SIST EN ISO 643:2004

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
SIST EN ISO 643:2004
01-marec-2004
-HNOD0LNURJUDIVNRGRORþHYDQMHQDYLGH]QHYHOLNRVWLNULVWDOQLK]UQ,62
Steels - Micrographic determination of the apparent grain size (ISO 643:2003)
Stahl - Mikrophotographische Bestimmung der scheinbaren Korngröße (ISO 643:2003)
Aciers - Détermination micrographique de la grosseur de grain apparente (ISO
643:2003)
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: EN ISO 643:2003
ICS:
77.040.99 Druge metode za Other methods of testing of
preskušanje kovin metals
77.080.20 Jekla Steels
SIST EN ISO 643:2004 en
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

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SIST EN ISO 643:2004

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SIST EN ISO 643:2004
EUROPEAN STANDARD
EN ISO 643
NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
February 2003
ICS 77.040.99
English version
Steels - Micrographic determination of the apparent grain size
(ISO 643:2003)
Aciers - Détermination micrographique de la grosseur de Stahl - Mikrophotographische Bestimmung der scheinbaren
grain apparente (ISO 643:2003) Korngröße (ISO 643:2003)
This European Standard was approved by CEN on 21 January 2003.
CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this European
Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration. Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references concerning such national
standards may be obtained on application to the Management Centre or to any CEN member.
This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language made by translation
under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the Management Centre has the same status as the official
versions.
CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece,
Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Slovak Republic, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and
United Kingdom.
EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION
EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG
Management Centre: rue de Stassart, 36  B-1050 Brussels
© 2003 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. EN ISO 643:2003 E
worldwide for CEN national Members.

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SIST EN ISO 643:2004
EN ISO 643:2003 (E)
CORRECTED  2003-04-30
Foreword
This document (EN ISO 643:2003) has been prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 17
"Steel" in collaboration with Technical Committee ECISS/TC 2 "Steel - Physico-chemical and
non-destructive testing", the secretariat of which is held by AFNOR.
This European Standard shall be given the status of a national standard, either by publication of
an identical text or by endorsement, at the latest by August 2003, and conflicting national
standards shall be withdrawn at the latest by August 2003.
According to the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations, the national standards organizations of
the following countries are bound to implement this European Standard: Austria, Belgium, Czech
Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy,
Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and
the United Kingdom.
Endorsement notice
The text of ISO 643:2003 has been approved by CEN as EN ISO 643:2003 without any
modifications.
NOTE Normative references to International Standards are listed in Annex ZA (normative).
2

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SIST EN ISO 643:2004
EN ISO 643:2003 (E)
Annex ZA
(normative)
Normative references to international publications
with their relevant European publications
This European Standard incorporates by dated or undated reference, provisions from other
publications. These normative references are cited at the appropriate places in the text and the
publications are listed hereafter. For dated references, subsequent amendments to or revisions of
any of these publications apply to this European Standard only when incorporated in it by
amendment or revision. For undated references the latest edition of the publication referred to
applies (including amendments).
NOTE Where an International Publication has been modified by common modifications, indicated
by (mod.), the relevant EN/HD applies.
Publication Year Title EN Year
ISO 3785 1976 Steel - Designation of test piece axes EN ISO 3785 1995
3

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SIST EN ISO 643:2004

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SIST EN ISO 643:2004


INTERNATIONAL ISO
STANDARD 643
Second edition
2003-02-15


Steels — Micrographic determination of
the apparent grain size
Aciers — Détermination micrographique de la grosseur de grain
apparente




Reference number
ISO 643:2003(E)
©
ISO 2003

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SIST EN ISO 643:2004
ISO 643:2003(E)
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©  ISO 2003
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ii © ISO 2003 — All rights reserved

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SIST EN ISO 643:2004
ISO 643:2003(E)
Contents Page
Foreword. iv
1 Scope. 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions. 1
4 Symbols and abbreviated terms. 2
5 Principle . 2
6 Selection and preparation of the specimen .5
6.1 Test location . 5
6.2 Revealing ferritic grain boundaries. 5
6.3 Revealing austenitic and prior-austenitic grain boundaries . 5
7 Characterization of grain size. 10
7.1 Characterization by an index . 10
7.2 Characterization by the intercept method.11
8 Test report. 14
Annex A (informative) Summary of methods for revealing ferritic, austenitic or prior-austenitic
grain boundaries in steels. 15
Annex B (normative) Determination of grain size — Standard charts taken from ASTM E112 . 16
Annex C (normative) Evaluation method . 31

