Case hardening may be defined as a process for hardening a ferrous material in such a manner that the surface layer, known as the case, is substantially harder than the remaining material, known as the core. The process embraces carburizing, nitriding, carbonitriding, cyaniding, induction, and flame hardening. In every instance, chemical composition, mechanical properties, or both are affected by such practice.
This testing procedure describes various methods for measuring the depth to which change has been made in either chemical composition or mechanical properties. Each procedure has its own area of application established through proved practice, and no single method is advocated for all purposes.
Methods employed for determining the depth of case are either chemical, mechanical, or visual, and the specimens or parts may be subjected to the described test either in the soft or hardened condition. The measured case depth may then be reported as either effective or total case depth on hardened specimens, and as total case depth on unhardened specimens.
It should be recognized that the relationship between case depths as determined by the different methods can vary extensively. Factors affecting this relationship include case characteristics, parent steel composition, quenching conditions, and others. It is not possible to predict, in some instances for example, effective case depth by chemical or visual means. It is important, therefore, that the method of case depth determination be carefully selected on the basis of specific requirements, consistent with economy.
Rationale
The current useage of this specifcation is stable; no technical improvements need to be made at this time.
The Metals Technical Committee (MTC) controls specifications for Ferrous and Non-Ferrous: Metallic Wrought Products, Cast & Sintered Products, Metal Properties & Processes, and Metal Test Procedures. The MTC oversees standards to establish uniform procedures that: 1) establish a common language for the industry to review materials and processes through standards, 2) are reviewed and updated on a regular 5-year basis with coordination to other industry specifications, and 3) creates a common industry interface for technical discussions. The MTC ensures that all standards are developed with qualified personnel to perform respective tasks, meets at least once a year to provide relevant updates to current specifications, and assesses whether new standards are needed by industry. The committee also maintains the public web pages by reviewing and updating the information necessary. The MTC shall report to the Materials Processes and Parts Council (MPPC) on a biannual basis. Participants in the SAE Metals Technical Committee include representatives from OEMs, suppliers, consulting firms, government, and other interested parties.
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Methods of Measuring Case Depth
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