John Deere Standard

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Heat Treatment Numbers and Descriptions

Table of Contents
1 Scope ............................................................................................................................................. 2

D 2
3
Designations...................................................................................................................................
Descriptions....................................................................................................................................
2
4 D
R R
4 Suffix Designations ........................................................................................................................ 14
5 References ..................................................................................................................................... 15

A A
Summary of Changes from Previous Edition
(For Information Only — Not Part of the Standard) ....................................................................... 16

F F
T T

Current edition: Supersedes: First issued:

2011-08-30 1996-09-30 1954-10-01 Design Control: DT Page 1 of 16
John Deere Standards are intended for use by Deere & Company, its divisions and subsidiaries. Suppliers who rely on them in
furnishing products to or for the benefit of the Company must determine that they are in possession of the latest version.
Distribution of the standards to parties other than John Deere Suppliers, whether with or without charge, are for information only and
Deere & Company disclaims all responsibility for results attributable to the application of or compliance with such standards. The
Company makes no representation, express or implied, that conformity ensures compliance with applicable law or other rules or
regulations. Further, those who are in receipt of and elect to use the standards, agree to assume the responsibility for compliance
with patents, as well as potential patent infringement.
Deere & Company Engineering Standards Department, One John Deere Place, Moline, Illinois 61265-8098, U.S.A. Unpublished —
All rights reserved under the copyright laws.
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1 Scope

JDV 2 specifies standard designations by which heat treatment processes for ferrous metals are specified
on part drawings and related documents. The properties and dimensions required for the heat treatment
(e.g., hardness, case depth, portion to be heat treated) shall also be specified in addition to the heat treat
number.

Note 1 Quality requirements for heat treated components are specified within JDV 21, JDV 22, and JDV 23.

2 Designations

2.1 Structure Conditioning

Number Process

D HT1
HT3
Normalize
Full Anneal
D
R R
HT4 Isothermal (or Cycle) Anneal
HT5 Stress Relieve

A A
HT6 Spheroidize Anneal
HT7 Graphitize Anneal

F F
2.2 Hardening by Composition Change
Number Process

T T
HT9 Carburize and Slow Cool
HT10 Carburize and Direct Quench
HT11 After Carburizing, Slow Cooling, Reheat for Case Reaction, and Quench
HT12 After Carburizing, Slow Cooling, Reheat for Core Reaction, and Quench
HT13 Carburize and Quench to Bainitic Structure
HT14 Vacuum Carburizing
HT20 Carbonitride and Quench
HT21 Carburize, Carbonitride, and Quench
HT22 Carbonitride and Slow Cool
HT25 Cyanide and Quench
HT26 Gaseous Nitrocarburizing
HT27 Liquid Nitride
HT28 Gas Nitride
HT29 Ion Nitride
HT45 Carburize and Marquench
HT46 After Carburizing, Slow Cooling, Reheat, and Marquench

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2.3 Hardening by Through Heating
Number Process
HT15 Heat, Correct Carbon, and Quench
HT16 Heat, Correct Carbon, and Slow Cool
HT40 Heat and Quench
HT48 Heat and Marquench
HT49 Heat and Austemper

2.4 Hardening by Surface Heating

Number Process

D D
HT30 Heat by Induction and Quench
HT31 Preheat, Heat by Induction, and Quench

R R
HT32 Through Heat by Induction, Quench, and Heat by Induction
HT35 Heat by Flame and Quench
HT36 Laser Harden and Self-Quench –– Steel

A HT37
HT38
Electron Beam Harden and Self-Quench –– Steel
Laser Chill Harden –– Cast Iron
A
F HT39

2.5
Electron Beam Chill Harden –– Cast Iron

Heating While Under Physical Pressure

F
T Number
HT51
Process
Hot Flatten
T
2.6 Suffix Letters
C Clean or Scale-Free Treatment
R Restricted Carbon Gardient
S Selective Treatment
T Tempering

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3 Descriptions

3.1 Structure Conditioning

3.1.1 HT1 – Normalize

3.1.1.1 Normalizing is the basic conditioning process for steel castings, medium and high carbon steel
forgings, nodular iron castings, and some weldments where grain refinement, machinability or
microstructure improvement for subsequent processing are required.

