ISO 4954:2021

Steels for cold heading and cold extruding

This document specifies requirements for non-alloy and alloy steels that are intended for cold heading or cold extruding and are delivered as wire rods, wire or bars. It also contains specific requirements for: — steels not intended for heat treatment, with diameters from 2 mm to 100 mm (see Annex A); — case-hardening steels with diameters from 2 mm to 100 mm (see Annex B); — steels for quenching and tempering, including boron alloyed steels (see Table C.3), with diameters from 2 mm to 100 mm (see Annex C); — stainless steels with diameters of 0,8 mm up to 50 mm for austenitic steels, up to 25 mm for ferritic steels and up to 100 mm for martensitic steels (see Annex D). This document (except Annex A) is applicable to the properties of cold-headed or cold-extruded parts which have been subjected to a subsequent heat treatment. As the properties of the parts in the cold-headed or cold-extruded, and subsequently not-heat-treated condition, are largely dependent on the applied cold-heading or cold-extruding conditions, these are, if necessary, subject to agreement between the purchaser and the manufacturer of the parts.

Aciers pour transformation à froid et extrusion à froid

General Information

• Status: Withdrawn
• Publication Date: 27-Jul-2021
• ICS: 77.140.10 - Heat-treatable steels
• ICS: 77.140.20 - Stainless steels
• Technical Committee: ISO/TC 17/SC 4 - Heat treatable and alloy steels
• Drafting Committee: ISO/TC 17/SC 4 - Heat treatable and alloy steels
• Current Stage: 9599 - Withdrawal of International Standard
• Completion Date: 02-Jun-2022

Relations

• Revises: ISO 4954:2018 - Steels for cold heading and cold extruding
• Effective Date: 10-Jul-2021
• Revised: ISO 4954:2022 - Steels for cold heading and cold extruding
• Effective Date: 06-Jun-2022

Standards Content (Sample)

INTERNATIONAL ISO
STANDARD 4954
Fourth edition
2021-07
Steels for cold heading and cold
extruding
Aciers pour transformation à froid et extrusion à froid
Reference number
ISO 4954:2021(E)
©
ISO 2021

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ISO 4954:2021(E)

COPYRIGHT PROTECTED DOCUMENT
© ISO 2021
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, or required in the context of its implementation, no part of this publication may
be reproduced or utilized otherwise in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, or posting
on the internet or an intranet, without prior written permission. Permission can be requested from either ISO at the address
below or ISO’s member body in the country of the requester.
ISO copyright office
CP 401 • Ch. de Blandonnet 8
CH-1214 Vernier, Geneva
Phone: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
Website: www.iso.org
Published in Switzerland
ii © ISO 2021 – All rights reserved

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ISO 4954:2021(E)

Contents Page
Foreword .v
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 2
4 Classification and designation . 3
4.1 Classification . 3
4.2 Designation . 3
5 Information to be supplied by the purchaser. 3
5.1 Mandatory information . 3
5.2 Options and/or supplementary or special requirements . 4
5.3 Ordering example . 5
6 Manufacturing process . 5
6.1 General . 5
6.2 Deoxidation . 5
6.3 Heat-treatment condition and surface condition at delivery . 5
6.3.1 Heat-treatment condition . 5
6.3.2 Particular surface conditions . 5
6.4 Traceability of the cast . 6
6.5 Statistical evaluation . 6
7 Requirements . 6
7.1 Chemical composition, mechanical properties and hardenability . 6
7.1.1 General. 6
7.1.2 Chemical composition . 6
7.1.3 Mechanical properties . 8
7.1.4 Hardenability (only applicable to steel grades of Annexes B and C) . 8
7.2 Grain size . 9
7.3 Carbide spheroidization (only applicable for steels of Annexes A, B and C) . 9
7.4 Non-metallic inclusions . 9
7.4.1 Microscopic inclusions (only applicable for steels of Annexes B and C) . 9
7.4.2 Macroscopic inclusions . 9
7.5 Internal soundness . 9
7.6 Aptitude to cold forming . 9
7.7 Surface quality .10
7.7.1 General.10
7.7.2 Wire rod (only applicable for steels of Annexes A, B and C) .10
7.7.3 Bars (only applicable for steels of Annexes A, B and C) .10
7.7.4 Wire rod and bars for stainless steels (only applicable for steels of Annex D) .10
7.7.5 Bright products .10
7.7.6 Removal of surface defects .10
7.7.7 Non-destructive testing of the surface .10
7.8 Decarburization (only applicable for steels of Annexes B and C) .10
7.9 Corrosion resistance of stainless steels .11
7.10 Shape, dimensions and tolerances .11
8 Inspection .11
8.1 Testing procedures and types of documents .11
8.2 Summary of specific inspection and frequency of testing .12
9 Preparation of samples and test pieces .13
9.1 Selection and preparation of samples for product analysis .13
9.2 Selection and preparation of samples and test pieces for the mechanical test .13
10 Test methods .14
10.1 Chemical analysis .14
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ISO 4954:2021(E)

