This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally ruognized principls on standardization stablished in the Decision on Principls

for the
Development of In0ernational Standards, Guides md Rffommendations issed by the World Tlade Organization Tchnical Bariem to Ttade (TBT) Committee.

Designation: A941 - 16

Standard Terminology Relating to

Steel, Stainless Steel, Related Alloys, and Ferroalloysl
This stmdrd is issued under the fixed designation A94I; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the yeu of last revision. A number in parentheses indicaes the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.

L. Scope DrscussroN-The change in properties is often, but not always, due to

precipitation hardening, but never involves a change in the chemical
l l This standard is a compilation of deflnitions of terms composition of the steel.
related to steel, stainless steel, related alloys, and ferroalloys.
alloy steel, ru-a steel, other than a stainless steel, that
1.2 When a term is used in an ASTM document for which
conforms to a speciflcation that requires one or more of the
Committee A0l is responsible, it is included herein only when
following elements, by mass percent, to have a minimum
judged, after review by Subcommittee A01.92, to be a gener-
content equal to or greater than: 0.30 for aluminum; 0.0008
ally usable term.
for boron; 0.30 for chromium; 0.30 for cobalt; 0.40 for
1.3 Some deflnitions include a discussion section, which is copper; 0.40 for lead; 1.65 for manganese; 0.08 for molyb-
a mandatory part of the definition and contains additional denum; 0.30 for nickel; 0.06 for niobium (columbium); 0.60
information that is relevant to the meaning of the deflned term. for silicon; 0.05 for titanium; 0.30 for tungsten (wolfram);
1.4 Definitions of terms specific to a particular standard will 0.10 for vanadium; 0.05 for zirconium; or 0.10 for any other
appear in that standard and will supersede any deflnitions of alloying element, except sulphuq phosphorus, carbon, and
identical terms in this standard. nitrogen.

annealing, n-a genei,c term covering any of several heat

2. Referenced Documents treatments.
2.1 ASTM Standards:z Drscussrox-This treatment is used for purposes such as reducing
El l2 l*st i\,futhods lbr Dcter:i:initrg Avcragt (lrail Size hardness, improving machinability, facilitating cold working. produc-
ing a desired microstructure, or obtaining desired mechanical, physical,
3. Terminologr or other properties. Where applicable, it is preferred that the following
more specific terms be used: box annealing, bright annealing' full
3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard: annealing, intermediate annealing, isothermal annealing, process
Ac"^, Ac1, Ac, Ac4-See transformation temperature. annealing, spheroidizing, and subcritical annealing. The term
"annealing," without qualification, implies full annealing. Any pro-
Ae.^, Ae1, Aer, Ae4-See transformation temperature. cess of annealing will usually reduce stresses; however, if the
treatment is applied for the sole purpose of stress reduction, it should be
age hardening, n-hardening by aging, usually after rapid designated stress relieving.
cooling or cold working.
Ar"*, Ar1, Ar, Ar4-See transformation temperature.
age hardenin g) n-see precipitation hardening.
artificial aging, n-aging above room temperature.
aging, n-a change in the properties of certain steels that
occurs at ambient or moderately elevated temperatures after atmospheric corrosion resistancer n-the ability to resist
hot working or a heat treatment (quench aging, natural degradation or alteration of material through chemical reac-
aging, or artificial aging) or after a cold-working operation tion with the surrounding atmosphere.
(strain aging). Drscussrou-This term generally pertains to carbon steel, low alloy
steel, or micro-alloyed steel.

austempering, n-heat treatment involving quenching a

I This terminology is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee A0 i on Steel,
steel object from a temperature above the transformation
Stainless Steel and Related Alloys and is the dnect responsibility of Subcommittee
A[ii.q] on Terminology. range in a medium maintained at a temperature above the
Current edition approved Nov. 15, 2016. Published January 2017. Originally martensite range suffrciently fast to avoid the formation of
approved in 1995. Last previous edition approved in 2015 as A94l - 15. DOI: high temperature transformation products, and then holding
520/A094 1- 16.
10. I
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
2 it at that temperature until transformation is complete.
contact ASTM Customer Seruice at [email protected]. Fot Annml Book of ASTM
Standards volume information, refer to the standard's Document Summary page on
austenitizing, n-forming austenite by heating a steel object
the ASTM website. above the transformation range.
a/