3.1.1.2 Ductile iron castings can be normalized to eliminate carbides, to increase strength and hardness,
or to provide a suitable structure for subsequent selective hardening by flame or induction by reducing the
amount of ferrite in the as–cast structure. Cooling of ductile iron castings from the normalizing
temperature is very important and calls for special consideration. Where increases in strength, hardness,
and/or suitable structure for selective hardening are required, forced air cooling is generally necessary.

D 3.1.1.3 The treatment consists of heating above the transformation range, holding long enough to
complete solution or transformation, then cooling (usually in air) to room temperature.
D
R 3.1.2 HT3 – Full Anneal

3.1.2.1 Full annealing is applied to steel, usually to obtain minimum hardness and maximum ductility.
R
A A
Softening treatment for cast irons is covered by HT7.

3.1.2.2 The process is similar to HT1 except for the cooling cycle. The material is cooled slowly through

F F
the transformation range to a temperature below about 540°C, depending upon the material, followed by
cooling in a convenient manner.

3.1.3 HT4 – Isothermal (or Cycle) Anneal

T 3.1.3.1 Isothermal annealing is used to obtain controlled microstructures and hardness, usually for
machinability improvement on medium and high carbon steels. Annealing by this process requires
T
specialized or suitably adapted equipment and is not considered practical where such equipment is not
available. Procedures can be established to produce a particular microstructure or hardness range that
possesses the desired machinability characteristics.

3.1.3.2 Such annealing takes somewhat less time than a full anneal.

3.1.3.3 The process consists of heating to the austenitizing temperature, cooling rapidly to the desired
transformation temperature for the steel involved, holding at that temperature until desired metallurgical
properties are obtained, then cooling rapidly to room temperature.

3.1.4 HT5 – Stress Relieve

3.1.4.1 Stress relieving is used for removal of residual casting, welding or other stresses which can
contribute to dimensional instability, delayed cracking, or decreased performance of a part in service.

3.1.4.2 Because the results of the process are usually difficult to inspect, success of the treatment
depends upon adequate temperature uniformity capability of the furnace equipment used and close
adherence to process instructions.

3.1.4.3 The process consists of heating below the transformation range to a desired temperature, then
cooling slowly enough to avoid development of excessive cooling stresses. Stress relieving at the higher
temperatures produces some softening and leveling out of uneven hardness or zones of high hardness.

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3.1.5 HT6 – Spheroidize Anneal

3.1.5.1 Spheroidize annealing is generally used to improve ductility and to soften cold worked steel,
especially where further cold work would cause breakage. A spheroidized structure is desirable for
maximum machinability and forming without cracking in high carbon steels.

3.1.5.2 The process consists of heating to just below the critical temperature, soaking for an appropriate
time, then cooling in air to room temperature.

3.1.6 HT7 – Graphitize Anneal

3.1.6.1 Graphitize annealing can be used to convert massive carbides in castings to pearlite and
graphite. A high annealing temperature (a minimum of 870°C) is used for this purpose. Graphitize
annealing can also be used to produce a ferrite-graphite structure for improved machinability or ductility in
castings where low tensile properties are acceptable. A lower temperature (approximately 540°C) is used

D D
for this purpose.

3.1.6.2 The process consists of heating above the lower critical temperature for the period of time
required to complete graphitization, and then cooling to room temperature.

R 3.2 Hardening by Composition Change R

A A
3.2.1 HT9 – Carburize and Slow Cool

3.2.1.1 This treatment is usually specified for parts which require cooling to room temperature without
hardening to permit machining or straightening after carburizing. It is usually followed by selective

F F
hardening.

3.2.1.2 Carburizing results in the absorption of carbon into the surface of steel. The process consists of

T T
heating above the transformation range, usually 930°C for gas carburizing, then holding in an atmosphere
having a carburizing potential suitable for the results required until the specified case depth has been
obtained in the work. Slow cooling is preferably done in protective atmosphere, especially above 540°C.
The permissible cooling rate depends upon the steel grade, section thickness, and results desired.
Automatic controlled carbon potential of the furnace atmosphere is highly desirable.