10.2 Mechanical tests .14
10.3 Hardenability and core hardness tests.14
10.3.1 Verification of hardenability .14
10.3.2 Verification of core hardness .14
10.4 Aptitude to cold forming .14
10.4.1 Upsetting test for non-alloy and alloy steels of Annexes A, B and C .14
10.4.2 Upsetting test for stainless steels of Annex D .15
10.5 Non-destructive testing .15
10.6 Visual and dimensional test .15
10.7 Retests .15
11 Surface treatment, marking and packaging .15
11.1 Surface treatment and temporary corrosion protection .15
11.2 Marking .15
11.3 Packaging .16
Annex A (normative) Specific requirements for cold heading and cold extruding steels not
intended for heat treatment after cold working .17
Annex B (normative) Specific requirements for cold heading and cold extruding case-
hardening steels .21
Annex C (normative) Specific requirements for cold heading and cold extruding steels for
quenching and tempering .33
Annex D (normative) Specific requirements for cold heading and cold extruding stainless steels 51
Annex E (normative) Supplementary or special requirements .59
Annex F (informative) Designation of steels given in Annexes A, B, C and D and the
comparable grades covered in various designation systems .63
Bibliography .67
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ISO 4954:2021(E)

Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards
bodies (ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out
through ISO technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical
committee has been established has the right to be represented on that committee. International
organizations, governmental and non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work.
ISO collaborates closely with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of
electrotechnical standardization.
The procedures used to develop this document and those intended for its further maintenance are
described in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular, the different approval criteria needed for the
different types of ISO documents should be noted. This document was drafted in accordance with the
editorial rules of the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2 (see www .iso .org/ directives).
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights. Details of
any patent rights identified during the development of the document will be in the Introduction and/or
on the ISO list of patent declarations received (see www .iso .org/ patents).
Any trade name used in this document is information given for the convenience of users and does not
constitute an endorsement.
For an explanation of the voluntary nature of standards, the meaning of ISO specific terms and
expressions related to conformity assessment, as well as information about ISO's adherence to the
World Trade Organization (WTO) principles in the Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT), see www .iso .org/
iso/ foreword .html.
This document was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 17, Steel, Subcommittee SC 4, Heat
treatable and alloy steels.
This fourth edition cancels and replaces the third edition (ISO 4954:2018), of which it constitutes a
minor revision. The changes compared to the previous edition are as follows:
— the wording in 7.8, first paragraph was corrected to "free from complete decarburization";
— in Clause E.3, end of last paragraph, a reference was added as an example:
"e. g. ISO 23825";
— editorial corrections.
Any feedback or questions on this document should be directed to the user’s national standards body. A
complete listing of these bodies can be found at www .iso .org/ members .html.
© ISO 2021 – All rights reserved v

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INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO 4954:2021(E)
Steels for cold heading and cold extruding
1 Scope
This document specifies requirements for non-alloy and alloy steels that are intended for cold heading
or cold extruding and are delivered as wire rods, wire or bars. It also contains specific requirements
for:
— steels not intended for heat treatment, with diameters from 2 mm to 100 mm (see Annex A);
— case-hardening steels with diameters from 2 mm to 100 mm (see Annex B);
— steels for quenching and tempering, including boron alloyed steels (see Table C.3), with diameters
from 2 mm to 100 mm (see Annex C);
— stainless steels with diameters of 0,8 mm up to 50 mm for austenitic steels, up to 25 mm for ferritic
steels and up to 100 mm for martensitic steels (see Annex D).
This document (except Annex A) is applicable to the properties of cold-headed or cold-extruded parts
which have been subjected to a subsequent heat treatment. As the properties of the parts in the cold-
headed or cold-extruded, and subsequently not-heat-treated condition, are largely dependent on the
applied cold-heading or cold-extruding conditions, these are, if necessary, subject to agreement between
the purchaser and the manufacturer of the parts.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For
undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
ISO 377, Steel and steel products — Location and preparation of samples and test pieces for mechanical
testing
ISO 404, Steel and steel products — General technical delivery requirements
ISO 642, Steel — Hardenability test by end quenching (Jominy test)
ISO 643, Steels — Micrographic determination of the apparent grain size
ISO 683-1, Heat-treatable steels, alloy steels and free-cutting steels — Part 1: Non-alloy steels for quenching
and tempering·
ISO 683-2, Heat-treatable steels, alloy steels and free-cutting steels — Part 2: Alloy steels for quenching and
tempering
ISO 683-3, Heat-treatable steels, alloy steels and free-cutting steels — Part 3: Case-hardening steels
ISO 683-18:2014, Heat-treatable steels, alloy steels and free-cutting steels — Part 18: Bright steel products
ISO 1035-1, Hot-rolled steel bars — Part 1: Dimensions of round bars
ISO 1035-2, Hot-rolled steel bars — Part 2: Dimensions of square bars
ISO 1035-3, Hot-rolled steel bars — Part 3: Dimensions of flat bars
ISO 1035-4, Hot-rolled steel bars — Part 4: Tolerances
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ISO 4954:2021(E)

