Engineering
Standards
Engineering Standard Number
Name DEPTH,CASE
INSPECTION SPECIFICATION 16019
Identifier
(TEST METHOD)
1. Scope
This inspection standard describe the test methods for determining the effective and/or total case
depth of carburized, carbonitrided, nitrocarburized, nitrided, cyanided, induction hardened, and
flame hardened material.
2. Applicable Documents
Applicable documents listed below may be obtained from the respective organizations listed in
CES 10054, Standards Organizations Addresses.
a. ASTM E3, Standard Guide for Preparation of Metallographic Specimens
b. ASTM E18, Standard Test Methods for Rockwell Hardness of Metallic Materials
c. ASTM E384, Standard Test Method for Microindentation Hardness of Materials
d. ASTM E407, Standard Practice for Microetching Metals and Alloys
e. CES 10054, Standards Organizations Addresses
f. CES 10056, Glossary
3. Definitions
Terms used in this standard that have a general definition for usage in Cummins Engineering
Standards are defined in CES 10056, Glossary.
3.1. Effective Case Depth
Effective case depth is the perpendicular distance from the surface of a hardened case to the deepest
point at which a specified hardness level is maintained.
3.2. Total Case Depth
Total case depth is the entire depth of enrichment or where case and core characteristics can no
longer be distinguished.
4. Test Methods
4.1. Sample Preparation
4.1.1. Metallographic specimens are to be prepared in accordance with ASTM E3.
4.1.2. When etching is required, sample shall be etched in accordance with ASTM E407.
Current Release Number Std. Revision Level
182021-205 006 Page 1 of 3
CUMMINS INTERNAL USE ONLY
This document (and the information shown thereon) is CONFIDENTIAL AND PROPRIETARY and shall not be disclosed to others in hard copy
or electronic form, reproduced by any means, or used for any purpose without written consent of Cummins Inc.
Engineering
Standards
Engineering Standard Number
Name DEPTH,CASE
INSPECTION SPECIFICATION 16019
Identifier
(TEST METHOD)
4.2. Effective Case Depth
4.2.1. Effective case depth will normally be determined using a microhardness traverse. In
special situations macrohardness methods may be used.
4.2.2. Microhardness shall be determined in accordance with ASTM E384.
4.2.3. Macrohardness when applicable shall be determined in accordance with ASTM E18.
4.2.4. Limiting hardness values for determining effective case depth, if not otherwise
specified, shall be equivalent to those listed in Table 1: Hardness for Effective Case Depth
Determination on page 2.
4.2.4.1. Hardness values for determining effect case depth of flame or induction hardened
material shall be based upon the appropriate carbon content as indicated in Table 1: Hardness for
Effective Case Depth Determination on page 2.
Table 1: Hardness for Effective Case Depth Determination
of Flame and Induction Hardened Material
Hardness
Carbon Content
(HRC)
0.28 - 0.32% 35
0.33 - 0.42% 40
0.43 - 0.52% 45
0.53% and greater 50
4.2.4.2. Effective case depth shall be determined to 50 HRC for surface enriched material.
4.3. Total Case Depth
Unless otherwise specified, total case depth shall be determined by visual measurement of an
appropriately etched sample.
4.3.1. Macroscopic
Current Release Number Std. Revision Level
182021-205 006 Page 2 of 3
CUMMINS INTERNAL USE ONLY
This document (and the information shown thereon) is CONFIDENTIAL AND PROPRIETARY and shall not be disclosed to others in hard copy
or electronic form, reproduced by any means, or used for any purpose without written consent of Cummins Inc.
Engineering
Standards
Engineering Standard Number
Name DEPTH,CASE
INSPECTION SPECIFICATION 16019
Identifier
(TEST METHOD)
The specimen shall be viewed at a magnification not exceeding 20X, for example, with a Brinell
glass. Total case depth shall be measured as the maximum depth of the entire darkened zone.
4.3.2. Microscopic
The sample shall be examined at a suitable magnification. Total case depth shall be the maximum
depth where modification to the core microstructure can be detected.
5. Reference Readings
The following references were used in the preparation of this standard.
SAE J423, Methods of Measuring Case Depth
Current Release Number Std. Revision Level
182021-205 006 Page 3 of 3
CUMMINS INTERNAL USE ONLY
This document (and the information shown thereon) is CONFIDENTIAL AND PROPRIETARY and shall not be disclosed to others in hard copy
or electronic form, reproduced by any means, or used for any purpose without written consent of Cummins Inc.
