ASTM A914/A914M-19 (2024) PDF

Full title and description

ASTM A914/A914M-19 – Standard Specification for Steel Bars Subject to Restricted End‑Quench Hardenability Requirements. Specifies the chemical, metallurgical and end‑quench hardenability characteristics (RH grades) for hot‑worked alloy and carbon‑boron steel bars intended to produce a restricted depth of hardening in the end‑quench test; includes requirements for production, testing, and ordering information for bars supplied in either inch‑pound or SI (M) units.

Abstract

This specification defines steels identified by the suffix “RH” that are produced to attain restricted hardenability in the end‑quench test. It provides band limits and hardness criteria (expressed in HRC), options for steelmaking and remelting, required test procedures (end‑quench/hardenability), and ordering information (grade, size, end‑quench requirements, heat analysis, etc.). The standard is available as both inch‑pound and metric (M) designations.

General information

• Status: Current edition designated A914/A914M-19 (published 2019). Some third‑party catalogs list older editions as historical and record withdrawal/cancellation notes for specific archival entries—users should verify current active status with ASTM International before use.
• Publication date: 1 November 2019 (A914/A914M-19).
• Publisher: ASTM International (American Society for Testing and Materials).
• ICS / categories: 77.140.60 – Steel bars and rods (metallurgy / metal products categories).
• Edition / version: A914/A914M-19 (edition approved/published 2019).
• Number of pages: 27 pages (typical PDF/printed edition).

Scope

The standard covers hot‑worked alloy and carbon‑boron steels produced to achieve a restricted depth of hardening in the end‑quench test. It defines RH grade identification, restricted hardenability band limits (relative to conventional H‑bands), applicable units (inch‑pound and SI “M”), production and remelting options, and requirements for reporting and ordering (grade, end‑quenched hardenability specification, heat analysis, etc.). It is intended for material selection and procurement where controlled, limited hardenability is required.

Key topics and requirements

• Definition and identification of RH (restricted hardenability) steel grades and marking/ordering conventions.
• End‑quench hardenability band limits and hardness criteria (Rockwell HRC values at specified distances from quenched end).
• Material production and melting practices (primary melting methods and permitted secondary remelting such as ESR or VAR) and heat definition when remelts are used.
• Testing and sampling requirements: end‑quench test method, hardness measurement locations, and reporting of hardenability results.
• Ordering and certification information: required purchaser specifications (grade, size, length, end‑quench hardenability band required, heat analysis if requested, and special straightness or other mechanical requirements).
• Dual unit presentation: values and tables provided in both inch‑pound and SI (M) units; purchaser must specify which unit system applies.

Typical use and users

Used by steel producers, mill quality engineers, heat‑treatment shops, procurement/specification engineers, component manufacturers (shafts, axles, gears, and other parts where controlled hardenability is critical), and laboratories performing hardenability testing. The standard guides material selection where limited depth of quench hardening is required to control mechanical gradients after heat treatment.

Related standards

Commonly referenced standards and related documents include ASTM A304 (specification for carbon and alloy steel bars subject to end‑quench hardenability requirements), ASTM A29 (general requirements for steel bars), SAE hardenability/hardenability band guidance (J406, J1268, J1868), and relevant ASTM test methods for grain size and hardness measurement. Users often consult these documents together when specifying and testing end‑quenched bar material.

Keywords

steel bars, restricted hardenability, end‑quench, RH grades, hardenability bands, Rockwell HRC, heat treatment, bar specification, ASTM A914, A914/A914M.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM A914/A914M-19 is a specification that establishes requirements for hot‑worked alloy and carbon‑boron steel bars produced to exhibit restricted end‑quench hardenability (RH grades), including hardness band limits, testing, and ordering information.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers material production/melting options, designation of RH grades, end‑quench hardenability bands and hardness criteria (HRC) at specified distances from the quenched end, testing and sampling procedures, dual unit presentation (inch‑pound and SI “M”), and purchaser ordering requirements.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Steel mills, heat‑treatment shops, metallurgical labs, component manufacturers (for parts needing controlled hardenability) and procurement/specification engineers use this standard to specify and verify RH bar material.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The A914/A914M-19 edition was published 1 November 2019 and is the 2019 edition. Some catalogues and resellers show historical or withdrawn/cancelled notations for archival records of earlier editions; always confirm the current active/superseded status directly with ASTM International before using the standard for procurement or compliance.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It is part of ASTM Committee A01 (Steel, Stainless Steel, and Related Alloys) publications and is related to other bar‑ and hardenability‑related standards (for example ASTM A304, A29 and SAE hardenability guidance documents). Editions have evolved from earlier A914/A914M revisions (1992, 2005, 2016) to the 2019 edition.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Steel bars; restricted hardenability; end‑quench; RH grades; hardenability bands; Rockwell hardness; heat treatment; material specification; ASTM A914.