ISO 3651-2, Determination of resistance to intergranular corrosion of stainless steels — Part 2:
Ferritic,austenitic and ferritic-austenitic (duplex) stainless steels — Corrosion test in media containing
sulfuric acid
ISO 3887, Steels — Determination of the depth of decarburization
ISO 4885, Ferrous materials — Heat treatments — Vocabulary
ISO 4948-1, Steels — Classification — Part 1: Classification of steels into unalloyed and alloy steels based
on chemical composition
ISO 4948-2, Steels — Classification — Part 2: Classification of unalloyed and alloy steels according to main
quality classes and main property or application characteristics
ISO/TS 4949, Steel names based on letter symbols
ISO 4967:2013, Steel — Determination of content of non-metallic inclusions — Micrographic method using
standard diagrams
ISO 6508-1, Metallic materials — Rockwell hardness test — Part 1: Test method
ISO 6892-1, Metallic materials — Tensile testing — Part 1: Method of test at room temperature
ISO 6929, Steel products — Vocabulary
ISO 9443, Surface quality classes for hot-rolled bars and wire rod
ISO 9934-1, Non-destructive testing — Magnetic particle testing — Part 1: General principles
ISO 10474, Steel and steel products — Inspection documents
ISO 14284, Steel and iron — Sampling and preparation of samples for the determination of chemical
composition
ISO 15549, Non-destructive testing — Eddy current testing — General principles
ISO 16124, Steel wire rod — Dimensions and tolerances
ISO 16143-2, Stainless steels for general purposes — Part 2: Corrosion-resistant semi-finished products,
bars, rods and sections
ISO 22034-2, Steel wire and wire products — Part 2: Tolerances on wire dimensions
EN 10204, Metallic products — Types of inspection documents
JIS G 0415, Steel and steel products —Inspection documents
JIS G 0555:2015, Microscopic testing method for the non-metallic inclusions in steel
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in ISO 377, ISO 683-1, ISO 683-2,
ISO 683-3, ISO 683-18, ISO 4885, ISO 4948-1, ISO 4948-2, ISO 6929, ISO 14284, ISO 16143-2 and the
following apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminological databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https:// www .iso .org/ obp
— IEC Electropedia: available at http:// www .electropedia .org/
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ISO 4954:2021(E)

3.1
bright steel product
drawn or peeled/turned bar with smoother surface quality and better dimensional accuracy in
comparison with a hot-rolled bar
3.2
drawn product
product of various cross-sectional shapes obtained, after descaling, by cold drawing of hot-rolled bars
or wire rod, on a drawing bench (cold deformation without removing material)
Note 1 to entry: This operation gives the product special features with respect to shape, dimensional accuracy
and surface finish. Products in lengths are delivered straightened, products of small cross-section may also be
supplied in coils.
3.3
peeled/turned product
steel bar of circular cross-section having the same features of drawn products (3.2) concerning shape,
dimensional accuracy and bright surface finish but without work hardening
Note 1 to entry: They are produced by peeling on a peeling machine usually followed by straightening and by
polishing. The removal of metal by peeling is carried out in such a way that the bright product is generally free
from surface defects and decarburization coming from the hot-rolling process.
4 Classification and designation
4.1 Classification
The classification of the relevant steel grades shall be in accordance with ISO 4948-1 and ISO 4948-2.
All steel grades mentioned in this document are special steels in accordance with ISO 4948-2.
The steels not intended for heat treatment after cold forming (see Annex A) are non-alloy steels.
The case hardening steel grades (see Annex B) are alloy steels, except steel grades C10E2C to C20E2C.
The steel grades for quenching and tempering (see Annex C) are alloy steel grades, except steel grades
C35EC to C45RC.
The steel stainless steel grades (see Annex D) are classified according to their microstructures.
4.2 Designation
For the steel grades covered by this document, the steel names as given in the relevant tables shall be
allocated in accordance with ISO/TS 4949.
Annex F provides a list of steels given in Annexes A, B, C and D and the comparable grades covered in
various designation systems.
5 Information to be supplied by the purchaser
5.1 Mandatory information
The manufacturer shall obtain the following information from the purchaser at the time of enquiry and
order:
a) the quantity to be delivered (mass, length);
b) the product form (round bar, wire rod, wire);
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ISO 4954:2021(E)

c) the nominal diameter and the tolerances on dimensions and shape of the product with reference to
the relevant International Standard;
d) for bars the length and for wire rod and wire the dimensions, i.e. inner diameter and mass of the
coils;
e) reference to this document, i.e. ISO 4954;
f) the designation of the steel grade given in Tables A.2, B.2, C.2, C.3 and D.2;
g) if applicable, the symbol for the required heat-treatment condition, see Tables A.3, B.3 to B.7, C.4 to
C.10 and D.3 to D.6;
h) standard designation for a test report 2.2 or, if required, any other type of inspection document in
accordance with ISO 10474.
5.2 Options and/or supplementary or special requirements
A number of options are specified in this document and listed below. If the purchaser does not indicate
a wish to implement any of these options, the products will be supplied in accordance with the basic
specifications of this document (see 5.1).
a) Any requirement for the hardenability (+H, +HH, +HL) of case hardening steels of Annex B and
of steels for quenching and tempering of Annex C and for the core hardening (+CH) of steels for
quenching and tempering of Annex C, see 7.1.4.
b) Verification of hardenability and, if agreed, information about the calculation of the hardenability
for the case hardening steels of Annex B and for the steels for quenching and tempering of Annex C,
see 10.3.1.
c) If another surface condition than hot-rolled or a special surface quality is required, for the surface
condition, see Table 1, and for the surface quality of E for bars and D for wire rod, see 7.7.2 and 7.7.3.
d) Any requirement relating to the removal of surface defects, see 7.7.6.
e) Any requirement for the verification of the surface quality, see 7.7.5.
f) Any requirement for a product analysis, see 7.1.2.2.
g) Any requirement for the verification of the fine grain structure, see E.2, of case hardening steels of
Annex B and of steels for quenching and tempering of Annex C.
h) Carbide spheroidization, see 7.3, and any requirement for the verification of the carbide
spheroidization, see E.3.
i) Any requirement for the verification of the non-metallic inclusions of case hardening steels of
Annex B and of steels for quenching and tempering of Annex C, see 7.4 and E.4.
j) Internal soundness and any requirements for non-destructive testing, see 7.5 and 10.5.
k) Verification of aptitude to cold forming, see 7.6 and 10.4.
l) Maximum depth of surface discontinuities for stainless steels, see 7.7.4 and E.5.
m) Any requirement concerning non-destructive testing of the surface, see 7.7.7 and 10.5.
n) Depth of decarburization, see 7.8, and any requirements for testing the depth of decarburization,
see E.6.
o) Corrosion resistance of stainless steel products and any requirements for resistance to
intergranular corrosion, see E.7.
p) Any requirement concerning surface treatment and temporary corrosion protection, see 11.1.
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ISO 4954:2021(E)

q) Any special requirements concerning special or additional marking, see 11.2.
r) Any special requirements concerning packaging, see 11.3.
s) Statistical evaluation, see 6.5.
5.3 Ordering example
EXAMPLE 50 t round bars with a nominal diameter of 40 mm and a nominal length of 6 000 mm with
diameter tolerance according to class S and with length tolerance according to class L2 of ISO 1035-4 made
of steel grade ISO 4954, 42CrMo4 in the heat-treatment condition +AC+PE (see Table C.5), with hardenability
requirement +H (see Table C.7) and product analysis with an inspection certificate 3.1 in accordance with
ISO 10474.
50 t round bars ISO 1035-4 – 40,0S × 6 000L2
ISO 4954, 42CrMo4+AC+PE+H – product analysis
ISO 10474 – 3.1
6 Manufacturing process
6.1 General
The manufacturing process of the steel and of the products is, with the restrictions given by the
requirements in 6.2 to 6.4, left to the discretion of the manufacturer.
6.2 Deoxidation
All steels shall be deoxidized. The steels not intended for heat treatment (see Annex A) are aluminium
or silicon killed. By agreement, aluminium may be replaced by another suitable element having a similar
effect.
6.3 Heat-treatment condition and surface condition at delivery
6.3.1 Heat-treatment condition
Treatment and heat-treatment condition shall conform to one of the conditions indicated in Tables A.1,
B.1, C.1 and D.1.
Bright steel products in cold drawn or peeled/turned condition are coated with a light film of grease
from processing. For bright steel products in a finally heat treated condition, the manufacturer chooses
the rust protection after heat treatment.
The usual light application of ordinary grease or oil does not afford positive protection against rusting,
particularly in the presence of condensation water. Any surface treatment that can facilitate subsequent
cold heading and cold extrusion or partially delay any formation of rust shall, if required, be agreed at
the time of enquiry and order, see 11.1.
6.3.2 Particular surface conditions
If so agreed at the time of enquiry and order, the products shall be delivered in one of the particular
surface conditions given in Table 1.
© ISO 2021 – All rights reserved 5

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...

