Test Methods for Estimating the Depth of Decarburization of Steel Specimens
• 2001 ASTM E1077-01(2005) Standard Test Methods for Estimating the Depth of Decarburization of Steel Specimens
• 2001 ASTM E1077-01e1 Standard Test Methods for Estimating the Depth of Decarburization of Steel Specimens
• 2001 ASTM E1077-01 Standard Test Methods for Estimating the Depth of Decarburization of Steel Specimens
• 1991 ASTM E1077-91(1997) Standard Test Methods for Estimating the Depth of Decarburization of Steel Specimens