3.2.2 HT10 – Carburize and Direct Quench

3.2.2.1 This treatment is applied to parts on which complete case hardening of a part is wanted or
acceptable.

3.2.2.2 Carburizing is generally done at closely controlled temperatures in the range 850°C to 950°C,
although there are exceptions. At higher temperatures, the rate of carburizing and the likelihood of grain
growth in steels both increase. For typical applications, the surface carbon content is 0.8 percent to
1.0 percent, although lower or higher carbon content may be specified. The process is similar to HT9 but
the parts are quenched when the desired case depth has been obtained. The work may be cooled from
930°C to approximately 820°C before quenching; precise temperature depends upon the grade of steel.
In some cases, work may be quenched from the carburizing temperature. Automatic controlled carbon
potential of the furnace atmosphere is highly desirable.

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3.2.3 HT11 – After Carburizing, Slow Cooling, Reheat for Case Reaction, and Quench

This treatment is applied following HT9. Parts are reheated in a furnace at a temperature which produces
full case hardening, but low enough to keep core reaction to a minimum. The resulting part has a
relatively soft, ductile core. Automatic controlled carbon potential of furnace atmosphere is highly
desirable.

3.2.4 HT12 – After Carburizing, Slow Cooling, Reheat for Core Reaction, and Quench

This treatment is comparable to HT11 except that full case and core hardness are obtained. The
possibility for machining or other processing on parts between the carburizing and hardening operations
and the opportunity for die quenching are the advantages of this treatment over HT10. Automatic
controlled carbon potential of furnace atmosphere is highly desirable.

3.2.5 HT13 – Carburize and Quench to Bainitic Structure

D 3.2.5.1 This treatment results in a Bainitic Structure at the surface. It is used when a wear resistant
surface is important and, at the same time, good ductility at the surface and no more than minor distortion
are also required. Carburizing is the same as HT9 or HT10. Quenching corresponds to HT49.
D
R 3.2.5.2 Parts heat treated to HT13 are first carburized in a carburizing compound to the required case
depth and surface carbon content. After carburizing, the parts are quenched to the desired temperature
R
A A
and kept at that temperature until transformation to the required bainitic structure is complete. A salt bath
is generally required for both carburizing and quenching. Required times and temperatures are obtained
from TTT curves.

F F
3.2.6 HT14 – Vacuum Carburize and Direct Quench

Vacuum carburizing is similar to HT10 Carburize and Direct Quench in that it is applied to parts on which

T T
complete case hardening of a part is desired and acceptable. Vacuum carburizing, also known as low
pressure carburizing, is a boost-diffuse carburizing process done in a rough vacuum generally at closely
controlled temperatures in the range 840°C to 1040°C. Soaking at carburizing temperature, prior to
beginning the first carburize boost step, is only long enough to ensure that the steel is of uniform
temperature. Soaking longer than necessary, especially at higher temperatures, increases the likelihood
of grain growth. For typical applications, the surface carbon content is 0.8 percent to 1.0 percent although
lower or higher carbon content may be required to achieve the specified metallurgical properties. Vacuum
carburizing offers good uniformity and repeatability of case due to the high degree of control offered by
vacuum furnaces. Surface mechanical properties are improved because in vacuum carburizing there is
no intergranular oxidation at the surface and the ability to produce more full-hard case depth from the
surface without increasing the total or effective case depth. The process also allows deep hole
carburization and an improved root to flank case depth ratio on gear teeth not possible with standard gas
carburizing. Parts are quenched using either high pressure gas or vacuum quench oil when the desired
case depth has been obtained. The work may be cooled from the vacuum carburizing temperature,
especially when carburized at high temperatures, to approximately 820°C to 870°C and stabilized before
quenching. Precise temperature depends upon the grade of steel. The actual quenching method to be
used is determined by the required dimensional and core metallurgical properties.

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3.2.7 HT20 – Carbonitride and Quench

3.2.7.1 Plain carbon steels are more commonly carbonitrided than carburized. Carbonitriding is a
combination of carburizing and nitriding accomplished by adding ammonia to the furnace atmosphere to
produce a case which contains nitrides in addition to carbon enrichment. A very hard, wear resistant
surface with an improvement in anti–weld properties is obtained upon quenching, usually in oil.

3.2.7.2 Carbonitriding is used on medium carbon alloy steels to combine maximum wear resistance and
anti–weld properties with the high strength of deep hardening. Carbonitrided case depth is limited to
0.28 mm maximum for these applications. A deeper case tends to spall off.