FINAL
INTERNATIONAL ISO/FDIS
DRAFT
STANDARD 4954
ISO/TC 17/SC 4
Steels for cold heading and cold
Secretariat: DIN
extruding
Voting begins on:
2021­04­20
Aciers pour transformation à froid et extrusion à froid
Voting terminates on:
2021­06­16
RECIPIENTS OF THIS DRAFT ARE INVITED TO
SUBMIT, WITH THEIR COMMENTS, NOTIFICATION
OF ANY RELEVANT PATENT RIGHTS OF WHICH
THEY ARE AWARE AND TO PROVIDE SUPPOR TING
DOCUMENTATION.
IN ADDITION TO THEIR EVALUATION AS
Reference number
BEING ACCEPTABLE FOR INDUSTRIAL, TECHNO­
ISO/FDIS 4954:2021(E)
LOGICAL, COMMERCIAL AND USER PURPOSES,
DRAFT INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS MAY ON
OCCASION HAVE TO BE CONSIDERED IN THE
LIGHT OF THEIR POTENTIAL TO BECOME STAN­
DARDS TO WHICH REFERENCE MAY BE MADE IN
©
NATIONAL REGULATIONS. ISO 2021

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ISO/FDIS 4954:2021(E)

COPYRIGHT PROTECTED DOCUMENT
© ISO 2021
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, or required in the context of its implementation, no part of this publication may
be reproduced or utilized otherwise in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, or posting
on the internet or an intranet, without prior written permission. Permission can be requested from either ISO at the address
below or ISO’s member body in the country of the requester.
ISO copyright office
CP 401 • Ch. de Blandonnet 8
CH­1214 Vernier, Geneva
Phone: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
Website: www.iso.org
Published in Switzerland
ii © ISO 2021 – All rights reserved

---------------------- Page: 2 ----------------------
ISO/FDIS 4954:2021(E)

Contents Page
Foreword .v
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 2
4 Classification and designation . 3
4.1 Classification . 3
4.2 Designation . 3
5 Information to be supplied by the purchaser. 3
5.1 Mandatory information . 3
5.2 Options and/or supplementary or special requirements . 4
5.3 Ordering example . 5
6 Manufacturing process . 5
6.1 General . 5
6.2 Deoxidation . 5
6.3 Heat-treatment condition and surface condition at delivery . 5
6.3.1 Heat­treatment condition . 5
6.3.2 Particular surface conditions . 5
6.4 Traceability of the cast . 6
6.5 Statistical evaluation . 6
7 Requirements . 6
7.1 Chemical composition, mechanical properties and hardenability . 6
7.1.1 General. 6
7.1.2 Chemical composition . 6
7.1.3 Mechanical properties . 8
7.1.4 Hardenability (only applicable to steel grades of Annexes B and C) . 8
7.2 Grain size . 9
7.3 Carbide spheroidization (only applicable for steels of Annexes A, B and C) . 9
7.4 Non­metallic inclusions . 9
7.4.1 Microscopic inclusions (only applicable for steels of Annexes B and C) . 9
7.4.2 Macroscopic inclusions . 9
7.5 Internal soundness . 9
7.6 Aptitude to cold forming . 9
7.7 Surface quality . 9
7.7.1 General. 9
7.7.2 Wire rod (only applicable for steels of Annexes A, B and C) . 9
7.7.3 Bars (only applicable for steels of Annexes A, B and C) . 9
7.7.4 Wire rod and bars for stainless steels (only applicable for steels of Annex D) .10
7.7.5 Bright products .10
7.7.6 Removal of surface defects .10
7.7.7 Non­destructive testing of the surface .10
7.8 Decarburization (only applicable for steels of Annexes B and C) .10
7.9 Corrosion resistance of stainless steels .10
7.10 Shape, dimensions and tolerances .11
8 Inspection .11
8.1 Testing procedures and types of documents .11
8.2 Summary of specific inspection and frequency of testing .11
9 Preparation of samples and test pieces .12
9.1 Selection and preparation of samples for product analysis .12
9.2 Selection and preparation of samples and test pieces for the mechanical test .13
10 Test methods .14
10.1 Chemical analysis .14
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ISO/FDIS 4954:2021(E)

