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Material testing

Residual Austenite

Determination of the residual austenite

Roentgenographic determination of the residual austenite proportion as a quality assessment for implemented heat treatment or as a conformity test as to whether a specified residual austenite threshold value was complied with.

Do you have any questions about our residual stress determination?

Contact us.

How much residual austenite (RA) is in your component?

After the hardening or case hardening, the material can still contain residual austenite (RA) – an austenite that has not converted into martensite and is still present at room temperature.

In general, residual austenite is undesired, as it is very soft and, under certain circumstances, can convert into martensite at a later time. High proportions of residual austenite reduce wear resistance and dimensional stability significantly and they increase the risk of grinding cracks.  

For this reason, knowledge of the residual austenite content is extremely important in many cases. The X-ray diffractometer analysis (RDA, XRD) has established itself over many years as a process for determining the residual austenite content according to ASTM E 975-13, as it is significantly more reliable, more accurate and more meaningful than a purely optical estimate using a light microscope.

Roentgenographic determination of the RA content at RUBIG:

  • Due to the structure of the RDA, not only small samples but also larger components can be tested
  • Small test surfaces (Ø 1 … 5 mm) measurable
  • RA content can also be determined in a defined distance from the surface by means of electrochemical removal. An influence on the RA content, which may occur during mechanical removal through deformation or tension, is hereby prevented.