BRITISH STANDARD BS EN ISO

2639:2002
Incorporating
Corrigendum No. 1

Steels — Determination
and verification of the
Licensed Copy: AUB User, na, Wed Feb 28 12:37:27 GMT+00:00 2007, Uncontrolled Copy, (c) BSI

depth of carburized and

hardened cases

The European Standard EN ISO 2639:2002 has the status of a

British Standard

ICS 77.040.99

12&23<,1*:,7+287%6,3(50,66,21(;&(37$63(50,77('%<&23<5,*+7/$:
 BS EN ISO 2639:2002
Licensed Copy: AUB User, na, Wed Feb 28 12:37:27 GMT+00:00 2007, Uncontrolled Copy, (c) BSI
This British Standard, having
been prepared under the
direction of the Engineering
Sector Policy and Strategy
Committee, was published
under the authority of the
Standards Policy and Strategy
Committee on
27 November 2002
© BSI 22 January 2003
ISBN 0 580 40812 4
National foreword
This British Standard is the official English language version of
EN ISO 2639:2002. It is identical with ISO 2639:2002. It supersedes
BS 6479:1984 which is withdrawn.
The UK participation in its preparation was entrusted to Technical Committee
ISE/72, Methods of physical and metallographic testing, which has the
responsibility to:
— aid enquirers to understand the text;
— present to the responsible international/European committee any
enquiries on the interpretation, or proposals for change, and keep the
UK interests informed;
— monitor related international and European developments and
promulgate them in the UK.
A list of organizations represented on this committee can be obtained on
request to its secretary.
Cross-references
The British Standards which implement international or European
publications referred to in this document may be found in the BSI Catalogue
under the section entitled “International Standards Correspondence Index”, or
by using the “Search” facility of the BSI Electronic Catalogue or of British
Standards Online.
This publication does not purport to include all the necessary provisions of a
contract. Users are responsible for its correct application.
Compliance with a British Standard does not of itself confer immunity
from legal obligations.
Summary of pages
This document comprises a front cover, an inside front cover, the EN ISO title
page, the EN ISO foreword page, the ISO title page, pages ii and iii, a blank
page, pages 1 to 5, the Annex ZA, an inside back cover and a back cover.
The BSI copyright date displayed in this document indicates when the
document was last issued.
Amendments issued since publication
Amd. No. Date Comments
14310 22 January 2003 Replacing the EN ISO foreword page and
Corrigendum No. 1 incorporating the Annex ZA page
 EUROPEAN STANDARD EN ISO 2639
NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM November 2002

ICS 77.040.99
Licensed Copy: AUB User, na, Wed Feb 28 12:37:27 GMT+00:00 2007, Uncontrolled Copy, (c) BSI

English version

Steels - Determination and verification of the depth of carburized

and hardened cases (ISO 2639:2002)

Acier - Détermination et vérification de la profondeur de Stahl - Bestimmung und Prüfung der Einsatzhärtungstiefe
cémentation (ISO 2639:2002) (ISO 2639:2002)

This European Standard was approved by CEN on 15 October 2002.

CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this European
Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration. Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references concerning such national
standards may be obtained on application to the Management Centre or to any CEN member.

This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language made by translation
under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the Management Centre has the same status as the official
versions.

CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece,
Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and United Kingdom.

EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION

COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION
EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG

Management Centre: rue de Stassart, 36 B-1050 Brussels

© 2002 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. EN ISO 2639:2002 E
worldwide for CEN national Members.
 EN ISO 2639:2002

CORRECTED 2002-12-18

Foreword
Licensed Copy: AUB User, na, Wed Feb 28 12:37:27 GMT+00:00 2007, Uncontrolled Copy, (c) BSI

This document (EN ISO 2639:2002) has been prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 17
"Steel" in collaboration with Technical Committee ECISS/TC 2 "Steel - Physico-chemical and
non-destructive testing", the secretariat of which is held by AFNOR.

This European Standard shall be given the status of a national standard, either by publication of
an identical text or by endorsement, at the latest by May 2003, and conflicting national standards
shall be withdrawn at the latest by May 2003.

According to the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations, the national standards organizations of

the following countries are bound to implement this European Standard: Austria, Belgium, Czech
Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg,
Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.

Endorsement notice

The text of ISO 2639:2002 has been approved by CEN as EN ISO 2639:2002 without any
modifications.

NOTE Normative references to International Standards are listed in Annex ZA (normative).

