GLOBAL STANDARD

Master Global Heat-Treat Standard

Document:

Standard No.: GS-0062 Revision level: Revision date: 2006-10-24

A

Author: David Wills

Process owners/ Greg Shen, Milan Sukovsky, Tom Loegstrup, Patrick

Reviewers: Bicard, Roman Torbus, Stanislawa Wontor, Wilfried
Weiss, Wilhelm Lindert

Administrator: Christine Holst

Approved by:
Doug McCoy Date: 2006-10-26
(Process owner)

Local Edition:

Language:

Author:

Process owners/
Reviewers:

Administrator:

Approved by : Date: (YYYY-MM-DD)

Auxiliary tools:

Changes in relation to previous issue are written with red, alternatively for figures and

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1 CONTENTS
2. Scope
3. Purpose
4. Related Documents
5. Equipment and Pyrometry
6. General Heat-Treat Requirements
7. Through-Hardening
8. Gas Carburizing
9. Gas Nitriding
10. Carbonitriding
11. Gaseous Nitrocarburizing
12. Salt Bath Nitrocarburizing
13. Induction Hardening
14. Hydrogen Embrittlement Relief
15. Heat-Treat Personnel Qualifications
16. Testing Requirements
17. Test Report Requirements
18. General Operating System Requirements
19. Appendix A: General Notes
20. Appendix B: Thickness Limits for Surface Hardness
Measurements of Surface Treated Materials
21. Appendix C: Case Depth Determination According to DIN 50190
22. Appendix D: Chart Showing Visual Estimation of Per Cent
Retained Austenite

2 SCOPE
This standard establishes general requirements for heat treatment of
steel parts by Sauer-Danfoss heat-treat sites and Sauer-Danfoss
suppliers and forms an integral part of Sauer-Danfoss detail
specifications and engineering prints. When there is a conflict
between this standard and the detail specification or the drawing,
the drawing shall take precedence first and the detail specification
second. Global standards for SQA’s, PPAP’s, and PFMEA’s are an
important and integral part of high quality heat treatment, but are
not within the scope of this document.

3 PURPOSE
This standard specifies the minimal requirements for inspection
methods, process controls, heat-treat equipment, and general
operating procedures necessary to produce heat treated parts free
from defects. This standard is intended as a supplement to the
industry standards referenced throughout this document. As a
standard, the practices defined in this document should be
considered as requirements for Sauer-Danfoss and external heat
treating facilities. In cases where a U.S. standard is specifically
cited, an equivalent European standard may be substituted.

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4 RELATED DOCUMENTS
The following documents are referenced herein:
SAE and AMS Publications are available from SAE, 400
Commonwealth Drive, Warrendale, PA 15096-0001.
ASTM Publications are available from ASTM, 100 Barr Harbor Drive,
West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959.

ASTM E384 Microhardness of Materials

ASTM E10 Brinell Hardness of Materials
ASTM E18 Rockwell Hardness and Rockwell Superficial Hardness
of Metallic Materials
ASTM E92 Test Method for Vickers Hardness of Metallic Materials
SAE J423 Case Depth Measurement
AMS 2759C Heat Treatment of Steel Parts (General Requirements)
AMS 2759/1 Heat Treatment of Carbon and Low Alloy Steel Parts -
Minimum Tensile Strength Below 220 KSI (1517 Mpa)
AMS 2759/2 Heat Treatment of Low Alloy Steel Parts - Minimum
Tensile Strength
220 KSI (1517 Mpa) and Higher
AMS 2759/6 Gas Nitriding and Heat Treatment of Low Alloy Steel
Parts
AMS 2759/7 Gas and Vacuum Carburizing and Heat Treatment of
Carburizing –
Grade Steel Parts
AMS 2759/9 Hydrogen Embrittlement Relief (Baking) of Steel Parts
AMS 2757 Gaseous Nitrocarburizing
ARP 1962 Training and Approval of Heat Treating Personnel
AMS H 6875 Heat Treatment of Steel Raw Materials
AMS 2750 Pyrometry
ARP 1820 Chord Method of Evaluating Surface Microstructural
Characteristics
SAE J864 File Hardness Measurement Method
ASTM E1417Standard Practice for Liquid Penetrant Testing
ASTM E1444Standard Practice for Magnetic Particle Testing
ASTM E709 Standard Guide for Magnetic Particle Examination

In addition to the standards specifically referenced by this document,

sections 4.1 – 4.5 of this document serve as a cross-reference by
heat-treat process of the U.S. and European industry standards.

4.1 General Heat-Treat Requirements

Process Description of the ASTM/SAE/AM DIN/EN/ISO

Standard S/ARP Nr. Nr.
General Heat Treatment of Steel AMS 2759 DIN 6773/1-5
Heat Parts

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Treatment
AMS 2759 DIN 17022-1
Practice of Heat Treatment
AMS 2759 DIN 17014-3
Heat-Treat Processes of Iron
Materials

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4.2 Heat-Treat Equipments

Process Description of the ASTM/SAE/AM DIN/EN/ISO
Standard S/ARP Nr. Nr.
Heat- Industrial Temperature AMS 2750 DIN 17052
Treat Uniformity Requirements DIN 16160
Equipmen
t Flame Control with Gas DIN 3258
Equipment
AMS 2759 ISO 9950
Industrial Quench Oils
AMS 2750 DIN 24201
Pyrometry

