This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles

for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

Designation: A508/A508M − 23a

Standard Specification for

Quenched and Tempered Vacuum-Treated Carbon and Alloy
Steel Forgings for Pressure Vessels1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation A508/A508M; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year
of original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.
A superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.

This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.

1. Scope* Grade 5 Class 2 Class 5A

2 Grade 22 Class 3 Class 22B
1.1 This specification covers quenched and tempered Grade 22 Classes 4, 5, 6, and 7
vacuum-treated carbon and alloy steel forgings for pressure Grade 3V Class 3V
vessels such as those used in reactor systems. Specifically, it 1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the
covers forgings for vessel closures, shells, flanges, tube sheets, safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
rings, heads, and similar parts. responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
1.2 All grades are considered weldable under proper condi- priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
tions. Welding technique is of fundamental importance, and it mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
is presupposed that welding procedure and inspection will be in 1.6 This international standard was developed in accor-
accordance with approved methods for the grade of material dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
used. ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
1.3 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
system shall be used independently of the other. Combining
values from the two systems may result in non-conformance 2. Referenced Documents
with the standard. 2.1 ASTM Standards:3
1.4 Unless the order specifies the applicable “M” specifica- A275/A275M Practice for Magnetic Particle Examination of
tion designation, the material shall be furnished to the inch- Steel Forgings
pound units. A370 Test Methods and Definitions for Mechanical Testing
of Steel Products
NOTE 1—Grades 1 and 1A are composed of different chemistries but
have the same mechanical requirements. A388/A388M Practice for Ultrasonic Examination of Steel
NOTE 2—Designations have been changed as follows: Forgings
Current Formerly A788/A788M Specification for Steel Forgings, General Re-
Grade 1 Class 1 quirements
Grade 1A Class 1A A966/A966M Practice for Magnetic Particle Examination of
Grade 2 Class 1 Class 2
Grade 2 Class 2 Class 2A Steel Forgings Using Alternating Current
Grade 3 Class 1 Class 3 E208 Test Method for Conducting Drop-Weight Test to
Grade 3 Class 2 Class 3A Determine Nil-Ductility Transition Temperature of Fer-
Grade 4N Class 1 Class 4
Grade 4N Class 2 Class 4A ritic Steels
Grade 4N Class 3 Class 4B E428 Practice for Fabrication and Control of Metal, Other
Grade 5 Class 1 Class 5 than Aluminum, Reference Blocks Used in Ultrasonic
Testing (Withdrawn 2019)4
1
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee A01 on Steel,
Stainless Steel and Related Alloys and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee
3
A01.06 on Steel Forgings and Billets. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Current edition approved Nov. 1, 2023. Published November 2023. Originally contact ASTM Customer Service at [email protected]. For Annual Book of ASTM
approved in 1964. Last previous edition approved in 2023 as A508/A508M – 23. Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
DOI: 10.1520/A0508_A0508M-23A. the ASTM website.
2 4
For ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code applications see related Specifi- The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on
cation SA-508/SA-508M in Section II of that Code. www.astm.org.