 EN ISO 2639:2002
INTERNATIONAL ISO
STANDARD 2639

Third edition
2002-11-01
Licensed Copy: AUB User, na, Wed Feb 28 12:37:27 GMT+00:00 2007, Uncontrolled Copy, (c) BSI

Steels — Determination and verification

of the depth of carburized and hardened
cases
Acier — Détermination et vérification de la profondeur de cémentation

Reference number
ISO 2639:2002(E)
 EN ISO 2639:2002

DPlcsid Fremia
ihTs PDF file mc yatnoaie nmt deddebyfepca.se Icca ncnadrow eitA h'ebods licsneilop gnic,y tihs file mirp eb yatniv ro deewb detu slahl ton
ide ebtlnu desse tt ehyfepacse wihce era hml era deddebicsnede to i dnasntlalde t noeh comtupfrep remroign tide ehti.gn Iwod nnlidaogn tihs
fil,e trapies ccatpe tiereht nsnopser ehiiblity fo ton ifnriignA gn'ebods licnesilop gnic.y I ehTStneC Oarl Scerteiraat cacpets l oniibality it nihs
.aera
Ai ebods a tedarmfo kra Aebod SystemI snctaropro.de
Licensed Copy: AUB User, na, Wed Feb 28 12:37:27 GMT+00:00 2007, Uncontrolled Copy, (c) BSI

teDials fo ts ehfotworp eracudts ust dec ortaet eihs PDF filc eeb na fi dnuot nlareneG eh Ifnler otait evt of ehil;e tP ehD-Fcrtaeiarap nomtesre
wretpo eimizf deirp rotni.gn Evyre csah era t neebkat nesne ot eruaht tf ehili es siutlbaf esu roI yb eSO memidob rebse. It neh lnuikletneve y
ttah a lborpem leratign ti ot is fnuo,d lpsaee ifnrom ttneC ehlar Secrteirata at tsserdda eh igleb nevwo.

© ISO 2002
Athgir lls serevr.de selnUs towrehise specfi,dei trap on fo this ilbupctanoi may cudorper ebtu ro deziliyna ni de fomr yb ro nam y,snae lecetinorc
m roecinahcal, inclidutohp gnocpoiym dna gnicrfoilm, wittuoh repmissii now nritif gnrom ietreh ISa Ot tserdda ehs lebwo I roS'Os membre ydob
it neh ctnuoo yrf ttseuqer eh.re
ISO cirypothg fofice
saCe tsopale 65 •eneG 1121-HC 02 av
leT. 4 + 10 947 22 1 11
xaF0 947 22 14 + 9 74
E-mial coirypthgi@s.oc h
Web ww.wiso.ch
Pritni denS witlrez dna

ii
 EN ISO 2639:2002

Foreword
Licensed Copy: AUB User, na, Wed Feb 28 12:37:27 GMT+00:00 2007, Uncontrolled Copy, (c) BSI

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.

International Standards are drafted in accordance with the rules given in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 3.

The main task of technical committees is to prepare International Standards. Draft International Standards adopted
by the technical committees are circulated to the member bodies for voting. Publication as an International
Standard requires approval by at least 75 % of the member bodies casting a vote.

Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this International Standard may be the subject of
patent rights. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.

ISO 2639 was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 17, Steel, Subcommittee SC 7, Methods of testing (other
than mechanical tests and chemical analysis).

This third edition cancels and replaces the second edition (ISO 2639:1982), which has been technically revised.

iii
Licensed Copy: AUB User, na, Wed Feb 28 12:37:27 GMT+00:00 2007, Uncontrolled Copy, (c) BSI
 EN ISO 2639:2002
INTENRATIONAL TSANDADR IS:9362 O2002(E)

Steels — Determination and verification of the depth of carburized

and hardened cases
Licensed Copy: AUB User, na, Wed Feb 28 12:37:27 GMT+00:00 2007, Uncontrolled Copy, (c) BSI

1 Scope
This International Standard defines the case-hardened depth, and specifies methods for the determination of this
depth, in steel.

It is applicable to

a) carburized cases and carbonitrided cases;

b) parts that, when heat treated to final hardness, have a hardness of less than 450 HV 1 at a distance of three
times the case-hardened depth, from the surface.

The case-hardened depth is defined by special agreement where these conditions are not met.

For steels that, in the part under test, and at a distance of three times the case-hardened depth from the surface,
present a hardness greater than 450 HV 1, the criterion can still be used, provided that a limiting hardness value
greater than 550 HV 1 – in steps of 25 units – be selected for the case-hardened depth.

2 Normative references
The following normative documents contain provisions, which, through reference in this text, constitute provisions
of this International Standard. For dated references, subsequent amendments to, or revisions of, any of these
publications do not apply. However, parties to agreements based on this International Standard are encouraged to
investigate the possibility of applying the most recent editions of the normative documents indicated below. For
undated references, the latest edition of the normative document referred to applies. Members of ISO and IEC
maintain registers of currently valid International Standards.