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SIST EN ISO 643:2004
ISO 643:2003(E)
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards bodies
(ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out through ISO
technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical committee has been
established has the right to be represented on that committee. International organizations, governmental and
non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work. ISO collaborates closely with the
International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of electrotechnical standardization.
International Standards are drafted in accordance with the rules given in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.
The main task of technical committees is to prepare International Standards. Draft International Standards
adopted by the technical committees are circulated to the member bodies for voting. Publication as an
International Standard requires approval by at least 75 % of the member bodies casting a vote.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of patent
rights. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
ISO 643 was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 17, Steel, Subcommittee SC 7, Methods of testing
(other than mechanical tests and chemical analysis).
This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition (ISO 643:1983), which has been technically revised.

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SIST EN ISO 643:2004
INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO 643:2003(E)

Steels — Micrographic determination of the apparent grain size
1 Scope
This International Standard specifies a micrographic method of determining apparent ferritic or austenitic grain
size in steels. It describes the methods of revealing grain boundaries and of estimating the mean grain size of
specimens with unimodal size distribution. Although grains are three-dimensional in shape, the metallographic
sectioning plane can cut through a grain at any point from a grain corner, to the maximum diameter of the
grain, thus producing a range of apparent grain sizes on the two-dimensional plane, even in a sample with a
perfectly consistent grain size.
2 Normative references
The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this document. For dated
references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced
document (including any amendments) applies.
ISO 3785, Steel — Designation of test piece axes
ISO 14250, Steel — Metallographic characterization of duplex grain size and distributions
ASTM E112, Standard Test Methods for Determining Average Grain Size
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
3.1
grain
closed polygonal shape with more or less curved sides, which can be revealed on a flat cross-section through
the sample, polished and prepared for micrographic examination
A distinction is made between:
3.1.1
austenitic grain
crystal with a face-centered cubic crystal structure which may, or may not, contain annealing twins
3.1.2
ferritic grain
1)
crystal with a body-centered cubic crystal structure which never contains annealing twins

1) Ferritic grain size is generally estimated for non-alloy steels with a carbon content of 0,25 % or less. If pearlite islands
of identical dimensions to those of the ferrite grains are present, the islands are then counted as ferrite grains.
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SIST EN ISO 643:2004
ISO 643:2003(E)
3.2
index
positive, zero or possibly negative number G which is derived from the mean number m of grains counted in
2
an area of 1 mm of the section of the specimen
NOTE By definition, G = 1 where m = 16; the other indices are obtained by the formula
G
m=×82
3.3
intercept
N
number of grains intercepted by a test line, either straight or curved
See Figure 1.
NOTE Straight test lines will normally end within a grain. These end segments are counted as 1/2 an interception. N
is the average of a number of counts of the number of grains intercepted by the test line applied randomly at various
locations. N is divided by the true line length, L , usually measured in millimetres, in order to obtain the number of grains
T
intercepted per unit length, N L.
3.4
intersection
P
number of intersection points between grain boundaries and a test line, either straight or curved
See Figure 1.
NOTE P is the average of a number of counts of the number of grain boundaries intersected by the test line applied
randomly at various locations. P is divided by the true line length, L , usually measured in millimetres, in order to obtain
T
the number of grain boundary intersections per unit length, P .
L
4 Symbols and abbreviated terms
The symbols used are given in Table 1.
5 Principle
The grain size is revealed by micrographic examination of a polished section of the specimen prepared by an
appropriate method for the type of steel and for the information sought.
NOTE If the order or the International Standard defining the product does not stipulate the method of revealing the
grain, the choice of this method is left to the manufacturer.
This average size is characterized either
a) by an index obtained
 usually by comparison with standard charts for the measurement of grain size;
 or by counting to determine the average number of grains per unit area;
b) or by the mean value of the intercepted segment.