4.3 Heat-Treat Processes

Process Description of the ASTM/SAE/AM DIN/EN/ISO
Standard S/ARP Nr. Nr.
Harden and Heat Treatment of Carbon AMS 2759-1 DIN 17022-1
Tempering and Low Alloyed Steel Parts
below 220KSI/151MPa

Heat Treatment of Low AMS 2759-2 DIN 17022-1

Alloyed Steel Parts below
220KSI/151MPa
AMS H 6875 DIN 17022-1
Heat Treatment of Steel Raw
Material
AMS 2759 DIN 17022-1

Practice of Heat Treatment DIN 17021-1

Heat-Treat Processes of Iron

Materials Assortment Based
on the Harden-ability
Carburizing Gas and Vacuum Carburizing AMS 2759-7
and Heat Treatment of
Carburizing Grade Steel
Parts
DIN 17022-3
Heat Treatment Carburizing
Nitriding Gas Nitriding and Heat AMS 2759-6
Treatment of Low Alloyed
Steel Parts
AMS 2757 DIN 17022-4
Gaseous Nitrocarburizing
Inductive Surface Hardening DIN 17022-5
Hardening Treatment

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Heat Heat Treatment of Tools DIN 17022-2

Treatment
of Tools
Documenta Technical Product ISO 15787
tion Documentation Heat Treated
Ferrous Parts

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4.4 Test Requirements

Process Description of the ASTM/SAE/AM DIN/EN/ISO
Standard S/ARP Nr. Nr.
Macro Standard Test Method for ASTM E10 EN 6506-
Hardness Brinell Hardness of Metallic 1,2,3
Measureme Materials
nt ASTM E92
Standard Test Method for EN 6507-
Vickers Hardness of Metallic 1,2,3
Materials ASTM E18

Rockwell Hardness and EN 6508-

Rockwell Superficial 1,2,3
Hardness of Metallic
Materials
Micro Evaluation of the Case Depth ASTM E384, SAE DIN 50190-2
Hardness after Surface Hardening J423, ARP 1820
Measureme
nt Evaluation of the Case Depth ASTM E384, SAE DIN 50190-1
after Carburizing J423, ARP 1820

Evaluation of the Case Depth ASTM E384, SAE DIN 50190-3

after Nitriding J423, ARP 1820

Evaluation of the Case Depth ASTM B721 DIN 30911-5

of Case Hardened Powder DIN ISO
Material 4507
ISO
4498/2/00

Special Magnetic Particle Inspection ASTM E1444, ASTM DIN/EN/ISO

Checks E709 3059
EN 571-1
Liquid Penetrant Testing
ASTM E1417 DIN/EN 3452
Pyrometry
AMS 2750
Chord Method of Evaluating
Surface Microstructural ARP 1820
Characteristics

Microscopic Examination of SEP 1520

Carbide Structure in Steels
by means of Diagram Series

Hydrogen Embrittlement AMS 2759-9

Relief (Baking) of Steel Parts

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4.5 Education and Training

Process Description of the ASTM/SAE/AM DIN/EN/ISO
Standard S/ARP Nr. Nr.
Education Training and Approval of ARP 1962
and Heat Treating Personnel
Training
Heat-Treat Processes of Iron DIN 17023

Materials Forms and Heat- EN 10052

Treat Instructions

Items of Heat-Treat DIN 17014

Processes of Iron Materials

Ferrous Products Heat ISO 4885

Treatment Vocabulary

5 EQUIPMENT AND PYROMETRY

Thermal processing equipment and related pyrometric equipment
shall be controlled in accordance with AMS 2750 (DIN/EN 3452).

Heating Equipment
Automatic temperature controllers and data recording instruments
conforming to AMS 2750 (DIN/EN 3452) are required on each
furnace. Instrumentation, thermocouples, test equipment accuracy
shall conform to AMS 2750 (DIN/EN 3452). Equipment which
cannot be controlled and tested in accordance with AMS 2750
(DIN/EN 3452) shall be controlled and tested as directed by
Metallurgy.

Quenching Equipment
Quench baths shall permit complete immersion of parts, shall have a
temperature indicator with a sensor in the quench media, and shall
be free from visible contamination, which could detrimentally affect
the process. Tanks with oil should be equipped with a device forcing
oil circulation for better heat exchange during quenching. Bath
maintenance programs shall be established and when using
polymers, a concentration control system shall be established.

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Quenching Media
Except when marquenching, the temperature of the bath shall insure
the proper cooling speed to produce a microstructure that will meet
property requirements of the final part specification.

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6 GENERAL HEAT-TREAT REQUIREMENTS

Preheating
Preheating between 900 to 1200 °F (482-649 °C) is recommended
before heating parts above 1300 °F (704 °C) if the parts have been
previously hardened to 35 Rc (345 VHN 10 Kg) or greater, or if
geometry of the part may produce excessive stresses during heat up.
When preheating parts above 570 °F (300 °C), a protective
atmosphere is recommended to reduce surface oxidation. Air,
without a protective atmosphere, is acceptable when preheating
parts below 570 °F (300 °C).

Soaking
Soaking shall commence when the control thermocouple reaches the
specified set temperature.

Tempering
Tempering shall occur within 4 hours of quench. Soaking time shall
not be less than 2 hours plus one hour additional for each inch of
thickness or fraction thereof greater than 1 inch. Parts may be snap
tempered for 2 hours at a temperature that is lower than the
tempering temperature.

