ASTM A909/A909M-06(2021)

Standard Specification for Steel Forgings, Microalloy, for General Industrial Use

SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers wrought, microalloyed carbon steel forgings for industrial use. Microalloyed steels develop their properties by the addition of small amounts of microalloying elements such as vanadium, columbium, titanium, or molybdenum. The properties may be influenced also by control of the hot working process and temperature and by control of the subsequent cooling rate.  
1.2 The forgings shall be furnished to chemical composition and mechanical property requirements as specified herein. Chemical composition is based on standard carbon steel grades modified to include microalloying elements. Strength level is specified based on desired mechanical properties in the forgings. Depending on the forging process, different strength classes may be attainable from a single chemical composition. Conversely, mechanical properties of a given strength class may be achieved using different chemical compositions. The manufacturer should be consulted if development of chemical composition is necessary.  
1.3 For the purpose of this specification, forgings with maximum section thickness of 4 in. [100 mm] are to be considered.  
1.4 Supplementary Requirements S1 to S8 are provided for use when additional controls or requirements are desired. These shall apply only when specified on the purchase order.  
1.5 The values stated in either inch-pound units or SI (metric) units are to be regarded separately as standard. Within the text and tables, SI units are shown in brackets. 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.  
1.6 Unless the order specifies the applicable “M” specification designation, the material shall be furnished to the inch-pound units.  
1.7 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 E45-18a(2023) - Standard Test Methods for Determining the Inclusion Content of Steel
• 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 A576-23 - Standard Specification for Steel Bars, Carbon, Hot-Wrought, Special Quality
• 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 E18-18 - Standard Test Methods for Rockwell Hardness of Metallic Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-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 A576-17 - Standard Specification for Steel Bars, Carbon, Hot-Wrought, Special Quality
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2017
• Refers: ASTM E18-17 - Standard Test Methods for Rockwell Hardness of Metallic Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2017
• Refers: ASTM A788/A788M-17 - Standard Specification for Steel Forgings, General Requirements
• Effective Date: 01-May-2017

Overview

ASTM A909/A909M-06(2021) is the standard specification developed by ASTM International for steel forgings, microalloy, intended for general industrial use. This standard covers forged, microalloyed carbon steel products, focusing on the enhancement of mechanical properties through the addition of small amounts of microalloying elements such as vanadium, columbium (niobium), titanium, or molybdenum. The specification ensures consistency and reliability for industrial applications, combining precise chemical composition and rigorous mechanical property requirements.

This specification is applicable to forgings with a maximum section thickness of 4 inches (100 mm) and may be supplied in either inch-pound or SI (metric) units. It includes specific guidelines on material processing, chemical composition, mechanical testing, supplementary requirements, and certification, in alignment with recognized international standardization principles.

Key Topics

• Microalloying Elements: Use of vanadium, columbium, titanium, and molybdenum to refine and enhance mechanical properties in carbon steel.
• Controlled Processing: Mechanical properties are governed by tight control of hot working processes, temperature, and subsequent cooling rates.
• Mechanical Properties: Forgings are required to meet specified yield and tensile strengths, elongation, hardness (Brinell or Rockwell), and grain size requirements.
• Test Methods: Mechanical testing, chemical analyses, and hardness are conducted according to related ASTM standards to ensure compliance.
• Supplementary Requirements: Buyers may specify additional controls, such as restricted chemical limits, notch toughness, magnetic particle testing, and descaling.
• Dual Units Standard: The standard accommodates both inch-pound and metric units, supporting global industry needs.

Applications

ASTM A909/A909M-compliant microalloy steel forgings are widely used across various industrial sectors due to their enhanced strength, toughness, and cost-effective production. Typical applications include:

• Automotive Components: Crankshafts, connecting rods, gears, and other engine or drivetrain parts requiring high reliability and fatigue resistance.
• Heavy Equipment: Parts for construction, mining, and agricultural machinery that endure heavy loads and repeated stress.
• Industrial Machinery: Forgings for manufacturing equipment, presses, and tools where toughness and consistent mechanical properties are critical.
• Energy Sector: Structural and mechanical components in power generation and oil & gas equipment.