ISO 4545, Metallic materials — Hardness test — Knoop test

ISO 6507-1, Metallic materials — Vickers hardness test — Part 1: Test method

3 Term and definition

For the purposes of this International Standard, the following term and definition applies.

3.1
case-hardened depth (of a carburized and hardened case)
perpendicular distance between the surface and the layer having a hardness of 550 HV 1 in accordance with
ISO 6507-1 or equivalent Knoop hardness in accordance with ISO 4545

1
 EN ISO
ISO 2639:2002
2639:2002(E)

4 Conventions

4.1 Designation

The case-hardened depth is designated by the letters CHD and is expressed in millimetres, e.g.: CHD = 0,8 mm.
Licensed Copy: AUB User, na, Wed Feb 28 12:37:27 GMT+00:00 2007, Uncontrolled Copy, (c) BSI

4.2 Special cases

4.2.1 Vickers hardness measurements

By agreement between the parties concerned, Vickers hardness measurements within the range of HV 0,5 (4,9 N)
to HV 1 (9,8 N) may be used.

By agreement between the parties concerned limiting hardness values other than 550 HV 1 may be used.

The use of another load or another limiting hardness shall be shown after the letters CHD, e.g.: CHD 515 HV 5.

4.2.2 Knoop hardness measurement

By agreement between the parties concerned, measurement of the Knoop hardness may be used.

5 Determination of case-hardened depth

5.1 General

The following method for the determination of the case-hardened depth is the only one applicable in the event of a
dispute.

5.2 Principle

The case-hardened depth is determined from the gradient of hardness on a cross-section normal to the surface.

It is derived graphically from a curve representing the variation in hardness as a function of the distance from the
surface of a part.

5.3 Procedure

5.3.1 Test specimen

The measurement shall be made, unless otherwise specially agreed, on a cross-section of a part in a specified
condition.

5.3.2 Preparation of the surface to be examined

Polish the surface on which measurement is to be made so as to permit correct measurement of the size of the
hardness impressions. Take all precautions to avoid rounding the edges of the surface and overheating the part.

5.3.3 Determination of hardness

Make hardness impressions along one or more parallel lines normal to the surface and within a band of width, W,
1,5 mm (see Figure 1).

22 I ©SO – 2002 All irthgs ersedevr

 EN
ISOISO 2639:2002
2639:2002(E)
Licensed Copy: AUB User, na, Wed Feb 28 12:37:27 GMT+00:00 2007, Uncontrolled Copy, (c) BSI

Figure 1 — Position of hardness impressions

The distance, S, separating two adjacent impressions shall be not less than 2,5 times their diagonal (see Figure 1).
The difference between the successive distances of each impression from the surface (e.g. a2 − a1) shall not
exceed 0,1 mm and the cumulative distances from the surface shall be measured to an accuracy of ± 25 µm. The
diagonals of the impression shall be measured to an accuracy of ± 0,5 µm.

Make impressions using a load of HV 0,1 (0,98 N) to HV 1 (9,8 N) or Knoop impressions under appropriate
conditions and carry out their measurement using an optical device (camera system) giving a minimum
magnification of 400¥ unless otherwise agreed between the parties concerned.

Make the measurements on the prepared surface in two or more bands, the location of which shall be agreed
between the parties concerned and for each band, plot the results in order to obtain the curve representing the
variations in hardness as a function of distance from the surface.

5.4 Expression of results

From the two curves plotted, determine, for each band of the surface in question, the distance from the surface of
the part at which the hardness is equal to 550 HV or equivalent Knoop hardness; such a distance represents the
case-hardened depth of the band.

If the difference between these two values is less than or equal to 0,1 mm, take the mean of these two distances as
the case-hardened depth; if the difference between these two values is greater than 0,1 mm, repeat the test.

6 Verification of case-hardened depth

If the thickness of the carburized case is specified, the following interpolation method may be used as a method of
verification of the case-hardened depth. This is possible because the hardness gradient may be approximately
represented by a straight line in that transitional area where the case-hardened depth, as defined in this
International Standard, would end.

Make at least five impressions on a normal cross-section of the part under test, at each of the distances d1 and d2
from the surface, distance d1 and d2 being respectively below and above the value for the specified case-hardened
depth (see Figure 2). The value of d2 − d1 shall not exceed 0,3 mm.

I ©SO – 2002 All irthgs ersedevr 33

 EN ISO
ISO 2639:2002
2639:2002(E)
Licensed Copy: AUB User, na, Wed Feb 28 12:37:27 GMT+00:00 2007, Uncontrolled Copy, (c) BSI

Figure 2 — Position of hardness measurement points

The case-hardened depth is given by the formula

( d 2 − d 1 )( H 1 − H s )
CHD = d 1 +
H1− H 2

where

Hs is the specified hardness;

H 1, H 2 are the arithmetic means of the hardness values measured at distances d1 and d2 (see Figure 3).

