---
title: "ASTM B931"
url: "https://mat-cs.com/astm-b931/"
description: "This test method covers the determination of the thermal diffusivity of primarily homogeneous isotropic solid materials. Click to learn more."
---

ASTM Standard

# ASTM B931

Standard Test Method for Metallographically Estimating the Observed Case Depth of Ferrous Powder Metallurgy (PM) Parts

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## Significance and Use

5.1 The engineering function of many PM parts may require an exterior portion of the part to have a hardened layer. Where case hardening produces a distinct transition in the microstructure, metallographic estimation of the observed case depth may be used to check the depth to which the surface has been hardened.

## Scope

1.1 A metallographic method is described for estimating the observed case depth of ferrous powder metallurgy (PM) parts. This method may be used for all types of hardened cases where there is a discernible difference between the microstructure of the hardened surface and that of the interior of the part.

1.2 With the exception of the values for grit size for which the U.S. standard designation is the industry standard, the values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard.