ASTM B647-10(2016)

Standard Test Method for Indentation Hardness of Aluminum Alloys by Means of a Webster Hardness Gage

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 The Webster hardness gage is portable and therefore useful for in situ determination of the hardness of fabricated parts and individual test specimens for production control purposes. It is not as sensitive as Rockwell or Brinell hardness machines; see 10.2.  
4.2 This test method should be used only as cited in applicable material specifications.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the determination of indentation hardness of aluminum alloys with a Webster hardness gage, Model B.  
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.  
1.2.1 Exception—The values given in parentheses are for information only.
Note 1: Two other models, A and B-75, are in use, but are not covered in this test method. Model A does not provide numerical values of hardness and Model B-75 covers only a part of the range of interest for aluminum alloys.  
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

General Information

• Status: Historical
• Publication Date: 30-Apr-2016
• ICS: 77.120.10 - Aluminium and aluminium alloys
• Technical Committee: B07 - Light Metals and Alloys
• Drafting Committee: B07.05 - Testing

Standards Content (Sample)

NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information
Designation: B647 − 10 (Reapproved 2016)
Standard Test Method for
Indentation Hardness of Aluminum Alloys by Means of a
Webster Hardness Gage
This standard is issued under the fixed designation B647; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope as applying to the terms used in this test method.
1.1 This test method covers the determination of indentation
4. Significance and Use
hardness of aluminum alloys with a Webster hardness gage,
Model B.
4.1 The Webster hardness gage is portable and therefore
useful for in situ determination of the hardness of fabricated
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
parts and individual test specimens for production control
standard. No other units of measurement are included in this
purposes. It is not as sensitive as Rockwell or Brinell hardness
standard.
machines; see 10.2.
1.2.1 Exception—The values given in parentheses are for
information only.
4.2 This test method should be used only as cited in
NOTE 1—Two other models, A and B-75, are in use, but are not covered
applicable material specifications.
in this test method. Model A does not provide numerical values of
hardness and Model B-75 covers only a part of the range of interest for
5. Apparatus (Fig. 1)
aluminum alloys.
5.1 The Webster hardness gage, Model B, consists of three
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the main parts: the frame, operating handle, and penetrator housing
assembly. The penetrator housing assembly includes the prin-
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica- cipal working parts, including the penetrator, loading spring,
adjusting nut, penetrator housing, housing key, return spring,
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
and dial indicator.
2. Referenced Documents
5.2 The indentor is a hardened steel truncated cone.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
5.3 The dial indicator is graduated from 1 to 20, and is
E6 Terminology Relating to Methods of Mechanical Testing
actuated by the penetrator so that the higher the reading, the
E10 Test Method for Brinell Hardness of Metallic Materials
higher is the hardness of the test material.
E18 Test Methods for Rockwell Hardness of Metallic Ma-
terials 5.4 The configuration of the Webster hardness gage is such
E177 Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in
that it is operated like a pair of pliers.
ASTM Test Methods
5.5 The clearance between the penetrator and the anvil is
E691 Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to
about 6 mm ( ⁄4 in.), limiting the thickness of sample that can
Determine the Precision of a Test Method
be tested.
3. Terminology
6. Test Parts or Specimens
3.1 Definitions—The definitions of terms relating to hard-
6.1 Any part or piece of material greater than 1 mm (0.04
ness testing appearing in Terminology E6 shall be considered
in.) in thickness and equal to or less than 6 mm ( ⁄4 in.) in
thickness and with a clear flat area at an edge approximately 25
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee B07 on Light
by 25 mm (1 by 1 in.) in size is suitable for test.
Metals and Alloys and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee B07.05 on
Testing.
6.2 The surfaces shall be essentially parallel, smooth, clean,
Current edition approved May 1, 2016. Published May 2016. Originally
and free of mechanical damage. The test surface may be lightly
approved in 1984. Last previous edition approved in 2010 as B647 – 10. DOI:
polished to eliminate scratches or die lines.
10.1520/B0647-10R16.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
6.3 The clear, flat area shall be such that there will be a clear
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
distance of at least 3 mm ( ⁄8 in.) from the edge of the part or
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. specimen.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
B647 − 10 (2016)
FIG. 1 Webster Hardness Gage, Model B
6.4 Parts or specimens with a slight taper or curvature may
also be tested if a round anvil is used, as described in 8.1.1 and
Fig. 2.
7. Calibration
7.1 Zero Adjustment:
7.1.1 Operate the instrument against the bare anvil and note
whether or not the indicator gives the zero (full-scale) reading.
7.1.2 A correction in zero reading is normally not needed
except for one of the reasons listed below:
7.1.2.1 A new penetrator has been installed,
7.1.2.2 The dial indicator is changed from one instrument to
another, or FIG. 3 Zero Adjustment Screw, A (indicated by arrow)
7.1.2.3 Excessive wear has taken place.
7.1.3 If an adjustment in zero is needed, turn the zero
adjustment screw below the indicator dial slowly (Fig. 3),
7.1.4 The zero adjustment should never be used to make the
while operating the tester against the bare anvil and maintain-
indicator read correctly on a standard sample.
ing handle pressure, until the hand of the dial indicator rests on
7.2 Load Spring Adjustment:
the zero line (which is located at the full-scale reading of 20).
7.2.1 Measure the hardness of a standard sample of medium
to low hardness, either one furnished with the tester or one
developed from reference stock; the dial should show the
reading indicated for the standard within 60.5.
7.2.2 If the readings on the standard or the bare anvil, or
both, do not indicate the proper values, adjust the load spring
with the special wrench provided until agreement is reached
(Fig. 4).
8. Procedure
8.1 Place the test part or specimen between the penetrator
FIG. 2 Making the Test and the anvil, and apply pressure to the handle.
B647 − 10 (2016)
10. Precision and Bias
10.1 The Webster hardness gage, Model B, is useful for
hardness measurements of material in the range from 3003-0 to
7075-T6 representing a range in Rockwell hardness from about
5 HRE to 110 HRE.
10.2 The application of portable impressors, such as the
Webster, will produce greater variation in hardness
...

