Rockwell Hardness Tester Operation,

Technical Information
Rockwell Test Method, Part 1

The Rockwell test method is defined in ASTM E-18 and is the most commonly used harrdness
test method since it is generally faster/easier to perform and less operator dependant for
accuracy than other types of hardness testing. Rockwell hardness testers can be used on all
metals except in conditions where the test metal structure or surface conditions (roughness,
shallow surface hardnening, etc) would introduce too much variation, where the indentations
would be too large for the application or where the sample size or shape prohibits its use. For an
in-depth education on hardness testing see the ASM website

The test method measures the permanent depth of indentation produced by a force on an
indenter. First, a preliminary test force (A), also called pre-load or minor load, is applied to
a sample using a diamond indenter. This is the zero or reference position that breaks through the
surface to reduce the effects of surface finish. Then, an additional test force or major load (B) is
applied to reach the total required test force. This force is held for a predetermined amount of
time to allow for elastic recovery of the metal (C). The additional test force is then released and
the final position (D) is measured against the preliminary position and converted to a Rockwell
hardness number.

Rockwell-Scale Hardness Tester Indentations

The Rockwell Hardness Test Method, Part 2

As a general guide to selecting a Rockwell scale, the operator should select the scale that
specifies the largest load and smallest indenter possible to do the job without exceeding defined
operating conditions and accounting for conditions that influence the test result.

These influencing conditions include test specimens which are below the minimum thickness for
the depth of indentation (see chart); a test impression that falls too close to the edge of a
specimen or another impression (indentations should be spaced greater than 3x indentation
diameter and greater than 2-1/2x diameter from the edge of the specimen); or testing on
cylindrical test specimens (see chart).
 Hardness Testing Information Guide
This brief guide is intended to be a refresher for those a ready involved in hardness as well as a
reference for first time users of hardness testers. Hardness is a characteristic of a material, not a
fundamental physical property. It is defined as the resistance to indentation, and it is determined by
measuring the permanent depth of the indentation. More simply put, when using a fixed force (load)*
and a given indenter, the smaller the indentation, the harder the material. Indentation hardness value
is obtained by measuring the depth or the area of the indentation using one of over 12 different test
methods.

Rockwell, Brinell & Microhardness Testers

Section 1: General Considerations for Hardness Testing.

LARGE PARTS - Parts that either overhang the anvil or are not easily supported on the anvil should
be clamped into place or properly supported.

SMALL PARTS - The smaller the part the lighter the load needed. Be sure to meet minimum
thickness requirements and properly space indentations away from inside and outside edges.

CYLINDRICAL TESTING (See at right) - A correction to a test result is

needed when testing on small diameters cylinder shapes due to a
difference between axial and radial material flow. (Refer to ASTM round
correction charts for Rockwell scale testing).

SPACE INDENTATIONS - Maintain a spacing equal to 2~1/2 times the

indentation's diameter from an edge or another indentation.

THICKNESS REQUIREMENTS (See at right) - Maintain material

thickness at least 10 times the indentation depth. (Refer to ASTM
minimum thickness charts for Rockwell scale testing ).

SPACE INDENTATIONS - Maintain a spacing equal to 2~1/2 times the

indentation's diameter from an edge or another indentation.

SCALE CONVERSIONS - Sometimes it is necessary to test in one

scale and report in another scale. Conversions have been established
that have some validity, but it is important to note that unless an actual
correlation has been completed by testing in different scales,
established conversions may or may not provide reliable information.
(Refer to ASTM scale conversion charts for non-austenitic metals in the
high hardness range and low hardness range.) Also refer to ASTM
standard E140 for more scale conversion information.

GAGE R&R STUDIES. - Gage Repeatability and Reproducibility Studies were developed to calculate
the ability of operators and their instruments to test according within the tolerances of a given test
piece. In hardness testing there are inherent variables that preclude using standard gage R&R
procedures and formulas with actual test pieces. Material variation and the inability to retest the same
area on depth measuring testers are two significant factors that affect GR&R results. In order to
minimize these effects, it is best to do the study on highly consistent test blocks in order to minimize
these built-in variations.

Newage Testing Instruments hardness testers operate very well in these studies. Unfortunately, since
these studies can only be effectively done on test blocks, their value does not necessarily translate
into actual testing operations. there are a host of factors that can be introduced when testing under
real conditions. Some Newage testers excel at testing in real-world conditions by reducing the effects
of vibration, operator influence, part deflection due to dirt, scale, a specimen flexing under load.
Some important operating conditions are: the axis of test must be within 2 degrees of
perpendicular; there should be no deflection of the test sample or tester during the load
application (from conditions such as dirt under the test specimen or on the elevating screw;
surface finish should be kept ; surface conditions such as decarburization from heat treatment
should be removed.

