E28.06 - Indentation Hardness Testing

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 IIT Instruments are used to quantitatively measure various mechanical properties of thin coatings and other volumes of material when other traditional methods of determining material properties cannot be used due to the size or condition of the sample. This practice will establish the basic requirements for those instruments. It is intended that IIT based test methods will be able to refer to this practice for the basic requirements for force and displacement accuracy, reproducibility, verification, reporting, etc., that are necessary for obtaining meaningful test results.  
5.2 IIT is not restricted to specific test forces, displacement ranges, or indenter types. This practice covers the requirements for a wide range of nano, micro, and macro (see ISO 14577-1) indentation testing applications. The various IIT instruments are required to adhere to the requirements of the practice within their specific design ranges.
SCOPE
1.1 This practice defines the basic steps of Instrumented Indentation Testing (IIT) and establishes the requirements, accuracies, and capabilities needed by an instrument to successfully perform the test and produce the data that can be used for the determination of indentation hardness and other material characteristics. IIT is a mechanical test that measures the response of a material to the imposed stress and strain of a shaped indenter by forcing the indenter into a material and monitoring the force on, and displacement of, the indenter as a function of time during the full loading-unloading test cycle.  
1.2 The operational features of an IIT instrument, as well as requirements for Instrument Verification (Annex A1), Standardized Reference Blocks (Annex A2) and Indenter Requirements (Annex A3) are defined. This practice is not intended to be a complete purchase specification for an IIT instrument.  
1.3 With the exception of the non-mandatory Appendix X4, this practice does not define the analysis necessary to determine material properties. That analysis is left for other test methods. Appendix X4 includes some basic analysis techniques to allow for the indirect performance verification of an IIT instrument by using test blocks.  
1.4 Zero point determination, instrument compliance determination and the indirect determination of an indenter’s area function are important parts of the IIT process. The practice defines the requirements for these items and includes non-mandatory appendixes to help the user define them.  
1.5 The use of deliberate lateral displacements is not included in this practice (that is, scratch testing).  
1.6 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.  
1.7 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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.8 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 Vickers and Knoop hardness tests have been found to be very useful for materials evaluation, quality control of manufacturing processes and research and development efforts. Hardness, although empirical in nature, can be correlated to tensile strength for many metals, and is an indicator of wear resistance and ductility.  
4.2 Microindentation hardness tests extend testing to materials that are too thin or too small for macroindentation hardness tests. Microindentation hardness tests also allow specific phases or constituents and regions or gradients too small for macroindentation hardness testing to be evaluated. Recommendations for microindentation testing can be found in Test Method E384.  
4.3 Because the Vickers and Knoop hardness will reveal hardness variations that may exist within a material, a single test value may not be representative of the bulk hardness.  
4.4 The Vickers indenter usually produces essentially the same hardness number at all test forces when testing homogeneous material, except for tests using very low forces (below 25 gf) or for indentations with diagonals smaller than about 25 µm (see Test Method E384). For isotropic materials, the two diagonals of a Vickers indentation are equal in length.  
4.5 The Knoop indenter usually produces similar hardness numbers over a wide range of test forces, but the numbers tend to rise as the test force is decreased. This rise in hardness number with lower test forces is often more significant when testing higher hardness materials, and is increasingly more significant when using test forces below 50 gf (see Test Method E384).  
4.6 The elongated four-sided rhombohedral shape of the Knoop indenter, where the length of the long diagonal is 7.114 times greater than the short diagonal, produces narrower and shallower indentations than the square-based pyramid Vickers indenter under identical test conditions. Hence, the Knoop hardness test is very useful for evaluating hardness gradients since Knoo...
SCOPE
1.1 These test methods cover the determination of the Vickers hardness and Knoop hardness of metallic materials by the Vickers and Knoop indentation hardness principles. This standard provides the requirements for Vickers and Knoop hardness machines and the procedures for performing Vickers and Knoop hardness tests.  
1.2 This standard includes additional requirements in annexes:    
Verification of Vickers and Knoop Hardness Testing Machines  
Annex A1  
Vickers and Knoop Hardness Standardizing Machines  
Annex A2  
Standardization of Vickers and Knoop Indenters  
Annex A3  
Standardization of Vickers and Knoop Hardness Test Blocks  
Annex A4  
Correction Factors for Vickers Hardness Tests Made on Spherical and Cylindrical Surfaces  
Annex A5  
1.3 This standard includes nonmandatory information in an appendix which relates to the Vickers and Knoop hardness tests:    
Examples of Procedures for Determining Vickers and Knoop Hardness Uncertainty  
Appendix X1  
1.4 This test method covers Vickers hardness tests made utilizing test forces ranging from 9.807 × 10-3 N to 1176.80 N (1 gf to 120 kgf), and Knoop hardness tests made utilizing test forces from 9.807 × 10-3 N to 19.613 N (1 gf to 2 kgf).  
1.5 Additional information on the procedures and guidance when testing in the microindentation force range (forces ≤ 1 kgf) may be found in Test Method E384, Test Method for Microindentation Hardness of Materials.  
1.6 Units—When the Vickers and Knoop hardness tests were developed, the force levels were specified in units of grams-force (gf) and kilograms-force (kgf). This standard specifies the units of force and length in the International System of Units (SI); that is, force in Newtons (N) and length in mm or µm. However, because of the historical precedent and continued common usage, force values in gf and kgf units are provided for information and much of the discussion in this standard as well as the...

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 The Brinell hardness test is an indentation hardness test that can provide useful information about metallic materials. This information may correlate to tensile strength, wear resistance, ductility, or other physical characteristics of metallic materials, and may be useful in quality control and selection of materials.  
4.2 Brinell hardness tests are considered satisfactory for acceptance testing of commercial shipments, and have been used extensively in industry for this purpose.  
4.3 Brinell hardness testing at a specific location on a part may not represent the physical characteristics of the whole part or end product.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the Brinell hardness of metallic materials by the Brinell indentation hardness principle. This standard provides the requirements for a Brinell testing machine and the procedures for performing Brinell hardness tests.  
1.2 This test method includes requirements for the use of portable Brinell hardness testing machines that measure Brinell hardness by the Brinell hardness test principle and can meet the requirements of this test method, including the direct and indirect verifications of the testing machine. Portable Brinell hardness testing machines that cannot meet the direct verification requirements and can only be verified by indirect verification requirements are covered in Test Method E110.  
1.3 This standard includes additional requirements in the following annexes:    
Verification of Brinell Hardness Testing Machines  
Annex A1  
Brinell Hardness Standardizing Machines  
Annex A2  
Standardization of Brinell Hardness Indenters  
Annex A3  
Standardization of Brinell Hardness Test Blocks  
Annex A4  
1.4 This standard includes nonmandatory information in the following appendixes that relates to the Brinell hardness test:    
Table of Brinell Hardness Numbers  
Appendix X1  
Examples of Procedures for Determining
Brinell Hardness Uncertainty  
Appendix X2  
1.5 At the time the Brinell hardness test was developed, the force levels were specified in units of kilograms-force (kgf). Although this standard specifies the unit of force in the International System of Units (SI) as the Newton (N), because of the historical precedent and continued common usage of kgf units, force values in kgf units are provided for information and much of the discussion in this standard refers to forces in kgf units.  
1.6 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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.7 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

