A study was conducted to isolate the influence of pre-rough machine processing on final dimensional distortion. Methods are discussed to aid process development and minimize dimensional change during carburizing. The study examined the distortion during carburizing between five possible raw material starting conditions. Coupons were used and manufactured from each population ofmaterial processing. All coupons were carburized and hardened at the same time. Dimensions were made before and after carburizing using a scanning coordinatemeasurement machine. The results show that dimensional distortion during carburizing increases with mechanical and thermal processing.