,(p nsrr - rs
baking, n-heating to a low temperafure in order to remove minimum limit for sulfur is not-to be less than 0.060;
gases. (e) for carbon steels that are not iequired to be rephosphorized or
resulfurized, the specified maximum limit is not to exceed: 0.60 for
batch furnace, n-a heating device within which steel objects copper, 0.050 for phosphorus, and 0.050 for sulfur; and
are held stationary or oscillated during the thermal process- (f) for carbon steels that are required to contain boron, copper, or lead,
ing cycle. the specified minimum limit is not to exceed: 0.0005 for boron, 0.35 for
copper, and 0.25 for lead.
blank carburizing, n-simulating the carburizing operation
carbonitriding, n-case hardening in which a suitable steel
without introducing carbon.
object is heated above Ac, in a gaseous atmosphere of such
DrscussroN-This is usually accomplished by using an inert material
in place of the carburizing agent, or by applying a suitable protective
composition as to cause simultaneous absorption of carbon
coating on the object being heat treated. and nitrogen by the surface and, by diffusion, to create a
concentration gradient.
blank nitriding, n-simulating the nitriding operation without
introducing nitrogen. carburizing, n-a process in which an austenitized steel object
DrscussroN-This is usually accomplished by using an inert material is brought into contact with a carbonu..oui environment of
in place of the nitriding agent, or by applying a suitable protective sufficient carbon potential to cause absorption of carbon at
coating on the object being heat treated. the surface and, by diflusion, to create a concentration
gradient.
bluing, n-subjecting the scale-free surface of a steel object to
the action of air, steam, or other agents at a suitable case, n-in case hardening, the outer portion that has been
temperature, thereby forming a thin blue fllm of oxide and made harder than the core as a result of altered composition
improving the object's appearance and corrosion resistance. or microstructure, or both, from treatments such as
DrscussroN-This term is ordinarily applied to sheet, strip, or carburizing, nitriding, and induction hardening.
finished parts. It is used also to denote the heating of springs after
fabrication in order to improve their properties. case hardening) n-a generic term covering any of several
processes applicable to steel that change the chemical
box annealing, n-annealing in a sealed container under composition or microstructure, or both, of the surface layer.
conditions that minimize oxidation. Dlscussrou-The processes commonly used are: carburizing and
.Drscusslolr-The charge is usually heated slowly to a temperature quench hardening; nitriding; and carbonitriding. It is preferred that
below the transformation range, but sometimes above or within it, the applicable specific process name be used.
and is then cooled slowly.
cast analysis-Deprecated term. Use the preferred term heat
bright annealing, n-annealing in a protective medium to analysis.
prevent discoloration of the bright surface.
cementation, n-the introduction of one or more elements into
capped steel, n-a rimmed steel in which, during ingot the outer portion of a steel object by means of diffirsion at
solidification, the rimming action was limited by mechanical high temperature.
or chemical means. certificate of compliance, n-in manufactured products, a
carbon potential, n-the carbon content at the surface of a document that states that the product was manufactured,
specimen of pure iron in equilibrium with the carburizing sampled, tested, and inspected in accordance with the
medium considered, and under the conditions specified. requirements of the specification (including year of issue)
and any other requirements specified in the purchase order or
carbon restoration, ,?-replacing the carbon lost from the contract, and has been found to meet such requirements.
surface layer in previous processing by carburizing this layer DrscussroN-A single document, containing test report information
to substantially the original carbon level. and certificate of compliance information, may be used.