Straightening
For parts having a minimum tensile strength below 180 KSI (40 Rc)
or 1241 MPa (392 VHN), straightening may be accomplished without
stress relieving. For parts having a minimum tensile strength of 180
KSI (1241 MPa) or above and straightened at room temperature,
straightening shall be followed by stress relieving at a temperature
not higher than 50 °F (28 °C) below the tempering temperature.

Cleaning
The heat-treat department should receive clean parts. Parts shall be
cleaned prior to heat treatment only if it is necessary to remove
contaminants that could have a deleterious effect on the surface
visual appearance, surface microstructure, or part performance.
Cleaning after heat treatment (quenching) should be performed as
necessary to ensure the parts meet cleanliness requirements.

Masking
Coatings or plating used for the protection of surfaces during heat
treatment shall be approved by Metallurgy. The type of masking
used shall be reviewed to ensure that the furnace atmosphere is not

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contaminated by its use.

Spacing/Racking
Parts shall be racked and supported primarily to ensure access of the
heating atmosphere and quenching media to all surfaces of all parts
and secondarily to minimize distortion.

7 THROUGH-HARDENING
Quenching and Tempering
Quenching and tempering shall be in accordance with ASTM 2759/1
and ASTM 2759/2. The heating atmosphere shall be neutral to the
surface of the steel being treated to prevent decarburization or
carburization of the steel surface.

Decarburization
For parts heat treated to 220 KSI (46 Rc) or 1517 MPa (458 VHN)
and above, the depth of decarburization (complete decarb is not
permitted) after all heat-treat operations shall not exceed 0.003
inches (0.08 mm) on any surface. For parts heat treated to less than
220 KSI (46 Rc) or 1517 MPa (458 VHN), the depth of partial
decarburization (complete decarburization not permitted) after all
heat-treat operations, shall not exceed 0.005 inches (0. 13 mm).
The depth of decarburization shall be determined by making a
microhardness traverse per ASTM E384 (DIN 50190 1-3), using at
least 250X magnification and recording hardness versus depth below
the surface. The boundary of decarburization shall be the point at
which the Knoop or equivalent hardness is 20 points (approximately
18 VHN points) less than the base hardness.

Carburization or nitriding
In through-hardened parts, furnace atmospheres which increase the
Carbon content of surfaces above the maximum for the respective
composition and/or increase the surface hardness 20 points Knoop or
equivalent (approximately 18 VHN points) above the core hardness,
are not acceptable. In addition, the microstructure shall not show
any evidence of carburization or nitriding.

Intergranular attack
Intergranular oxidation, as determined by metallographically etching
specimens, shall not exceed .0005 inches (0.013 mm) on parts heat
treated to 220 KSI (46 Rc) or 1517 MPa (458 VHN) and above, and .
0007 inches (0.018 mm) on parts heat treated to less than 220 KSI
(46 Rc) or 1517 MPa (458 MPa).

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Core hardness
Core hardness shall be determined in the most massive or functional
section of the part unless specified otherwise.

8 GAS CARBURIZING
Gas carburizing shall be in accordance with AMS 2759/7 (DIN
17022-3).

Case Carbon Content

Surface carbon of finished heat treated parts shall be 0.70 to 1.00%.
The surface carbon content of parts in process may exceed 1.00%
when boost and diffuse processes are being utilized, such as with
vacuum and plasma carburizing.

Case Microstructure
Retained austenite shall not exceed 15% unless specified otherwise
on the engineering print or heat-treat process instructions. Retained
austenite shall be determined by visual comparison (See Appendix
D: Martensite/Austenite Chart) unless x-ray diffraction is required
by the engineering print or heat-treat process instructions. When x-
ray diffraction is required, the method used shall be agreed upon
between the heat-treater and the customer. Intergranular (grain
boundary) carbides shall be scattered and discontinuous and shall
not be evident in more than (30%) of the grain boundaries (See
Photograph 5.2 in SEP 1520). Case microstructure shall be
predominantly tempered martensite. Intergranular oxidation shall
not exceed 0.0005 inches (0.013 mm) in depth from the unmachined
surfaces.

Case Hardness
Case hardness shall be 58-62 Rc (653-746 VHN) and shall be
determined in accordance with ASTM E18 (EN 6508 -1,2,3) on the
carburized and hardened surface of the finished part using a
superficial hardness test appropriate for the depth of case specified
(See Appendix B).

Case Depth (effective case depth) – see section 20 for detailed

instructions
Effective case depth is defined as the depth below the surface of the
part where the hardness is equal to or greater than 50Rc (513 VHN)
as measured by a microhardness survey in accordance with ASTM
E384 or DIN 50190. Note that DIN 50190 limiting hardness (LH) is
550 VHN (52.5 Rc) - See Appendix C. Effective case depth shall be
determined by optical method measurement on a metallographically

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polished and etched (4% nital) sample when the core hardness
exceeds 45 Rc (446 VHN). In applying the optical method, the
effective case depth shall be defined as the depth of the midpoint of
the microstructural transition zone laying between the higher carbon
outer surface and the low carbon core.

Total Case Depth

Total case depth is the depth from the surface to the point where
core microstructure characteristics and case structure
characteristics can no longer be differentiated. This point can be
determined by hardness gradient, microstructure changes, or carbon
concentration gradient.

Quenching
Parts may be direct quenched (cooled to austenitizing temperature
prior to quenching) rather than being slow cooled to room
temperature and rehardened.

Selective Carburizing
Selective carburizing may be accomplished by masking. Unless
specified otherwise, threaded ends of shafts shall be masked prior to
carburizing.

