ASTM B294-92(2001)
(Test Method)Standard Test Method for Hardness Testing of Cemented Carbides
Standard Test Method for Hardness Testing of Cemented Carbides
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the hardness testing of cemented carbides by use of the Rockwell hardness tester with the Rockwell A scale (diamond indenter and 588.4 N (60 kgf) load) in the range of Rockwell A80 and above. Also covered are the procedures for the testing and selection of diamond indenters, the management and traceability of the four levels of standard test blocks, the acquisition of secondary standard test blocks, and the making and calibration of working standard test blocks.
1.2 The Rockwell hardness tester is a convenient and reliable means of measuring the hardness of cemented carbides. A hardness value is obtained easily, but it is subject to considerable error unless certain precautions are observed.
1.3 Test Methods E18 shall be followed except where otherwise indicated in this test method.
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.
1.5 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.
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Designation:B294–92(Reapproved 2001)
Standard Test Method for
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Hardness Testing of Cemented Carbides
This standard is issued under the fixed designation B 294; 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 (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
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1. Scope Part 2, Preparation and calibration of standard test blocks
1.1 This test method covers the hardness testing of ce-
3. Significance and Use
mented carbides by use of the Rockwell hardness tester with
3.1 Rockwell hardness is one of the more important prop-
the Rockwell A scale (diamond indenter and 588.4 N (60 kgf)
erties used to evaluate cemented carbides. For compositional
load) in the range of Rockwell A80 and above. Also covered
groups of cemented carbides, hardness is an indication of wear
are the procedures for the testing and selection of diamond
resistance and toughness. Lower hardness grades usually
indenters, the management and traceability of the four levels of
indicate less wear resistance but greater toughness. For a
standard test blocks, the acquisition of secondary standard test
specific grade of cemented carbide, hardness is an indication of
blocks,andthemakingandcalibrationofworkingstandardtest
the metallurgical quality of the material. In no case is hardness
blocks.
the only property to be considered in evaluating cemented
1.2 The Rockwell hardness tester is a convenient and
carbides.
reliable means of measuring the hardness of cemented car-
bides. A hardness value is obtained easily, but it is subject to
4. Apparatus
considerable error unless certain precautions are observed.
4.1 Scale—All hardness tests shall be made on the regular
1.3 Test Methods E 18 shall be followed except where
(asopposedtosuperficial)Rockwelltester,usinga588.4N(60
otherwise indicated in this test method.
kgf) load (Rockwell A scale).
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
4.2 Effect of Vibration—The Rockwell hardness tester
standard. The values given in parentheses are for information
should be located in a vibration-free area in order to avoid
only.
erroneous results. If this is not possible, the tester shall be
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the
mounted so as to minimize vibrations, since vibrations tend to
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
cause erratic readings.
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
4.3 Indenter—The standard indenter shall be selected, in
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
accordance with the Annex to this test method, from diamond
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
cone indenters specified for Rockwell A scale use and in
2. Referenced Documents conformance with Test Methods E 18.
4.3.1 The indenter, and an indentation made with it, in
2.1 ASTM Standards:
hardened steel or cemented carbide should be examined
E 18 Test Methods for Rockwell Hardness and Rockwell
2 optically at approximately 50-diameter magnification for de-
Superficial Hardness of Metallic Materials
fects, conformance to shape, and mounting of the diamond.
E 29 Practice for Using Significant Digits in Test Data to
3 Examination should be made when selecting an indenter,
Determine Conformance with Specifications
occasionally during use, and whenever some event may be
2.2 ISO Standard:
suspected of having damaged the diamond or its mounting.
3738-2 Hardmetals—Rockwell hardness test (Scale A)—
4.4 Anvils—Select an anvil suitable for the specimen to be
tested. The shoulder of the screw and the mating surface of the
anvil should be clean. Seat the anvil securely. For the best
accuracy, flat test pieces should be tested on a flat anvil of
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This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee B09 on Metal 1
approximately 6-mm ( ⁄4-in.) diameter. The bearing surface of
Powders and Metal Powder Products and is the direct responsibility of Subcom-
this anvil, with a Rockwell C hardness of at least 60, shall be
mittee B09.06 on Cemented Carbides.
Current edition approved Jan. 15, 1992. Published March 1992. Originally
published as B 294 – 54 T. Last previous edition B 294 – 86.
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Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 03.01. AvailablefromAmericanNationalStandardsInstitute,25W.43rdSt.,4thfloor,
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Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 14.02. New York, NY 10036.
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B294
polished smooth and be free of pits and heavy scratches. The 6.3 Limit the speed of applying the major load so that the
test piece should be supported suitably
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