Figure 3 — Mathematical verification of the case-hardened depth

NOTE When using the interpolation method, it is good practice to check the hardness immediately below the surface. If
there is excessive retained austenite in the subsurface case, the hardness in this area may be below the critical level of 550 HV.

44 I ©SO – 2002 All irthgs ersedevr

 EN
ISOISO 2639:2002
2639:2002(E)

7 Test report
The test report shall contain the following information:

a) the part tested and the heat treatment to which it has been subjected;

b) the area of the part in which the tests were carried out;
Licensed Copy: AUB User, na, Wed Feb 28 12:37:27 GMT+00:00 2007, Uncontrolled Copy, (c) BSI

c) the determined case-hardened depth.

I ©SO – 2002 All irthgs ersedevr 55

 EN ISO 2639:2002

Annex ZA
(normative)

Normative references to international publications

Licensed Copy: AUB User, na, Wed Feb 28 12:37:27 GMT+00:00 2007, Uncontrolled Copy, (c) BSI

with their relevant European publications

This European Standard incorporates by dated or undated reference, provisions from other
publications. These normative references are cited at the appropriate places in the text and the
publications are listed hereafter. For dated references, subsequent amendments to or revisions of
any of these publications apply to this European Standard only when incorporated in it by
amendment or revision. For undated references the latest edition of the publication referred to
applies (including amendments).

NOTE Where an International Publication has been modified by common modifications, indicated
by (mod.), the relevant EN/HD applies.

Publication Year Title EN Year

ISO 6507-1 1997 Metallic materials - Vickers EN ISO 6507-1 1997

hardness test - Part 1: Test
method
Licensed Copy: AUB User, na, Wed Feb 28 12:37:27 GMT+00:00 2007, Uncontrolled Copy, (c) BSI
 BS EN ISO
2639:2002
BSI — British Standards Institution
BSI is the independent national body responsible for preparing
British Standards. It presents the UK view on standards in Europe and at the
international level. It is incorporated by Royal Charter.

Revisions
British Standards are updated by amendment or revision. Users of
British Standards should make sure that they possess the latest amendments or
Licensed Copy: AUB User, na, Wed Feb 28 12:37:27 GMT+00:00 2007, Uncontrolled Copy, (c) BSI

editions.
It is the constant aim of BSI to improve the quality of our products and services.
We would be grateful if anyone finding an inaccuracy or ambiguity while using
this British Standard would inform the Secretary of the technical committee
responsible, the identity of which can be found on the inside front cover.
Tel: +44 (0)20 8996 9000. Fax: +44 (0)20 8996 7400.
BSI offers members an individual updating service called PLUS which ensures
that subscribers automatically receive the latest editions of standards.

Buying standards
Orders for all BSI, international and foreign standards publications should be
addressed to Customer Services. Tel: +44 (0)20 8996 9001.
Fax: +44 (0)20 8996 7001. Email: orders@bsi-global.com. Standards are also
available from the BSI website at http://www.bsi-global.com.
In response to orders for international standards, it is BSI policy to supply the
BSI implementation of those that have been published as British Standards,
unless otherwise requested.

Information on standards
BSI provides a wide range of information on national, European and
international standards through its Library and its Technical Help to Exporters
Service. Various BSI electronic information services are also available which give
details on all its products and services. Contact the Information Centre.
Tel: +44 (0)20 8996 7111. Fax: +44 (0)20 8996 7048. Email: info@bsi-global.com.
Subscribing members of BSI are kept up to date with standards developments
and receive substantial discounts on the purchase price of standards. For details
of these and other benefits contact Membership Administration.
Tel: +44 (0)20 8996 7002. Fax: +44 (0)20 8996 7001.
Email: membership@bsi-global.com.
Information regarding online access to British Standards via British Standards
Online can be found at http://www.bsi-global.com/bsonline.
Further information about BSI is available on the BSI website at
http://www.bsi-global.com.

Copyright
Copyright subsists in all BSI publications. BSI also holds the copyright, in the
UK, of the publications of the international standardization bodies. Except as
permitted under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 no extract may be
reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any
means – electronic, photocopying, recording or otherwise – without prior written
permission from BSI.
This does not preclude the free use, in the course of implementing the standard,
of necessary details such as symbols, and size, type or grade designations. If these
details are to be used for any other purpose than implementation then the prior
BSI written permission of BSI must be obtained.
389 Chiswick High Road Details and advice can be obtained from the Copyright & Licensing Manager.
London Tel: +44 (0)20 8996 7070. Fax: +44 (0)20 8996 7553.
Email: copyright@bsi-global.com.
W4 4AL