For Gears and Splines

For gears and splines, the case depth applies to the teeth surfaces at
the pitch diameter. Case depth at the root of the gear teeth and root
of the spline teeth shall not be less than 75% of the minimum
specified case depth. Surface hardness of gear and spline teeth
roots may be 1 point Rc (approximately 20 VHN points) lower than
that specified at the pitch diameter.

9 GAS NITRIDING
Gas nitriding shall be in accordance with AMS 2759/6 (DIN 17022-4).

Equipment
Equipment shall be available for introducing ammonia into the
furnace at a controlled rate. A separate system for ammonia
dissociation is recommended. Where ammonia dissociation is used,
the equipment shall be capable of maintaining the atmosphere within
+/- 5% of the selected percent dissociation.

Decarburization/Contamination
Surfaces to be nitrided shall be free from decarburization and
contaminants such as grease, oil, and scale, which could interfere

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with nitrogen diffusion.

Stress Relieving
Unless otherwise specified, parts which have been ground or
otherwise mechanically worked after hardening, shall be stress
relieved prior to nitriding. The stress relieving temperature shall not
be greater than 50°F (28 °C) below the tempering temperature
(where applicable).

Nitriding Temperature
Unless specified otherwise, the nitriding temperature range shall be
940-1050 °F (504-566 °C) and should not be greater than 50°F (28
°C) below the tempering temperature.

Microstructure
The microstructure shall exhibit a uniform distribution of nitrides
diminishing gradually from the surface to the core. There shall be no
evidence of a continuous nitride network in grain boundaries.
Unless otherwise specified, the maximum thickness of the compound
zone (white layer) shall be 0.001 inches (25 m).

Case Depth
Unless otherwise specified, case depth requirements shall be
interpreted as either total case depth (compound + diffusion zone) or
depth of the compound zone only. Total case depth is the depth of
the continuous etching subsurface zone, determined
metallographically on the as-nitrided part using 4% nital etching
solution. On those materials that do not respond to etching, the total
case depth is the depth below the surface at which microhardness is
50 HVN higher than that of the core, as determined by a Knoop or
Vickers hardness traverse, in accordance with ASTM E 384.
Effective case depth, where specified, shall be in accordance with
drawing requirements and is the depth to which a specified hardness
in accordance with ASTM E 384 or DIN 50190-2 is attained. Case
depth defined by DIN 50190-2 is core hardness + 50HV0.5 (See
Appendix C).

Surface Hardness
Surface hardness shall be determined by Rockwell superficial
hardness or microhardness in accordance with ASTM E 18, ASTM E
92, or ASTM E 384 (EN 6056 -1,2,3 or DIN 50190 -1,2,3). See
Appendix B for description of thickness limits versus hardness
method and test load. Compound zone hardness may be verified
with the use of hardened files calibrated in increments of 5 points Rc

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(approximately 100 VHN).

Surface Finish Effect

The capability of a surface to accept a nitride case is influenced by
its surface finish. Burnished, polished, and work hardened surfaces
in general will not nitride satisfactorily. Abrasive blasting of all
surfaces is recommended prior to nitriding.

10 CARBONITRIDING
Microstructure
Case microstructure shall be in accordance with the requirements of
gas carburizing in section 8. Additionally, excessive nitride needles
shall not be present when examined at a magnification of 500X.

Case Depth and Hardness

Definition and determination of carbonitrided case depth and
hardness shall be in accordance with the methods used for gas
carburizing in section 8.

11 GASEOUS NITROCARBURIZING
Gaseous nitrocarburizing shall be in accordance with AMS 2757
(DIN 17022-4) and shall consist of a continuous thin epsilon-iron-
carbonitride compound layer. Basically, the nitrocarburizing process
is a thermochemical treatment carried out in a gaseous media, which
involves diffusional additions of both nitrogen and carbon to the
surface of ferrous materials at temperatures within the stress relief
range. The primary objective is to provide an improved wear and
fatigue resistant surface to carbon steel, alloy steel, and cast iron
parts. Because the tempering is carried out at temperatures below
1200°F (649°C), retention of core properties and good dimensional
control are achieved. An additional benefit of improved corrosion
resistance, through the formation of a continuous compound layer on
the surface, can eliminate the need for protective plating.

Hardening
Parts where core hardening is specified shall be tempered at a
temperature not less than
50 °F (28 °C) above the nitrocarburizing temperature.

Stress Relieving
Parts which have been machined or straightened prior to
nitrocarburizing, may be stress relieved at a temperature not less

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than 40 °F (20 °C) above the nitrocarburizing temperature.

Quenching
A range of properties can be obtained by controlling the rate of
cooling from the treatment temperature. Parts may be quenched in
oil, water, soluble oil solutions, aqueous polymer solutions, inert or
nitrocarburizing atmospheres, or air.

Depth of Compound Layer

The depth of compound layer shall be determined in accordance with
the procedure of SAE J423 (DIN 50190 -1,2,3) or ARP 1820
microscopic methods, at not less than 500X magnification. Typical
compound depth range for carbon steel, low alloy steel, and cast iron
is 0.00015 inch (0.00038 mm) to 0.0010 inch (0.025 mm).

Presence of Compound Layer

The presence of a compound layer shall be confirmed by means of a
chemical spot test. A drop of copper ammonium chloride (see
section 18, note 1) or copper sulfate solution (see section 18, note 2)
applied to a clean nitrocarburized surface of a part shall turn a
reddish brown color after 15 seconds. If copper plates out on the
surface, the compound layer is not present.

