SAE J810_202503

Common or obvious surface imperfections are normally visible to the naked eye before or after fabrication or processing. Illustrations and definitions of these imperfections are contained in this SAE Information Report. The identifying names are those commonly used throughout the steel industry. The imperfections identified include the major and most often encountered imperfections known to exist at this time. These imperfections are variable in appearance and severity. Extreme conditions have been selected in some instances in order to obtain suitable photographs. Photographs are courtesy of the American Iron and Steel Institute, Kaiser Aluminum, U.S. Steel, Nucor Steel, Samuel Steel, Steel Dynamics, Worthington Steel, and companies no longer in existence: LTV Steel, National Steel, and The Budd Company. The surface imperfections identified in this document should be used as a general guide to help identify common surface imperfections that can exist with flat rolled steels. Identifying the specific surface imperfection and its root cause should be discussed with the steel supplier. These surface imperfections may be normal for the products produced and are not indications the steel is out of specification or cause for rejection. This document has been revised to update the pictures and descriptions.