carbon steel, z-a steel that conforms to a specification that certifying organization, n-in product specifications, the
prescribes a maximum limit, by heat analysis in mass entity responsible for the conformance and certiflcation of
percent, of not more than: 2.00 for carbon and 1.65 for the product to the specification requirements.
manganese, but does not prescribe a minimum limit for check analysis-Deprecated term. Use the preferred term
chromium, cobalt, molybdenum, nickel, niobium product analysis.
(columbium), tungsten (wolfram), vanadium, or zirconium.
Dscussrolr-Except as required above, it is permissible for carbon coarse grain practice, n-a steelmaking practice for other
steel specifications to prescribe limits (minimum or maximum, or both) than stainless steel that is intended to produce a killed steel
for each specified alloying element, subject to the following restrictions in which aluminum, niobium (columbium), titanium, and
for the heat analysis limits in mass percent: vanadium are residual elements.
(a) for wrought carbon steel products, the specified maximum limit is
not to exceed:0.10 for aluminum,0.60 for silicon, and 0.050 for cold working, n-mechanical deformation of a metal at
titanium; temperatures below its recrystallization temperature.
(b) for carbon steel castings, the specified maximum limit is not to
exceed: 0.10 for aluminum, 1.00 for silicon, and 0.050 for titanium. cold treatment, n-exposing a steel object to temperatures
(c) for carbon steels that are required to be rephosphorized, the below room temperature for the purpose of obtaining desired
specified minimum limit for phosphorus is not to be less than 0.040; conditions or properties, such as dimensional or structural
(d) for carbon steels that are required to be resulfurized, the specified srabiliry.
5

,(ff ascr - re
conditioning heat treatment, n-a preliminary heat treat' double tempering, n-a treatment in which a quench-
ment used to prepare a steel object for a desired reaction to hardened steel object is given two
complete tempering
a subsequent heat treatment. cycles at substantially the same temperature for the purpose
of ensuring completion of the tempering reaction and pro-
continuous-conveyance furnace, n-a heating device through moting stability of the resultant microstructure.
which steel objects are intentionally moved at a constant rate
during the thermal processing cycle. electronic data interchange, n-the computer to computer
exchange of business information in a standardized format.
controlled cooling, n-cooling a steel object from an elevated
temperature in a predetermined manner to avoid hardening, ellipsis, n-in a tabular entry, tbree periods (...) that indicate
cracking, or intemal damage, or to produce a desired that there is no requirement.
microstructure or mechanical properties.
ferritizing anneal, n-a heat treatment that produces a
core, n-in case hardening, the interior portion of unaltered predominantly ferritic matrix in a steel object.
composition or microstructure, or both, of a case hardened
ferroalloy, n-an alloy of iron and one or more other metals,
steel object.
for use as an addition to the molten metal during the
core, n-in clad products, the central portion of a multilayer manufacture of steels, nickel alloys, or cobalt alloys.
composite metallic material.
ferrous material, n-metals and alloys that contain iron as the
critical cooling rate, n-the slowest rate of continuous cooling principal component.
at which austenite can be cooled from above the transfor- DrscussloN-The iron content is not always stated in the specification
mation range to prevent its transformation above M". and is not always determined by chemical analysis. The iron content
may be taken to be 100 7o minus the sum of the mean values permitted
cycle annealing, n-annealing employing a predetermined by the specification for all other elements having a specified range or a
and closely controlled time-temperature cycle to produce specified maximum. For conformance purposes, the mean value for
specific properties or a specific microstructure. iron, whether specified or calculated, is compared on an individual
basis to the mean values permitted by the specification for each of the
decarburization, n-the loss of carbon from the surface of a other elements having a specified range or a specified maximum. If an
element other than iron is not specified, but is listed as remainder or
steel object as a result of its being heated in a medium that
balance, then, for conformance purposes the mean value for iron is
reacts with the carbon.
compared to the calculated value foi that other element'

defect, n-an imperfection of sufficient magnitude to warrant fine grain practice, n-a steelmaking practice for other than
rejection based on the specified requirements. stainless steel that is intended to produce a killed steel that
differential heating, n-heating that intentionally produces a is capable of meeting the requirements specifled for fine
temperature gradient within a steel object such that, after austenitic grain size.
cooling, a desired stress distribution or variation in proper- Drscusstott-It normally involves the addition of one or more
austenitic grain refining elements in amounts that have been established
ties is present within the object.
by the steel producer as being sufficient. Austenitic grain refining
diffusion coating, n-any process whereby a base metal is elements include, but are not limited to, aluminum, niobium
(columbium), titanium, and vanadium.
either coated with another metal and heated to a sufficient
temperature in a suitable environment, or exposed to a flame annealing, n-annealing in which the heat is applied
gaseous or liquid medium containing the other metal, directly by a flame.
thereby causing diffrrsion of the coating or other metal into
the base metal, with a resultant change in the composition flame hardening, n-aprocess in which only the surface layer
and properties of its surface. of a suitable steel object is heated by flame to above Ac, or
Ac"*, and then the object is quenched.
direct quenching, n-in thermochemical p rocessing, quench-
ing immediately following the thermochemical treatment. fog quenching, ,?-quenching in a mist.