10.2 Mechanical tests .14
10.3 Hardenability and core hardness tests.14
10.3.1 Verification of hardenability .14
10.3.2 Verification of core hardness .14
10.4 Aptitude to cold forming .14
10.4.1 Upsetting test for non-alloy and alloy steels of Annexes A, B and C .14
10.4.2 Upsetting test for stainless steels of Annex D .15
10.5 Non­destructive testing .15
10.6 Visual and dimensional test .15
10.7 Retests .15
11 Surface treatment, marking and packaging .15
11.1 Surface treatment and temporary corrosion protection .15
11.2 Marking .15
11.3 Packaging .16
Annex A (normative) Specific requirements for cold heading and cold extruding steels not
intended for heat treatment after cold working .17
Annex B (normative) Specific requirements for cold heading and cold extruding case-
hardening steels .21
Annex C (normative) Specific requirements for cold heading and cold extruding steels for
quenching and tempering .33
Annex D (normative) Specific requirements for cold heading and cold extruding stainless steels 51
Annex E (normative) Supplementary or special requirements .59
Annex F (informative) Designation of steels given in Annexes A, B, C and D and the
comparable grades covered in various designation systems .63
Bibliography .67
iv © ISO 2021 – All rights reserved

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ISO/FDIS 4954:2021(E)

Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards
bodies (ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out
through ISO technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical
committee has been established has the right to be represented on that committee. International
organizations, governmental and non­governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work.
ISO collaborates closely with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of
electrotechnical standardization.
The procedures used to develop this document and those intended for its further maintenance are
described in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular, the different approval criteria needed for the
different types of ISO documents should be noted. This document was drafted in accordance with the
editorial rules of the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2 (see www .iso .org/ directives).
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights. Details of
any patent rights identified during the development of the document will be in the Introduction and/or
on the ISO list of patent declarations received (see www .iso .org/ patents).
Any trade name used in this document is information given for the convenience of users and does not
constitute an endorsement.
For an explanation of the voluntary nature of standards, the meaning of ISO specific terms and
expressions related to conformity assessment, as well as information about ISO's adherence to the
World Trade Organization (WTO) principles in the Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT), see www .iso .org/
iso/ foreword .html.
This document was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 17, Steel, Subcommittee SC 4, Heat
treatable and alloy steels.
This fourth edition cancels and replaces the third edition (ISO 4954:2018), of which it constitutes a
minor revision. The changes compared to the previous edition are as follows:
— the wording in 7.8, first paragraph was corrected to "free from complete decarburization";
— in Clause E.3, end of last paragraph, a reference was added as an example:
"e. g. ISO 23825";
— editorial corrections.
Any feedback or questions on this document should be directed to the user’s national standards body. A
complete listing of these bodies can be found at www .iso .org/ members .html.
© ISO 2021 – All rights reserved v

