Designation: A 471 – 94 (Reapproved 1999) An American National Standard

Standard Specification for

Vacuum-Treated Alloy Steel Forgings for Turbine Rotor
Disks and Wheels1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation A 471; 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 (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.

1. Scope 4.2.1 The molten steel shall be vacuum treated prior to or

1.1 This specification covers vacuum-treated alloy steel during the pouring of the ingot, in order to remove objection-
forgings intended for use as turbine rotor disks and wheels. able gases, particularly hydrogen.
1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded 4.2.1.1 When the vacuum stream degassing process6 is
as the standard. used, the vacuum system must be of sufficient capacity to effect
a blank-off pressure low enough (usually less than 1000 µm) to
2. Referenced Documents break up the normal tight, rope-like stream of molten metal
2.1 ASTM Standards: into a wide-angled conical stream of relatively small droplets.
A 275/A 275M Test Method for Magnetic Particle Exami- The capacity of the system must also be sufficiently high to
nation of Steel Forgings2 reduce the initial surge pressure at the start of the pour to a low
A 370 Test Methods and Definitions for Mechanical Testing level within 2 min.
of Steel Products3 4.2.1.2 When the vacuum-lift process6 is utilized, the mol-
A 388/A 388M Practice for Ultrasonic Examination of ten metal shall be repeatedly drawn into the evacuated vessel to
Heavy Steel Forgings2 give a recirculation factor (Note 1) of at least 2.5 to ensure
E 30 Test Methods for Chemical Analysis of Steel, Cast thorough degassing and mixing of the entire heat. The evacu-
Iron, Open-Hearth Iron, and Wrought Iron4 ation system shall be capable of reducing the pressure surges,
E 139 Practice for Conducting Creep, Creep-Rupture, and which occur each time a new portion of steel is admitted to the
Stress-Rupture Tests of Metallic Materials5 vessel, to increasingly lower levels until a blank-off pressure
(usually less than 1000 µm) is achieved.
3. Ordering Information
NOTE 1—The recirculation factor is obtained as follows:
3.1 The purchaser shall specify in the inquiry and order the
tons of steel lifted per cycle 3 number of cycles
class of steel desired and test and purchase options (see 4.5.5, heat weight in tons
5.2.2, 6.1, 6.3, 7, and 15.1).
3.2 Forging Drawing—Each forging shall be manufactured 4.2.1.3 When the ladle degassing process is used, the
in accordance with a purchaser-supplied drawing showing the evacuation system shall be capable of reducing the system
finished dimensions and the locations of mechanical test vacuum pressure to a low level (usually less than 1000 µm).
specimens. The molten metal shall be adequately stirred for a sufficient
3.3 Supplementary requirements are provided and shall length of time to maximize exposure to the evacuated atmo-
apply only when specified in the purchaser’s order. sphere. When this process is used, hydrogen testing per
Supplemental Requirement S2 is mandatory.
4. Materials and Manufacture 4.2.1.4 Other methods of degassing may be used if the
4.1 Melting Process—The steel shall be made by one or supplier can demonstrate their adequacy to the satisfaction of
more of the following processes: electric-arc, electric- the purchaser. When other processes are used, hydrogen testing
induction, or consumable-electrode. per the supplemental requirement S2 is mandatory.
4.2 Vacuum Degassing: 4.3 Discard—Sufficient discard shall be taken from each
ingot to secure freedom from pipe and undue segregation in the
finished forging.
1
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee A-1 on Steel,
4.4 Forging Process—The forgings shall receive their hot
Stainless Steel, and Related Alloys, and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee mechanical work under a press, hammer, or mill of sufficient
A01.06 on Steel Forgings and Billets. power to work the metal throughout its section. The forgings
Current edition approved June 15, 1994. Published August 1994. Originally
published as A 471 – 62 T. Last previous edition A 471 – 93.
2
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 01.05.
3 6
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 01.03. Details of the vacuum stream degassing process may be found in the Journal
4
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 03.05. of the Iron and Steel Institute, Vol 191, January 1959; “Vacuum Pouring of Ingots
5
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 03.01. for Heavy Forgings” by J. H. Stoll.

Copyright © ASTM, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.