ABSTRACT
This test method establishes the standard procedures, including the calibration, precision and bias of the apparatus used, for the determination of indentation hardness of metallic materials by means of portable hardness testers.
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
3.1 Portable hardness testers are used for testing materials that because of their size, location or other requirements such as test point are unable to be tested using traditional fixed instruments.  
3.2 Portable hardness testers, by their nature, induce variation that could influence the test results; therefore, hardness measurements made in accordance with this test method are not considered to meet the requirements of E10 or E18. The user should compare the results of the precision and bias studies in E110, E10 and E18 to understand the differences in results expected between portable and fixed instruments.  
3.3 Two test parameters that can significantly influence the measurement accuracy when using portable hardness testers are the alignment of the indenter to the test surface and the timing of the test forces. The user is cautioned to do everything possible to keep the centerline of the indenter perpendicular to the test surface and to apply the test forces using the same time cycle as defined in Test Method E10 or Test Methods E18.  
3.4 Portable hardness testers are delicate instruments that are subject to damage when they are moved from one test site to another. Therefore, repeating the daily verification process during the testing sequence is recommended to insure that they are working properly.  
3.5 Hardness testing at a specific location on a part may not represent the physical characteristics of the whole part or end product.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method defines the requirements for portable instruments that are intended to be used to measure the Rockwell or Brinell hardness of metallic materials by performing indentation tests on the surface of materials in the field or outside of a test lab, or in cases where the size or weight of the test piece prevents it from being tested on a standard E10 or E18 hardness tester.  
1.2 The principles used to measure the Rockwell or Brinell hardness are the same as those defined in the E18 standard test method for Rockwell or E10 standard test method for Brinell.  
Note 1: Standard test methods E10 and E18 will be referred to in this test method as the standard methods.  
1.3 The portable hardness testers covered by this test method are verified only by the indirect verification method. Although the portable hardness testers are designed to employ the same test conditions as those defined in the standard test methods, the forces applied by the portable Rockwell and Brinell testers and the depth measuring systems of the portable Rockwell testers may not meet the tolerance requirements of the standard methods. Portable hardness testers shall use indenters that meet the requirements of the standard test methods.  
1.4 This test method does not apply to portable hardness testers that measure hardness by a means or procedure that is different than those defined in E10 or E18 For example, this test method does not apply to the methods defined in ASTM standard Practice A833, Test Methods A956 and A1038 or B647.  
1.5 A report section is included to define how to indicate that the test result was obtained by using a portable device that conforms to this document.  
1.6 Annex A1 is included that defines the periodic indirect verification and daily verification requirements for these instruments.  
1.7 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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.8 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on...

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 The Rockwell hardness test is an empirical indentation hardness test that can provide useful information about metallic materials. This information may correlate to tensile strength, wear resistance, ductility, and other physical characteristics of metallic materials, and may be useful in quality control and selection of materials.  
4.2 Rockwell hardness tests are considered satisfactory for acceptance testing of commercial shipments, and have been used extensively in industry for this purpose.  
4.3 Rockwell hardness testing at a specific location on a part may not represent the physical characteristics of the whole part or end product.  
4.4 Adherence to this standard test method provides traceability to national Rockwell hardness standards except as stated otherwise.
SCOPE
1.1 These test methods cover the determination of the Rockwell hardness and the Rockwell superficial hardness of metallic materials by the Rockwell indentation hardness principle. This standard provides the requirements for Rockwell hardness machines and the procedures for performing Rockwell hardness tests.  
1.2 This test method includes requirements for the use of portable Rockwell hardness testing machines that measure Rockwell hardness by the Rockwell hardness test principle and can meet all the requirements of this test method, including the direct and indirect verifications of the testing machine. Portable Rockwell hardness testing machines that cannot meet the direct verification requirements and can only be verified by indirect verification requirements are covered in Test Method E110.  
1.3 This standard includes additional requirements in the following annexes:    
Verification of Rockwell Hardness Testing Machines  
Annex A1  
Rockwell Hardness Standardizing Machines  
Annex A2  
Standardization of Rockwell Indenters  
Annex A3  
Standardization of Rockwell Hardness Test Blocks  
Annex A4  
Guidelines for Determining the Minimum Thickness of a
Test Piece  
Annex A5  
Hardness Value Corrections When Testing on Convex
Cylindrical Surfaces  
Annex A6  
1.4 This standard includes nonmandatory information in the following appendixes that relates to the Rockwell hardness test.    
List of ASTM Standards Giving Hardness Values Corresponding
to Tensile Strength  
Appendix X1  
Examples of Procedures for Determining Rockwell
Hardness Uncertainty  
Appendix X2  
1.5 Units—At the time the Rockwell hardness test was developed, the force levels were specified in units of kilograms-force (kgf) and the indenter ball diameters were specified in units of inches (in.). This standard specifies the units of force and length in the International System of Units (SI); that is, force in Newtons (N) and length in millimeters (mm). However, because of the historical precedent and continued common usage, force values in kgf units and ball diameters in inch units are provided for information and much of the discussion in this standard refers to these units.  
1.6 The test principles, testing procedures, and verification procedures are essentially identical for both the Rockwell and Rockwell superficial hardness tests. The significant differences between the two tests are that the test forces are smaller for the Rockwell superficial test than for the Rockwell test. The same type and size indenters may be used for either test, depending on the scale being employed. Accordingly, throughout this standard, the term Rockwell will imply both Rockwell and Rockwell superficial unless stated otherwise.  
1.7 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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.8 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized p...

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 The Differential Indentation Depth hardness test is an empirical indentation hardness test that can provide useful information about metallic materials. This information can correlate to tensile strength, wear resistance, ductility, and other physical characteristics of metallic materials, and can be useful in quality control and selection of materials.  
4.2 Differential Indentation Depth hardness tests are considered satisfactory for acceptance testing of commercial shipments, and have been used in industry for this purpose.  
4.3 Differential Indentation Depth hardness testing at a specific location on a part might not represent the physical characteristics of the whole part or end product. Machines that comply with this Standard are used when machines that comply with the regular hardness standards such as Test Methods E10, E18, E92, and E384 cannot be used. Test results obtained with these machines are comparable BUT NOT EQUIVALENT to those obtained with machines that comply with the above mentioned standards.  
4.4 Differential Indentation Depth hardness testing machines covered by this standard do not comply with Test Methods E10, E18, E92, or E110.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the Differential Indentation Depth hardness of metallic materials by the Differential Indentation Depth hardness principle. This standard provides the requirements for Differential Indentation Depth hardness testing machines and the procedures for performing Differential Indentation Depth hardness tests.  
1.2 This standard includes additional requirements in annexes:    
Verification of Differential Indentation Depth Hardness Testing Machines  
Annex A1  
Guidelines for Determining the Minimum Thickness of a Test Piece  
Annex A2  
1.3 This standard includes non-mandatory information in appendixes which relates to the Differential Indentation Depth hardness test.    
List of ASTM Standards Giving Hardness Numbers Corresponding to Tensile Strength  
Appendix X1  
Examples of Procedures for Determining Differential Indentation Depth Hardness Uncertainty  
Appendix X2  
Examples of Indenters Used in Differential Indentation Depth Machines  
Appendix X3  
1.4 Units—This standard specifies the units of force and length in the International System of Units (SI); that is, force in Newtons (N) and length in micrometers (µm). However, because of continued common usage, values are provided in other units of measure for information.  
1.5 The test principles, testing procedures, and verification procedures are essentially identical for all the Differential Indentation Depth hardness testing instruments. The testing instruments may use different test forces and indenter shapes. The type and size of the indenters are matched to the design of the instrument by the manufacturer. Accordingly, the indenters, probes and other instrument components are generally not interchangeable among manufacturers.  
1.6 The hardness number reported by these instruments are based on direct correlations to existing hardness scales as determined by each manufacturer for each instrument and hardness scale. Unless otherwise noted on the instrument or in the operating manual for the instrument, the hardness numbers reported by the instrument are only applicable to non-austenitic steels. See 5.6.1 for additional information.  
1.7 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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.8 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organizati...