direct quenching, n-in thermomechanical processing, full annealing' n-annealing a steel object by austenitizing it
quenching immediately following the final hot deformation. and then cooling it slowly through the transformation
range.
document, n-a written, printed, or electronic record that DrscussroN-The austenitizing temPerature is usually above Ac, for
provides information, evidence, or official statements. hypoeutectoid steels and between Ac, and Ac"- for hypereutectoid
steels.
double aging, n-employment of two different aging
treatments, in sequence, to control the type of precipitate grain growth , n_.anincrease in the grain size of a steel object,
formed from a supersaturated alloy matrix in order to obtain usually as a result of exposure to elevated temperatures'
the desired ProPerties. of the grains or crystals in a
grain size, r-the dimensions
Dtscusslol-the first aging treatment, sometimes referred to as
exclusive of twinned regions and
polycrystalline metal,
intermediate or stabilizing, is usually carried out at a higher tempera-
ture than the second.
subgrains when Present.
rr

(ffi nsrr - ro
DrscussroN-Grain size is usually estimated or measured on the yield strength and hardness by plastic deformation or pre-
cross section of an aggregate of grains, and designated by an ASTM cipitation hardening effects induced by plastic deformation,
grain size number. (See Test Methods EI12.)
or both.
graphitization annealing, n-annealing a steel object in such hot-finished, n-the condition of a producf that has been
a way that some or all of the carbon is precipitated as cooled directly after the last hot-working operation, without
graphite. cold-working (except for straightening or flattening), and
hardenability, n-the property that determines the depth and independent of the temperature at which hot-working was
distribution of hardness induced by quenching a steel completed.
object. DrscussroN-The tolerances and surface finish of hot-finished prod-
uct can be different from those of cold-finished, cold-drawn, or
hardening, n-increasing the hardness by suitable treatment, cold-rolled product.
usually involving heating and cooling.
Drscussrou-Where applicable, it is preferred that the following
hot quenching, n-ai imprecise term used to cover a variety
more specific terms be used: age hardening, case hardening, flame of quenching procedures in which the quenching medium is
hardening, induction hardening, precipitation hardening, and maintained at a prescribed temperature above 160 'F or
quench hardening. 70 "c.
heat, n-a generic term denoting a specif,c lot of steel, based hot working, n-mechanical deformation of a metal at tem-
upon steelmaking and casting considerations. peratures above its recrystallization temperafure.
Drscussror.r-Where it is necessary to be more definitive, the follow-
imperfection, n-amateial discontinuity or irregularity that is
ing more specific terms are used: primary heat, multiple heat, and
remelted heat. [n product specifications, the term heat generally is detectable by inspection.
used, without qualification, to mean the primary, multiple, or re-
inclusion shape control, n-the addition of elements during
melted heat, whichever is applicable.
steel making in order to affect the inclusion morphology.
heat analysis, n-the chemical analysis determined by the induction hardening, n-in surface hardening, a process in