1
 A 471
shall be upset by forming from a block having an axial length 4.6.2 Machining to Purchaser’s Requirements for
before upsetting of at least two times the thickness of the Shipment—After heat treatment for mechanical properties (see
forging after upsetting. 4.5.3), the forgings shall be machined to the dimensions of the
4.4.1 The as-forged dimensions of each forging shall be purchaser’s forging drawing or instructions on his order.
planned so the metal is shaped by forging as close as is
practical to the dimensions shown on the purchaser’s drawing 5. Chemical Composition
so as to keep subsequent machining to a minimum. 5.1 The steel shall conform to the requirements for chemical
4.4.2 The axial center of the forging shall be maintained in composition prescribed in Table 1.
common with the axial center of the ingot. 5.2 Chemical Analysis:
4.5 Heat Treatment: 5.2.1 Heat Analysis—An analysis of each heat of steel shall
4.5.1 Cooling Prior to Heat Treatment— After forging and be made by the manufacturer to determine the percentages of
before reheating for heat treatment, the forging shall be those elements specified in Table 1. This analysis shall be made
allowed to cool in a manner to prevent damage and to from a test ingot taken during the pouring of the heat.
accomplish transformation. 5.2.1.1 If the test sample taken for the ladle analysis is lost
4.5.2 Preliminary Heat Treatment—The forgings shall be or declared inadequate for chemical determinations, the manu-
given such preliminary heat treatment as is proper for the facturer may take alternative samples from appropriate loca-
design and composition. The forgings shall be heated to a tions near the surface of the ingot or forging as necessary to
suitable temperature for a sufficient length of time for complete establish the analysis of the heat in question.
austenitization and shall be suitably cooled to bring about 5.2.2 Product Analysis—A product analysis may be made
complete transformation. by the purchaser on each forging. Sample for an analysis may
4.5.3 Heat Treatment for Mechanical Properties—The forg- be taken from the forging at any point from the mid-radius to
ings shall be reheated to a temperature above the upper critical the outside diameter or from a full-size prolongation, or
temperature, held a sufficient length of time for complete turnings may be taken from a test specimen. The chemical
austenitization, and liquid quenched. composition thus determined shall not vary from the require-
4.5.4 Tempering Temperature—The forgings shall be tem- ments specified in Table 1 more than the amounts prescribed in
pered to develop the specified properties. The final tempering Table 2.
temperature for Class 1 to 6 and 11 through 14 shall be not less 5.3 Test Methods of Analysis—Test Methods E 30 shall be
than 1100°F (593°C), and for Class 10 not less than 1200°F used for referee purposes.
(649°C). The forgings shall be cooled under suitable conditions
from the tempering temperature. 6. Mechanical Properties
4.5.5 Stress Relief—Unless otherwise specified by the pur- 6.1 Tension Test—The material shall conform to the require-
chaser, the forgings shall be stress relieved after machining ment for tensile properties prescribed in Table 3 when tested in
(see 4.6.2) by heating slowly to a temperature within 100°F accordance with Test Methods and Definitions A 370. Tension
(56°C) below the final tempering temperature but in no case test specimens shall be the standard round, 1⁄2-in. (12.7-mm)
below 1025°F (552°C) for Classes 1 to 6 and 11 through 14 and diameter, 2-in. (50.8-mm) gage length as shown in Test
1150°F (621°C) for Class 10. They shall be held for a sufficient Methods and Definitions A 370. The yield strength prescribed
length of time and then cooled under suitable conditions. This in Table 3 shall be determined by the 0.2 % offset method of
stress-relief temperature may be omitted provided the metal Test Methods and Definitions A 370. The offset shall be 0.2 %
removed in accordance with 4.6.2, excluding test metal, does unless 0.02 % is specified in the ordering information.
not exceed 3⁄16 in. (4.8 mm) on any surface. 6.2 Impact Test—The material shall conform to the require-
4.6 Machining: ments for impact (both transition-temperature and room-
4.6.1 Preliminary Machining—The forgings shall be pre- temperature impact value) as prescribed in Table 3. The impact
liminarily machined on all surfaces prior to heat treatment for tests shall be performed in accordance with Test Methods and
mechanical properties (see 4.5.3). Definitions A 370 using standard full-size specimens.
TABLE 1 Chemical Requirements
Composition, %
Classes 1 to 6, Class 10 Classes 11 to 13, Class 14
incl incl
Carbon 0.28 maxA 0.27–0.37 0.38–0.43 0.45 max
Manganese 0.70 max 0.70–1.00 0.60–1.00 0.60–1.00
Phosphorus 0.012 max 0.012 max 0.012 max 0.012 max
Sulfur 0.015 max 0.015 max 0.015 max 0.015 max
SiliconB 0.15–0.35 0.20 min 0.15–0.35 0.15–0.35
Nickel 2.00–4.00 0.50 max 0.50 max 1.65–3.50
Chromium 0.75–2.00 0.85–1.25 0.80–1.10 0.50–1.25
Molybdenum 0.20–0.70 1.00–1.50 0.15 min 0.20 min
Vanadium 0.05 min 0.20–0.30 0.06 max optional
C C C C
Antimony
A
0.35 % C max for Classes 4 and 5; 0.40 % C, max, for Class 6.
B
When vacuum deoxidation is specified, silicon content shall be 0.10 max.
C
To be reported for information only.