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FINAL DRAFT INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO/FDIS 4954:2021(E)
Steels for cold heading and cold extruding
1 Scope
This document specifies requirements for non-alloy and alloy steels that are intended for cold heading
or cold extruding and are delivered as wire rods, wire or bars. It also contains specific requirements for:
— steels not intended for heat treatment, with diameters from 2 mm to 100 mm (see Annex A);
— case­hardening steels with diameters from 2 mm to 100 mm (see Annex B);
— steels for quenching and tempering, including boron alloyed steels (see Table C.3), with diameters
from 2 mm to 100 mm (see Annex C);
— stainless steels with diameters of 0,8 mm up to 50 mm for austenitic steels, up to 25 mm for ferritic
steels and up to 100 mm for martensitic steels (see Annex D).
This document (except Annex A) is applicable to the properties of cold-headed or cold-extruded parts
which have been subjected to a subsequent heat treatment. As the properties of the parts in the cold-
headed or cold-extruded, and subsequently not-heat-treated condition, are largely dependent on the
applied cold-heading or cold-extruding conditions, these are, if necessary, subject to agreement between
the purchaser and the manufacturer of the parts.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For
undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
ISO 377, Steel and steel products — Location and preparation of samples and test pieces for mechanical testing
ISO 404, Steel and steel products — General technical delivery requirements
ISO 642, Steel — Hardenability test by end quenching (Jominy test)
ISO 643, Steels — Micrographic determination of the apparent grain size
ISO 683­1, Heat-treatable steels, alloy steels and free-cutting steels — Part 1: Non-alloy steels for quenching
and tempering·
ISO 683­2, Heat-treatable steels, alloy steels and free-cutting steels — Part 2: Alloy steels for quenching and
tempering
ISO 683­3, Heat-treatable steels, alloy steels and free-cutting steels — Part 3: Case-hardening steels
ISO 683­18:2014, Heat-treatable steels, alloy steels and free-cutting steels — Part 18: Bright steel products
ISO 1035­1, Hot-rolled steel bars — Part 1: Dimensions of round bars
ISO 1035­2, Hot-rolled steel bars — Part 2: Dimensions of square bars
ISO 1035­3, Hot-rolled steel bars — Part 3: Dimensions of flat bars
ISO 1035­4, Hot-rolled steel bars — Part 4: Tolerances
ISO 3651­2, Determination of resistance to intergranular corrosion of stainless steels — Part 2:
Ferritic,austenitic and ferritic-austenitic (duplex) stainless steels — Corrosion test in media containing
sulfuric acid
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ISO 3887, Steels — Determination of the depth of decarburization
ISO 4885, Ferrous materials — Heat treatments — Vocabulary
ISO 4948­1, Steels — Classification — Part 1: Classification of steels into unalloyed and alloy steels based
on chemical composition
ISO 4948­2, Steels — Classification — Part 2: Classification of unalloyed and alloy steels according to main
quality classes and main property or application characteristics
ISO/TS 4949, Steel names based on letter symbols
ISO 4967:2013, Steel — Determination of content of non-metallic inclusions — Micrographic method using
standard diagrams
ISO 6508­1, Metallic materials — Rockwell hardness test — Part 1: Test method
ISO 6892­1, Metallic materials — Tensile testing — Part 1: Method of test at room temperature
ISO 6929, Steel products — Vocabulary
ISO 9443, Surface quality classes for hot-rolled bars and wire rod
ISO 9934­1, Non-destructive testing — Magnetic particle testing — Part 1: General principles
ISO 10474, Steel and steel products — Inspection documents
ISO 14284, Steel and iron — Sampling and preparation of samples for the determination of chemical
composition
ISO 15549, Non-destructive testing — Eddy current testing — General principles
ISO 16124, Steel wire rod — Dimensions and tolerances
ISO 16143­2, Stainless steels for general purposes — Part 2: Corrosion-resistant semi-finished products,
bars, rods and sections
ISO 22034­2, Steel wire and wire products — Part 2: Tolerances on wire dimensions
EN 10204, Metallic products — Types of inspection documents
JIS G 0415, Steel and steel products —Inspection documents
JIS G 0555:2015, Microscopic testing method for the non-metallic inclusions in steel
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in ISO 377, ISO 683-1, ISO 683-2,
ISO 683­3, ISO 683­18, ISO 4885, ISO 4948­1, ISO 4948­2, ISO 6929, ISO 14284, ISO 16143­2 and the
following apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminological databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https:// www .iso .org/ obp
— IEC Electropedia: available at http:// www .electropedia .org/
3.1
bright steel product
drawn or peeled/turned bar with smoother surface quality and better dimensional accuracy in
comparison with a hot­rolled bar
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3.2
drawn product
product of various cross-sectional shapes obtained, after descaling, by cold drawing of hot-rolled bars
or wire rod, on a drawing bench (cold deformation without removing material)
Note 1 to entry: This operation gives the product special features with respect to shape, dimensional accuracy
and surface finish. Products in lengths are delivered straightened, products of small cross-section may also be
supplied in coils.
3.3
peeled/turned product
steel bar of circular cross­section having the same features of drawn products (3.2) concerning shape,
dimensional accuracy and bright surface finish but without work hardening
Note 1 to entry: They are produced by peeling on a peeling machine usually followed by straightening and by
polishing. The removal of metal by peeling is carried out in such a way that the bright product is generally free
