1.1 This guide is intended as an aid in establishing and maintaining a procedure for the steam treatment, also referred to as steam blackening, of sintered ferrous PM materials and the appropriate use and evaluation of these materials. Additional information concerning the effect of this process on ferrous PM material properties is contained in Appendix X1.

1.2 Units-With the exception of the values for density and the mass used to determine density, for which the use of the gram per cubic centimetre (g/cm³) and gram (g) units is the longstanding industry practice, the values in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.

1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.