1. Scope

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 P/M materials and the appropriate use and evaluation of these materials. Additional information concerning the effect of this process on ferrous P/M material properties is contained in Appendix X1.

1.2 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 and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.