Hardness Brinell Test

A hardness Brinell test determines the hardness or strength of metal by measuring the area of indention left after a specified indenter and specified load is applied to the prepared sample surface. To perform a hardness Brinell test, different indenters and loads are used for different strength or hardness ranges. Hardness Brinell testing uses a much larger indenter and higher loads. Hardness Brinell testing requires a thicker sample than standard Rockwell hardness testing. Typical minimum thickness is approximately 1/4". Hardness testing is a way t o determine aproximate strength of the material and hardness Brinell numbers can be converted to approximate tensile strength. Standard hardness Brinell test values are determined by measuring the diameter of a circular impression left by a Tungsten Carbide ball indenter under a load of usually 500 kg or 3000 kg. A hardness Brinell testing load is normally applied for 10-15 seconds on iron/steel, and at least 30 seconds for other metals. The depth of penetration for a Brinell hardness is measured using a low powered microscope, with optical unit. How the light shines onto the deformation, determines the Brinell hardness. Typically used to assist in determining the macrostructure. During the Brinell hardness test, the circular diameter is measured using a calibrated, low power microscope. The measured value is calculated into Brinell hardness (HBW) via a lookup table or via the formula provided (in ASTM E10).

Hardness Vickers Test

The hardness Vickers test is used to determine a materials ability to resist deformation from a standard source. It is often easier to perform than other hardness tests because the calculations involved are independent of indenter size. Hardness Vickers test values are determined by measuring the depth of an area of indentation left by an indenter. The hardness Vickers test is also known as the Knoop or Tukon hardness test. Test material for the hardness Vickers test is indented using tungsten carbide or diamond tips, and the optical light unit and microscope used to record value of deformation. Related tests Exova performs include: Hardness Brinell Test Hardness Rockwell Test Micro Hardness Test

Hardness Rockwell Test

Hardness Rockwell Testing determines the strength of a metal by measuring the depth of penetration an indenter makes on the prepared surface and a specified load. Different indenters and loads are used for different strength or hardness ranges. Hardness Rockwell testing is a way to determine approximate strength of the material and hardness Rockwell numbers can be converted to approximate tensile strength for many alloys. Hardness Rockwell test values are determined by measuring the depth of an area of indentation left by an indenter. During a hardness Rockwell test, the material is indented using tungsten carbide tips (however, Rockwell 'C' scale uses a diamond tip). The tip is forced into the metal under a specified load, and the value of the depth of penetration is read from the Hardness Rockwell Scale. Hardness Rockwell testing is typically used to assist in determining the grade of metal. Hardness Rockwell values can be measured utilizing loads of 15-150 kg. Type of hardness Rockwell methods: Rockwell C Rockwell A Rockwell D (150kg) (60kg) (100kg)

Samples can have a rounded or flat surface and can be as small as 5mm x 5mm. Hardness Rockwell testing is only conducted on metals.