3.2.7.3 Carbonitriding is also used for obtaining a file hard case, usually with oil quenching, on steels
which could require water quenching to obtain similar case properties by carburizing. Core hardness and
distortion of parts would be lower with carbonitriding plus oil quenching than with carburizing plus water
quenching. Case depth is usually limited to 0.90 mm maximum in these applications.

D 3.2.7.4 The process consists of heating parts to a temperature above the transformation range in a
carburizing atmosphere with ammonia added. The usual temperature range is 700°C to 900°C. Treatment
D
R R
at the lower end of this range produces a case with relatively high nitrogen content. Treatment at the
upper end of this range results in greatly reduced nitrogen content. When the required case depth has
been obtained, the work is quenched, usually in oil.

A A
3.2.8 HT21 – Carburize, Carbonitride, and Quench

3.2.8.1 This cycle is a variation of HT10 in which the deeper case of carburizing is combined with

F F
improved hardenability or carbonitriding on the surface.

3.2.8.2 The procedure is the same as HT10 except that at the end of the carburizing period required to
obtain the case depth, ammonia is added to the atmosphere gas and the temperature is reduced to about

T T
850°C for the carbonitriding operation, which is followed by quenching.

3.2.9 HT22 – Carbonitride and Slow Cool

This treatment is similar to HT20 and is used for thin sectioned parts in which excessive distortion would
occur in oil quenching. Surface hardness is usually somewhat lower than obtainable with oil quenching.
The slow cooling operation is performed in a sealed furnace vestibule to prevent scale formation.

3.2.10 HT25 – Cyanide and Quench

3.2.10.1 This process has been largely eliminated from Deere heat treating facilities because of the toxic
nature of the cyanide salts required and the attendant handling and disposal problems.

3.2.10.2 Case depth is limited, typically 0.13 mm to 0.28 mm and either water or oil may be used for
quenching. Parts may be treated selectively by partial submersion.

3.2.10.3 The procedure consists of heating the work in a molten salt bath containing 20 percent to
30 percent sodium cyanide at a temperature in the range 790°C to 850°C, holding for a maximum of one
hour at temperature, then quenching in water or oil.

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3.2.11 HT26 – Gaseous Nitrocarburizing

3.2.11.1 This process is used to produce a thin epsilon iron carbonitride compound layer and other case
properties on ferrous parts by means of a gaseous, low temperature thermal process. This process is
applied to increase resistance to wear, corrosion, and fatigue on ferrous materials such as carbon, low
alloy, and tool steels, as well as cast irons.

3.2.11.2 The process consists of heating the parts in an atmosphere of diluted ammonia and carrier gas
to a temperature of approximately 570°C. Following heat treatment, the parts may be quenched in a
variety of media, such as water, oil, synthetics, soluble oil, or other solutions. Compound layer depths of
0.004 mm to 0.025 mm can be obtained. The process may also include an oxidizing treatment to produce
black protective finishes.

3.2.12 HT27 – Liquid Nitride

D D
3.2.12.1 This process is used on plain carbon and alloy steels to combine maximum wear, toughness,
and anti–galling properties with low distortion. The latter is possible because of the low processing
temperature and elimination of quenching its application. It is generally similar to that of gas nitriding,
especially for 0.25 mm maximum case depth requirements.

R 3.2.12.2 The process consists of heating parts in a molten salt bath of a proprietary composition to a
temperature in the range of 510°C to 570°C, holding long enough to obtain the required case depth, and
R
A A
cooling to room temperature. Cooling in a water bath may be used to remove salt and to shorten handling
time.

F F
3.2.12.3 The toxic nature of the cyanide salts usually supplied for this process makes it subject to the
same handling and disposal problems as with HT25.

3.2.13 HT28 – Gas Nitride

T 3.2.13.1 This process is applied to certain types of alloy steel parts for one or more of the following
reasons: very high surface hardness and related wear resistance, anti–galling and fatigue properties,
T
improved corrosion resistance, or to obtain a surface which is resistant to softening up to the temperature
used in nitriding process.