Hardness Testing
The Test Methodology Guide, Part 2

This brief guide is intended to be a refresher for those a ready involved in hardness testing as
well as a reference for beginning users of hardness testers.

Hardness is a characteristic of a material, not a fundamental physical property. It is defined

simply as the resistance to indentation, and it is determined by measuring the permanent
depth or width of a testindentation. When using a fixed force (load)* and a given indenter, the
smaller the indentation, the harder the material. While the the concept is ectremely simple, the
indentation hardness value is obtained by using one of over 12 different test methods.

Also see our recent article in ASM's Heat Treat Progress Magazine: Common
Problems in Hardness Testing as well as the follow up: Common Problems in
Microhardness Testing

Section 2: Test Method Principles

or navigate to: Part 3, or Part 1

ROCKWELL HARDNESS

The Rockwell test method measures a permanent

depth of indentation produced by the preliminary
and total test forces. First, a preliminary test force
(pre-load or minor load) is applied. This is the zero
or reference position. Then, an additional test force
(or major load) is applied to reach the total required
test force. This additional force is held for a
predetermined amount of time and then released,
but with the preliminary test force still applied. The
indenter reaches the final position at the preliminary
force and the distance traveled from the major load
position is measured and converted to a value into
one of the many scales for Rockwell hardness.
Preliminary test forces range from 3 (superficial A. Depth reached by indenter after application
Rockwell) to 10 kilograms (regular Rockwell) to 200 of preliminary test force (minor load).
kilograms (macro Rockwell scale). Total test forces
range from 500 grams (micro) to 15 through 150 B. Position of indenter under total test force.
kilograms (superficial & regular) to 500 through
3000 kilograms (macro).
C. Final position reached by indenter after
elastic recovery of the material.
To see a more complete description of the Test
method for Rockwell Hardness.
D. Position at which measurement is taken.
BRINELL HARDNESS

Widely used on castings and forgings, the Brinell

method applies a predetermined test force (F) to a
carbide ball of fixed diameter (D) which is held for a
predetermined time and then removed. The
resulting indentation is measured across at at least
two diameters - usually at right angles to each other
and averaged (d). A chart is then used to convert
the averaged diameter measurements to a Brinell
hardness number. Test forces range from 500 to
3000 kilograms.
Brinell Measurement Calculation
For a more complete description of the Brinell test D = ball diameter
method and related Newage Brinell testers see Test d = impression diameter
method for Brinell Hardness.
F = load
HB = Brinell Result

VICKERS HARDNESS (Micro and

Macrohardness) and Knoop

Mostly used for small parts, thin sections, or case

depth work, Vickers and Knoop methods are based
on an optical measurement system. The new
Computer Assisted Measurement System
(C.A.M.S.), now available from Newage Testing
Instruments, Inc., has improved productivity,
accuracy and repeatability of these labor intensive
methods. (See pages 14 and 15). To perform a test,
a predetermined test force is applied with a
pyramidal shaped diamond indenter. After a dwelt
time, the force is removed. Then, in the Vickers Vickers Test
method, the indentation length of vertical and
Opposing indenter faces are set at a 136
horizontal axis is measured and averaged. In the
Knoop method, only the tong axis is measured degree angle to each other
(Figure 5). A chart is used to convert the
measurements to corresponding Vickers or Knoop
hardness numbers, Test forces range from 1 to
2000 grams, Vickers does offer higher force
capabilities - up to 150 kgs - but are not used
frequently in North America.

Link to a more complete description of the Test

method for Vickers Hardness.

Knoop Test
Long side faces are set at a 172 degree, 30
minute angle to each other. Short side faces
are set at a 130 degree angle to each other

DUROMETER & IRHD HARDNESS

Widely used in the plastics and rubber industries, the Durometer method (sometimes erroneously
referred to as the Shore® method after the company that originally developed the test.) has evolved from
a coarse handheld measurement to today's repeatable test method. Bench model testers can now read
to a tenth of a point with good repeatability. The Durometer method applies a predetermined test force to
a spherical or conical shaped indenter. The depth of indentation is translated into a hardness value by
means of a dial gage or electronically. Test forces range from 822 grams (A scale) to 4550 grams (D
scale). Non-standardized "micro" scales are also available from many manufacturers. These scales
permit testing on thinner and more narrow specimens.