*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard

Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
 A508/A508M − 23a
2.2 American Society of Mechanical Engineers Standard: 5.1.3 Discard—Sufficient discard shall be made from each
Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code—Section III, Articles ingot to secure freedom from piping and excessive segregation.
NB 2300, NC 2300, ND 2300, NE 2300, NF 2300, NG 5.2 Heat Treatment:
23005
5.2.1 Preliminary Heat Treatment—After forging and be-
3. Terminology fore reheating, the forgings shall be cooled to provide substan-
tially complete transformation of austenite. Preliminary heat
3.1 Definitions: treatment may be applied to improve machinability and to
3.1.1 controlling cross section thickness (TC)—the diameter enhance subsequent heat treatments.
of the largest theoretical sphere which can be inscribed within 5.2.2 Heat Treatment for Mechanical Properties—The forg-
the volume of the forging. ings shall be heated to a temperature which produces an
4. Ordering Information austenitic structure and then quenched in a suitable liquid
medium by spraying or immersion. For Grade 4N, Classes 1
4.1 Purchase Order—In addition to the ordering informa- and 3, the austenitizing temperature shall be 1540 °F [840 °C]
tion required by Specification A788/A788M, the purchaser min to 1640 °F [895 °C] max. Quenching shall be followed by
shall include with the inquiry and order a detailed drawing that tempering at a subcritical temperature and holding at this
locates the areas of significant loading in the forging (when temperature for a minimum time of one-half hour per inch of
required), the method of selecting test locations (see 7.1.5 and maximum section thickness. Except when Supplementary Re-
7.1.6), and purchase options (see 5.2.2, 7.2, and 11.1) and any quirement S13 is specified for Grades 2 and 3, the minimum
supplementary requirements desired. tempering temperatures shall be as follows:
4.2 Forging Drawing—Each forging shall be manufactured Grades 1, 1A, 2 Class 2, and 3 Class 2 1150 °F [620 °C]
in accordance with a purchaser-approved drawing showing the Grades 2 Class 1 and 3 Class 1 1200 °F [650 °C]
Grades 4N Classes 1 and 2, and 5 1100 °F [595 °C]
prequenched dimensions, the finished dimensions, the surfaces Classes 1 and 2
that will be subjected to significant loading, and the locations Grade 4N Class 3 1125 °F [605 °C]
of mechanical test specimens. Grades 3V and 3VCb 1250 °F [675 °C]
Grade 22, Class 3 1200 °F [650 °C]
4.3 Material supplied to this specification shall conform to Grade 22, Classes 4, 5, 6, and 7 1100 °F [593 °C]
the requirements of Specification A788/A788M, which out- Specific cooling rates from the tempering temperature shall
lines additional ordering information, manufacturing be applied if Supplementary Requirement S14 is specified.
requirements, testing and retesting methods and procedures,
5.3 For Grades 1, 1A, 2, 2A, 3, or 3A, a multiple stage
marking, certification, product analysis variations, and addi-
austenitizing procedure may be used whereby the forging is
tional supplementary requirements.
first fully austenitized and liquid quenched, followed by
4.3.1 When specified by the purchaser, it is permissible to
reheating within the intercritical temperature range to partially
perform Magnetic particle examination using the AC yoke in
reaustenitize and again liquid quenched. On completion of the
accordance with Practice A966/A966M instead of using Prac-
austenitizing/quenching cycles, the forgings shall be tempered
tice A275/A275M (see 9.2.1).
at a subcritical temperature as described in 5.2.2.
4.4 The optional minimum silicon content as expressed in
Footnote B to Table 1, if required. 6. Chemical Composition
4.5 If the requirements of this specification are in conflict 6.1 Heat Analysis—The heat analysis obtained from sam-
with the requirements of Specification A788/A788M, the pling in accordance with Specification A788/A788M shall
requirements of this specification shall prevail. comply with Table 1 except that the additional features of
Supplementary Requirements S7, S8, S9, and S11 shall also
5. Materials and Manufacture
apply as individually specified in the ordering information.
5.1 Melting Process:
5.1.1 The steel shall be made by the basic electric-furnace 6.2 Product Analysis—The manufacturer shall use the prod-
process except when secondary ladle refining or the remelting uct analysis provision of Specification A788/A788M to obtain
process is employed, in which case the melting processes of a product analysis from a forging representing each heat or
Specification A788/A788M are permitted. multiple heat. The permissible variations provided in the table
5.1.2 The molten steel shall be vacuum treated in accor- on Permissible Variations in Product Analysis for Killed Steel
dance with the methods described in Specification A788/ in Specification A788/A788M apply for manganese, nickel,
A788M, prior to or during the pouring of the ingot, in order to chromium, molybdenum, and vanadium only. Boron is not
remove objectionable gases, particularly hydrogen. Grade 22 subject to product analysis. The purchaser may also make this
Classes 4, 5, 6, and 7 liquid steel shall be produced to a fine determination in accordance with Specification A788/A788M.
grain melting practice which has been shown to result in a prior
austenitic grain size of five or finer. 7. Mechanical Properties
7.1 Tension Test:
5
7.1.1 The steel shall conform to the requirements of Table 2.
Available from American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), ASME
International Headquarters, Two Park Ave., New York, NY 10016-5990, http:// 7.1.2 The location and number of tension test specimens for
www.asme.org. each forging or multiple forging shall be as follows:

2
 A508/A508M − 23a
TABLE 1 Chemical Requirements
Composition, %
Grade 1 Grade 1A Grade 2 Grade 3 Grade 4N Grade 5 Grade 22A Grade 3V Grade 3VCb Grade 6
Carbon 0.35 max 0.30 max 0.27 max 0.25 max 0.23 max 0.23 max 0.11–0.15 0.10–0.15 0.10–0.15 0.28–0.33
Manganese 0.40–1.05 0.70–1.35 0.50–1.00 1.20–1.50 0.20–0.40 0.20–0.40 0.30–0.60 0.30–0.60 0.30–0.60 0.75–1.15
Phosphorus 0.025 max 0.025 max 0.025 max 0.025 max 0.020 max 0.020 max 0.015 max 0.020 max 0.020 max 0.025 max
Sulfur 0.025 max 0.025 max 0.025 max 0.025 max 0.020 max 0.020 max 0.015 max 0.020 max 0.010 max 0.025 max
SiliconB 0.40 max 0.40 max 0.40 max 0.40 max 0.40 max 0.30 max 0.35 max 0.10 max 0.10 max 0.35 max
Nickel 0.40 max 0.40 max 0.50–1.00 0.40–1.00 2.8–3.9 2.8–3.9 0.25 max ... 0.25 max 0.75–0.95
Chromium 0.25 max 0.25 max 0.25–0.45 0.25 max 1.50–2.00 1.50–2.00 2.00–2.50 2.8–3.3 2.7–3.3 0.70–1.00
Molybdenum 0.10 max 0.10 max 0.55–0.70 0.45–0.60 0.40–0.60 0.40–0.60 0.90–1.10 max 0.90–1.10 0.90–1.10 0.30–0.45
Vanadium 0.05 max 0.05 max 0.05 max 0.05 max 0.03 max 0.08 max 0.02 max 0.20–0.30 0.20–0.30 0.05 max
ColumbiumC 0.01 max 0.01 max 0.01 max 0.01 max 0.01 max 0.01 max 0.01 max 0.01 max 0.015–0.070 0.01 max
Copper 0.20 max 0.20 max 0.20 max 0.20 max 0.25 max 0.25 max 0.25 max 0.25 max 0.25 max 0.25 max
Calcium 0.015 max 0.015 max 0.015 max 0.015 max 0.015 max 0.015 max 0.015 max 0.015 max 0.0005–0.0150 0.015 max
Boron 0.003 max 0.003 max 0.003 max 0.003 max 0.003 max 0.003 max 0.003 max 0.001–0.003 0.003 max 0.003 max
Titanium 0.015 max 0.015 max 0.015 max 0.015 max 0.015 max 0.015 max 0.015 max 0.015–0.035 0.015 max 0.015 max
AluminumD 0.030 max 0.030 max 0.030 max 0.030 max 0.025 max 0.025 max 0.025 max 0.015 max 0.015 max 0.025 max
A
For Grade 22 Classes 5, 6, and 7 with section thickness at heat treat of 8 in. or greater, the carbon and manganese shall be held to 0.13 to 0.15 and 0.50 to 0.60,
respectively.
B
When required by the purchaser a minimum silicon content of 0.15 % shall apply for Grades 1, 1A, 2, 3, and 4N.
C
Columbium (Cb) and Niobium (Nb) are alternate names for Element 41 in the Periodic Table of the Elements.
D
Aluminum content reported shall be the combined total soluble and insoluble aluminum.