steel producer as being representative of a speciflc heat of
which only the surface layer of a suitable steel object is
steel.
heated by electrical induction to above Aca or Ac"-, and then
Drscussror-Where the analysis reported by the steel producer is not
the object is quenched.
sufficiently complete for conformance with the heat analysis require-
ments of the applicable product specification to be fully assessed, the induction hardening, n-in through hardening, a process in
manufacturer may complete the assessment of conformance with such which suitable steel object is heated by electrical induction
a
heat analysis requirements by using a product analysis for the specified
elements that were not reported by the steel producer, provided that
to above Ac, or Ac"^ throughout its section, and then the
product analysis tolerances are not applied and the heat analysis is not object is quenched.
altered.
induction heating, n-heating by electrical induction.
heat number, n-the alpha, numeric, or alphanumeric desig- inspection, z-the process of measuring, examining, testing,
nator used to identify a specific heat of steel. gaging, or otherwise comparing the unit of product with the
heat treatment, n-heating and cooling a steel object in such applicable requirements.
a way as to obtain desired conditions or properties. intermediate annealing,,?-annealing wrought steel objects
DrscussroN-Heating for the sole purpose of hot working is excluded at one or more stages during manufacture prior to final
from the meaning of this definition thermal treatment.
high-strength low-alloy steel, n-a steel, other than a carbon interrupted dging, n-aging at two or more temperatures, by
steel or an interstitial-free steel, that conforms to a speci- steps, and cooling to room temperature after each step.
fication that requires the minimum content for each specified
alloying element to be lower than the applicable limit in the interrupted quenching, n-quenching in which the object
deflnition for alloy steel, and the yield point or yield strength being quenched is removed from the quenching medium
of the product to be at least 36 ksi or 250 MPa. while the object is at a temperature substantially higher than
that of the quenching medium.
homogeneous carburizing, z-a process that converts a low- interstitial-free steel,n-a steel that has essentially alt of its
carbon steel to one of substantially uniform and higher
carbon and nitrogen chemically combined with stabilization
carbon content throughout the section, so that a specific
elements rather than being present interstitially.
response to hardening may be obtained.
Dlscussrox-The heat analysis limits (minimum or maximum, or
homogenizing, n-holding a steel object at high temperature to both) that are permitted to be prescribed in interstitial-free steel
specifications are as given in the definition for carbon steel, except that
eliminate or decrease chemical segregation by diffusion.
the 0.050 % rnaximum limit for titanium does not apply.
hot-cold working, n-the mechanical deformation of auste- isothermal annealing, n-austenitizing a steel object and
nitic and precipitation hardening steels at a temperature just then cooling it to, and holding it at, a temperature at which
below the recrystallization temperature to increase the austenite transforms to a ferrite-carbide aggregate.
Y'

