ASTM A730-93(1999)

1.1 This specification covers eight grades of untreated and heat-treated carbon steel forgings and six grades of heat-treated alloy steel forgings for railway use. Note 1-Railway axles are covered by Specification A21. 1.2 The grades of carbon steel forgings and the purposes for which they are frequently used are as follows, the choice depending on design and stress or service to be imposed: 1.2.1 Grade A is untreated and is mostly used for drop forgings and parts of minor importance, and those which are to be case hardened. 1.2.2 Grade B is untreated and is used for a general group of miscellaneous ordinary forgings where heat treatment is not deemed necessary. 1.2.3 Grade C is annealed, normalized, or normalized and tempered. 1.2.4 Grade D is annealed, normalized, or normalized and tempered. 1.2.5 Grade E is normalized and tempered. 1.2.6 Grade F is double normalized and tempered. 1.2.7 Grade G is quenched and tempered. 1.2.8 Grade H is normalized, quenched, and tempered. 1.2.9 Grades E, F, G, and H forgings are used in high-duty service on locomotives, cars, and other equipment. 1.3 The grades of alloy steel forgings are as follows: 1.3.1 Grades I, J, and K are normalized and tempered. 1.3.2 Grades L, M, and N are normalized, quenched, and tempered, and are used in heavy-duty service on locomotives, cars, and special equipment. Note 2-The forgings described above were formerly designated as follows: Current Grade Former Designation and Grade A B C D E F G H I J K L M N A 236, A A 236, B A 236, C A 236, D A 236, E A 236, F A 236, G A 236, H A 238, A A 238, B A 238, C A 238, D A 238, E A 238, F 1.4 Supplementary Requirements (Sections S1 to S5) of an optional nature are provided. These shall apply only when specified by the purchaser. 1.5 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as the standard.