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SIST EN ISO 643:2004
ISO 643:2003(E)

Interception, N, counts for a straight line on a single-phase grain structure where the arrows point to
6 intercepts and two line segments ending within grain (2 × 1/2 = 1 N) and N = 7

Intersection, P, counts for a straight test line placed over a single-phase grain structure where the arrows point
to 7 intersection points and P =7
Figure 1 — Examples of intersection, P, and interception, N
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SIST EN ISO 643:2004
ISO 643:2003(E)
Table 1 — Symbols
Symbols Definition Value
1
a a =
Mean area of grain in square millimetres
m
A
Apparent area of the test figure in square millimetres –
F
1
d =
Mean grain diameter in millimetres
d
m
Diameter of the circle on the ground glass screen of the microscope or on
79,8 mm
D a photomicrograph enclosing the image of the reference surface of the test
2
(area = 5 000 mm )
piece
g Linear magnification (to be noted as a reference) of the microscopic image In principle 100
G Equivalent index of grain size –
g
K Conversion factor from linear magnification × g to linear magnification ×100 K =
100
l Mean lineal intercept length, generally expressed in millimetres
lN==1/ L 1/P L
L
Length of the test line divided by the magnification, in millimetres –
L
True length of the test line divided by the magnification, in millimetres –
T
m = 2 n
100
Number of grains per square millimetre of test piece surface in the area
m (magnification × 100)
examined
2
m = 2 K n (magnification × g)
g
M Number of the closest standard chart picture where g is not 100. –
Total equivalent number of grains examined on the image of diameter D
n
–
g
(with a magnification × g)
n
Number of grains completely inside the circle of diameter D –
1
n
Number of grains intersected by the circle of diameter D
–
2
n
Total equivalent number of grains examined on the image of diameter D
2
n
nn=+
100 100 1
(with magnification × 100)
2
Mean number of grains intercepted per unit length L
N –
N Mean number of grains intercepted per unit length of the line NN= /L
L L T
a
N
–
Number of intercepts per millimetre in the longitudinal direction
x
a
N
–
Number of intercepts per millimetre in the transverse direction
y
a
N
Number of intercepts per millimetre in the perpendicular direction –
z
Mean number of counts of the number of grain boundaries intersected by
–
P
the test line applied randomly at various locations
Mean number of grain boundary intersections per unit length of test line P =PL/
P L
L
T