2
 A 471
TABLE 2 Permissible Variations in Product Analysis

NOTE—Product cross-sectional area is defined as either:

(a) maximum cross-sectional area of rough machined forging (excluding boring),
(b) maximum cross-sectional area of the unmachined forging, or
(c) maximum cross-sectional area of the billet, bloom, or slab.
Area taken at right angles to the axis of the original ingot or billet
Permissible Variation Over the Specified Maximum Limit or
Under the Specified Minimum Limit, %

Unit or Maximum Specified Up to and Over 100 Over 200 Over 400 Over 800 Over 1600
Element including to 200 in.2 to 400 in.2 to 800 in.2 to 1600 in.2
Range, %
100 in.2 (645 to (1290 to (2580 to in.2(5160 (10 320
(645 cm2) 1290 cm2), 2580 cm2), 5160 cm2), to 10 320 cm2)
incl incl incl cm2), incl
Carbon ... 0.03 0.04 0.04 0.05 0.06 0.06
Manganese up to and including 0.90 0.03 0.04 0.05 0.06 0.07 0.08
0.91 and over 0.06 0.06 0.07 0.08 0.08 0.09
Phosphorus ... 0.008 0.008 0.010 0.010 0.015 0.015
Sulfur ... 0.005 0.005 0.005 0.005 0.006 0.006
Silicon ... 0.02 0.03 0.04 0.04 0.05 0.06
Nickel up to and including 1.00 0.03 0.03 0.03 0.03 0.03 0.03
1.01 to 2.00, incl 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.05
2.01 and over 0.07 0.07 0.07 0.07 0.07 0.07
Chromium up to and including 0.90 0.03 0.04 0.04 0.05 0.05 0.06
0.91 and over 0.05 0.06 0.06 0.07 0.07 0.08
Molybdenum up to and including 0.20 0.01 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.03 0.03
0.21 to 0.40, incl 0.02 0.03 0.03 0.03 0.04 0.04
0.41 to 1.15, incl 0.03 0.04 0.05 0.06 0.07 0.08
1.16 and over 0.05 0.06 0.08 0.10 0.12 0.12
Vanadium up to and including 0.10 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01
0.11 to 0.25, incl 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.02
0.26 and over 0.03 0.03 0.03 0.03 0.03 0.03