3.2.13.2 Because of the low temperatures employed, the processing cycles for typical case depths are
relatively long, and only light depths are commonly required. Parts are given a prior HT40T heat
treatment to establish required core properties. Tempering treatment is usually somewhat higher than the
nitriding temperature to assure structural stability during the nitriding operation. Parts are usually
straightened and finished to size, including grinding, with very slight, if any, allowance for growth prior to
nitriding.

3.2.13.3 The treatment consists of holding the work at a temperature in the range of 450°C to 570°C in
contact with a nitrogen–rich atmosphere, usually ammonia and its thermal decomposition products, until
the required case depth has been obtained, then cooling under atmosphere to room temperature.
Suitable purging of the furnace chamber is required to prevent oxidation of the parts during heating, to
reduce operator discomfort from the ammonia when the furnace is opened at the end of the cooling cycle,
and for safety reasons.

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3.2.14 HT29 – Ion Nitride

3.2.14.1 This process is applied to carbon and alloy steels to achieve good wear resistance, fatigue
strength, high surface hardness with comparatively high toughness, and improved corrosion resistance.
Because processing temperatures are low and no quenching is needed, ion nitriding provides excellent
dimensional control and retention of surface finish. Parts are generally finished, grinding included, prior to
ion nitriding.

3.2.14.2 Compared to HT27 and HT28, this process can produce compound nitride zones or,
alternatively, a nitride diffusion layer alone. This allows the production of parts with higher stress values.

3.2.14.3 To obtain optimum properties, parts are first hardened, then tempered at a temperature above
the ion nitriding temperature.

3.2.14.4 The procedure consists of heating the work to the nitriding temperature (350°C to 580°C) in a

D D
vacuum, then using high voltage electrical energy to ionize the processing gas. Nitrogen ions bombard
the surface and cause intense diffusion of nitrogen into the work.

R R
3.2.15 HT45 – Carburize and Marquench

3.2.15.1 This process is similar to HT10 except for the higher quench bath temperature used in
marquenching. Marquenching of steel, consists of quenching from the austenitizing temperature in hot oil

A A
or molten salt at a temperature in the upper part of the martensite formation range; holding in the
quenching bath until the steel has stabilized at the bath temperature; then cooling, usually in air, at a
moderate rate to prevent any large temperature differential between the outside and the center of the

F F
section. The uniform formation of martensite throughout the workpiece during cooling to room
temperature avoids the formation of excessive residual stresses and minimizes the distortion that results
from unequal transformation rates normally associated with conventional quenching.

T T
3.2.15.2 Modified marquenching differs from standard marquenching in that the quench bath temperature
is lower, from just below the martensite point to approximately 100°C. Modified marquenching results in
faster cooling than the standard process. This is important for steels of lower hardenability, which require
faster cooling to harden to sufficient depth. Modified marquenching is, therefore, applicable to a greater
range of steel compositions.

3.2.16 HT46 – After Carburizing, Slow Cooling, Reheat, and Marquench

This process combines the features of reheating after carburizing as described for HT11 or HT12 with
marquenching.

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3.3 Hardening by Through Heating

3.3.1 HT15 – Heat, Correct Carbon, and Quench

3.3.1.1 This procedure is designed for steel parts where full surface hardness is necessary and the
presence of adecarburized surface layer would prevent attaining it. Automatically controlled carbon
potential of the furnace atmosphere is highly desirable. In practice, the surface carbon minimum is
maintained at the subsurface or core carbon level, and the process variation is taken on the high side.

3.3.1.2 The process consists of heating parts to a temperature above the transformation range in an
atmosphere having a suitable carburizing potential for the results desired, holding for a time long enough
to restore the carbon content of the decarburized zone, followed by quenching in a suitable medium.

3.3.2 HT16 – Heat, Correct Carbon, and Slow Cool

D D
3.3.2.1 This procedure is identical to that of HT15 with the exception of the quench. It is used for parts
where full surface hardness is necessary. It is used most often in countries or in circumstances when cold
drawn carbon corrected steels are not readily available, and is usually used in conjunction with a selective
hardening operation such as induction or flame hardening.

R 3.3.2.2 The process consists of heating parts to a temperature above the transformation range in an
atmosphere having a suitable carburizing potential for the results desired, holding for a time long enough
R
A A
to restore the carbon content of the decarburized zone, followed by slow cooling in a suitable medium.