Compound Layer Hardness

The layer hardness shall be the equivalent of 60 Rc (697 HV10) or
greater determined in accordance with SAE J864 for file hardness.
Microhardness testing of the surface may be done in accordance
with engineering print and /or specification requirements.

Diffusion Zone Hardness

Diffusion zone hardness when required by specification and/or
engineering print shall be determined by microhardness
measurements in accordance with ASTM E384 (DIN 50190-2) or by
the chordal method of ARP 1820.

Diffusion Zone Depth

Diffusion zone depth, when required by specification and/or
engineering print, shall be determined in accordance with ASTM
E384 (DIN 50190-2) and is defined as the depth at which the
hardness gradient exceeds the core hardness by 50 HV 0.5Kg
(approximately 5 Rc). See Appendix C.

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Compound Layer Structure

The compound layer microstructure, when viewed at 500X in a
representative field in the upper half of the compound zone, shall not
contain a level of porosity and oxides greater than the amount stated
in the specification. The compound layer at the substrate interface
shall not exhibit residual porosity and oxides exceeding 5% for steel
and 15% for cast iron. Although it is expected that the compound
layer will consist primarily of epsilon iron nitride, the specific mix of
epsilon and gamma prime may be specified by specification and/or
engineering print.

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12 SALT BATH NITROCARBURIZING

There are several versions of salt bath nitrocarburizing that are
capable of providing similar compound and diffusion layers with
similar properties to that achieved by the gaseous process. A few of
these industrial processes are: Tennifer QPQ and Melonite QPQ.
The requirements listed under gaseous nitrocarburizing in section 11
apply to relevant salt bath nitrocarburizing process quality demands.
Salt bath nitrocarburizing temperatures must be greater than gas
nitrocarburizing temperatures, which are typically 570-590°C (1058-
1094°F).

13 INDUCTION HARDENING
Induction hardening is a process in which high frequency
electromagnetic radiation is coupled to the steel part, producing
induced currents that cause the heating in the steel. Heating of the
steel does not occur just on the surface, but also in the surface
layers. The depth of heating is related inversely to the frequency, in
that higher frequency produces heating to a shallower depth.
The primary objective of induction heating is to provide an improved
wear and fatigue resistant surface for carbon steel, alloy steel, and
cast iron parts. This is accomplished by heating above the AC3 and
quenching to produce a hardened surface and an accompanying
residual compressive surface layer.
The equipment used to heat-treat a component shall be fully capable
of processing the part with adequate controls on power levels, heat
times, quench times, quench temperature, and other key processing
parameters.

Key Parameters and Controls

The key parameters of an induction hardening process are: machine
setting, frequency, energy, cooling, tool setting, temperature and
concentration of quench media. The heat-treater should have a
documented plan for controlling each of these parameters.

Surface Hardness
The surface hardness specified on the engineering print shall be
measured directly on the part surface in accordance with ASTM E18
(EN 6508 – 1,2,3), using the appropriate hardness scale compatible
with the induction hardened depth. See Appendix B for description
of thickness limits versus hardness method and test load. Surface
hardness may also be measured on a sectioned sample at .003 inches
(0.075 mm) per ASTM E384 (DIN 50190-3).

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Depth of Hardening
The case depth specified on the engineering print or heat-treat
specification will normally be described in terms of the depth at
which a minimum hardness is attained in accordance with
microhardness testing per ASTM E384 (DIN 50190-3). Effective case
is defined as the depth at which the hardness is 10 points Rc
(approximately 120 VHN) less than the required minimum surface
hardness (or 80% of the required minimum surface hardness as per
DIN 50190-3) - See Appendix C. For example, for high carbon steel
with a minimum surface hardness requirement of 60 Rc (697 VHN),
50 Rc (513 VHN) defines the effective case depth. For medium
carbon steels with a minimum surface hardness requirement of 50
Rc (513 VHN), 40 Rc (392 VHN) defines the effective case depth.
Total case depth, if required, is the depth at which core
microstructure characteristics and case microstructure
characteristics can no longer be differentiated. Total case depth may
also be defined as the depth at which the hardness gradient exceeds
the core hardness by 50 HV0.5Kg (approximately 5 Rc).

Induction Hardening Pattern

The area to be selectively induction hardened shall be defined on the
engineering print or heat-treat specification. Unless specified
otherwise, induction hardened surfaces may be bordered by a
transition zone of up to 0.500 inches (12.70 mm) maximum. This
transition zone is a region beyond the intended process zone and is
characterized by hardness values less than those of the unheated
base metal. Note that this transition (Heat Affect Zone - see
definition of Heat Affect Zone - HAZ, in section 18, note 5) may
contain residual tensile stresses that can potentially impact fatigue
life of the component, so that the location of this zone can be
extremely critical to the expected life of the component. It is
recommended for good design practice that the HAZ should not
exceed ½ the distance from the surface to the midpoint of the section
being hardened.

Microstructure after Induction Hardening

Microstructural examination performed at 500X in the effective case
depth region of the induction hardened and quenched and tempered
part shall show a uniformly tempered martensitic microstructure.
There shall be no evidence of over or under heating as revealed by
incipient melting, retained austenite in excess of 15% (unless
specified otherwise on the part drawing) and/or free ferrite.

Microstructure prior to Induction Hardening

It is recommended that the microstructure of carbon steel, alloy
steel, and cast iron contains a minimum of 80% pearlite
(predominantly lamellar or globular, mixed not acceptable) or 90%

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martensite prior to induction hardening to insure a rapid and

uniform heat-treat response.