TABLE 3 Tensile and Charpy Impact Requirements

Class 1 Class 2 Class 3 Class 4 Class 5 Class 6
Tensile strength, min, ksi (MPa) 100 105 110 120 130 140
(690) (725) (760) 830) (900) (965)
Yield strength, ksi (MPa)
0.2 % offset 80–100 90–110 100–120 110–130 120–140 130–150
(550–690) (620–760) (690–825) (760–895) (825–965) (895–1035)
0.02 % offset 75–95 85–105 95–115 105–125 115–135 125–145
(520–655) (585–725) (655–790) (725–860) (790–930) (860–1000)
Elongation in 2 in. or 50 mm, min, % 20 19 18 17 16 15
Reduction of area, min, % 50 50 47 45 43 43
Charpy V-notch impact, room temperature, ft·lb, min 50 50 45 45 40 40
Transition temperature, FATT50, °F, max 0 0 0 0 10 10
Brinell hardness number ... ... ... ... ... ...
Class 10 Class 11 Class 12 Class 13 Class 14
Tensile strength, min, ksi (MPa) 105 100 110 125 125
(725) (690) (760) (860) (860)
Yield strength, ksi (MPa)
0.2 % offset 90–105 ... ... ... ...
... ... ...
(620–725) ... ... ... ...
0.02 % offset 85–100 75–95 85–105 105–125 105–125

(585–690) (515–655) (585–725) (725–860) (725–860)

Elongation in 2 in. or 50 mm, min, % 15 20.0 18.0 16.0 18.0
Reduction of area, min, % 30 50.0 48.0 45.0 45.0
Charpy V-notch impact, room temperature, ft·lb, min 10 15 (20) 15 (20) 15 (20) 15 (20)
A A A A
Transition temperature, FATT50, °F, max 200
Brinell hardness number ... 207–255 229–269 255–302 255–302
A
Not required.

6.3 Hardness—Forgings made from Classes 11 to 14 and tension and impact test specimen shall be identified and taken
subjected to group testing in accordance with 6.4.1 shall from the locations as specified by the purchaser and agreed to
conform to the Brinell hardness requirements prescribed in by the producer. One tension test and a transition-temperature
Table 3 when tested in accordance with Test Methods and determination, including room-temperature impact strength
Definitions A 370. shall be considered a minimum number of tests conducted on
6.4 Location and Number of Tests—Classes 1 through 10 forgings made to this specification.

3
 A 471
6.4.1 For Classes 11 through 14 unless otherwise specified specimens shall have an impact strength above the minimum
by the purchaser, tests shall be made as follows: specified and the average for the three bars shall be above the
6.4.1.1 Forgings 30 in. (762 mm) and under in diameter may minimum specified. Room temperature impact values less than
be group tested. One tension test and one Charpy V-notch test 80 % of the specified value are not acceptable.
shall be considered representative of each lot of forgings
manufactured from the same heat of material and heat treated 11. Retreatment
together. When group tested two Brinell tests, 180° apart, shall 11.1 If the results of the mechanical tests of any forging
be made on the same face of each forging near the rim. does not conform to the specified requirements, the manufac-
6.4.1.2 For forgings over 30 in. in diameter, at least one rim turer may retreat the forging one or more times, but not more
tension test and one Charpy V-notch test shall be made from than three additional times without approval of the purchaser.
each forging.
6.4.1.3 Location—Unless otherwise specified, tension and 12. Inspection
Charpy V-notch specimens shall be taken on full thickness 12.1 The manufacturer shall afford the purchaser’s inspector
prolongations on the forging periphery. The test specimen shall all reasonable facilities necessary to satisfy him that the
be taken as close as possible to the quarter thickness of the material is being produced and furnished in accordance with
forging, with the axis of the specimen tangential. this specification. Inspection by the purchaser shall not inter-
6.5 Removal of Test Specimens—Removal of mechanical fere unnecessarily with the manufacturer’s operation. All tests
test specimens shall be done after all heat treatment, including and inspections shall be made at the place of manufacture,
the stress relief when required, has been completed. unless otherwise agreed upon.

