This article reviews the measurement physics of macro and micro Vickers indentation testing and the factors that determine measurement precision and repeatability. Study results show that when force loads of less than 100 gf are used, it is difficult for operators to precisely determine the position of the indenter tip, leading to various measurement errors. These errors explain the data anomalies reported in the literature for low-load Vickers hardness testing, which are often incorrectly attributed to material characteristics.

Preventive multi-frequency testing using eddy current ensures heat-treated parts meet specifications.

From its earliest beginnings to today, hardness testing has evolved in a parallel manner to the engineering innovations of the times.

Powder metallurgy offers distinct advantages for the production of certain alloys. The degree to which contents of the alloy may be prescribed represents tremendous potential and supports alloy use in new applications. However, robust testing of powder metallurgy alloys is required to assess their potential and quality. Fatigue testing via the resonance principle enables metallurgists to achieve greater throughput in testing programs, while novel hardness testing platforms support analysis of individual phases in porous powder metallurgy specimens.

The absence of standards and a common vocabulary are an obstacle when it comes to evaluating the structure of thermal spray coatings. However, proper sectioning and mounting of metallographic specimens helps ensure that the images obtained accurately reflect the coating structure and the information that can be derived from it.

In recognition of ASM International's 100-year anniversary , AM&P highlights historic events and technological advancements that occurred over the course of those years. This issue extends the timeline from 1924 to 1933, which includes the invention of 18-8 (type 304) stainless steel, the development of the Vickers hardness test, the debut of tungsten carbide cutting tools, and the first all-metal single-wing aircraft to transport mail.

The Center for Heat Treating Excellence (CHTE) at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) in Massachusetts is conducting a cutting-edge research project aimed at measuring the surface hardness and case depth on carburized steels for process verification and control. The results will enable companies to improve the quality of heat-treated products faster and more cost-effectively. Nondestructive techniques being evaluated initially include eddy current, meandering winding magnetometer (MWM), Barkhausen noise testing, and alternating current potential drop.

This article describes how shielding gas composition, either argon or nitrogen, affects the hardness, tensile strength, and toughness of high-power, high-brightness laser welds made on various base materials, including A508 forging steel, 316L stainless steel, Inconel 690, and solution-annealed IN718.

Compared to traditional power plant materials, creep strength enhanced ferritic steels require new approaches to nondestructive examination and weld repair. The metallurgical complexity of these steels prompted EPRI to conduct research to define and/or improve the detection limits of ultrasonic testing techniques, explore novel electromagnetic techniques, evaluate the sensitivity and applicability of acoustic emission testing, and conduct studies on improved weld repair procedures.

Several industries are now expanding robot integration beyond production tasks into new areas such as testing, where it has been shown to increase throughput and eliminate operator influence.

Throughout metal making history, nothing has exceeded the technical importance, scientific complexity, and human curiosity involved in the hardening of steel. After the bustling 1890s, with its exciting and productive discoveries around steel metallography, a period of quiet consolidation occurred in the early 20th century. This article describes the breakthroughs in steel metallurgy that occurred after this period by such pioneers as William Chandler Roberts-Austen, Adolf Martens, Henry Marion Howe, and Edgar C. Bain.

Process optimization and optimal component performance can be achieved when multiple variables are measured and studied as a whole. In the investigation described in this article, fatigue performance of AISI 8620 H steel was characterized as a function of carburization case depth, hardness, residual stress, and retained austenite to demonstrate that an optimized carburization process could be engineered to meet specific application requirements.

This article describes sample preparation to create a visually impressive micrograph image of single-phase cartridge brass, C26000, an alloy composition of 70% copper and 30% zinc. C26000 was chosen due to the striking twins and large grain size that are easily generated by annealing a cold-worked sample, the large range of contrast and colors that can be created by etching, and the wide availability of the material. This entry won the Jacquet-Lucas Award for Best in Show at the 2021 International Metallographic Contest.

Software specifically designed for materials testing environments and quality control laboratories offers a solution to many of today’s challenges, including lightweighting initiatives across multiple industries.This article describes commercial software available for managing test programs and regulatory compliance.

Understanding the forces behind decarburization is the first step toward minimizing its detrimental effects. This article reviews decarburization basics and results of experimental work on spring steels.

An examination of a bearing failure due to mismatched and incomplete flame hardening shows the need to work with heat treaters for proper selection and application. The article includes a case study of a large bearing raceway that failed due to incomplete austenitization.

Additive manufacturing techniques give the mining industry a chance to revolutionize the conceptualization, prototyping, and production of mining tools, including using WC-Fe, Ni-based matrix coatings that display exceptional properties. The article includes a case study involving the successful utilization of WC-NiCrBSi mixed powder as a protective coating on AISI 9310 steel components to enhance wear resistance and durability for mining tool applications.

Enhanced mining tool performance is achieved through the use of reclaimed NiCrBSi-WC powders in laser metal deposition. Collection, analysis, and reuse of spilled powder lowers production costs and reduces environmental impact.

In this study, 316L stainless steel samples were plasma nitrided for 64 h at 370-420 °C then subjected to surface hardness and pitting corrosion testing. The results show that interstitial hardening with nitrogen significantly improved the surface hardness as well as the pitting corrosion resistance of the austenitic stainless steel.

News about ASM members, chapters, events, awards, conferences, affiliates, and other society activities. Topics include: ASM and TMS Launch Energy Journal; Emerging Professionals; Profile of a Volunteer; Pioneering Metallurgist Zay Jeffries.