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 This practice is used when it is desired to make Brinell type hardness tests very rapidly on a high volume of samples, as in the inspection of the output of a heat-treating furnace.  
4.2 This practice requires the measurement of indentation depth and eliminates the need to measure the diameter of the indent optically as required in a Brinell hardness test.  
4.3 This practice is not a standard Brinell hardness test method and does not meet the requirements of Test Method E10.  
4.4 Since the test forces and method of display of the depth measurement differ between manufacturers of rapid indentation hardness testing equipment, the test results from equipment from different manufacturers are not comparable.
SCOPE
1.1 This practice covers a procedure for rapid indentation hardness testing of metallic materials.  
1.2 This practice includes additional requirements in Annex A1 for the direct, indirect, and daily verification of rapid indentation hardness testing machines.  
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.  
1.4 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.  
1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 The Differential Indentation Depth hardness test is an empirical indentation hardness test that can provide useful information about metallic materials. This information can correlate to tensile strength, wear resistance, ductility, and other physical characteristics of metallic materials, and can be useful in quality control and selection of materials.  
4.2 Differential Indentation Depth hardness tests are considered satisfactory for acceptance testing of commercial shipments, and have been used in industry for this purpose.  
4.3 Differential Indentation Depth hardness testing at a specific location on a part might not represent the physical characteristics of the whole part or end product. Machines that comply with this Standard are used when machines that comply with the regular hardness standards such as Test Methods E10, E18, E92, and E384 cannot be used. Test results obtained with these machines are comparable BUT NOT EQUIVALENT to those obtained with machines that comply with the above mentioned standards.  
4.4 Differential Indentation Depth hardness testing machines covered by this standard do not comply with Test Methods E10, E18, E92, or E110.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the Differential Indentation Depth hardness of metallic materials by the Differential Indentation Depth hardness principle. This standard provides the requirements for Differential Indentation Depth hardness testing machines and the procedures for performing Differential Indentation Depth hardness tests.  
1.2 This standard includes additional requirements in annexes:    
Verification of Differential Indentation Depth Hardness Testing Machines  
Annex A1  
Guidelines for Determining the Minimum Thickness of a Test Piece  
Annex A2  
1.3 This standard includes non-mandatory information in appendixes which relates to the Differential Indentation Depth hardness test.    
List of ASTM Standards Giving Hardness Numbers Corresponding to Tensile Strength  
Appendix X1  
Examples of Procedures for Determining Differential Indentation Depth Hardness Uncertainty  
Appendix X2  
Examples of Indenters Used in Differential Indentation Depth Machines  
Appendix X3  
1.4 Units—This standard specifies the units of force and length in the International System of Units (SI); that is, force in Newtons (N) and length in micrometers (µm). However, because of continued common usage, values are provided in other units of measure for information.  
1.5 The test principles, testing procedures, and verification procedures are essentially identical for all the Differential Indentation Depth hardness testing instruments. The testing instruments may use different test forces and indenter shapes. The type and size of the indenters are matched to the design of the instrument by the manufacturer. Accordingly, the indenters, probes and other instrument components are generally not interchangeable among manufacturers.  
1.6 The hardness number reported by these instruments are based on direct correlations to existing hardness scales as determined by each manufacturer for each instrument and hardness scale. Unless otherwise noted on the instrument or in the operating manual for the instrument, the hardness numbers reported by the instrument are only applicable to non-austenitic steels. See 5.6.1 for additional information.  
1.7 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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.8 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organizati...

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 The Rockwell hardness test is an empirical indentation hardness test that can provide useful information about metallic materials. This information may correlate to tensile strength, wear resistance, ductility, and other physical characteristics of metallic materials, and may be useful in quality control and selection of materials.  
4.2 Rockwell hardness tests are considered satisfactory for acceptance testing of commercial shipments, and have been used extensively in industry for this purpose.  
4.3 Rockwell hardness testing at a specific location on a part may not represent the physical characteristics of the whole part or end product.  
4.4 Adherence to this standard test method provides traceability to national Rockwell hardness standards except as stated otherwise.
SCOPE
1.1 These test methods cover the determination of the Rockwell hardness and the Rockwell superficial hardness of metallic materials by the Rockwell indentation hardness principle. This standard provides the requirements for Rockwell hardness machines and the procedures for performing Rockwell hardness tests.  
1.2 This test method includes requirements for the use of portable Rockwell hardness testing machines that measure Rockwell hardness by the Rockwell hardness test principle and can meet all the requirements of this test method, including the direct and indirect verifications of the testing machine. Portable Rockwell hardness testing machines that cannot meet the direct verification requirements and can only be verified by indirect verification requirements are covered in Test Method E110.  
1.3 This standard includes additional requirements in the following annexes:    
Verification of Rockwell Hardness Testing Machines  
Annex A1  
Rockwell Hardness Standardizing Machines  
Annex A2  
Standardization of Rockwell Indenters  
Annex A3  
Standardization of Rockwell Hardness Test Blocks  
Annex A4  
Guidelines for Determining the Minimum Thickness of a
Test Piece  
Annex A5  
Hardness Value Corrections When Testing on Convex
Cylindrical Surfaces  
Annex A6  
1.4 This standard includes nonmandatory information in the following appendixes that relates to the Rockwell hardness test.    
List of ASTM Standards Giving Hardness Values Corresponding
to Tensile Strength  
Appendix X1  
Examples of Procedures for Determining Rockwell
Hardness Uncertainty  
Appendix X2  
1.5 Units—At the time the Rockwell hardness test was developed, the force levels were specified in units of kilograms-force (kgf) and the indenter ball diameters were specified in units of inches (in.). This standard specifies the units of force and length in the International System of Units (SI); that is, force in Newtons (N) and length in millimeters (mm). However, because of the historical precedent and continued common usage, force values in kgf units and ball diameters in inch units are provided for information and much of the discussion in this standard refers to these units.  
1.6 The test principles, testing procedures, and verification procedures are essentially identical for both the Rockwell and Rockwell superficial hardness tests. The significant differences between the two tests are that the test forces are smaller for the Rockwell superficial test than for the Rockwell test. The same type and size indenters may be used for either test, depending on the scale being employed. Accordingly, throughout this standard, the term Rockwell will imply both Rockwell and Rockwell superficial unless stated otherwise.  
1.7 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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.8 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized p...