By optimizing mechanical properties directly through controlled forging techniques and microalloy additions-often eliminating the need for post-forging heat treatment-producers can efficiently deliver parts that meet demanding service conditions.

Related Standards

ASTM A909/A909M references and aligns with several other important ASTM standards to ensure quality and consistency, including:

• ASTM A29/A29M: Specification for General Requirements for Steel Bars, Carbon and Alloy, Hot-Wrought
• ASTM A370: Test Methods and Definitions for Mechanical Testing of Steel Products
• ASTM A576: Specification for Steel Bars, Carbon, Hot-Wrought, Special Quality
• ASTM A788/A788M: Specification for Steel Forgings, General Requirements
• ASTM A921/A921M: Specification for Steel Bars, Microalloy, Hot-Wrought, Special Quality, for Subsequent Hot Forging
• ASTM E10 & E18: Test Methods for Brinell and Rockwell Hardness of Metallic Materials
• ASTM A275/A275M: Practice for Magnetic Particle Examination of Steel Forgings
• ASTM E45: Test Methods for Determining the Inclusion Content of Steel

Understanding and applying ASTM A909/A909M ensures that microalloy steel forgings deliver the required performance and reliability for modern industrial applications, supporting durability, safety, and efficiency across global markets.

Keywords: ASTM A909, microalloy steel forgings, industrial steel standards, mechanical properties, vanadium, columbium, titanium, molybdenum, automotive forgings, industrial equipment, steel testing standards.