from surface defects and decarburization coming from the hot­rolling process.
4 Classification and designation
4.1 Classification
The classification of the relevant steel grades shall be in accordance with ISO 4948-1 and ISO 4948-2.
All steel grades mentioned in this document are special steels in accordance with ISO 4948­2.
The steels not intended for heat treatment after cold forming (see Annex A) are non-alloy steels.
The case hardening steel grades (see Annex B) are alloy steels, except steel grades C10E2C to C20E2C.
The steel grades for quenching and tempering (see Annex C) are alloy steel grades, except steel grades
C35EC to C45RC.
The steel stainless steel grades (see Annex D) are classified according to their microstructures.
4.2 Designation
For the steel grades covered by this document, the steel names as given in the relevant tables shall be
allocated in accordance with ISO/TS 4949.
Annex F provides a list of steels given in Annexes A, B, C and D and the comparable grades covered in
various designation systems.
5 Information to be supplied by the purchaser
5.1 Mandatory information
The manufacturer shall obtain the following information from the purchaser at the time of enquiry
and order:
a) the quantity to be delivered (mass, length);
b) the product form (round bar, wire rod, wire);
c) the nominal diameter and the tolerances on dimensions and shape of the product with reference to
the relevant International Standard;
d) for bars the length and for wire rod and wire the dimensions, i.e. inner diameter and mass of the coils;
e) reference to this document, i.e. ISO 4954:—;
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f) the designation of the steel grade given in Tables A.2, B.2, C.2, C.3 and D.2;
g) if applicable, the symbol for the required heat-treatment condition, see Tables A.3, B.3 to B.7, C.4 to
C.10 and D.3 to D.6;
h) standard designation for a test report 2.2 or, if required, any other type of inspection document in
accordance with ISO 10474.
5.2 Options and/or supplementary or special requirements
A number of options are specified in this document and listed below. If the purchaser does not indicate
a wish to implement any of these options, the products will be supplied in accordance with the basic
specifications of this document (see 5.1).
a) Any requirement for the hardenability (+H, +HH, +HL) of case hardening steels of Annex B and
of steels for quenching and tempering of Annex C and for the core hardening (+CH) of steels for
quenching and tempering of Annex C, see 7.1.4.
b) Verification of hardenability and, if agreed, information about the calculation of the hardenability
for the case hardening steels of Annex B and for the steels for quenching and tempering of Annex C,
see 10.3.1.
c) If another surface condition than hot-rolled or a special surface quality is required, for the surface
condition, see Table 1, and for the surface quality of E for bars and D for wire rod, see 7.7.2 and 7.7.3.
d) Any requirement relating to the removal of surface defects, see 7.7.6.
e) Any requirement for the verification of the surface quality, see 7.7.5.
f) Any requirement for a product analysis, see 7.1.2.2.
g) Any requirement for the verification of the fine grain structure, see E.2, of case hardening steels of
Annex B and of steels for quenching and tempering of Annex C.
h) Carbide spheroidization, see 7.3, and any requirement for the verification of the carbide
spheroidization, see E.3.
i) Any requirement for the verification of the non-metallic inclusions of case hardening steels of
Annex B and of steels for quenching and tempering of Annex C, see 7.4 and E.4.
j) Internal soundness and any requirements for non-destructive testing, see 7.5 and 10.5.
k) Verification of aptitude to cold forming, see 7.6 and 10.4.
l) Maximum depth of surface discontinuities for stainless steels, see 7.7.4 and E.5.
m) Any requirement concerning non-destructive testing of the surface, see 7.7.7 and 10.5.
n) Depth of decarburization, see 7.8, and any requirements for testing the depth of decarburization,
see E.6.
o) Corrosion resistance of stainless steel products and any requirements for resistance to
intergranular corrosion, see E.7.
p) Any requirement concerning surface treatment and temporary corrosion protection, see 11.1.
q) Any special requirements concerning special or additional marking, see 11.2.
r) Any special requirements concerning packaging, see 11.3.
s) Statistical evaluation, see 6.5.
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5.3 Ordering example
EXAMPLE 50 t round bars with a nominal diameter of 40 mm and a nominal length of 6 000 mm with
diameter tolerance according to class S and with length tolerance according to class L2 of ISO 1035­4 made of steel
grade ISO 4954 42CrMo4 in the heat­treatment condition +AC+PE (see Table C.5), with hardenability requirement
+H (see Table C.7) and product analysis with an inspection certificate 3.1 in accordance with ISO 10474.
50 t round bars ISO 1035-4 – 40,0S × 6 000L2
ISO 4954 – 42CrMo4+AC+PE+H – product analysis
ISO 10474 – 3.1
6 Manufacturing process
6.1 General
The manufacturing process of the steel and of the products is, with the restrictions given by the
requirements in 6.2 to 6.4, left to the discretion of the manufacturer.
6.2 Deoxidation
All steels shall be deoxidized. The steels not intended for heat treatment (see Annex A) are aluminium
or silicon killed. By agreement, aluminium may be replaced by another suitable element having a
similar effect.
6.3 Heat-treatment condition and surface condition at delivery
6.3.1 Heat-treatment condition
Treatment and heat­treatment condition shall conform to one of the conditions indicated in Tables A.1,
B.1, C.1 and D.1.
Bright steel products in cold drawn or peeled/turned condition are coated with a light film of grease
from processing. For bright steel products in a finally heat treated condition, the manufacturer c
...