Area Selected for Examination

The area selected for examination of the pattern should represent
the full pattern area. Examination with respect to surface hardness,
depth of hardening, and microstructure should be located in the
center of the pattern, unless specified otherwise. First-piece
inspection is required in an induction hardening process. The heat-
treater should have the capability of inspecting for cracks.

Tempering
Parts shall be tempered at a minimum temperature of 351 °F (177
°C). Although not the preferred method, induction tempering is
allowed provided a suitable method has been demonstrated to
achieve the print hardness requirement. Timing between induction
hardening and tempering is critical, but it can vary by application.
The time should be controlled to avoid cracking.

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14 HYDROGEN EMBRITTLEMENT RELIEF BAKING

Hydrogen relief baking of steel parts shall be in accordance with
AMS 2759/9. Relief baking is performed to remove hydrogen infused
during plating and other chemical processes such as stripping,
chemical milling, pickling, de-burring, and etching. This relief
baking is the responsibility of the facility performing the surface
treatment.

Parts to be Baked
Hydrogen relief baking is applicable to parts made from carbon, low-
alloy steel, and martensitic stainless steel (including precipitation
hardened stainless) heat treated to a minimum strength of 180 KSI
(1241 MPa) or heat treated to a minimum hardness of 40 Rc (392
VHN) or equivalent. It is also applicable to threaded fasteners heat
treated to a minimum strength of 150 KSI (1034 MPa) or 34 Rc (336
VHN) or equivalent hardness, and steel parts which have been
surfaced hardened (carburized, nitrided, carbonitrided,
nitrocarburized, or induction hardened). Supplier should be aware
that parts with a minimum strength even as low as 117 KSI (800
MPa) or minimum hardness of 22 Rc (250 VHN) may be susceptible
to hydrogen embrittlement and should take proper precautions.

Baking Requirements
Parts shall be baked after completion of each plating or other
chemical process in accordance with the requirements of Table 1 of
AMS 2759/9. Baking is not required between steps in a multiple step
(plating/chemical process) sequence if interruptions do not exceed 2
hours, baking is started within 4 hours after the final step, and total
time between start of first step and start of baking does not exceed
24 hours. When baking is required between steps, the minimum
soaking time may be reduced to 3 hours for parts 240 KSI (1655
MPa) or a minimum of 49 Rc (498 VHN) or equivalent. For higher
strength parts the soaking time shall be a minimum of 6 hours.
Nickel plated parts are an exception and shall be soaked for the
required times of Table 1 of AMS 2759/9 for parts heat treated to a
minimum strength of 200 KSI (1379 MPa).

Baking Procedure
The elapsed time between completion of plating or other chemical
processing and baking shall not exceed 4 hours.
The standard baking temperature is 375 °F (191 °C). The baking
temperature for parts that are carburized or carbonitrided shall be
275 °F (135 °C). The baking temperature for parts made from 52100
and 440C that have been heat treated to a minimum strength of 220
KSI (1517 MPa) or a minimum hardness of 46 Rc (458 VHN) shall be

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300°F (149 °C). The baking temperature for parts made from music
wire is 325 °F (163 °C).
Minimum baking times shall conform to Table 1 of AMS 2759/9.
Typical baking times are either 8 hours or 23 hours depending on
material, how material is processed, and plating process or chemical
treatment.

15 HEAT-TREAT PERSONNEL QUALIFICATIONS

All personnel performing heat treating and associated operations
shall be trained and approved in accordance with ARP 1962 (see 4.5
Table for DIN equivalent).

16 TESTING REQUIREMENTS
Testing Capabilities and Requirements
Heat treating facilities shall have the testing equipment necessary to
perform the tests to verify conformance to requirements. Those
measurements that are performed infrequently may be sourced to an
outside laboratory.

Preproduction tests
Prior to the first shipment of a new part number, a significant
process or product change, or shipment of a previously existing part
number to a new customer, the appropriate testing should be
performed as per the design specification (and PPAP material test
requirements) to verify the appropriate material and process to meet
the application intent.

Acceptance/Production (Series) Tests

Acceptance/production tests shall be performed on each lot of parts
(see section 19, note 3 and 4 for definition of lot). Unless specified
otherwise, the following are required acceptance/production tests for
each of these processes (note that part or parts selected for
examination shall be after all thermal processes have been
completed):
Through-Hardening: Surface hardness; core hardness; surface
microstructure.
Gas Carburizing: Case hardness; surface and case
microstructure; case depth.
Gas Nitriding: Case hardness; case microstructure; case
depth.
Carbonitriding: Case hardness; surface and case
microstructure; case depth.

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Gaseous Nitrocarburizing: Depth of compound layer; presence of

compound layer; compound layer hardness.
Salt Bath Nitrocarburizing: Depth of compound layer;
presence of compound layer; compound layer
hardness.
Induction Hardening: Surface hardness; depth of hardened
layer; microstructure of hardened layer;
induction hardened pattern.

Periodic Tests
Periodic tests shall be performed at a frequency selected by the heat-
treater (as per control plan) unless frequency of testing is specified
otherwise by the engineering print. Unless specified otherwise, the
following are required periodic tests for each of these processes
(Note that part or parts selected for examination shall be after all
thermal processes have been completed):
Through-Hardening: Core microstructure.
Gas Carburizing: Core hardness; core microstructure.
Gas Nitriding: Core hardness; thickness of compound zone.
Carbonitriding: Core hardness; core microstructure.
Gaseous Nitrocarburizing: Compound layer microstructure;
diffusion zone hardness; diffusion zone depth.
Salt Bath Nitrocarburizing: Compound layer microstructure;
diffusion zone hardness; diffusion zone depth.
Induction Hardening: Core hardness; core microstructure.