7.1.2.1 Individual Forgings with Weights Not Exceeding each end. The tension test specimens oriented 180° apart from
1000 lb [455 kg] or Multiple Forgings Separated into Identical each other shall be taken from each test prolongation. The two
Individual Forgings with Weights not Exceeding 1000 lb tension specimens located in one test prolongation shall be
[455 kg] Prior to Quenching and Tempering Treatment—At oriented 90° in relation to the two tension specimens located in
least one individual forging from each heat and each heat- the other test prolongation.
treating lot shall be tested using the test specimen locations of
NOTE 3—Multiple forgings in 7.1.2.2 through 7.1.2.5 are those which
7.1.5 or 7.1.6 as specified on the purchase orders, except that will be separated after the quench and temper treatment.
test specimens located at midlength may be closer to the ends NOTE 4—A test prolongation is defined as that integral test metal
of the production forging than the specified distance to the located at an end of the forging or forging multiples.
second surfaces. All forgings shall be quenched and tempered
7.1.3 Samples for mechanical test specimen shall be re-
in the same furnace charge. All forgings shall be Brinell
moved from forgings after the quenching and tempering heat
hardness tested after heat treatment. Forgings not tested for
treatment. The sample material shall be subjected to a simu-
other mechanical properties shall be within 20 Brinell hardness
lated post-weld heat treatment if Supplementary Requirement
numbers of the forging that has been tested for mechanical
S1 is specified.
properties.
7.1.2.2 Forgings or Multiple Forgings (Note 3) with Weight 7.1.4 For upset disk forgings, the longitudinal axis of the
at Time of Heat Treatment Not Exceeding 10 000 lb [4540 kg] test specimens shall be in the tangential direction. For all other
and Having a Heat-Treated Length (Exclusive of Test Prolon- parts, the longitudinal axis of the specimens shall be parallel to
gation) of 80 in. [2032 mm] or Less—A test prolongation (Note the direction of major working of the forging.
4) shall be located at one end. One tension test specimen shall 7.1.5 Each forging shall be manufactured in accordance
be taken from the test prolongation. with a purchaser-approved drawing, showing the prequenched
7.1.2.3 Forgings or Multiple Forgings with Weight at Time dimensions, the finished dimensions, the surfaces that will be
of Heat Treatment Not Exceeding 10 000 lb [4540 kg] and subjected to critical stresses, and the location of mechanical
Having a Heat-Treated Length (Exclusive of Test Prolonga- test specimens.
tions) Exceeding 80 in. [2032 mm]—A test prolongation shall 7.1.6 The tension test specimens shall be positioned so that
be located at each end. One tension test specimen shall be the longitudinal axis and mid-length is in accordance with one
taken from each test prolongation. An orientation of 180° shall of the following methods:
be established between the two tension test specimens. 7.1.6.1 Method 1—t by 2t, where t is the distance from the
7.1.2.4 Forgings or Multiple Forgings with Weight at Time area of significant loading (see 4.1) to the nearest quenched
of Heat Treatment Over 10 000 lb [4540 kg] and Having a surface. Specimens shall be removed at least 2t from the
Heat-Treated Length (Exclusive of Test Prolongation) of 80 in. nearest second surface. However, they shall not be nearer to
[2032 mm] or Less—A test prolongation shall be located at one one quenched surface than 3⁄4 in. [20 mm] and to the second
end. Two tension test specimens shall be taken from the test quenched surface than 11⁄2 in. [40 mm].
prolongation and shall be oriented 180° apart. 7.1.6.2 Method 2—1⁄4 TC by TC. Specimens shall be re-
7.1.2.5 Forgings or Multiple Forgings with Weight at Time moved 1⁄4 TC from the nearest quenched surface and at least TC
of Heat Treatment Over 10 000 lb [4540 kg] and Having a from all other surfaces exclusive of the TC dimension surfaces.
Heat-Treated Length (Exclusive of Test Prolongations) Exceed- Where this method of testing is employed, the following
ing 80 in. [2032 mm]—A test prolongation shall be located at limitations for TC shall generally apply:

3
 TABLE 2 Tensile Requirements
Grades Grades
Grades 2 Grades 2 4N 4N
Class 1 Class 2 Class 1 Class 2 Grades 3V
Grades 1 and and and and Grade 4N Grade 22 and Grade 6 Grade 6 Grade 6 Grade 6 Grade 22 Grade 22 Grade 22 Grade 22
and 1a 3 Class 1 3 Class 2 5 Class 1 5 Class 2 Class 3 Class 3 3VCb Class 1 Class 2 Class 3 Class 4 Class 4 Class 5 Class 6 Class 7

Tensile strength, 70–95 80–105 90–115 105–130 115–140 90–115 85–110 85–110 85–110 95–120 100–125 105–130 85–110 95–120 100–125 105–130