a
The method for designating the direction conforms to ISO 3785.
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SIST EN ISO 643:2004
ISO 643:2003(E)
6 Selection and preparation of the specimen
6.1 Test location
If the order, or the International Standard defining the product, does not specify the number of specimens and
the point at which they are to be taken from the product, these are left to the manufacturer, although it has
been shown that precision of grain size determination increases the higher the number of specimens
assessed. Therefore, it is recommended that two or more sections be assessed. Care shall be taken to
ensure that the specimens are representative of the bulk of the product (i.e., avoid heavily deformed material
such as that found at the extreme end of certain products or where shearing has been used to remove the
specimen etc.). The specimens shall be polished in accordance with the usual methods.
Unless otherwise stated by the product standard or by agreement with the customer, the polished face of the
specimen shall be longitudinal, i.e., parallel to the principal axis of deformation in wrought products.
Measurements of the grain size on a transverse plane will be biased if the grain shape is not equiaxial.
6.2 Revealing ferritic grain boundaries
The ferritic grains shall be revealed by etching with nital (ethanolic 2 % to 3 % nitric acid solution), or with an
appropriate reagent.
6.3 Revealing austenitic and prior-austenitic grain boundaries
6.3.1 General
In the case of steels having a single-phase or two-phase austenitic structure (delta ferrite grains in an
austenitic matrix) at ambient temperature, the grain shall be revealed by an etching solution. For single phase
austenitic stainless steels, the most commonly used chemical etchants are glyceregia, Kalling’s reagent
(No. 2) and Marble's reagent. The best electrolytic etch for single or two-phase stainless steels is aqueous
60 % nitric acid at 1,4 V d.c. for 60 s to 120 s, as it reveals the grain boundaries but not the twin boundaries.
Aqueous 10 % oxalic acid, 6 V d.c., up to 60 s, is commonly used but is less effective than electrolytic 60 %
HNO .
3
For other steels, one or other of the methods specified below shall be used depending on the information
required.
 “Bechet-Beaujard” method by etching with aqueous saturated picric acid solution (see 6.3.2);
 “Kohn” method by controlled oxidation (see 6.3.3);
 “McQuaid-Ehn” method by carburization (see 6.3.4);
 grain boundary sensitization method (see 6.3.7);
 other methods specially agreed upon when ordering.
NOTE The first three methods are for prior-austenitic grain boundaries while the others are for austenitic Mn or
austenitic stainless, see Annex A.
If comparative tests are carried out for the different methods, it is essential to use the same heat treatment
conditions. Results may vary considerably from one method to the other.
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SIST EN ISO 643:2004
ISO 643:2003(E)
6.3.2 “Bechet-Beaujard” method by etching with aqueous saturated picric acid solution
6.3.2.1 Field of application
This method reveals austenitic grains formed during heat treatment of the specimen. It is applicable to
specimens which have a martensitic or bainitic structure. For this etch to work, there shall be at least
0,005 % P.
6.3.2.2 Preparation
The Bechet-Beaujard etchant is normally used on a heat-treated steel specimen. Normally, no subsequent
heat treatment is necessary if the specimen has a martensitic or bainitic structure. If this is not the case, heat
treatment is necessary.
If the conditions for treating the test piece are not provided for by the International Standard defining the
product and there is no specification to the contrary, the following conditions shall be applied in the case of
heat-treated structural carbon steels and low-alloy steels:
 1,5 h at (850 ± 10) °C for steels whose carbon content is greater than 0,35 %;
 1,5 h at (880 ± 10) °C for steels whose carbon content is less than or equal to 0,35 %.
After this treatment, the test piece shall be quenched into water or oil.
6.3.2.3 Polishing and etching
A flat specimen surface shall be polished for micrographic examination. It shall be etched for an adequate
period of time by means of an aqueous solution saturated with picric acid together with at least 0,5 % sodium
alkylsulfonate or another appropriate wetting agent.
NOTE The period of etching may vary from a few minutes to more than one hour. Heating of the solution to 60 °C
may improve the etching action and reduce etching time.
Several successive etching and polishing operations are sometimes necessary to ensure a sufficient contrast between the
grain boundaries and the general base of the specimen. In the case of through-hardened steel, tempering may be carried
out before selecting the specimen.
WARNING: When heating solutions containing picric acid, caution shall be taken to avoid the solution
boiling dry as picric acid can become explosive.
6.3.2.4 Result
The prior-austenite grain boundaries shall be immediately apparent on microscopic examination.
6.3.3 “Kohn” method by controlled oxidation
6.3.3.1 Field of application
This method shows up the austenitic grain pattern formed by preferential oxidation of the boundaries during
austenization at the temperature of a given heat treatment.
6.3.3.2 Preparation
One surface of the specimen shall be polished. The rest of its surface shall not show any traces of oxide. The
specimen shall be placed in a laboratory furnace in which either a vacuum of 1 Pa is attained or an inert gas is
circulated (e.g. purified argon). Heat treat the specimen in accordance with the austenitizing procedure
specified by the customer, or as defined by the International Standard governing the product.