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 The Rockwell hardness test is an empirical indentation hardness test that can provide useful information about metallic materials. This information may correlate to tensile strength, wear resistance, ductility, and other physical characteristics of metallic materials, and may be useful in quality control and selection of materials.  
4.2 Rockwell hardness tests are considered satisfactory for acceptance testing of commercial shipments, and have been used extensively in industry for this purpose.  
4.3 Rockwell hardness testing at a specific location on a part may not represent the physical characteristics of the whole part or end product.  
4.4 Adherence to this standard test method provides traceability to national Rockwell hardness standards except as stated otherwise.
SCOPE
1.1 These test methods cover the determination of the Rockwell hardness and the Rockwell superficial hardness of metallic materials by the Rockwell indentation hardness principle. This standard provides the requirements for Rockwell hardness machines and the procedures for performing Rockwell hardness tests.  
1.2 This test method includes requirements for the use of portable Rockwell hardness testing machines that measure Rockwell hardness by the Rockwell hardness test principle and can meet all the requirements of this test method, including the direct and indirect verifications of the testing machine. Portable Rockwell hardness testing machines that cannot meet the direct verification requirements and can only be verified by indirect verification requirements are covered in Test Method E110.  
1.3 This standard includes additional requirements in the following annexes:    
Verification of Rockwell Hardness Testing Machines  
Annex A1  
Rockwell Hardness Standardizing Machines  
Annex A2  
Standardization of Rockwell Indenters  
Annex A3  
Standardization of Rockwell Hardness Test Blocks  
Annex A4  
Guidelines for Determining the Minimum Thickness of a
Test Piece  
Annex A5  
Hardness Value Corrections When Testing on Convex
Cylindrical Surfaces  
Annex A6  
1.4 This standard includes nonmandatory information in the following appendixes that relates to the Rockwell hardness test.    
List of ASTM Standards Giving Hardness Values Corresponding
to Tensile Strength  
Appendix X1  
Examples of Procedures for Determining Rockwell
Hardness Uncertainty  
Appendix X2  
1.5 Units—At the time the Rockwell hardness test was developed, the force levels were specified in units of kilograms-force (kgf) and the indenter ball diameters were specified in units of inches (in.). This standard specifies the units of force and length in the International System of Units (SI); that is, force in Newtons (N) and length in millimeters (mm). However, because of the historical precedent and continued common usage, force values in kgf units and ball diameters in inch units are provided for information and much of the discussion in this standard refers to these units.  
1.6 The test principles, testing procedures, and verification procedures are essentially identical for both the Rockwell and Rockwell superficial hardness tests. The significant differences between the two tests are that the test forces are smaller for the Rockwell superficial test than for the Rockwell test. The same type and size indenters may be used for either test, depending on the scale being employed. Accordingly, throughout this standard, the term Rockwell will imply both Rockwell and Rockwell superficial unless stated otherwise.  
1.7 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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.8 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized p...

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 The Rockwell hardness test is an empirical indentation hardness test that can provide useful information about metallic materials. This information may correlate to tensile strength, wear resistance, ductility, and other physical characteristics of metallic materials, and may be useful in quality control and selection of materials.  
4.2 Rockwell hardness tests are considered satisfactory for acceptance testing of commercial shipments, and have been used extensively in industry for this purpose.  
4.3 Rockwell hardness testing at a specific location on a part may not represent the physical characteristics of the whole part or end product.  
4.4 Adherence to this standard test method provides traceability to national Rockwell hardness standards except as stated otherwise.
SCOPE
1.1 These test methods cover the determination of the Rockwell hardness and the Rockwell superficial hardness of metallic materials by the Rockwell indentation hardness principle. This standard provides the requirements for Rockwell hardness machines and the procedures for performing Rockwell hardness tests.  
1.2 This test method includes requirements for the use of portable Rockwell hardness testing machines that measure Rockwell hardness by the Rockwell hardness test principle and can meet all the requirements of this test method, including the direct and indirect verifications of the testing machine. Portable Rockwell hardness testing machines that cannot meet the direct verification requirements and can only be verified by indirect verification requirements are covered in Test Method E110.  
1.3 This standard includes additional requirements in the following annexes:    
Verification of Rockwell Hardness Testing Machines  
Annex A1  
Rockwell Hardness Standardizing Machines  
Annex A2  
Standardization of Rockwell Indenters  
Annex A3  
Standardization of Rockwell Hardness Test Blocks  
Annex A4  
Guidelines for Determining the Minimum Thickness of a
Test Piece  
Annex A5  
Hardness Value Corrections When Testing on Convex
Cylindrical Surfaces  
Annex A6  
1.4 This standard includes nonmandatory information in the following appendixes that relates to the Rockwell hardness test.    
List of ASTM Standards Giving Hardness Values Corresponding
to Tensile Strength  
Appendix X1  
Examples of Procedures for Determining Rockwell
Hardness Uncertainty  
Appendix X2  
1.5 Units—At the time the Rockwell hardness test was developed, the force levels were specified in units of kilograms-force (kgf) and the indenter ball diameters were specified in units of inches (in.). This standard specifies the units of force and length in the International System of Units (SI); that is, force in Newtons (N) and length in millimeters (mm). However, because of the historical precedent and continued common usage, force values in kgf units and ball diameters in inch units are provided for information and much of the discussion in this standard refers to these units.  
1.6 The test principles, testing procedures, and verification procedures are essentially identical for both the Rockwell and Rockwell superficial hardness tests. The significant differences between the two tests are that the test forces are smaller for the Rockwell superficial test than for the Rockwell test. The same type and size indenters may be used for either test, depending on the scale being employed. Accordingly, throughout this standard, the term Rockwell will imply both Rockwell and Rockwell superficial unless stated otherwise.  
1.7 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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.8 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized p...

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 The Brinell hardness test is an indentation hardness test that can provide useful information about metallic materials. This information may correlate to tensile strength, wear resistance, ductility, or other physical characteristics of metallic materials, and may be useful in quality control and selection of materials.  
4.2 Brinell hardness tests are considered satisfactory for acceptance testing of commercial shipments, and have been used extensively in industry for this purpose.  
4.3 Brinell hardness testing at a specific location on a part may not represent the physical characteristics of the whole part or end product.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the Brinell hardness of metallic materials by the Brinell indentation hardness principle. This standard provides the requirements for a Brinell testing machine and the procedures for performing Brinell hardness tests.  
1.2 This test method includes requirements for the use of portable Brinell hardness testing machines that measure Brinell hardness by the Brinell hardness test principle and can meet the requirements of this test method, including the direct and indirect verifications of the testing machine. Portable Brinell hardness testing machines that cannot meet the direct verification requirements and can only be verified by indirect verification requirements are covered in Test Method E110.  
1.3 This standard includes additional requirements in the following annexes:    
Verification of Brinell Hardness Testing Machines  
Annex A1  
Brinell Hardness Standardizing Machines  
Annex A2  
Standardization of Brinell Hardness Indenters  
Annex A3  
Standardization of Brinell Hardness Test Blocks  
Annex A4  
1.4 This standard includes nonmandatory information in the following appendixes that relates to the Brinell hardness test:    
Table of Brinell Hardness Numbers  
Appendix X1  
Examples of Procedures for Determining
Brinell Hardness Uncertainty  
Appendix X2  
1.5 At the time the Brinell hardness test was developed, the force levels were specified in units of kilograms-force (kgf). Although this standard specifies the unit of force in the International System of Units (SI) as the Newton (N), because of the historical precedent and continued common usage of kgf units, force values in kgf units are provided for information and much of the discussion in this standard refers to forces in kgf units.  
1.6 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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.7 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 The Rockwell hardness test is an empirical indentation hardness test that can provide useful information about metallic materials. This information may correlate to tensile strength, wear resistance, ductility, and other physical characteristics of metallic materials, and may be useful in quality control and selection of materials.  
4.2 Rockwell hardness tests are considered satisfactory for acceptance testing of commercial shipments, and have been used extensively in industry for this purpose.  
4.3 Rockwell hardness testing at a specific location on a part may not represent the physical characteristics of the whole part or end product.  
4.4 Adherence to this standard test method provides traceability to national Rockwell hardness standards except as stated otherwise.
SCOPE
1.1 These test methods cover the determination of the Rockwell hardness and the Rockwell superficial hardness of metallic materials by the Rockwell indentation hardness principle. This standard provides the requirements for Rockwell hardness machines and the procedures for performing Rockwell hardness tests.  
1.2 This test method includes requirements for the use of portable Rockwell hardness testing machines that measure Rockwell hardness by the Rockwell hardness test principle and can meet all the requirements of this test method, including the direct and indirect verifications of the testing machine. Portable Rockwell hardness testing machines that cannot meet the direct verification requirements and can only be verified by indirect verification requirements are covered in Test Method E110.  
1.3 This standard includes additional requirements in the following annexes:    
Verification of Rockwell Hardness Testing Machines  
Annex A1  
Rockwell Hardness Standardizing Machines  
Annex A2  
Standardization of Rockwell Indenters  
Annex A3  
Standardization of Rockwell Hardness Test Blocks  
Annex A4  
Guidelines for Determining the Minimum Thickness of a
Test Piece  
Annex A5  
Hardness Value Corrections When Testing on Convex
Cylindrical Surfaces  
Annex A6  
1.4 This standard includes nonmandatory information in the following appendixes that relates to the Rockwell hardness test.    
List of ASTM Standards Giving Hardness Values Corresponding
to Tensile Strength  
Appendix X1  
Examples of Procedures for Determining Rockwell
Hardness Uncertainty  
Appendix X2  
1.5 Units—At the time the Rockwell hardness test was developed, the force levels were specified in units of kilograms-force (kgf) and the indenter ball diameters were specified in units of inches (in.). This standard specifies the units of force and length in the International System of Units (SI); that is, force in Newtons (N) and length in millimeters (mm). However, because of the historical precedent and continued common usage, force values in kgf units and ball diameters in inch units are provided for information and much of the discussion in this standard refers to these units.  
1.6 The test principles, testing procedures, and verification procedures are essentially identical for both the Rockwell and Rockwell superficial hardness tests. The significant differences between the two tests are that the test forces are smaller for the Rockwell superficial test than for the Rockwell test. The same type and size indenters may be used for either test, depending on the scale being employed. Accordingly, throughout this standard, the term Rockwell will imply both Rockwell and Rockwell superficial unless stated otherwise.  
1.7 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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.8 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized p...