4
ksi [MPa] [485–655] [550–725] [620–795] [725–895] [795–965] [620–795] [585–760] [585–760] [585–760] [655–825] [690–860] [725–895] [585–760] [655–825] [690–860] [725–895]
Yield strength, min 36 [250] 50 [345] 65 [450] 85 [585] 100 [690] 70 [485] 55 [380] 60 [415] 60 [415] 75 [515] 80 [550] 85 [585] 60 [415] 75 [515] 80 [550] 85 [585]
[0.2 % offset],
ksi [MPa]
Elongation in 2 in. 20 18 16 18 16 20 18 18 20 18 18 18 20 18 18 18
or 50 mm, min, %
Reduction of area, 38 38 35 45 45 48 45 45 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35
A508/A508M − 23a

min, %
 A508/A508M − 23a

Grades 1 and 1a 3 in. [75 mm], max the tension test specimens as defined in 7.1.6. The axis of the
Grades 2 Class 2 and 3 Class 2 6 in. [150 mm], max notch shall be normal to the nearest heat-treated surface of the
Grades 2 Class 1 and 3 Class 1 8 in. [205 mm], max
Grade 4N Class 2 and 5 Class 2 16 in. [405 mm], max
forging. When Supplementary Requirement S10 is specified
Grade 4N Class 1 and 5 Class 1 30 in. [760 mm], max the orientation shall be governed by NB, NC, ND, NE, NF, or
Grade 4N Class 3 40 in. [1015 mm], max NG 2300.
Grades 3V and 3VCb 20 in. [510 mm], max
Grade 22 Class 3 20 in. [510 mm], max
7.2.2 Impact specimens shall be Charpy V-notch as shown
Grade 22 Classes 4, 5, 6, and 7 12 in. [305 mm], max in Test Methods and Definitions A370.
7.1.6.3 Method 3—Test specimens shall be taken from a
8. Workmanship and Quality Level Requirements
representative separate test forging made from the same heat of
steel and shall receive substantially the same reduction and 8.1 See requirements in 9.1, 9.2.2, 9.3.1.1, and 9.3.2.2.
type of hot working as the production forgings that it represents
and shall have the same TC as the as-quenched production 9. Nondestructive Inspection Requirements
forgings. The separate test forging shall be heat treated in the 9.1 General Requirements—Dimensional and visual
same furnace charge and under the same conditions as the inspections, and magnetic particle and ultrasonic inspection
production forgings. Test specimens shall be removed from the shall be conducted by the manufacturer. Forgings shall be free
region midway between the mid-thickness and the surface, and of cracks, thermal ruptures, or other injurious indications.
not closer than TC to a second heat-treated surface with the 9.2 Magnetic Particle Inspection:
same limitation on forging thickness as in 7.1.6.2. 9.2.1 Following final machining by the manufacturer all
Alternatively, an extra production forging of the same configu- accessible surfaces of each forging shall be examined by the
ration (right- and left- handed configurations being considered continuous current magnetic particle method. This examination
equivalent) as that ordered, may be tested as described in shall be in accordance with Practice A275/A275M unless the
Method 2. purchaser has required the use of the AC yoke in accordance
7.1.6.4 Method 4—A thermal buffer ring, at least TC by TC with Practice A966/A966M instead (see 4.3.1).
in cross section, or segments of such a ring at least 3 TC in 9.2.2 The following conditions are subject to rejection or
length, shall be welded to the test end of a forging prior to heat removal:
treatment for mechanical properties. The buffer material may 9.2.2.1 Indications with major dimension exceeding 3⁄16 in.