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17 TEST REPORT REQUIREMENTS

Reports shall show the results of tests made on parts to determine
conformance to acceptance/production, periodic, or preproduction
tests as applicable. Reports shall include the purchase order
number, shop order number, part number, furnace(s) used, load
number(s), thermal processing temperatures, times, and cooling
cycles used, temperature and method of straightening, dates, and
quantity of parts heat treated.

18 GENERAL OPERATING SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS

The heat-treat must establish and maintain a documented operating
system according to ISO 9001. This requirement applies to the
quality system, the process and the maintaining of the heat-treat
equipment.

18.1 Quality System

The heat-treat shop shall establish and maintain a documented
quality system as a means of ensuring that the products conform to
requirements. Specifically, the shop must have documented
procedure(s) for:
a) Receiving inspection
b) Process inspection
c) Final inspection
d) Nonconformity review and Disposition
e) Corrective actions
f) Process Control (Control Plans and FMEAs)

18.2 Contract Review

The supplier/customer shall establish and maintain procedures for
contract review and for the coordination of these activities.
a) Clear drawings: The heat-treater must review the drawing and
ensure that it provides clear information on: hardness, case
depth, place of measurement, measurement parameters,
measurement load, material, masking, etc. This review includes
ensuring the material specified will consistently meet the final
specifications after the heat-treat process. If this information is
not clear, the heat-treater must request this information from
engineering.
b) Clear heat-treat orders
c) Documentation of heat-treat orders
d) Good description of parts

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18.3 Process Control

The heat-treat shop shall identify and plan the production, which
directly effect quality, and shall ensure that these processes are
carried out under controlled conditions
a) The recording of processes
b) The following of safety regulations
c) The documenting of processes and process steps: As per Sauer-
Danfoss PPAP requirement, the process parameters of the heat-
treat process must be defined and a significant production run
performed and tested to ensure compliance to the material
specifications. Significant deviations from these process
parameters are not allowed without signed deviation from the
customer’s engineering function.
18.4 Maintenance of the Heat-Treat Equipment
The heat-treat shop shall establish and maintain a documented
maintenance system as a means of ensuring that the technical
equipment can consistently meet requirements.
a) Maintenance plans for the heat-treat equipment
b) Maintenance plans for the gas, energy and water supply
c) Maintenance plans for the control equipment
d) The documentation of maintenance actions

19 APPENDIX A: General Notes

1. Copper ammonium chloride solution: Dissolve 100 grams cupric

chloride (CuCl2.2H2O) in distilled water to make one liter. Add
ammonium hydroxide to form a copper ammonium chloride
complex.

2. Copper sulfate solution: Dissolve 40 grams of copper sulfate

(CuSO4.5H2O) in 1000 ml of distilled water and 5 ml wetting agent
(e.g. glycerine); pH shall be 3.5 to 4.1.

3. A lot (other then for induction hardening – see note 4 below) shall
be all parts of the same part number processed in the same
furnace load. See also section 4.3.2 of AMS 2759 (see Table 4.1
for DIN equivalent): a lot shall be all parts of the same design,
fabricated from the same alloy, heat treated to the same property
requirements in the same furnace(s) at the same time, and
presented for processor’s inspection at the same time. In addition,
for a continuous furnace, it shall be those parts heat treated as a

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continuous production run during an eight-hour shift. When

testing parts after operations (e.g. stress relieving, baking, hot or
warm straightening) that occur after the final step of the heat
operation (e.g. tempering, aging), a lot, in addition to the above,
shall consist of parts stress relieved, baked, hot or warm
straightened, etc using the same equipment at the same time.

4. A lot for induction hardened parts shall be defined as all parts of

the same part number, material, and condition processed together
or sequentially within an 8 hour period, using the same equipment
under identical control settings for heating and cooling, including
the timing thereof.

5. Heat Affected Zone (HAZ): The heat affected zone is the depth
below the hardened surface which last exhibits microstructural
evidence of having exceeded the lower critical temperature (Ac1)
and/or that portion of the base metal within which microstructural
and physical properties were altered by the treatment.

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20 APPENDIX B:
Thickness Limits for Surface Hardness Measurements of
Surface Treated Materials

Thickness limits for surface hardness measurement of surface

treated materials as a function of hardness method and test load are
shown in Tables 1 and 2. The source for these tables is DIN 6773. A
similar presentation of thickness limits is provided in ASTM E18 (not
shown). ASTM E18 also provides correction factors for convex
cylindrical surfaces.

