ASTM A290/A290M-16(2021)

Standard Specification for Carbon and Alloy Steel Forgings for Rings for Reduction Gears

ABSTRACT
This specification deals with normalized and tempered, and quenched and tempered, carbon and alloy steel forged or rolled rings for reduction gears. The grades and classes of steels covered here are: Grade 1, Classes A and B, and Grade 2, Classes C and D, which are carbon steels; and Grade 3, Classes E and F, Grade 4, Classes G, H, I, J, K and L, Grade 5, Classes M and P, and Grade 6, Class T, which are alloy steels. Materials shall be manufactured by melting and forging processes and optional machining, and shall be allowed to cool prior to reheating. Heat treatment shall consist of normalizing and tempering for Grade 1, Classes A and B, and quenching and tempering for all other grades and classes. Heat and product analyses shall be performed wherein specimens shall conform to required chemical composition of carbon, manganese, phosphorus, sulfur, silicon, nickel, chromium, molybdenum, vanadium, copper, and aluminum. Steels shall also undergo tension, impact, and Brinell hardness tests, and shall conform to the following mechanical requirements: tensile strength, yield strength, elongation, reduction of area, Brinell hardness, and Charpy V-notch.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers normalized and tempered, and quenched and tempered, carbon and alloy steel forged or rolled rings for reduction gears.  
1.2 Several grades and classes of steel are covered as follows:  
1.2.1 Grade 1, Classes A and B, and Grade 2, Classes C and D, are carbon steel.  
1.2.2 Grade 3, Classes E and F, Grade 4, Classes G, H, I, J, K and L, Grade 5, Classes M and P, and Grade 6, Class T, are alloy steel.  
1.2.3 All grades and classes are considered weldable under proper conditions. Welding techniques are of fundamental importance and it is pre-supposed that welding procedure and inspection will be in accordance with proper methods for the class of material used.  
1.3 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system are not necessarily exact equivalents; therefore, to ensure conformance with the standard, each system shall be used independently of the other, and values from the two systems shall not be combined.  
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.5 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.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 28-Feb-2021
• ICS: 77.140.85 - Iron and steel forgings
• Technical Committee: A01 - Steel, Stainless Steel and Related Alloys
• Drafting Committee: A01.06 - Steel Forgings and Billets

Relations

• Refers: ASTM A370-24 - Standard Test Methods and Definitions for Mechanical Testing of Steel Products
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2024
• Refers: ASTM A388/A388M-23 - Standard Practice for Ultrasonic Examination of Steel Forgings
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2023
• Refers: ASTM A275/A275M-23 - Standard Practice for Magnetic Particle Examination of Steel Forgings
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2023
• Refers: ASTM A370-19 - Standard Test Methods and Definitions for Mechanical Testing of Steel Products
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2019
• Refers: ASTM A788/A788M-19 - Standard Specification for Steel Forgings, General Requirements
• Effective Date: 01-May-2019
• Refers: ASTM A788/A788M-18b - Standard Specification for Steel Forgings, General Requirements
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2018
• Refers: ASTM A788/A788M-18a - Standard Specification for Steel Forgings, General Requirements
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2018
• Refers: ASTM A788/A788M-18 - Standard Specification for Steel Forgings, General Requirements
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2018
• Refers: ASTM A370-17a - Standard Test Methods and Definitions for Mechanical Testing of Steel Products
• Effective Date: 15-Nov-2017
• Refers: ASTM A788/A788M-17a - Standard Specification for Steel Forgings, General Requirements
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2017
• Refers: ASTM A788/A788M-17 - Standard Specification for Steel Forgings, General Requirements
• Effective Date: 01-May-2017
• Refers: ASTM A370-17 - Standard Test Methods and Definitions for Mechanical Testing of Steel Products
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2017
• Refers: ASTM A788/A788M-16a - Standard Specification for Steel Forgings, General Requirements
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2016
• Refers: ASTM A370-15 - Standard Test Methods and Definitions for Mechanical Testing of Steel Products
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2015
• Refers: ASTM A788/A788M-15 - Standard Specification for Steel Forgings, General Requirements
• Effective Date: 01-May-2015

Overview

ASTM A290/A290M-16(2021) is a standard specification developed by ASTM International for carbon steel and alloy steel forgings or rolled rings specifically produced for reduction gears. This document outlines the manufacturing, chemical, mechanical, heat treatment, and testing requirements to ensure the consistent quality and performance of steel rings used in heavy-duty reduction gear applications.