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 The Rockwell hardness test is an empirical indentation hardness test that can provide useful information about metallic materials. This information may correlate to tensile strength, wear resistance, ductility, and other physical characteristics of metallic materials, and may be useful in quality control and selection of materials.  
4.2 Rockwell hardness tests are considered satisfactory for acceptance testing of commercial shipments, and have been used extensively in industry for this purpose.  
4.3 Rockwell hardness testing at a specific location on a part may not represent the physical characteristics of the whole part or end product.  
4.4 Adherence to this standard test method provides traceability to national Rockwell hardness standards except as stated otherwise.
SCOPE
1.1 These test methods cover the determination of the Rockwell hardness and the Rockwell superficial hardness of metallic materials by the Rockwell indentation hardness principle. This standard provides the requirements for Rockwell hardness machines and the procedures for performing Rockwell hardness tests.  
1.2 This standard includes additional requirements in annexes:    
Verification of Rockwell Hardness Testing Machines  
Annex A1  
Rockwell Hardness Standardizing Machines  
Annex A2  
Standardization of Rockwell Indenters  
Annex A3  
Standardization of Rockwell Hardness Test Blocks  
Annex A4  
Guidelines for Determining the Minimum Thickness of a
Test Piece  
Annex A5  
Hardness Value Corrections When Testing on Convex
Cylindrical Surfaces  
Annex A6  
1.3 This standard includes nonmandatory information in appendixes which relates to the Rockwell hardness test.    
List of ASTM Standards Giving Hardness Values Corresponding
to Tensile Strength  
Appendix X1  
Examples of Procedures for Determining Rockwell
Hardness Uncertainty  
Appendix X2  
1.4 Units—At the time the Rockwell hardness test was developed, the force levels were specified in units of kilograms-force (kgf) and the indenter ball diameters were specified in units of inches (in.). This standard specifies the units of force and length in the International System of Units (SI); that is, force in Newtons (N) and length in millimeters (mm). However, because of the historical precedent and continued common usage, force values in kgf units and ball diameters in inch units are provided for information and much of the discussion in this standard refers to these units.  
1.5 The test principles, testing procedures, and verification procedures are essentially identical for both the Rockwell and Rockwell superficial hardness tests. The significant differences between the two tests are that the test forces are smaller for the Rockwell superficial test than for the Rockwell test. The same type and size indenters may be used for either test, depending on the scale being employed. Accordingly, throughout this standard, the term Rockwell will imply both Rockwell and Rockwell superficial unless stated otherwise.  
1.6 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.  
1.7 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 The Rockwell hardness test is an empirical indentation hardness test that can provide useful information about metallic materials. This information may correlate to tensile strength, wear resistance, ductility, and other physical characteristics of metallic materials, and may be useful in quality control and selection of materials.  
4.2 Rockwell hardness tests are considered satisfactory for acceptance testing of commercial shipments, and have been used extensively in industry for this purpose.  
4.3 Rockwell hardness testing at a specific location on a part may not represent the physical characteristics of the whole part or end product.  
4.4 Adherence to this standard test method provides traceability to national Rockwell hardness standards except as stated otherwise.
SCOPE
1.1 These test methods cover the determination of the Rockwell hardness and the Rockwell superficial hardness of metallic materials by the Rockwell indentation hardness principle. This standard provides the requirements for Rockwell hardness machines and the procedures for performing Rockwell hardness tests.  
1.2 This standard includes additional requirements in annexes:    
Verification of Rockwell Hardness Testing Machines  
Annex A1  
Rockwell Hardness Standardizing Machines  
Annex A2  
Standardization of Rockwell Indenters  
Annex A3  
Standardization of Rockwell Hardness Test Blocks  
Annex A4  
Guidelines for Determining the Minimum Thickness of a
Test Piece  
Annex A5  
Hardness Value Corrections When Testing on Convex
Cylindrical Surfaces  
Annex A6  
1.3 This standard includes nonmandatory information in appendixes which relates to the Rockwell hardness test.    
List of ASTM Standards Giving Hardness Values Corresponding
to Tensile Strength  
Appendix X1  
Examples of Procedures for Determining Rockwell
Hardness Uncertainty  
Appendix X2  
1.4 Units—At the time the Rockwell hardness test was developed, the force levels were specified in units of kilograms-force (kgf) and the indenter ball diameters were specified in units of inches (in.). This standard specifies the units of force and length in the International System of Units (SI); that is, force in Newtons (N) and length in millimeters (mm). However, because of the historical precedent and continued common usage, force values in kgf units and ball diameters in inch units are provided for information and much of the discussion in this standard refers to these units.  
1.5 The test principles, testing procedures, and verification procedures are essentially identical for both the Rockwell and Rockwell superficial hardness tests. The significant differences between the two tests are that the test forces are smaller for the Rockwell superficial test than for the Rockwell test. The same type and size indenters may be used for either test, depending on the scale being employed. Accordingly, throughout this standard, the term Rockwell will imply both Rockwell and Rockwell superficial unless stated otherwise.  
1.6 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.  
1.7 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 The Brinell hardness test is an indentation hardness test that can provide useful information about metallic materials. This information may correlate to tensile strength, wear resistance, ductility, or other physical characteristics of metallic materials, and may be useful in quality control and selection of materials.  
4.2 Brinell hardness tests are considered satisfactory for acceptance testing of commercial shipments, and have been used extensively in industry for this purpose.  
4.3 Brinell hardness testing at a specific location on a part may not represent the physical characteristics of the whole part or end product.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the Brinell hardness of metallic materials by the Brinell indentation hardness principle. This standard provides the requirements for a Brinell testing machine and the procedures for performing Brinell hardness tests.  
1.2 This standard includes additional requirements in four annexes:    
Verification of Brinell Hardness Testing Machines  
Annex A1  
Brinell Hardness Standardizing Machines  
Annex A2  
Standardization of Brinell Hardness Indenters  
Annex A3  
Standardization of Brinell Hardness Test Blocks  
Annex A4  
1.3 This standard includes nonmandatory information in an appendix which relates to the Brinell hardness test:    
Table of Brinell Hardness Numbers  
Appendix X1  
Examples of Procedures for Determining
Brinell Hardness Uncertainty  
Appendix X2  
1.4 At the time the Brinell hardness test was developed, the force levels were specified in units of kilograms-force (kgf). Although this standard specifies the unit of force in the International System of Units (SI) as the Newton (N), because of the historical precedent and continued common usage of kgf units, force values in kgf units are provided for information and much of the discussion in this standard refers to forces in kgf units.  
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.  
1.6 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 Vickers and Knoop hardness tests have been found to be very useful for materials evaluation, quality control of manufacturing processes and research and development efforts. Hardness, although empirical in nature, can be correlated to tensile strength for many metals, and is an indicator of wear resistance and ductility.  
4.2 Microindentation hardness tests extend testing to materials that are too thin or too small for macroindentation hardness tests. Microindentation hardness tests also allow specific phases or constituents and regions or gradients too small for macroindentation hardness testing to be evaluated. Recommendations for microindentation testing can be found in Test Method E384.  
4.3 Because the Vickers and Knoop hardness will reveal hardness variations that may exist within a material, a single test value may not be representative of the bulk hardness.  
4.4 The Vickers indenter usually produces essentially the same hardness number at all test forces when testing homogeneous material, except for tests using very low forces (below 25 gf) or for indentations with diagonals smaller than about 25 µm (see Test Method E384). For isotropic materials, the two diagonals of a Vickers indentation are equal in length.  
4.5 The Knoop indenter usually produces similar hardness numbers over a wide range of test forces, but the numbers tend to rise as the test force is decreased. This rise in hardness number with lower test forces is often more significant when testing higher hardness materials, and is increasingly more significant when using test forces below 50 gf (see Test Method E384).  
4.6 The elongated four-sided rhombohedral shape of the Knoop indenter, where the length of the long diagonal is 7.114 times greater than the short diagonal, produces narrower and shallower indentations than the square-based pyramid Vickers indenter under identical test conditions. Hence, the Knoop hardness test is very useful for evaluating hardness gradients since Knoo...
SCOPE
1.1 These test methods cover the determination of the Vickers hardness and Knoop hardness of metallic materials by the Vickers and Knoop indentation hardness principles. This standard provides the requirements for Vickers and Knoop hardness machines and the procedures for performing Vickers and Knoop hardness tests.  
1.2 This standard includes additional requirements in annexes:    
Verification of Vickers and Knoop Hardness Testing Machines  
Annex A1  
Vickers and Knoop Hardness Standardizing Machines  
Annex A2  
Standardization of Vickers and Knoop Indenters  
Annex A3  
Standardization of Vickers and Knoop Hardness Test Blocks  
Annex A4  
Correction Factors for Vickers Hardness Tests Made on Spherical and Cylindrical Surfaces  
Annex A5  
1.3 This standard includes nonmandatory information in an appendix which relates to the Vickers and Knoop hardness tests:    
Examples of Procedures for Determining Vickers and Knoop Hardness Uncertainty  
Appendix X1  
1.4 This test method covers Vickers hardness tests made utilizing test forces ranging from 9.807 × 10-3 N to 1176.80 N (1 gf to 120 kgf), and Knoop hardness tests made utilizing test forces from 9.807 × 10-3 N to 19.613 N (1 gf to 2 kgf).  
1.5 Additional information on the procedures and guidance when testing in the microindentation force range (forces ≤ 1 kgf) may be found in Test Method E384, Test Method for Microindentation Hardness of Materials.  
1.6 Units—When the Vickers and Knoop hardness tests were developed, the force levels were specified in units of grams-force (gf) and kilograms-force (kgf). This standard specifies the units of force and length in the International System of Units (SI); that is, force in Newtons (N) and length in mm or µm. However, because of the historical precedent and continued common usage, force values in gf and kgf units are provided for information and much of the discussion in this standard as well as the...