Table 1
Thickness Limits for Surface Hardness Measurement Using Vickers
(Basis is DIN 6773)
Minimum Surface Hardness and Vickers Test Load

Min. Case 200-300 >300-400 >400-500 >500-600 >600-700 >700-800 >800 (HV)
Depth, (HV) (HV) (HV) (HV) (HV) (HV)
Rht,Eht,
Nht, (mm)*
0,05 - - - HV 0,5 HV 0,5 HV 0,5 HV 0,5
0,07 - HV 0,5 HV 0,5 HV 0,5 HV 0,5 HV 1 HV 1
0,08 HV 0,5 HV 0,5 HV 0,5 HV 0,5 HV 1 HV 1 HV 1
0,09 HV 0,5 HV 0,5 HV 0,5 HV 1 HV 1 HV 1 HV 1
0,1 HV 0,5 HV 1 HV 1 HV 1 HV 1 HV 1 HV 3
0,15 HV 1 HV 1 HV 3 HV 3 HV 3 HV 3 HV 5
0,2 HV 1 HV 3 HV 5 HV 5 HV 5 HV 5 HV 5
0,25 HV 3 HV 5 HV 5 HV 5 HV 10 HV 10 HV 10
0,3 HV 3 HV 5 HV 10 HV 10 HV 10 HV 10 HV 10
0,4 HV 5 HV 10 HV 10 HV 10 HV 10 HV 30 HV 30
0,45 HV 5 HV 10 HV 10 HV 10 HV 30 HV 30 HV 30
0,5 HV 10 HV 10 HV 10 HV 30 HV 30 HV 30 HV 30
0,55 HV 10 HV 10 HV 30 HV 30 HV 30 HV 50 HV 50
0,6 HV 10 HV 10 HV 30 HV 30 HV 50 HV 50 HV 50
0,65 HV 10 HV 30 HV 30 HV 50 HV 50 HV 50 HV 50
0,7 HV 10 HV 30 HV 50 HV 50 HV 50 HV 50 HV 50
0,75 HV 30 HV 30 HV 50 HV 50 HV 50 HV 100 HV 100
0,8 HV 30 HV 30 HV 50 HV 50 HV 100 HV 100 HV 100
0,9 HV 30 HV 30 HV 50 HV 100 HV 100 HV 100 HV 100
1,0 HV 30 HV 50 HV 100 HV 100 HV 100 HV 100 HV 100

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Table 2
Thickness Limits for Surface Hardness Measurement Using Rockwell and
Rockwell Superficial (Basis is DIN 6773)
Minimum Surface Hardness for Rockwell and Rockwell Superficial Test Loads

Min. 82-85 >85-88 >88 60-68 >68-73 >73-78 >78 >44-54 >54-61 >61-67 >67
Case (HR 15N) (HR15N) (HR15N) (HR30N) (HR30N) (HR30N) (HR30N) (HR45N (HR45N (HR45N (HR45N)
Depth,
Rht, Eht,
(mm)*)
0,1 - - HR15N - - - - - - - -
0,15 - HR15N HR15N - - - - - - - -
0,2 HR15N HR15N HR15N - - - HR30N - - - -
0,25 HR15N HR15N HR15N - - HR30N HR30N - - - -
0,35 HR15N HR15N HR15N - HR30N HR30N HR30N - - - HR45N
0,4 HR15N HR15N HR15N HR30N HR30N HR30N HR30N - - HR45N HR45N
0,5 HR15N HR15N HR15N HR30N HR30N HR30N HR30N - HR45N HR45N HR45N
>0,55 HR15N HR15N HR15N HR30N HR30N HR30N HR30N HR45N HR45N HR45N HR45N

Min. 70-75 >75-78 >78-81 >81 40-49 >49-55 >55-60 >60

Case (HR A) (HRA) (HRA) (HRA) (HRC) (HRC) (HRc) (HRC)
Depth,
Rht, Eht,
(mm)*)
0,4 - - - HRA - - - -
0,45 - - HRA HRA - - - -
0,5 - HRA HRA HRA - - - -
0,6 HRA HRA HRA HRA - - - -
0,8 HRA HRA HRA HRA - - - HRC
0,9 HRA HRA HRA HRA - - HRC HRC
1,0 HRA HRA HRA HRA - HRC HRC HRC
1,2 HRA HRA HRA HRA HRC HRC HRC HRC
*) Rht = Case depth for inductive and flame hardening
Eht = Case depth for carburizing and carbonitriding
Nht = Case Depth for nitriding and nitrocarburizing

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21 APPENDIX C:

Case Depth Determination According to DIN 50190

1. Diagram of hardness versus distance from the surface

LH = Limiting hardness* or effective case depth)

CH = Core hardness
CD = Case depth (Carburizing, Nitriding and Induction Hardening)

*) The limiting hardness is determined as followed:

a) Carburizing and carbonitriding: 550HV1 or 52.5 Rc (unless
designated otherwise)

b) Nitriding and nitrocarburizing: Core hardness + 50HV0.5

c) Induction hardening: 80% of the required minimum surface

hardness using HV1 (unless designated
otherwise)

2. Making an acceptable sample

The hardness layer to be examined must be positioned at a right
angle to the surface of the sample unless an oblique section method
is being used. The sample should be ground and polished to a
surface flatness of 1μm.

3. Setting the impressions

The gap between the center of the impressions shall be a minimum
of 3.0 times the diameter of the impression and no closer to the edge
of the sample than 2.5 times the diameter. The impressions have to

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be sufficiently distributed so that the curve of case depth can be

easily determined.

4. Result of the investigation

The point of intersection between the hardness curve and the
limiting hardness (LH) is defined as the effective case depth.

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22 APPENDIX D: Martensite/Austenite Rating Chart

The rating chart shown below provides a visual estimation of per
cent Retained Austenite. A microstructure sample is to be prepared
by polishing, etching in 3.5% Nital, and viewed at 400X. Note that
this is a rough visual estimation and a requirement for more precise
measured amounts of Retained Austenite should be determined by x-
ray diffraction.

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CHANGE HISTORY:

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