be any weldable carbon or low-alloy steel and shall be joined [4.8 mm].
to the forging with a partial-penetration type weld which 9.2.2.2 Four or more indications exceeding 1⁄16 in. [1.6 mm]
completely seals the buffered surface. The test coupons shall be in major dimensions that are aligned and separated by 1⁄16 in.
removed from the forging in the region buffered by the ring or [1.6 mm] or less end to end.
ring segments. If ring segments are used, the test coupons shall 9.2.2.3 Ten or more indications exceeding 1⁄16 in. [1.6 mm]
be removed from the forging in the area under the buffer ring in major dimensions contained in any 6 in.2 [39 cm2] of
segment at a minimum distance of TC from each end of that surface, with the major dimension of this area not to exceed
segment. In either case, the test specimens shall be located at 6 in. [150 mm]. The area shall be taken in the most unfavorable
a minimum distance of 1⁄2 in. [13 mm] from the buffered location relative to the indications being evaluated.
surface of the forging, and at least 1⁄4 TC from a quenched
surface of the forging. Where this method of testing is 9.3 Ultrasonic Inspection—Forgings shall be ultrasonically
employed, the limitations for TC given in 7.1.6.2 shall gener- inspected in accordance with the procedures of Practice A388/
ally apply. A388M.
9.3.1 Longitudinal Wave Inspection:
NOTE 5—For forgings with a maximum TC of 2 in. [50 mm], the 9.3.1.1 Unless otherwise specified by Supplementary Re-
specimens shall be taken at midthickness and at least 2 in. from a second
quirement S2, the back reflection method of tuning shall be
surface. This provision is applicable to all four methods in 7.1.6.
used in accordance with 7.2.2.1 of Practice A388/A388M. In
7.1.7 Tension specimens shall be the standard 0.5 in. addition to the reportable conditions in Section 7 of Practice
[12.5 mm] round by 2 in. [50 mm] gauge length, as shown in A388/A388M, indications exceeding the resultant back reflec-
Test Methods and Definitions A370. tion shall be recorded. The following conditions are considered
7.2 Impact Test—The steel shall conform to the require- rejectable:
ments of Table 3, or Supplementary Requirement S10 may be 9.3.1.2 Complete loss of back reflection not associated with
specified instead of these requirements. forging configuration or surface and accompanied by an
7.2.1 Number, Location, and Orientation of Specimens: indication of a discontinuity. For this purpose, a back reflection
7.2.1.1 One set of three Charpy V-notch specimens shall be less than 5 % of full screen height shall be considered complete
taken from each tensile specimen location required in 7.1.2. loss of back reflection.
Orientation shall be the same as in 7.1.4. When S10 is 9.3.1.3 Indications whose amplitude equals or exceeds that
specified, the required number of tests shall be governed by of the back reflection established in an indication-free area of
NB, NC, ND, NE, NF, or NG 2300, as applicable. the forging.
7.2.1.2 The requirements of 7.1.3 also apply to impact 9.3.2 Angle Beam Inspection:
specimens. 9.3.2.1 Calibration notches shall be cut into the inside- and
7.2.1.3 The longitudinal axis and mid-length of the impact outside-diameter surfaces with a depth equal to 3 % of the
specimen shall be located similarly to the longitudinal axis of nominal section thickness (or 3⁄8 in. [9.5 mm], max), a length of