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 The Rockwell hardness test is an empirical indentation hardness test that can provide useful information about metallic materials. This information may correlate to tensile strength, wear resistance, ductility, and other physical characteristics of metallic materials, and may be useful in quality control and selection of materials.  
4.2 Rockwell hardness tests are considered satisfactory for acceptance testing of commercial shipments, and have been used extensively in industry for this purpose.  
4.3 Rockwell hardness testing at a specific location on a part may not represent the physical characteristics of the whole part or end product.  
4.4 Adherence to this standard test method provides traceability to national Rockwell hardness standards except as stated otherwise.
SCOPE
1.1 These test methods cover the determination of the Rockwell hardness and the Rockwell superficial hardness of metallic materials by the Rockwell indentation hardness principle. This standard provides the requirements for Rockwell hardness machines and the procedures for performing Rockwell hardness tests.  
1.2 This standard includes additional requirements in annexes:    
Verification of Rockwell Hardness Testing Machines  
Annex A1  
Rockwell Hardness Standardizing Machines  
Annex A2  
Standardization of Rockwell Indenters  
Annex A3  
Standardization of Rockwell Hardness Test Blocks  
Annex A4  
Guidelines for Determining the Minimum Thickness of a
Test Piece  
Annex A5  
Hardness Value Corrections When Testing on Convex
Cylindrical Surfaces  
Annex A6  
1.3 This standard includes nonmandatory information in appendixes which relates to the Rockwell hardness test.    
List of ASTM Standards Giving Hardness Values Corresponding
to Tensile Strength  
Appendix X1  
Examples of Procedures for Determining Rockwell
Hardness Uncertainty  
Appendix X2  
1.4 Units—At the time the Rockwell hardness test was developed, the force levels were specified in units of kilograms-force (kgf) and the indenter ball diameters were specified in units of inches (in.). This standard specifies the units of force and length in the International System of Units (SI); that is, force in Newtons (N) and length in millimeters (mm). However, because of the historical precedent and continued common usage, force values in kgf units and ball diameters in inch units are provided for information and much of the discussion in this standard refers to these units.  
1.5 The test principles, testing procedures, and verification procedures are essentially identical for both the Rockwell and Rockwell superficial hardness tests. The significant differences between the two tests are that the test forces are smaller for the Rockwell superficial test than for the Rockwell test. The same type and size indenters may be used for either test, depending on the scale being employed. Accordingly, throughout this standard, the term Rockwell will imply both Rockwell and Rockwell superficial unless stated otherwise.  
1.6 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.

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 Vickers and Knoop hardness tests have been found to be very useful for materials evaluation, quality control of manufacturing processes and research and development efforts. Hardness, although empirical in nature, can be correlated to tensile strength for many metals, and is an indicator of wear resistance and ductility.  
4.2 Microindentation hardness tests extend testing to materials that are too thin or too small for macroindentation hardness tests. Microindentation hardness tests also allow specific phases or constituents and regions or gradients too small for macroindentation hardness testing to be evaluated. Recommendations for microindentation testing can be found in Test Method E384.  
4.3 Because the Vickers and Knoop hardness will reveal hardness variations that may exist within a material, a single test value may not be representative of the bulk hardness.  
4.4 The Vickers indenter usually produces essentially the same hardness number at all test forces when testing homogeneous material, except for tests using very low forces (below 25 gf) or for indentations with diagonals smaller than about 25 µm (see Test Method E384). For isotropic materials, the two diagonals of a Vickers indentation are equal in length.  
4.5 The Knoop indenter usually produces similar hardness numbers over a wide range of test forces, but the numbers tend to rise as the test force is decreased. This rise in hardness number with lower test forces is often more significant when testing higher hardness materials, and is increasingly more significant when using test forces below 50 gf (see Test Method E384).  
4.6 The elongated four-sided rhombohedral shape of the Knoop indenter, where the length of the long diagonal is 7.114 times greater than the short diagonal, produces narrower and shallower indentations than the square-based pyramid Vickers indenter under identical test conditions. Hence, the Knoop hardness test is very useful for evaluating hardness gradients since Knoo...
SCOPE
1.1 These test methods cover the determination of the Vickers hardness and Knoop hardness of metallic materials by the Vickers and Knoop indentation hardness principles. This standard provides the requirements for Vickers and Knoop hardness machines and the procedures for performing Vickers and Knoop hardness tests.  
1.2 This standard includes additional requirements in annexes:    
Verification of Vickers and Knoop Hardness Testing Machines  
Annex A1  
Vickers and Knoop Hardness Standardizing Machines  
Annex A2  
Standardization of Vickers and Knoop Indenters  
Annex A3  
Standardization of Vickers and Knoop Hardness Test Blocks  
Annex A4  
Correction Factors for Vickers Hardness Tests Made on Spherical and Cylindrical Surfaces  
Annex A5  
1.3 This standard includes nonmandatory information in an appendix which relates to the Vickers and Knoop hardness tests:    
Examples of Procedures for Determining Vickers and Knoop Hardness Uncertainty  
Appendix X1  
1.4 This test method covers Vickers hardness tests made utilizing test forces ranging from 9.807 × 10-3 N to 1176.80 N (1 gf to 120 kgf), and Knoop hardness tests made utilizing test forces from 9.807 × 10-3 N to 19.613 N (1 gf to 2 kgf).  
1.5 Additional information on the procedures and guidance when testing in the microindentation force range (forces ≤ 1 kgf) may be found in Test Method E384, Test Method for Microindentation Hardness of Materials.  
1.6 Units—When the Vickers and Knoop hardness tests were developed, the force levels were specified in units of grams-force (gf) and kilograms-force (kgf). This standard specifies the units of force and length in the International System of Units (SI); that is, force in Newtons (N) and length in mm or µm. However, because of the historical precedent and continued common usage, force values in gf and kgf units are provided for information and much of the discussion in this standard as well as the...

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 The Brinell hardness test is an indentation hardness test that can provide useful information about metallic materials. This information may correlate to tensile strength, wear resistance, ductility, or other physical characteristics of metallic materials, and may be useful in quality control and selection of materials.  
4.2 Brinell hardness tests are considered satisfactory for acceptance testing of commercial shipments, and have been used extensively in industry for this purpose.  
4.3 Brinell hardness testing at a specific location on a part may not represent the physical characteristics of the whole part or end product.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the determination of maththe Brinell hardness of metallic materials by the Brinell indentation hardness principle. This standard provides the requirements for a Brinell testing machine and the procedures for performing Brinell hardness tests.  
1.2 This standard includes additional requirements in four annexes:    
Verification of Brinell Hardness Testing Machines  
Annex A1  
Brinell Hardness Standardizing Machines  
Annex A2  
Standardization of Brinell Hardness Indenters  
Annex A3  
Standardization of Brinell Hardness Test Blocks  
Annex A4  
1.3 This standard includes nonmandatory information in an appendix which relates to the Brinell hardness test:    
Table of Brinell Hardness Numbers  
Appendix X1  
Examples of Procedures for Determining
Brinell Hardness Uncertainty  
Appendix X2  
1.4 At the time the Brinell hardness test was developed, the force levels were specified in units of kilograms-force (kgf). Although this standard specifies the unit of force in the International System of Units (SI) as the Newton (N), because of the historical precedent and continued common usage of kgf units, force values in kgf units are provided for information and much of the discussion in this standard refers to forces in kgf units.  
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.

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 IIT Instruments are used to quantitatively measure various mechanical properties of thin coatings and other volumes of material when other traditional methods of determining material properties cannot be used due to the size or condition of the sample. This practice will establish the basic requirements for those instruments. It is intended that IIT based test methods will be able to refer to this practice for the basic requirements for force and displacement accuracy, reproducibility, verification, reporting, etc., that are necessary for obtaining meaningful test results.  
5.2 IIT is not restricted to specific test forces, displacement ranges, or indenter types. This practice covers the requirements for a wide range of nano, micro, and macro (see ISO 14577-1) indentation testing applications. The various IIT instruments are required to adhere to the requirements of the practice within their specific design ranges.
SCOPE
1.1 This practice defines the basic steps of Instrumented Indentation Testing (IIT) and establishes the requirements, accuracies, and capabilities needed by an instrument to successfully perform the test and produce the data that can be used for the determination of indentation hardness and other material characteristics. IIT is a mechanical test that measures the response of a material to the imposed stress and strain of a shaped indenter by forcing the indenter into a material and monitoring the force on, and displacement of, the indenter as a function of time during the full loading-unloading test cycle.  
1.2 The operational features of an IIT instrument, as well as requirements for Instrument Verification (Annex A1), Standardized Reference Blocks (Annex A2) and Indenter Requirements (Annex A3) are defined. This practice is not intended to be a complete purchase specification for an IIT instrument.  
1.3 With the exception of the non-mandatory Appendix X4, this practice does not define the analysis necessary to determine material properties. That analysis is left for other test methods. Appendix X4 includes some basic analysis techniques to allow for the indirect performance verification of an IIT instrument by using test blocks.  
1.4 Zero point determination, instrument compliance determination and the indirect determination of an indenter’s area function are important parts of the IIT process. The practice defines the requirements for these items and includes non-mandatory appendixes to help the user define them.  
1.5 The use of deliberate lateral displacements is not included in this practice (that is, scratch testing).  
1.6 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.  
1.7 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.

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 The Brinell hardness test is an indentation hardness test that can provide useful information about metallic materials. This information may correlate to tensile strength, wear resistance, ductility, or other physical characteristics of metallic materials, and may be useful in quality control and selection of materials.  
4.2 Brinell hardness tests are considered satisfactory for acceptance testing of commercial shipments, and have been used extensively in industry for this purpose.  
4.3 Brinell hardness testing at a specific location on a part may not represent the physical characteristics of the whole part or end product.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the Brinell hardness of metallic materials by the Brinell indentation hardness principle. This standard provides the requirements for a Brinell testing machine and the procedures for performing Brinell hardness tests.  
1.2 This standard includes additional requirements in four annexes:    
Verification of Brinell Hardness Testing Machines  
Annex A1  
Brinell Hardness Standardizing Machines  
Annex A2  
Standardization of Brinell Hardness Indenters  
Annex A3  
Standardization of Brinell Hardness Test Blocks  
Annex A4  
1.3 This standard includes nonmandatory information in an appendix which relates to the Brinell hardness test:    
Table of Brinell Hardness Numbers  
Appendix X1  
Examples of Procedures for Determining
Brinell Hardness Uncertainty  
Appendix X2  
1.4 At the time the Brinell hardness test was developed, the force levels were specified in units of kilograms-force (kgf). Although this standard specifies the unit of force in the International System of Units (SI) as the Newton (N), because of the historical precedent and continued common usage of kgf units, force values in kgf units are provided for information and much of the discussion in this standard refers to forces in kgf units.  
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.