{ffi asar - rs
isothermal transformation, n-a change in phase at any Drscussror.r-In castings, the nickel content requirement is not
normally stated in .the specification and is not normally determined by
constant temperatufe.
chemical analysis, but is takqn to be 100 7o mints the sum of the mean
killed steel, n-a steel deoxidized to such a level that essen- values permitted by the specification for all other elements having a
specified range or a specified maximum.
tially no reaction occurred between carbon and oxygen
during solidification. nitriding, n-introducing nitrogen into a solid steel object by
laser beam welding, n-a welding process that uses a laser holding it at a suitable temperature in contact with a
beam as the heat source. nitrogenous environment.

lot, n-a definite quantity of product manufactured under nonferrous material, n-metals and alloys that do not contain
conditions that are considered uniform. iron as the principal component.
Drscussror-The iron content is not always stated in the specification
low-alloy steel, n-a steel, other than a carbon steel or an and is not always determined by chemical analysis. The iron content
interstitial-free steel, that conforms to a specification that may be taken to be 100 7o minus the sum of the mean values permitted
requires the minimum'content for each specifled alloying by the specification for all other elements having a specified range or a
specified maximum. For conformance purposes, the mean value for
element to be lower than the applicable limit in the definition
iron, whether specified or calculated, is compared on an individual
for alloy steel. basis to the mean values permitted by the specification for each of the
other elements having a specified range or a specified maximum. If an
My, M,-See transformation temperature. element other than iron is not specified, but is listed as remainder or
balance, then, for conformance purposes, the mean value for iron is
manufacturer, n-the organization responsible for the conver-
compared to the calculated value for that other element.
sion of materials into products meeting the requirements of
a product speciflcation. normalizing, v-reheating a steel object to a temperature
above the transformation range and then cooling it in air to
maraging, n-aprecipitation hardening treatment applied to a
a temperature substantially below the transformation range
special group of alloy steels to precipitate one or more
to achieve both grain reflnement and improved homogeni-
intermetallic compounds in a matrix of essentially carbon-
zalion.
free martensite.
overaging, n-agingunder conditions of time and temperature
martempering, n-quenching an austenitized steel object in a
greater than those required to obtain maximum change in a
medium at a temperature in the upper part of, or slightly
certain property, so that the property is altered away from the
above, the martensite range, holding it in the medium until
maximum.
its temperature is substantially uniform throughout, and then
cooling it in air through the martensite range. overheating, n-heating a steel object to such a high tempera-
ture that excessive grain growth occurs.
martensite range, n-the temperature interval between M. and
Drscussroll-Unlike buming, it may be possible to restore the
Mf.
original properties/microstructure by further heat treatment or mechani-
microalloyed steel, n-a low-alloy steel that conforms to a cal working, or a combination thereof'
specification that requires the presence of one or more patenting, n-in wire making, heating a medium-carbon or
carbide-, nitride-, or carbonitride-forming elements, gener- high-carbon steel before wire drawing, or between drafts, to
ally in individual concentrations less than 0. I 5 mass percent,
a temperature above the transformation range' and then
to enhance strength. cooling it in air, or a bath of molten lead or salt, to a
Drscusston-The most common microalloying elements are niobium temperature below Aer.
(columbium), titanium, and vanadium.
plate-as-rolled, n-the quantity of plate product rolled at one
multiple heat, n-two or more molten primary heats, in time, either from an individual slab or directly from an ingot'
whole or in part, combined in a common ladle or in a
DrscussloNr-This term does not refer to the surface condition or the
common non-oscillating mold. heat-treatment state of the material; a plate-as-rolled may be in the
DlscussroN-A multiple heat is identified by a single heat number as-rolled condition, or may have received one or more surface
representative of the multipte heat, or by the individual heat numbers Eeatments or heat treatments' or both.
of the primary heats contained in the multiple heat' The heat
analysii of a multiple heat identified by a single heat number is the post-weld heat treatment, n-heating weldments immediately
weigited average analysis ofthe individual primary heats contained in after welding, to provide tempering, stress relieving' or a
the multiple heat. Two or more molten primary heats sequentially controlled rate of cooling to prevent formation of a hard or
strand ca;t (poured into an oscillating mold) constitute a series of
brittle microstructure.
individual heats, not a multiple heat.

-precipitation hardening, n-hardening caused by the pre-

natural aging, n-spontaneous aging of a super-saturated solid
cipitation of a constituent from a supersaturated solid solu-
solution at room temPerature.
tion.
nickel alloy, material that conforms to a specification that
n-a
precipitation heat treatment, n-artificial aging in which a
requires by mass percent more nickel than any other ele- ^
conlstituent precipitates from a supersaturated solid solution.
ment.
-o

(ffi as+r - rs
preheating, z-heating before welding, a mechanical rimmed steel, n-a steel that contained sufEcient oxygen to
treatment, or some further thermal treatment. generate carbon monoxide at the boundary between the solid
metal and the remaining molten metal during solidification,
preheating,'n-for tool steels, heating to an intermediate
resulting in an outer layer low in carbon.
temperature immediately before flnal austenitizing.
secondary hardening, n-the hardening phenomenon that
primary heat, n-the product of a single cycle of a batch occurs during high-temperature tempering of certain steels
melting process. containing one or more carbide-forming alloying elements.
Drscussror{-In the investment casting industry, the term master heat
is used. selective heating, n-intentionally heating only certain por-
tions of a steel object.
process annealing, n-in the sheet andwire industries, heating
a steel object to a temperature close to, but below, Ac, and selective quenching, n-quenching only certain portions of a
then cooling it, in order to soften it for further cold working. steel object.