The use of IRHD, or International Rubber Hardness Degrees, has increased considerably in North
America since its origin in Europe. It provides a very repeatable result on rubber parts of all shapes and
sizes. It is especially important in the determination of the hardness of rubber O-rings. The method
employs a preliminary test force that is applied to the specimen through the indenter. The test is zeroed
at this position, then the total test force is applied. The distance between the these two forces is then
measured and converted to an IRHD hardness value. Preliminary test forces are 8.46 grams for micro
scales and 295.74 grams for regular scales. Total test forces are 15.7g for micro and 597 for regular
scales.

Shore® is a registered trademark of Instron Corporation

How to Read a Hardness Number

Scale
Name Example Explanation
Rockwell 60 HRC Hardness Rockwell "C" scale with a "60" test value
Hardness value in Rockwell "15T" scale with a "80.5"
test value using a "W" or Tungsten carbide ball
indenter. (Rockwell test results in scales using a ball
indenter must indicate either "W" for carbide or "S" for
steel indenter on all results (Steel balls are no longer
80.5 HR15TW permitted as of June 2007

200 "200" test value using a 10 mm diameter carbide ball, a 300 kg load and
Brinell HB10/3000/15 a 15 second dwell
500 HBS An old report of a "500" test value using a no-longer-valid steel (HBS)
1/30/20 ball of 1mm diameter with 30 kg load and 20 second dwell
An informal report assuming the most common parameters - 10 mm
HB 200 carbide ball, 3000 kg load and "200" test result value

Microhardness 200 HV 500/15"200" test value with Vickers 500 g load, 15 seconds duration
200 HK 500/15"200" test value with Knoop 500 g load, 15 seconds duration

Durometer A/50/15 Durometer type A with "50" test value result and 15 second duration
D/50/15 Durometer type D with "50" test value result and 15 second duration

Section 3: How to Select a Hardness Tester

Fundamental to reliable hardness testing are several factors.

1. Choose the correct test method based on the application. Plan to use the highest test force and largest
indenter possible. Consider the effects of the shape and dimensions of your test sample. Refer to Section 1
2. Many questions may need to be answered in order to determine the scale and tester to be used:

• Is there a hardness scale specified?

• What is the materials being tested and is it suitable for a a particular test?
• How large are the parts?
• Is the test point difficult to reach?
• What volume of testing is to be done?
• How accurate do the results need to be?
• What is the budget?
• What are the problems that have occurred in the past

3. Verify that the test results meet your needs for accuracy and repeatability. You may want to conduct a
Gage R&R study to see how much error the operator and measurement system contribute.

There are significant differences between levels of performance within each classification of tester. A difficult
job on one tester could be very simple and fast on another. So, although often hardness testers within a test
method and classification look alike, there are many features that can significantly affect productivity and
accuracy. A good example of features affecting performance is demonstrated in bench Rockwell hardness
testing systems. All can handle moderately long parts using larger anvils or jack rests, however the Versitron
can usually test large parts more quickly and accurately, when compared to other bench testers which
require external support stands or fixtures. The Indentron, on the other hand, is much easier to use on small,
awkward parts. If you need assistance with your application, contact a Newage Testing Instruments sales
representative. Also the reader can follow this link for "Choosing the Right Hardness Tester"

TEST SPECIFICATIONS

TEST TEST FORCE ASTM TEST MEASURE

TEST INDENTER TYPES
METHOD RANGE METHOD METHOD
60, 100, 150 Conical Diamond &
Rockwell Regular E 18 Depth
kgs Small Ball
Conical Diamond &
Superficial 15, 30, 45 kgs E 18 Depth
Small Ball
Truncated Cone
Light Load 3, 5, 7 kgs Informal Depth
Diamond
Small Truncated
Micro 500, 100 grams Informal Depth
Cone Diamond
500 to 3000
Macro 5, 10 mm Ball E 103 Depth
kgs
Micro- 5 to 2000 136º Pyramid
Vickers E 384 Area
Hardness grams Diamond
5 to 2000 1300 x 1720º
Knoop E 384 Area
grams Diamond
Rockwell 500, 3000 Truncated Cone
Informal Depth
Type grams Diamond
.01 to 200
Dynamic Triangular Diamond Informal Depth
grams
500 to 3000
Brinell Optical 5mm, 10 mm Ball E 10 Area
kgs
 500 to 3000
Depth 5mm, 10 mm Ball E 103 Depth
kgs
822 (A), 4550 35º Cone (A) 30º
Durometer Regular D 2240 Depth
(D) grams Cone (D)
257 (A), 1135 35º Cone (A) 30º
Micro Informal Depth
(D) grams Cone (D)
IRHD Regular 597 grams 2.5 mm Ball D 1415 Depth
Micro 15.7 grams .395 mm Ball D 1415 Depth