The standard specifies several grades and classes of carbon and alloy steel, address weldability, and requires strict adherence to both the manufacturing process and comprehensive material testing protocols. ASTM A290/A290M supports the international harmonization of steel product quality and facilitates global trade in the gear manufacturing and heavy machinery sectors.

Key Topics

• Material Grades and Classes

  • Carbon steels: Grade 1 (Classes A and B), Grade 2 (Classes C and D)
  • Alloy steels: Grade 3 (Classes E and F), Grade 4 (Classes G, H, I, J, K, L), Grade 5 (Classes M and P), Grade 6 (Class T)

• Manufacturing Methods

  • Rings are produced by forging or rolling from steel manufactured using approved melting practices.
  • Optional rough machining may be performed prior to heat treatment.

• Heat Treatment

  • Grade 1 Classes A and B require normalizing and tempering.
  • All other grades and classes undergo quenching and tempering, with specific minimum tempering temperatures per grade/class.

• Chemical and Mechanical Requirements

  • Chemical composition must fall within specified ranges for elements such as carbon, manganese, phosphorus, sulfur, silicon, nickel, chromium, molybdenum, vanadium, copper, and aluminum.
  • Mechanical properties include minimum tensile and yield strength, elongation, reduction in area, Brinell hardness, and Charpy V-notch impact values.

• Testing and Inspection

  • Mandatory testing includes tension, impact, and Brinell hardness tests in accordance with ASTM A370.
  • Supplementary magnetic particle and ultrasonic examinations can be conducted if specified.

• Weldability

  • All grades and classes are considered weldable with proper techniques and inspections, following relevant procedures for each material class.

Applications

ASTM A290/A290M-16(2021)-compliant steel forgings and rolled rings are widely used in:

• Industrial Reduction Gears:
  Ensuring robust, high-performance gear rings for large mechanical drives in heavy machinery, mining equipment, steel rolling mills, and other power transmission systems.

• Energy Sector:
  Applied in turbines, compressors, and generators where high-strength gear rings are critical for reliable operation.

• Transportation and Shipbuilding:
  Used in gearboxes and drive systems for locomotives, marine vessels, and other vehicles demanding high load-bearing capabilities.

• Heavy Equipment Manufacturing:
  Supports production of off-highway vehicles, construction equipment, and related mechanical systems.

• Custom Gear Solutions:
  Facilitates the manufacture of tailor-made gear rings to meet specific mechanical and dimensional requirements, supporting innovation in gear design.

Related Standards

Organizations involved in manufacturing, procurement, or inspection of steel forgings for reduction gears should also consider the following related ASTM standards:

• ASTM A370 - Test Methods and Definitions for Mechanical Testing of Steel Products
• ASTM A788/A788M - Specification for Steel Forgings, General Requirements
• ASTM A275/A275M - Practice for Magnetic Particle Examination of Steel Forgings
• ASTM A388/A388M - Practice for Ultrasonic Examination of Steel Forgings

Summary

Complying with ASTM A290/A290M-16(2021) ensures that carbon and alloy steel forged or rolled rings for reduction gears meet stringent international quality and performance requirements. This standard is essential for anyone in the gear manufacturing, machinery, or engineering sectors aiming for reliability, safety, and consistency in high-stress mechanical applications. Adherence to ASTM A290/A290M guarantees material integrity, enhances product lifespan, and supports the global standardization of heavy-duty gear components.

Standards Content (Sample)