product analysis, n-a

chemical analysis of a specimen taken semicontinuous-conveyance furnace, n-a heating device
from the semi-finished product or the finished product. through which steel objects are intentionally moved in
accordance with a predetermined start-stop-start pattern
progressive aging, n-aging by increasing thq temperature in during the thermal processing cycle.
steps, or continuously, during the aging cycle.
semikilled steel, n-an incompletely deoxidized steel that
quench aging, n-aging associated with quenching after contained sufficient oxygen to form enough entrapped car-
solution heat treatment. bon monoxide during solidification to offset solidiflcation
shrinkage.
quench hardening, n-hardening a steel object by austen-
itizing it, and then cooling it rapidly enough that some or all shell hardening, n-a surface hardening process in which a
of the austenite transforms to martensite. suitable steel object, when heated through and quench
DrscussroN-The austenitizing temperature is usually above Ac. for hardened, develops a martensitic layer or shell that closely
hypoeutectoid steels and between Ac, and Ac"- for hypereutectoid follows the contour of the piece and surrounds a core of
steels. essentially pearlitic transformation product.
DrscussroN-This result is accomplished.by a proper balance be-
quenching, n-rapid cooling in a fluid at a rute sufficient to
tween section size, hardenability, and severity of quench.
preserye or produce desired material characteristics.
Drscussrolr-Where applicable, it is preferred that the following slack quenching, n-the incomplete hardening of a steel
more specific terms be used: fog quenching, hot quenching, inter- object due to quenching from the austenitizing temperature
rupted quenching, selective quenching, spray quenching, and time at a rate slower than the critical cooling rate for the
quenching. Quenching is often used in solution heat treatment of particular steel composition, resulting in the formation of
austenitic steels to retain certain constituents in solution. euenching is
one or more transformation products in addition to marten-
also used for ferritic steels to develop desired characteristics (such as
microstructure or toughness) in thicker sections that can otherwise only site.
be achieved in thinner sections. Liquids and gasses are both fluids.
snap temper, n-a precautionary interim stress-relieving treat-
recrystallization, n-the formation of a new grain structure ment applied to a high-hardenability steel immediately after
through a nucleation and growth process. quenching to prevent cracking because of delay in temper-
Drscussrox-This is commonly produced by subjecting a steel ing it at the prescribed higher temperature.
object, which may be strained, to suitable conditions of time and soaking, n-prolonged holding at a selected temperature.
temperature.
solution heat treatment, n-heating a steel object to a suitable
recrystallization annealing, n-annealing a cold-worked temperature, holding it at that temperature long enough to
steel object to produce a new grain structure without a cause one or more constituents to enter into solid solution,
change in phase.
and then cooling it rapidly enough to hold such constituents
recrystallization 0emperature, n-the approximate minimum in solution.
temperature at which recrystallization of a cold-worked steel
specified element, n-in steel, an element controlled to a
object occurs within a specified time.
specifled minimum, maximum, or range, in accordance with
remelted heat, n-the product of the remelting of a primary the requirements of the applicable product specification.
heat, in whole or in part. spheroidizing, n-heating and cooling a steel object to pro-
[6qu5s16r\r-In the investment casting industry, the term sub_heat is duce a spheroidal or globular form of carbide in its micro-
used.
structure.
residual element, n-in steel, a specif,ed or unspecified DrscussroN-Spheroidizing methods commonly used are the follow_
element, not intentionally added, originating in the raw ing: (1) prolonged holding at a temperature just below Aer; (2) heating
and cooling alternately between temperatures that are just above, and
materials, refractories, or surrounding atmospheres used in just-below, Aer; (3) heating to a temperature abote Ae,
or Ae, and then
steel making. cooling very slowly in the furnace or holding at a temperature just
A