3.3.3 HT40 – Heat and Quench

F F
3.3.3.1 This process can be applied to any hardenable steel or pearlitic iron. The composition of the
materials used needs to match the requirements imposed by the hardness level specified, the depth of
hardening desired, the cross section of the part where hardness or other properties are important, and the

T T
cooling power of the quench system used. Distortion control level and depth of hardening required,
cracking risks and economics are the usual factors which determine the best combination of material,
equipment, and process variables for treating a given part by this process.

3.3.3.2 The procedure consists of heating parts above the transformation range, holding long enough to
obtain complete transformation, followed by direct quenching in a suitable medium, usually water or oil.
When scale free results are required, the suffix “C” is used to indicate clean hardening. When control of
surface carbon is required, furnace atmosphere or salt bath composition shall be maintained at a carbon
potential to match the carbon content of the parts.

3.3.4 HT48 – Heat and Marquench

3.3.4.1 This process is similar to HT40 except for the quench. This procedure is used where through
hardening is to be performed with minimum risk of cracking and/or distortion. Here again, as in HT45, only
modified marquenching is possible for commonly used steels. Relatively high alloy content is required to
accomplish true marquenching.

3.3.4.2 The quenching cycle consists of quenching in a bath having a controlled temperature somewhat
above the martensite transformation range for the steel. After the work has reached the bath temperature,
it is removed and cooled in still air, at which time the transformation occurs almost simultaneously in all
sections of the workpiece.

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3.3.5 HT49 – Heat and Austemper

3.3.5.1 Austempering is the isothermal transformation of a ferrous alloy at a temperature below that of
pearlite formation and above that of martensite formation. The primary purpose of austempering is to
obtain increased ductility at relatively high hardness, to give distortion control, and to reduce the risk of
cracking.

3.3.5.2 When austempering is applied to unalloyed medium and high carbon steels, it is usually restricted
to section sizes below 5 mm when maximum properties are required. Thicker sections can be treated,
depending upon the properties required, the steel composition, and the bath circulation. Because of the
requirement for good heat transfer in the bath, parts require controlled atmosphere or salt bath equipment
for the heating cycle to avoid the formation of heavy scale.

3.3.5.3 The true austempering process consists of heating parts above the transformation temperature,
then cooling from the austenitizing temperature to the quench bath temperature (200 to 400°C) rapidly

D D
enough that no transformation of austenite occurs during cooling, and holding at a constant bath
temperature long enough to ensure the complete transformation of austenite to bainite. Parts are then
cooled, usually in air, to room temperature. Subsequent tempering is not necessary.

R 3.3.5.4 Modified austempering gives arise to mixed structures of pearlite and bainite. The process varies
from the austempering in that the quenching rate is slower. Varying amounts of pearlite and bainite are
produced by differently modified processes.
R
A 3.3.5.5 Special salt bath equipment and austempering salts are required to obtain the required bath heat
transfer capability.
A
F 3.4
3.4.1
Hardening by Surface Heating
HT30 – Heat by Induction and Quench
F
T 3.4.1.1 This process is applied mostly to medium carbon or carburized steels and to pearlitic cast irons.
The inherent variation in microstructure of as–cast pearlitic irons, such as gray, pearlitic malleable and
T
nodular, often makes preliminary heat treatment necessary in order to assure desired uniformity of
subsequent induction hardening results. Because of the rapid heating, the process can be made selective
both as to surface area and depth of penetration of the heating. Scale formation and decarburization are
minimized without atmosphere control. Distortion control and process time are major advantages over
furnace hardening.

3.4.1.2 Induction heating is selected for a number of reasons, including the following:
1. Parts are uneconomical, impractical, or too large for conventional furnace heating;
2. Only a small segment of the total part requires heat treatment;
3. Required dimensional accuracy of the part is difficult or impossible to attain or control by furnace
heating;
4. The use of induction heating permits making a part from a less costly material.

3.4.1.3 The procedure consists of heating the surface portion of a part by means of induced electric
currents to a temperature above the transformation range, followed by quenching, usually in water,
soluble oil or mineral oil. Either spray, jet, or submerged quench may be used, depending upon the
application. Equipment for this process requires careful engineering to produce the desired results.