5
 TABLE 3 Charpy Impact Requirements
Grade 22,
Grades 4N Class 3, Grade 6 Grade 22
Grades 2 Class 1 Grades 2 Class 2 (all classes) and Grades 3V Classes 1, 2, 3, Classes 4, 5, 6,
Grades 1 and 1a and 3 Class 1 and 3 Class 2 and 5 (all classes) and 3VCb and 4 and 7

6
at +40 °F at +40 °F at +70 °F at −20 °F at 0 °F at –75 °F at –75 °F
[4.4 °C] [4.4 °C] [21 °C] [−29 °C] [−18 °C] [−59 °C] [−60 °C]
Minimum average value of set of three specimens, ft·lbf [J]A 15 [20] 30 [41] 35 [48] 35 [48] 40 [54] 20 [27] 40 [55]
Minimum value of one specimen, ft lbf [J] 10 [14] 25 [34] 30 [41] 30 [41] 35 [50] 15 [20] 35 [50]
A
Not more than one specimen from a set may be below this value.
A508/A508M − 23a
 A508/A508M − 23a
approximately 1 in. [25 mm], and a width not greater than 10.2 If repair welding is performed, welders and weld
twice its depth. Adjust instrument controls to obtain an procedures shall be qualified in accordance with Section IX of
indication from the inside-diameter notch approximately 75 % the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code.
of full screen height. Measure the amplitude of indication from
the outside-diameter notch. Draw a straight line on the shield in 11. Certification and Reports
front of the cathode ray tube from this peak to that of the 11.1 In addition to items to be reported by Specification
inside-diameter notch and continue it as a horizontal line to the A788/A788M, the following items shall also be reported:
initial pulse. This line constitutes the angle beam reference 11.1.1 Product chemical analysis,
line. 11.1.2 The method used for locating test specimens, and
9.3.2.2 A forging containing a discontinuity which results in 11.1.3 Sketches showing the locations of all recordable
an indication exceeding the amplitude of the reference line is indications in the report of all nondestructive examinations.
subject to rejection. 11.1.3.1 If Practice A966/A966M has been used, this also
shall be recorded in the certification.
NOTE 6—Signals from discontinuities within approximately 1⁄4 in.
[6.4 mm] of inside and outside surfaces are reinforced by wave trapping
11.1.4 Details of the heat treatment cycle, as listed in
during angle beam inspection; they are therefore amplified in respect to Specification A788/A788M.
internal discontinuities.
12. Product Marking
9.3.3 The report of the ultrasonic inspection shall be in
compliance with Section 8 of Practice A388/A388M. 12.1 The purchaser may specify additional identification
marking and the location of the stamping. The type of stamps
9.3.4 Additional nondestructive inspection or trepanning
to be used when impression stamping is performed shall be
may be employed to resolve questions of interpretation of
round-nosed or “interrupted-dot” die stamps having a mini-
ultrasonic indications. The manufacturer shall accept respon-
mum radius of 1⁄32 in. [0.8 mm].
sibility for injurious indications which will not be removed in
final machining. 13. Keywords
13.1 chromium-molybdenum steel; nickel-chromium-
10. Repair Welding
molybdenum alloy steels; pressure vessel service; quenched
10.1 Repair welding of forgings may be permitted, but only and tempered steels; steel forgings—alloy; steel forgings—
at the option of the purchaser. carbon; vacuum-treated steels

SUPPLEMENTARY REQUIREMENTS

One or more of the following supplementary requirements shall apply only when specified by the
purchaser in the inquiry or order. Details of these supplementary requirements shall be agreed upon
between the manufacturer and the purchaser.

S1. Simulated Post-Weld Heat Treatment of Mechanical S2.1.2 The reference blocks shall be manufactured from
Test Samples steel that is similar in chemistry and processing history to the
S1.1 All test coupons shall be subjected to single or multiple production forging being tested. The reference blocks shall be
heat treatments at subcritical temperatures prior to testing. fabricated in accordance with the procedures of Practice E428.
Such treatments are intended to simulate post-weld or other S2.2 For test sections up to 12 in. [305 mm] thick, the
treatments to which the forgings will be subjected during reference blocks shall contain a 1⁄4 in. [6.4 mm] diameter
subsequent fabrication. The purchaser shall furnish the manu- flat-bottom hole; for over 12 in. to 18 in. [305 mm to 457 mm],
facturer with details of the desired heat treatment for the test the hole diameter shall be 3⁄8 in. [9.5 mm]; and for over 18 in.
coupons, including temperatures, timers, and cooling rates. to 24 in. [457 mm to 610 mm], it shall be 1⁄2 in. [13 mm].
S2.3 A distance-amplitude correction curve shall be estab-
S2. Ultrasonic Testing-Reference Block Calibration (for lished for the proper grade of steel and specified hole size.
examining sections 24 in. [610 mm] thick or less) S2.4 A forging containing one or more indications equal in
amplitude to that of the applicable reference hole, when
S2.1 Reference blocks of acoustically similar metal shall be
properly corrected for distance, is subject to rejection.
used for calibration. Blocks shall meet one of the following
requirements:
S3. Charpy V-Notch Impact Transition Curve
S2.1.1 A comparison of the back reflections between
equivalent thicknesses of the reference block material and the S3.1 Sufficient impact tests shall be made from the forging
actual forging to be tested, without change in instrument test material to establish a temperature-absorbed energy curve.
setting shall not show a variation in excess of 25 %. The test-temperature range shall be wide enough to establish

7
 A508/A508M − 23a
the upper and lower shelf foot-pound energies, with sufficient S9.1.2 P 0.015 maximum heat and 0.018 maximum product;
testing at intermediate temperatures to permit plotting a rea- Cu 0.15 maximum heat and product.
sonably smooth curve. S9.2 Grades 2, 3, 4N shall be specified with restricted sulfur
of 0.015 heat and 0.018 product.
S4. Additional Charpy Data
S4.1 The percent shear fracture and mils of lateral S10. Alternative Fracture Toughness Requirements
expansion, defined in Test Methods and Definitions A370, shall S10.1 The fracture toughness requirements (drop weight
be reported for each Charpy specimen tested. and Charpy impact tests) for materials of the ASME Boiler and
S4.2 Acceptance values for percent shear fracture or lateral Pressure Vessel Code, Section III, Articles NB 2300, NC 2300,
expansion values, or both, shall be as specified by the pur- ND 2300, NE 2300, NF 2300, or NG 2300, as specified, shall
chaser. be used instead of the Charpy impact test requirements of this
S5. Alternative Impact Test specification.