7. Nondestructive Test Requirements 13. Rejection

7.1 General Requirements—The forgings shall be free from 13.1 Any forging having nonconforming conditions ob-
cracks, seams, laps, shrinkage, and other similar imperfections. served prior to or subsequent to acceptance at the manufactur-
7.2 Ultrasonic Inspection—An ultrasonic inspection of the er’s plant shall be subject to rejection.
forgings shall be made on all available surfaces to demonstrate 13.2 Any rejection based on tests made in accordance with
freedom from detrimental internal indications. In making the 5.2.2 shall be reported to the manufacturer within 60 days from
ultrasonic inspection, reference shall be made to Practice the receipt of the forgings by the purchaser, except in the case
A 388. Acceptance level shall be agreed upon between the where it is obvious that a gross variation from specified
purchaser and manufacturer. chemical analysis exists. In this case there shall be no time
7.3 Other nondestructive test methods such as dye pen- limit for rejection.
etrant, sulfur printing, or etching may be used upon request of
the purchaser to evaluate the forging. 14. Certification and Reports
14.1 The manufacturer shall furnish the required (on pur-
8. Dimensions and Tolerances chase order) number of test reports to the purchaser.
8.1 The forgings shall conform to the dimensions and 14.2 The following items shall be reported:
tolerances specified on the purchaser’s drawing or order. 14.2.1 Product and check chemical analyses,
14.2.2 Results of acceptance tests for mechanical properties,
9. Finish and Appearance 14.2.3 Report of all nondestructive tests including sketches
9.1 The forgings shall conform to the finish specified on the when necessary,
purchaser’s drawing and shall have a good workmanlike 14.2.4 Final austenitizing, tempering, and stress relieving
appearance. temperatures, holding times, and methods of cooling, and
14.2.5 The results of the supplementary requirement when
10. Retests required.
10.1 If the results of the mechanical tests do not conform to
the requirements specified, retests are permitted as outlined in 15. Packaging, Package Marking, and Loading
Test Methods and Definitions A 370 or as follows: 15.1 Each forging shall be legibly stamped by the manufac-
10.1.1 If the percentage of elongation of any tension test turer with the manufacturer’s name or trademark, the manu-
specimen is less than that specified because a flaw develops in facturer’s serial number, the specification number (A 471), and
the test specimen during testing, a retest shall be allowed if the the appropriate class number.
flaw is not caused by ruptures, cracks, porosity, or flakes in the 15.2 Packaging and loading shall be done so that the forging
steel. is not damaged during shipment to the purchaser.
10.1.2 Room temperature impact values lower than the
minimum specified, but not less than 80 % of the minimum 16. Keywords
shall be cause for retest. In this event, two additional adjacent 16.1 steel forgings; turbine rotor disks; turbine rotor wheels;
bars shall be broken to represent each failed bar. Both vacuum-treated low alloy steel

4
 A 471
SUPPLEMENTARY REQUIREMENTS

The following supplementary requirements shall apply only when specified by the purchaser on the
order.

S1. Creep Rupture S3. Magnetic Particle Examination

S1.1 In general, the procedure outlined in Practice E 139, S3.1 A magnetic particle examination of the complete
shall be followed. A minimum of six test specimens shall be exterior and bore surfaces of the machined forging shall be
removed as instructed by the purchaser. The type test specimen made at the forging manufacturer’s plant. The examination
and condition of the test shall be agreed upon between shall be performed in accordance with the latest issue of Test
purchaser and manufacturer. Method A 275/A 275M.
S2. Hydrogen Determination S3.2 Forgings with cracks of any length or linear indications
S2.1 A hydrogen determination shall be made. The ac- of 1⁄8 in. (3.2 mm) length or greater that are caused by
ceptable hydrogen limit as well as the stage in processing when nonmetallic inclusions are subject to rejection unless they can
sampling, the sample preparation procedure and the method of be removed to the purchaser’s satisfaction.
analysis shall be agreed upon between manufacturer and
purchaser.

The American Society for Testing and Materials takes no position respecting the validity of any patent rights asserted in connection
with any item mentioned in this standard. Users of this standard are expressly advised that determination of the validity of any such
patent rights, and the risk of infringement of such rights, are entirely their own responsibility.

This standard is subject to revision at any time by the responsible technical committee and must be reviewed every five years and
if not revised, either reapproved or withdrawn. Your comments are invited either for revision of this standard or for additional standards
and should be addressed to ASTM Headquarters. Your comments will receive careful consideration at a meeting of the responsible
technical committee, which you may attend. If you feel that your comments have not received a fair hearing you should make your
views known to the ASTM Committee on Standards, at the address shown below.

This standard is copyrighted by ASTM, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
Individual reprints (single or multiple copies) of this standard may be obtained by contacting ASTM at the above address or at
610-832-9585 (phone), 610-832-9555 (fax), or service@astm.org (e-mail); or through the ASTM website (www.astm.org).