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3.4.2 HT31 – Preheat, Heat by Induction, and Quench

3.4.2.1 This process is used as a means, of controlling cracking risk, especially on sections containing
keyways, rack teeth, holes, etc., and where progressive heating and quenching is also necessary.

3.4.2.2 The procedure is the same as HT30 except that a preheating cycle precedes the hardening
operation. The preheating may be done by any convenient method. Time–temperature cycles usually
bring the part to a temperature below the transformation range.

3.4.3 HT32 – Through Heat by Induction, Quench, and Surface Heat by Induction

3.4.3.1 This process can be utilized for medium carbon alloy steels that are susceptible to cracking,
provided there is no slip area where a soft surface overlaps the hardened zone.

3.4.3.2 Induction through–heating with subsequent quenching produces a uniform structure which, after

D D
succeeding induction hardening, forms an extremely fine grain, uniform martensite. This process reduces
the variation of surface hardness depth that results from differences in the hot–rolled or forged material.

3.4.3.3 Preliminary quenching and tempering of the material improves durability of parts such as PTO

R shafts.

3.4.3.4 This process corresponds to a combined HT40 and HT30 heat treatment.
R
A 3.4.4 HT35 – Heat by Flame and Quench
A
3.4.4.1 This process is usually applied to medium carbon steels and pearlitic cast irons. The selection of

F flame versus induction heating methods depends upon the results desired, equipment available, and
economic factors. In general, flame heating is slower than induction; heat penetration is deeper; and
process control is less precise.
F
T 3.4.4.2 The procedure consists of heating a part by means of direct impingement of a burner or torch
flame to a temperature above the transformation range, followed by quenching in water, soluble oil
T
emulsion, or oil (in special circumstances). An additional fire hazard arises when oil quenching is used
with flame heating, and special safety precautions should be exercised in the design and operation of
such equipment. Usually, only specified areas of a part are hardened.

3.4.4.3 Heating equipment can be as simple as an oxy–acetylene torch using an open tank or spray
quench. For short runs or for work where induction equipment is not available or justified, this process
can be attractive, provided that acceptable results can be achieved.

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3.5 Heating While Under Physical Pressure
3.5.1 HT36 – Laser Harden and Self–Quench –– Steel

3.5.1.1 This process can be used on plain and low alloy, medium and high carbon steels and cast irons
to surface harden for high wear resistance. Because of the very high rate of heat input and highly focused
light beam, the process is inherently selective in both depth of hardening and area treated. The low total
heat input normally results in the unheated core material acting as the quench medium. Additionally, the
low heat input results in minimum distortion compared to other heat treatment processes.

3.5.1.2 The procedure consists of a high intensity beam of laser light, which is directed to the part by a
set of mirrors. The laser beam is then be focused on the part surface through the use of special glass or
metal lenses. Either the part or the laser beam is be moved to create the area of coverage of surface
pattern desired. Proper feed rates and power density results in the surface heating above the austenitic
temperature. The cold core material generally self–quenches the surface to a martensitic structure. Liquid

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quench and/or tempering may be added if required.

3.5.1.3 Equipment for this process requires careful engineering to produce the desired result.

R 3.5.2 HT37 – Electron Beam Harden and Self–Quench –– Steel

Same description and results as HT36, but uses and electron beam rather than a light beam and requires
R
A A
a vacuum chamber around the system. It therefore is more of a batch process. This process can result
incleaner as–treated surfaces.

3.5.3 HT38 – Laser Chill Harden –– Cast Iron

F 3.5.3.1 This process can be used on cast irons to surface harden for very high wear resistance. Because
of the high rate of heat input and highly focused light beam, the process is inherently selective in both
F
T T
depth of hardening and area treated. The low heat input results in minimum distortion compared to other
heat treatment processes. Because the surface is melted, post treatment machining is frequently
required.

3.5.3.2 The procedure consists of a high intensity beam of laser light, which is directed to the part by a
set of mirrors. The laser beam is then focused on the part surface through the use of special glass or
metal lenses. Either the part or the laser beam is moved to create the area of coverage of surface pattern
desired. Proper feed rates and power density results in the surface heating above the liquid temperature.
The cold core material can self–quench the surface to an iron carbide (chill) structure. Frequently a
copper chill block is required to contain the liquid iron and to assure adequate cooling rate.

3.5.3.3 Equipment for this process requires careful engineering to produce the desired result.

3.5.4 HT39 – Electron Beam Chill Harden –– Cast Iron

Same description and results as HT38, but uses an electron beam rather than a light beam and requires
a vacuum chamber around the system. It therefore is more of a batch process. This process can result in
cleaner as–treated surfaces.

3.5.5 HT51 – Hot Flatten

3.5.5.1 This process is used for improving or maintaining the flatness of metallic parts that cannot be
obtained by simple press flattening.

3.5.5.2 The treatment consists of heating the work while under pressure to a temperature in the range of
370 to 700°C, followed by cooling to room temperature. For scale–free work, a protective atmosphere can
be used in the furnace or a subsequent descaling operation could be necessary.

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DISTRIBUTION

4 Suffix Designations

4.1 Suffix C – Clean or Scale Free Treatment

The “C” suffix is added to the heat treat number when the control of decarburizing and/or scaling
obtainable by heat treatment in controlled, atmosphere or salt bath furnaces is required.

4.2 Suffix R – Restricted Carbon Gradient

4.2.1 The “R” suffix is applicable only to carburizing processes. It is used especially on parts where
unusually severe service conditions require that metallurgical properties are held within limits tighter than
those normally acceptable.

4.2.2 Automatic carbon control equipment is usually necessary on carburizing furnaces for monitoring
and controlling the composition of the atmosphere–gas mixture accurately enough to satisfy the process

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requirements. Details of the required carbon gradient shall be specified when using this suffix.

4.3 Suffix S – Selective Treatment

R The “S” suffix is added to heat treatment numbers, in cases where a selective treatment is required. The
surface hardening treatments (HT30, HT31, and HT35) are inherently selective and do not normally
require this suffix. The location of a selective treatment on a part should be specified on the drawing.
R
A 4.4 Suffix T – Tempering A
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4.4.1 The purpose of tempering is usually one or more of the following: to reduce residual quenching
stresses, to increase ductility and toughness, and to soften to attain a specified hardness range after a
quenching operation. The process is useful in cases where parts are sensitive to cracking, breakage, or
dimensional instability in subsequent processing such as blast cleaning, straightening, plating, assembly,

T or because of service conditions.

4.4.2 Tempering, as used in this standard, means reheating iron or steel parts after a previous heat
T
treatment, such as a heat and quench operation, to a temperature below the transformation range. The
temperature may be from 150°C to 690°C depending upon the results required and the materials used. A
soak time is established to assure uniformity of work temperature throughout the part and furnace load.
Cooling to room temperature follows. Tempering is distinguished from HT5 or HT6 by the fact that no prior
heat treatment is associated with the latter two. The metallurgical requirement for uniform work
temperature and avoidance of excessive temperatures in a furnace charge establishes a need for
adequate circulation of the air or other heating medium, indirect application of heat, and relatively
sensitive pyrometric control equipment.

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5 References

For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments)
applies.

5.1 Access to John Deere Standards

5.1.1 John Deere Standards can be accessed by John Deere personnel via the Engineering Standards
internal website.

5.1.2 Employees of suppliers with an approved John Deere supplier number can obtain access to John
Deere Standards via the JD Supply Network (JDSN). Access to JDSN is by approved individual name
and password. Suppliers should contact their Supply Management representative with questions about
JDSN.

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Note 2 Only John Deere Standards which have been approved for supplier distribution are available via JDSN.

5.2 Access to Standards from External Organizations

R 5.2.1 Most standards from organizations external to John Deere are available to John Deere personnel
via the Engineering Standards internal website. R
A 5.2.2 Suppliers are responsible for obtaining relevant external standards. In accordance with copyright
laws and Company policy, John Deere personnel shall not provide copies of these standards to suppliers. A
F F
5.3 John Deere Standards

JDV 21 Quality Requirements for Case Hardened Steel Components

T JDV 22
JDV 23
Quality Requirements for Induction Hardened Steel and Cast Iron Components
Quality Requirements for Through Hardened Steel and Cast Iron Components T

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A
Summary of Changes from Previous Edition
(For Information Only — Not Part of the Standard)

Note 1 added to Scope.

The HT14 designation and definition was added to clauses 2.2 and 3.2.

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R R
A A
F F
T T

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