S5.1 Charpy impact tests shall be made in accordance with S11. Vacuum Carbon-Deoxidized Steels
the provisions of 7.2 of the specification except that the test
S11.1 Material made to Grades 1, 1a, 2, 3, 4N, or 5 shall be
temperature shall be lower than specified in Table 3. This test
vacuum carbon-deoxidized, in which case the silicon content
shall be instead of that specified in 7.2.
shall be 0.10 % max. The test report shall indicate that the steel
S6. Drop-Weight Test was vacuum carbon-deoxidized.
S6.1 Drop-weight tests shall be conducted in accordance
S12. Vacuum-Treated Basic Oxygen Furnace Steels
with the requirements of Test Method E208. The fracture plane
of the specimens shall coincide with the location required for S12.1 For Grades 1, 1a, 2, or 3 material, vacuum-treated
other mechanical test specimens as specified by the purchaser basic oxygen furnace steel shall be used.
in accordance with 7.1.6. However, since the drop weight
specimen can be taken in any orientation, the fracture plane of S13. Minimum Tempering Temperature
the specimen when tested to Method 1 (7.1.6.1) shall be a S13.1 For Grades 2 Class 1 and 3 Class 1 the minimum
minimum distance of 7⁄16 in. [11 mm] from the nearest tempering temperature shall be 1175 °F [635 °C] and the
quenched surface, and 11⁄2 in. [38 mm] from any second simulated post weld heat treatment temperature shall not
surface. The purchaser may specify either duplicate no-break exceed 1150 °F [620 °C] when S1 is required.
performance when tested 10 °F [6 °C] warmer than a specified
temperature or request a determination of the NDT tempera- S14. Cooling from the Tempering Temperature
ture.
S14.1 The purchaser shall provide specific cooling rates
S7. Restrictive Chemistry for Grades 4N and 5 from the tempering temperature.
S7.1 Phosphorus and sulfur limits for Grades 4N and 5 shall S15. Product Analysis
be 0.015 % maximum heat and 0.018 % maximum product.
S15.1 More than one forging per heat shall be subject to
S8. Additional Vanadium product analysis by either the manufacturer or purchaser. The
S8.1 The vanadium content for Grade 5 forgings shall be purchaser shall indicate in the ordering information the number
0.05 % to 0.15 %. of forgings to be tested, and whether the manufacturer,
purchaser, or both shall perform the additional analyses.
S9. Restrictive Chemistry for Grades 2, 3, or 4N
S9.1 Grades 2, 3, or 4N shall be specified with restricted S16. Silicon Content
phosphorus and copper limits, as follows: S16.1 The silicon content shall be 0.05 % to 0.15 % as a
S9.1.1 P 0.012 maximum heat and 0.015 maximum product; result of ladle refining with aluminum as the deoxidizer. Use of
Cu 0.10 maximum heat and product, or Vacuum Ladle Degassing is optional.

8
 A508/A508M − 23a
SUMMARY OF CHANGES

Committee A01 has identified the location of selected changes to this standard since the last issue
(A508/A508M – 23) that may impact the use of this standard. (Approved Nov. 1, 2023.)

(1) Revisions to 7.1.2.1 to improve clarity between only

hardness tested forgings and the forging that has been tested for
other mechanical properties.

Committee A01 has identified the location of selected changes to this standard since the last issue
(A508/A508M – 18 (2023)) that may impact the use of this standard. (Approved September 1, 2023.)

(1) Revisions to 7.1.2.1 to remove restrictions on forgings

separated from multiples from 20 HB hardness spread from the
forging that is tested for mechanical properties such that all
forgings covered by this section are afforded this arrangement.

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