ISO 14104-2017 PDF

Full title and description

ISO 14104:2017 — Gears — Surface temper etch inspection after grinding, chemical method. This International Standard specifies chemical etch procedures used to reveal and classify localized overheating and related surface metallurgical anomalies on ground steel components such as gears, shafts, splines and bearings; the inspection is performed after grinding and before final finishing operations.

Abstract

Specifies procedures and requirements for detection and classification of localized overheating on ground surfaces by chemical etch methods. The methods are principally intended for steel components and are especially sensitive to changes in surface hardness; they are not applicable to nitrided parts or stainless steels. The process is used after grinding and before further finishing (for example superfinishing, shot peening and honing) and can also reveal anomalies produced by post-heat-treatment machining (hard turning, milling, deburring) and carburization/decarburization.

General information

• Status: Published (confirmed and current following review).
• Publication date: April 2017 (Edition 3, 2017-04-04).
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
• ICS / categories: 21.200 (Gears).
• Edition / version: Edition 3 (2017).
• Number of pages: 17 (ISO edition — national/adopted versions may include additional national forewords/annexes and show different page counts).

Key bibliographic and lifecycle details are taken from the ISO bibliographic record; national/adopted versions (for example BSI national adoption) show equivalent status and sometimes different page counts in their publications.

Scope

Provides standardized chemical etch techniques and requirements to detect and classify surface overheating and metallurgical anomalies that result from grinding or from subsequent machining of heat‑treated steel parts. The standard covers preferred etching sequences, inspection conditions, reagent handling and basic classification guidance; it explicitly excludes nitrided components and stainless steels. The procedure is intended for use on gears, shafts, splines, bearings and other similar steel components.

Key topics and requirements

• Purpose and applicability: detection and classification of localized overheating and other surface metallurgical anomalies on ground steel parts.
• Preferred etching sequences and reagent guidance: defined chemical sequences (nitric/hydrochloric based etches and associated rinses/neutralization steps) selected for sensitivity to surface‑hardness changes.
• Surface preparation and inspection conditions: mandatory cleaning to a water‑break‑free surface, controlled etch times, agitation, consistent illumination levels and use of greyscale/reference parts for repeatable classification.
• Limitations and exclusions: not applicable to nitrided or stainless steels; intended for post‑grinding inspection prior to final finishing operations.
• Quality control and documentation: recommendations for operator competence, process control, safety handling of acids/alkalis/solvents and record keeping; the standard gives classification guidance but does not mandate acceptance criteria (pass/fail limits are set by purchaser/agreement).

Typical use and users

Used by gear manufacturers, heat‑treatment and finishing shops, quality and inspection engineers, NDT laboratories and production engineers involved in precision grinding and final finishing of steel power‑transmission components. Typical applications include in‑process inspection after grinding, pre‑acceptance checks before superfinishing or shot peening, and root‑cause investigations of surface‑related failures.

Related standards

Commonly referenced alongside other gear and mechanical‑component standards such as ISO 6336 (gear strength calculation), ISO 1328 (cylindrical‑gear accuracy), ISO standards on surface texture (e.g., ISO 4287/4288) and purchaser‑specific acceptance documents; national adoptions (for example BS ISO 14104:2017) provide identical technical content with possible national forewords.

Keywords

surface temper etch, nital etch, chemical etch inspection, gears, grinding inspection, overheating detection, surface hardness, metallurgical anomalies, post‑heat‑treatment machining, gears inspection, ISO 14104.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO 14104:2017 is an International Standard specifying chemical etch methods (surface temper etch) for revealing and classifying localized overheating and related surface metallurgical anomalies on ground steel components such as gears and shafts.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers recommended etching sequences, surface preparation, inspection conditions (illumination, reference comparison), reagent handling, and guidance for classification and quality controls. It is intended for use after grinding and before final finishing operations; it does not apply to nitrided parts or stainless steels.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Gear manufacturers, grinding and finishing shops, heat‑treatment facilities, quality/inspection engineers and NDT laboratories use this standard to detect surface overheating and to ensure consistent inspection practices.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: Edition 3 (ISO 14104:2017) is the current published edition; the ISO bibliographic record indicates the publication was reviewed and confirmed (remains current) following a review cycle. National adoptions reproduce the same technical content.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: ISO 14104 is a stand‑alone method standard for surface temper etch inspection of gears and related components; it is part of the broader body of ISO gear and mechanical component standards but not a numbered multi‑part series itself.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Surface temper etch, chemical etch, gears, grinding, overheating detection, metallurgical anomalies, inspection, nital, surface hardness.