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SIST EN ISO 643:2004
ISO 643:2003(E)
At the end of this specified heating period, air shall be introduced into the furnace for a period of 10 s to 15 s.
The specimen shall then be water-quenched. The specimen can usually be directly examined using a
microscope.
NOTE 1 The oxidation method can be done without the inert atmosphere.
NOTE 2 The oxide adhering to the previously polished surface should be removed by light polishing with a fine
abrasive, taking care that the oxide network which has formed on the grain boundaries is retained; then the polishing
should be completed by the usual methods. The specimen should then be etched using Vilella's reagent:
 picric acid 1 g
 hydrochloric acid 5 ml
 ethanol 100 ml
6.3.3.3 Result
The preferential oxidation of the boundaries shows up the pattern of austenitic grains.
If the preparation is effected correctly, no oxide globules should appear at the grain boundaries.
In certain cases, it may be necessary to use oblique illumination, or DIC (Differential Interference Contrast)
methods, to show up the boundaries in better relief.
6.3.4 “McQuaid-Ehn” method by carburization at 925 °C
6.3.4.1 Field of application
This is a method specifically for carburizing steels and shows up austenitic grain boundaries formed during
carburization of these steels. It is not usually suitable for revealing grains actually formed during other heat
treatments.
NOTE The “mock carburizing” procedure may also be used. The specimen is subjected to the same thermal
treatment but without a carbon-rich atmosphere. It is then heat-treated as the product would be treated. The Bechet-
Beaujard reagent is used to reveal the grain boundaries, see 6.3.2.
6.3.4.2 Preparation
The specimens shall be free from any trace of decarburization or of surface oxidation. Any prior treatment,
either cold, hot, mechanical, etc., may have an effect on the shape of the grain obtained; the product
specification shall state the treatments to be carried out before determination in cases where it is advisable to
take into account these considerations.
After carburizing, the specimen must be cooled at a rate slow enough to precipitate cementite at the grain
boundaries in the hypereutectoid surface region of the carburized specimen.
Carburization shall be achieved by maintaining the specimen at (925 ± 10) °C for 6 h. This is generally done
by keeping the carburizing chamber at (925 ± 10) °C for 8 h, including a pre-heating period. In most cases, a
carburized layer of approximately 1 mm is obtained. After carburizing, cool the specimen at a rate slow
enough to ensure that the cementite is precipitated at the grain boundaries of the hypereutectoid zone of the
carburized layer.
Fresh carburizing compound shall be used each time.
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SIST EN ISO 643:2004
ISO 643:2003(E)
6.3.4.3 Specimen preparation
The carburized specimen shall be sectioned normally to its surface. One of the sections shall be prepared for
micrographic examination and etched using either a) or b).
a) “Le Chatelier and Igewski” reagent (alkaline sodium picrate):
 picric acid 2 g
 sodium hydroxide 25 g
 water 100 ml
Use this reagent by immersion at 100 °C, for at least 1 min, or at room temperature by means of electrolytic
etching 6 V d.c. for 60 s.
b) Nital:
 nitric acid 2 ml to 5 ml
 ethanol to make up to 100 ml
Other reagents may be used as long as the same results are obtained.
6.3.4.4 Result
The prior-austenite grain boundaries in the hypereutectoid carburized surface layer will be delineated by
proeutectoid cementite.
6.3.5 Proeutectoid ferrite method
NOTE Guidelines for the use of this method depending on the microstructure of the steel product are given in
Annex A.
6.3.5.1 Principle
This method is suitable for carbon steel with about 0,25 % to 0,6 % carbon and for low-alloy steels such as
manganese-molybdenum, 1 % chromium, 1 % chromium-molybdenum and 1,5 % nickel-chromium. The prior-
austenitic grain boundaries are revealed as a network of proeutectoid ferrite.
6.3.5.2 Preparation
Use the austenizing conditions as given in the product standard. In the case of carbon or other low
hardenability steel, either air cool, furnace cool or partially transform isothermally the test pieces in such a
manner as to outline the austenitic grain boundaries with ferrite.
In the case of alloy steels, after austenitizing, partially transform isothermally the test pieces at an appropriate
temperature within the range 650 °C to 720 °C and then water quench.
NOTE 1 The time required for transformation will vary according to the steel, but usually sufficient ferrite has
precipitated in 1 min to 5 min, although longer times, up to about 20 min, can sometimes be required.
NOTE 2 For alloy steels, a test piece 12 mm × 6 mm × 3 mm is suitable to obtain uniform transformation during the
isothermal treatment.
6.3.5.3 Polishing and etching
Section, polish and etch the test pieces for micrographic examination. Etch the test pieces with a suitable
etchant such as hydrochloric acid and picric acid (Vilellas' reagent).
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SIST EN ISO 643:2004
ISO 643:2003(E)
6.3.6 Bainite or gradient-quench method
NOTE Guidelines for the use of this method depending on the microstructure of the steel product are given in
Annex A.
6.3.6.1 Principle
This method is suitable for steels of approximately eutectoid composition, i.e., having a carbon content of
0,7 % by mass or higher. The boundaries of the prior-austenitic grains are revealed by a network of fine
pearlite or bainite outlining the martensite grains.
6.3.6.2 Preparation
Heat the test piece to a temperature not more than 30 °C above A (i.e., the temperature at which ferrite
C3
completes its transformation to austenite dur
...