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: A909/A909M −06 (Reapproved 2021)
Standard Specification for
Steel Forgings, Microalloy, for General Industrial Use
This standard is issued under the fixed designationA909/A909M; 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* 1.7 This international standard was developed in accor-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
1.1 This specification covers wrought, microalloyed carbon
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
steel forgings for industrial use. Microalloyed steels develop
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
their properties by the addition of small amounts of microal-
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
loying elements such as vanadium, columbium, titanium, or
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
molybdenum.Thepropertiesmaybeinfluencedalsobycontrol
of the hot working process and temperature and by control of
2. Referenced Documents
the subsequent cooling rate.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
1.2 The forgings shall be furnished to chemical composition
A29/A29M SpecificationforGeneralRequirementsforSteel
and mechanical property requirements as specified herein.
Bars, Carbon and Alloy, Hot-Wrought
Chemical composition is based on standard carbon steel grades
A275/A275M Practice for Magnetic Particle Examination of
modified to include microalloying elements. Strength level is
Steel Forgings
specified based on desired mechanical properties in the forg-
A370 Test Methods and Definitions for Mechanical Testing
ings. Depending on the forging process, different strength
of Steel Products
classes may be attainable from a single chemical composition.
A576 Specification for Steel Bars, Carbon, Hot-Wrought,
Conversely, mechanical properties of a given strength class
Special Quality
may be achieved using different chemical compositions. The
A751 Test Methods and Practices for Chemical Analysis of
manufacturer should be consulted if development of chemical
Steel Products
composition is necessary.
A788/A788M Specification for Steel Forgings, General Re-
1.3 For the purpose of this specification, forgings with
quirements
maximum section thickness of 4 in. [100 mm] are to be A921/A921M Specification for Steel Bars, Microalloy, Hot-
considered.
Wrought, Special Quality, for Subsequent Hot Forging
E10 Test Method for Brinell Hardness of Metallic Materials
1.4 Supplementary Requirements S1 to S8 are provided for
E18 Test Methods for Rockwell Hardness of Metallic Ma-
use when additional controls or requirements are desired.
terials
These shall apply only when specified on the purchase order.
E45 Test Methods for Determining the Inclusion Content of
1.5 The values stated in either inch-pound units or SI
Steel
(metric) units are to be regarded separately as standard. Within
the text and tables, SI units are shown in brackets. The values
3. Terminology
stated in each system are not necessarily exact equivalents;
3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
therefore, to ensure conformance with the standard, each
3.1.1 microalloy forgings—forgings from microalloyed
system shall be used independently of the other, and values
steels produced by effectively controlling the thermomechani-
from the two systems shall not be combined.
cal components of the forging process to achieve required
1.6 Unless the order specifies the applicable “M” specifica-
mechanical properties with no post-forging heat treatment.
tion designation, the material shall be furnished to the inch-
3.1.2 microalloy forging procedure—the written thermo-
pound units.
mechanical processing parameters to be followed during the
production of a microalloy forging. It would include, but is not
limited to: starting stock size; chemical composition, including
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 1992. Last previous edition approved in 2016 as A909/A909M – 06 Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
(2016). DOI: 10.1520/A0909_A0909M-06R21. 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
A909/A909M − 06 (2021)
any optional microalloying additions; reheat practice; forging Wrought Carbon Steel Bars in Specification A576,ortothe
temperature range; method of heating; cooling methods; and ranges and limits set forth in Table 1 of Specification A921/
lot size definition. A921M.
NOTE 1—For improved machinability, alternative sulfur ranges may be
4. Ordering Information
specified by agreement between the purchaser and the producer. Addi-
tional machinability-enhancing elements such as lead, bismuth, selenium,
4.1 Orders for material supplied to this specification should
or tellurium may also be specified by agreement.
include the information specified in 4.1 of Specification A788/
6.2 Silicon analysis shall be 0.15/0.35 %. Silicon content up
A788M. The purchaser should refer to Specification A788/
to 0.80 % maximum may be furnished by agreement between
A788M for information not contained in this specification.
purchaser and producer.
4.1.1 The type (see 6.1), grade (see 6.1), and the remainder
of the chemical composition (see 6.2 to 6.5) should be
6.3 Vanadium, columbium (niobium), titanium, or molyb-
included.
denum may be specified singly or in combination, subject to
the limits shown in Table 2. The elements and ranges specified
4.2 The information contained in 4.2 of Specification A788/
shall be by agreement between the purchaser and the producer.
A788M should be specified, as necessary, to adequately
describe the desired material.
6.4 Nitrogenmaybespecifiedasasupplementtovanadium,
columbium, or titanium. When nitrogen is specified as a
4.3 In addition to the requirements of 4.1 and 4.2 of
supplement to vanadium, the minimum ratio of vanadium to
Specification A788/A788M, the following should be included
nitrogen shall be 4 to 1. The nitrogen content shall not exceed
in the purchase order, as applicable:
0.03 % and shall be reported.
4.3.1 From Table 1, strength class or method of testing, or
both, including test location on the forging.
6.5 Sampling for heat and product analysis shall be in
4.3.2 Definition of lot size including the number of me-
accordance with the requirements of Specification A788/
chanical tests to be performed per lot.
A788M. Chemical Analyses shall be in accordance with Test
4.3.3 Any supplementary requirements.
Methods and Practices A751.
5. Materials and Manufacture
7. Metallurgical Requirements
5.1 Melting Practice—The steel shall be produced in accor-
7.1 Grain Size—The steel shall conform to the fine grain
dance with the applicable methods for primary and secondary
size requirement of Specification A29/A29M. The grain refin-
melting outlines in Specification A788/A788M.
ing element may be specified in accordance with one of the
following types:
5.2 The steel shall be killed.
7.1.1 Type A—Aluminum—The total aluminum analysis
5.3 Hot Forging—The forging shall be brought as close as
shall be 0.020 % or greater, and shall be reported.
practical to finish size by hot mechanical working. Controlled
7.1.2 Type B—The grain refining element shall be specified
hot working and cooling practices shall be applied to develop
in accordance with 5.1.2.3 of Specification A29/A29M.
specified mechanical properties.
7.2 Microstructure—The microstructure shall consist of a
5.4 Microalloy Forge Procedure—When requested by the
minimum
...