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:A290/A290M −16 (Reapproved 2021)
Standard Specification for
Carbon and Alloy Steel Forgings for Rings for Reduction
Gears
This standard is issued under the fixed designationA290/A290M; 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.
1. Scope* 2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
1.1 This specification covers normalized and tempered, and
A275/A275M Practice for Magnetic Particle Examination of
quenched and tempered, carbon and alloy steel forged or rolled
Steel Forgings
rings for reduction gears.
A370 Test Methods and Definitions for Mechanical Testing
1.2 Several grades and classes of steel are covered as
of Steel Products
follows:
A388/A388M Practice for Ultrasonic Examination of Steel
1.2.1 Grade 1, ClassesAand B, and Grade 2, Classes C and
Forgings
D, are carbon steel.
A788/A788M Specification for Steel Forgings, General Re-
1.2.2 Grade 3, Classes E and F, Grade 4, Classes G, H, I, J, quirements
K and L, Grade 5, Classes M and P, and Grade 6, Class T, are
alloy steel.
3. Terminology
1.2.3 All grades and classes are considered weldable under
3.1 Definitions of the terms used may be found in Specifi-
proper conditions. Welding techniques are of fundamental
cation A788/A788M.
importance and it is pre-supposed that welding procedure and
inspection will be in accordance with proper methods for the
4. Ordering Information and General Requirements
class of material used.
4.1 In addition to the ordering information required by
1.3 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units
Specification A788/A788M, the purchaser shall specify in the
are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in
inquiry, contract, and order the grade and class desired and the
each system are not necessarily exact equivalents; therefore, to
supplementary requirements, if any, which should apply.
ensure conformance with the standard, each system shall be
4.2 Material supplied to this specification shall conform to
used independently of the other, and values from the two
the requirements of Specification A788/A788M, which out-
systems shall not be combined.
lines additional ordering information, manufacturing
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the requirements, testing and retesting methods and procedures,
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the marking, certification, product analysis variations, and addi-
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- tional supplementary requirements.
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. 5. Materials and Manufacture
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
5.1 Melting Process:
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
5.1.1 The steel shall be produced by any of the melting
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
requirements in Specification A788/A788M, which may be
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
supplemented by Supplementary Requirement S6, Vacuum
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
Degassing.
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
5.2 Discard—Sufficient discard shall be taken from each
ingot to secure freedom from piping and undue segregation.
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee A01 on Steel,
Stainless Steel and Related Alloys and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee
A01.06 on Steel Forgings and Billets. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Current edition approved March 1, 2021. Published March 2021. Originally contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
approved in 1946. Last previous edition approved in 2016 as A290/A290M – 16. Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
DOI: 10.1520/A0290_A0290M-16R21. the ASTM website.
*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
A290/A290M−16 (2021)
5.3 Forging Process—The forgings shall receive their hot 6.1.2 Product Analysis—An analysis may be made by the
mechanical work in accordance with the requirements of purchaser from a forging representing each heat. Samples for
Specification A788/A788M. analysis may be taken from the forging or from a full-size
prolongation at any point midway between the inner and outer
5.4 Heat Treatment:
surfaces of the ring or samples may be taken from the test
5.4.1 Cooling Prior to Heat Treatment—After forging and
specimen.The chemical composition thus determined shall not
before reheating for heat treatment, the forgings shall be
vary from the requirements prescribed in Table 1 by more than
allowed to cool in a manner to prevent injury, to accomplish
the amounts prescribed in Specification A788/A788M.
transformation, and prevent flakes.
5.4.2 Heat treatment shall consist of normalizing and tem-
7. Mechanical Properties
pering for Grade 1 classes A and B and quenching and
tempering for all other grades and classes.
7.1 Tension and Impact Test Requirements—The require-
5.4.2.1 Normalizing—A furnace charge thus treated is
mentsfortensileandimpactpropertiesshallbeasprescribedin
termed a normalizing charge.
Table 2.
5.4.2.2 Quenching—The forgings shall be completely aus-
7.1.1 Number, Location, and Orientation of Test
tenitizedandthenquenchedinasuitablemedium.Agroupthus
Specimens—On classes requiring tension tests, two tension test
treated is termed a quenching charge.
specimens and two sets of impact tests shall be taken 180°
5.4.2.3 Tempering—A furnace charge thus treated is termed
apart from a full-size prolongation left on one end of each
a tempering charge. Minimum tempering temperatures shall be
individual forging or both ends of each multiple forging. The
as follows:
test specimens shall be in a tangential direction at midwall of
Minimum Tempering Temperature
the ring as close as practical to the end of the rough-machined
Grade and Class °F [°C]
forging face.
Grade 1 Classes A and B 1200 [650]
Grade 2 ClassesC&D,E,F,G,H,M,P 1100 [595]
7.1.2 Test Method—Full-size tension and Charpy V-notch
Grade 3 ClassesE&F 1100 [595]
impact tests shall be conducted in accordance with Test
Grade 4 ClassesG&H 1100 [595]
Methods and Definitions A370.
Grade 5 ClassesM&P 1100 [595]
Grade 4 Classes I, J, K & L 1050 [565]
7.2 BrinellHardness—Forgingsshallbewithinthehardness
Grade 6 Class T 1000 [540]
ranges specified in Table 2. The permissible variation of
5.5 Machining:
hardness in any forging shall not exceed 30 numbers for all
5.5.1 Rough machining before heat treatment for mechani-
clas
...