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: B647 − 10 B647 − 10 (Reapproved 2016)
Standard Test Method for
Indentation Hardness of Aluminum Alloys by Means of a
Webster Hardness Gage
This standard is issued under the fixed designation B647; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope
1.1 This test method covers the determination of indentation hardness of aluminum alloys with a Webster hardness gage, Model
B.
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.
1.2.1 Exception—The values given in parentheses are for information only.
NOTE 1—Two other models, A and B-75, are in use, but are not covered in this test method. Model A does not provide numerical values of hardness
and Model B-75 covers only a part of the range of interest for aluminum alloys.
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility
of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory
limitations prior to use.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
E6 Terminology Relating to Methods of Mechanical Testing
E10 Test Method for Brinell Hardness of Metallic Materials
E18 Test Methods for Rockwell Hardness of Metallic Materials
E177 Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in ASTM Test Methods
E691 Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Determine the Precision of a Test Method
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions—The definitions of terms relating to hardness testing appearing in Terminology E6 shall be considered as
applying to the terms used in this test method.
4. Significance and Use
4.1 The Webster hardness gage is portable and therefore useful for in situ determination of the hardness of fabricated parts and
individual test specimens for production control purposes. It is not as sensitive as Rockwell or Brinell hardness machines; see 10.2.
4.2 This test method should be used only as cited in applicable material specifications.
5. Apparatus (Fig. 1)
5.1 The Webster hardness gage, Model B, consists of three main parts: the frame, operating handle, and penetrator housing
assembly. The penetrator housing assembly includes the principal working parts, including the penetrator, loading spring, adjusting
nut, penetrator housing, housing key, return spring, and dial indicator.
5.2 The indentor is a hardened steel truncated cone.
5.3 The dial indicator is graduated from 1 to 20, and is actuated by the penetrator so that the higher the reading, the higher is
the hardness of the test material.
5.4 The configuration of the Webster hardness gage is such that it is operated like a pair of pliers.
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee B07 on Light Metals and Alloys and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee B07.05 on Testing.
Current edition approved Dec. 1, 2010May 1, 2016. Published January 2011May 2016. Originally approved in 1984. Last previous edition approved in 20062010 as
B647 – 84 (2006).B647 – 10. DOI: 10.1520/B0647-10.10.1520/B0647-10R16.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
B647 − 10 (2016)
FIG. 1 Webster Hardness Gage, Model B
5.5 The clearance between the penetrator and the anvil is about 6 mm ( ⁄4 in.), limiting the thickness of sample that can be tested.
6. Test Parts or Specimens
6.1 Any part or piece of material greater than 1 mm (0.04 in.) in thickness and equal to or less than 6 mm ( ⁄4 in.) in thickness
and with a clear flat area at an edge approximately 25 by 25 mm (1 by 1 in.) in size is suitable for test.
6.2 The surfaces shall be essentially parallel, smooth, clean, and free of mechanical damage. The test surface may be lightly
polished to eliminate scratches or die lines.
6.3 The clear, flat area shall be such that there will be a clear distance of at least 3 mm ( ⁄8 in.) from the edge of the part or
specimen.
6.4 Parts or specimens with a slight taper or curvature may also be tested if a round anvil is used, as described in 8.1.1 and Fig.
2.
7. Calibration
7.1 Zero Adjustment:
7.1.1 Operate the instrument against the bare anvil and note whether or not the indicator gives the zero (full-scale) reading.
7.1.2 A correction in zero reading is normally not needed except for one of the reasons listed below:
7.1.2.1 A new penetrator has been installed,
7.1.2.2 The dial indicator is changed from one instrument to another, or
7.1.2.3 Excessive wear has taken place.
FIG. 2 Making the Test
B647 − 10 (2016)
7.1.3 If an adjustment in zero is needed, turn the zero adjustment screw below the indicator dial slowly (Fig. 3), while operating
the tester against the bare anvil and maintaining handle pressure, until the hand of the dial indicator rests on the zero line (which
is located at the full-scale reading of 20).
7.1.4 The zero adjustment should never be used to make the indicator read correctly on a standard sample.
7.2 Load Spring Adjustment:
7.2.1 Measure the hardness of a standard sample of medium to low hardness, either one furnished with the tester or one
developed from reference stock; the dial should show the reading indicated for the standard within 60.5.
7.2.2 If the readings on the standard or the bare anvil, or both, do not indicate the proper values, adjust the load spring with
the special wrench provided until agreement is reached (Fig. 4).
8. Procedure
8.1 Place the test part or specimen between the penetrator and the anvil, and apply pressure to the handle.
8.1.1 If the test part or specimen has a slight taper or curvature, use a round anvil and apply the gage in such a way that the
penetrator is applied normal to the test surface and the anvil bears along a line that is parallel to the surface i
...