(ff rur - rs
below Aer; (4) cooling, from the minimum temperature at which all temper brittleness, n-brittleness that results when certain
carbide is dissolved, at a rate suitable to prevent the reformation of a steels are held within, or are cooled slowly through, a certain
carbide network, and then reheating in accordance with Method (l) or range of temperahrre below the transformation range.
(2) above. (Applicable to hypereutectoid steels containing a carbide
network.) tempering, n-reheating a quench hardened or normalized
steel object to a temperahlre below Acr, and then cooling it
spray quenching, n-quenching in a spray of liquid.
at any desired rate.
stabilized stainless steel, n-astainless steel that confolrns to
a specif,cation that prescribes limits (minimum or range) for test record, n-a document or electronic record that contains
niobium (columbium), tantalum, titanium, or a combination the observations and derived data obtained by applying a
thereof. given test method.
DrscusstoN-Such limits are sometimes expressed as a function of
test report, document that presents the applicable quali-
/r-a
the carbon and nitrogen contents. In an appropriately annealed
condition, a stabilized stainless steel will resist sensitization to tative or quantitative results obtained by applying one or
intergranular corrosion associated with the precipitation of chromium more given test methods.
carbide at grain boundaries as a result of thermal exposure, such as DrscusstoN-A single document, containing test report information
annealing, stress relieving, welding, or high temperature service' and certificate of compliance information, may be used'
Resistance to sensitization to intergranular corrosion is dependent upon
the corrosivity of the environment. The condition of being stabilized Thermal-Mechanical Control Process (TMCP), n-a rolling
with respect to sensitization is frequently demonstrated by passing one process that produces a flne-grained ferritic steel by a
or more standard corrosion tests for sensitization. particular combination of controls on the manufacturing
stabilizing treatment, n-any treatment intended to stabilize process, from slab reheating to post-rolling cooling, thereby
the microstructure or dimensions of a steel object' achieving enhanced mechanical properties.
Drscussron-(TMCP) requires appropriate selection of chemical
stainless steel, n-a steel that conforms to a specification that composition and accurate control of steel temperature and rolling
requires, by mass percent, a minimum chromium content of reduction.
10.5 or more, and a maximum carbon content of less than
1.20. thermochemical treatment, n-a heat treatment carried out
in a medium suitably chosen to produce a change in the
steel, n-a material that conforms to a specification that chemical composition of the steel object by exchange with
requires, by mass percent, more iron than any other element the medium.
and a maximum carbon content of generally less than 2.
DtscusstoN-The iron content requirement is not normally stated in time quenching, n-intemrpted quenching in which the
the specification and is not normally determined by chemical analysis, duration of holding in the quenching medium is controlled'
but is taken to be 100 7o minus the sum of the mean values permitted
by the specification for all other elements having a specified range or a transformation rangesr n-those ranges of temperature within
specified maximum. For conformance purposes, this calculated value which austenite forms during heating and transforms during
for iron is compared on an individual basis to the mean values cooling.
permitted by the specification for each of the other elements having a
DtscussroN-The two ranges are distinct, sometimes overlapping but
ipecified range or a specified maximum. Some chromium-containing never coinciding. The limiting temperatures of the ranges are depen-
sieels may concain more than 2Vo carbon; howeve\ 2Vo cubot is
dent upon the steel composition and the rate of change of temperature,
generally considered to be the demarcation between steel and cast iron'
particularly during cooling.
strain aging, n-aging induced by cold working.
transformation temperature, n-the temperature at which a

strain hardening, n-an increase in hardness and strength of a change in phase occurs, with the limiting temperatures of the
metal caused by plastic deformation at temperatures below transformation ranges designated using the following sym-
its recrystallization temperature. (Syn. work hardening) bols:
Ac"--the temperature at which the solution of cementite
stress relieving, n-heating a steel object to a suitable
in austenite is completed during heating.
temperature, holding it long enough to reduce residual
Acr-the temperature at which austenite begins to form
stresses, and then cooling it slowly enough to minimize the.
during heating.
development of new residual stresses.
Ac.-the temperature at which transformation of ferrite to
subcritical annealing, n-annealing at a temperature slightly austenite is completed during heating.
below Acr. Aco--the temperature at which austenite transforms to
delta ferrite during heating.
surface hardening, ,4-a generic term covering any of several Aer, Ae3, Ae"-, Aeo-the temperatures of phase change at
processes that, by quench hardening only, produce in a equilibrium.
steel object a surface layer that is harder or more wear Ar"--the temperature at which precipitation of cementite
resistant than the core. starts during cooling.
Drscusslor-There is no significant alterationbf the chemical
Arr-the temperature at which transformation of austenite
composition of the surface layer. Where applicable, it is preferred that
the following more specific terms be used: induction hardening, flame to ferrite or to ferrite plus cementite is completed during
hardening, and shell hardening' cooling.
6

,(p as+r - re
Ar.-the temperature at which austenite begins to trans- DrscussroN-All of the above changes, except the formation of
form to ferrite during cooling. martensite, occur at lower temperatures during cooling than during
Aro-the temperature at which delta ferrite transforms to heating, and are dependent upon the rate of change of temperature.
austenite during cooling.
Mr-the temperature at which transformation of austenite unspecified element, n-in steel, an element not controlled to
to martensite is substantially completed during cooling. a specified minimum, maximum, or range, in accordance
Mr-the temperature at which transformation of austenite with the requirements of the applicable product specifica-
to martensite starts during cooling. tion.

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