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 The Rockwell hardness test is an empirical indentation hardness test that can provide useful information about metallic materials. This information may correlate to tensile strength, wear resistance, ductility, and other physical characteristics of metallic materials, and may be useful in quality control and selection of materials.  
4.2 Rockwell hardness tests are considered satisfactory for acceptance testing of commercial shipments, and have been used extensively in industry for this purpose.  
4.3 Rockwell hardness testing at a specific location on a part may not represent the physical characteristics of the whole part or end product.  
4.4 Adherence to this standard test method provides traceability to national Rockwell hardness standards except as stated otherwise.
SCOPE
1.1 These test methods cover the determination of the Rockwell hardness and the Rockwell superficial hardness of metallic materials by the Rockwell indentation hardness principle. This standard provides the requirements for Rockwell hardness machines and the procedures for performing Rockwell hardness tests.  
1.2 This standard includes additional requirements in annexes:    
Verification of Rockwell Hardness Testing Machines  
Annex A1  
Rockwell Hardness Standardizing Machines  
Annex A2  
Standardization of Rockwell Indenters  
Annex A3  
Standardization of Rockwell Hardness Test Blocks  
Annex A4  
Guidelines for Determining the Minimum Thickness of a
Test Piece  
Annex A5  
Hardness Value Corrections When Testing on Convex
Cylindrical Surfaces  
Annex A6  
1.3 This standard includes nonmandatory information in appendixes which relates to the Rockwell hardness test.    
List of ASTM Standards Giving Hardness Values Corresponding
to Tensile Strength  
Appendix X1  
Examples of Procedures for Determining Rockwell
Hardness Uncertainty  
Appendix X2  
1.4 Units—At the time the Rockwell hardness test was developed, the force levels were specified in units of kilograms-force (kgf) and the indenter ball diameters were specified in units of inches (in.). This standard specifies the units of force and length in the International System of Units (SI); that is, force in Newtons (N) and length in millimeters (mm). However, because of the historical precedent and continued common usage, force values in kgf units and ball diameters in inch units are provided for information and much of the discussion in this standard refers to these units.  
1.5 The test principles, testing procedures, and verification procedures are essentially identical for both the Rockwell and Rockwell superficial hardness tests. The significant differences between the two tests are that the test forces are smaller for the Rockwell superficial test than for the Rockwell test. The same type and size indenters may be used for either test, depending on the scale being employed. Accordingly, throughout this standard, the term Rockwell will imply both Rockwell and Rockwell superficial unless stated otherwise.  
1.6 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.

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 The Rockwell hardness test is an empirical indentation hardness test that can provide useful information about metallic materials. This information may correlate to tensile strength, wear resistance, ductility, and other physical characteristics of metallic materials, and may be useful in quality control and selection of materials.  
4.2 Rockwell hardness tests are considered satisfactory for acceptance testing of commercial shipments, and have been used extensively in industry for this purpose.  
4.3 Rockwell hardness testing at a specific location on a part may not represent the physical characteristics of the whole part or end product.  
4.4 Adherence to this standard test method provides traceability to national Rockwell hardness standards except as stated otherwise.
SCOPE
1.1 These test methods cover the determination of the Rockwell hardness and the Rockwell superficial hardness of metallic materials by the Rockwell indentation hardness principle. This standard provides the requirements for Rockwell hardness machines and the procedures for performing Rockwell hardness tests.  
1.2 This standard includes additional requirements in annexes:    
Verification of Rockwell Hardness Testing Machines  
Annex A1  
Rockwell Hardness Standardizing Machines  
Annex A2  
Standardization of Rockwell Indenters  
Annex A3  
Standardization of Rockwell Hardness Test Blocks  
Annex A4  
Guidelines for Determining the Minimum Thickness of a
Test Piece  
Annex A5  
Hardness Value Corrections When Testing on Convex
Cylindrical Surfaces  
Annex A6  
1.3 This standard includes nonmandatory information in appendixes which relates to the Rockwell hardness test.    
List of ASTM Standards Giving Hardness Values Corresponding
to Tensile Strength  
Appendix X1  
Examples of Procedures for Determining Rockwell
Hardness Uncertainty  
Appendix X2  
1.4 Units—At the time the Rockwell hardness test was developed, the force levels were specified in units of kilograms-force (kgf) and the indenter ball diameters were specified in units of inches (in.). This standard specifies the units of force and length in the International System of Units (SI); that is, force in Newtons (N) and length in millimeters (mm). However, because of the historical precedent and continued common usage, force values in kgf units and ball diameters in inch units are provided for information and much of the discussion in this standard refers to these units.  
1.5 The test principles, testing procedures, and verification procedures are essentially identical for both the Rockwell and Rockwell superficial hardness tests. The significant differences between the two tests are that the test forces are smaller for the Rockwell superficial test than for the Rockwell test. The same type and size indenters may be used for either test, depending on the scale being employed. Accordingly, throughout this standard, the term Rockwell will imply both Rockwell and Rockwell superficial unless stated otherwise.  
1.6 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.

ABSTRACT
This test method establishes the standard procedures, including the calibration, precision and bias of the apparatus used, for the determination of indentation hardness of metallic materials by means of portable hardness testers.
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
3.1 Portable hardness testers are used for testing materials that because of their size, location or other requirements such as test point are unable to be tested using traditional fixed instruments.  
3.2 Portable hardness testers, by their nature, induce variation that could influence the test results; therefore, hardness measurements made in accordance with this test method are not considered to meet the requirements of E10 or E18. The user should compare the results of the precision and bias studies in E110, E10 and E18 to understand the differences in results expected between portable and fixed instruments.  
3.3 Two test parameters that can significantly influence the measurement accuracy when using portable hardness testers are the alignment of the indenter to the test surface and the timing of the test forces. The user is cautioned to do everything possible to keep the centerline of the indenter perpendicular to the test surface and to apply the test forces using the same time cycle as defined in Test Method E10 or Test Methods E18.  
3.4 Portable hardness testers are delicate instruments that are subject to damage when they are moved from one test site to another. Therefore, repeating the daily verification process during the testing sequence is recommended to insure that they are working properly.  
3.5 Hardness testing at a specific location on a part may not represent the physical characteristics of the whole part or end product.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method defines the requirements for portable instruments that are intended to be used to measure the Rockwell or Brinell hardness of metallic materials by performing indentation tests on the surface of materials in the field or outside of a test lab, or in cases where the size or weight of the test piece prevents it from being tested on a standard E10 or E18 hardness tester.  
1.2 The principles used to measure the Rockwell or Brinell hardness are the same as those defined in the E18 standard test method for Rockwell or E10 standard test method for Brinell.  
Note 1: Standard test methods E10 and E18 will be referred to in this test method as the standard methods.  
1.3 The portable hardness testers covered by this test method are verified only by the indirect verification method. Although the portable hardness testers are designed to employ the same test conditions as those defined in the standard test methods, the forces applied by the portable Rockwell and Brinell testers and the depth measuring systems of the portable Rockwell testers may not meet the tolerance requirements of the standard methods. Portable hardness testers shall use indenters that meet the requirements of the standard test methods.  
1.4 This test method does not apply to portable hardness testers that measure hardness by a means or procedure that is different than those defined in E10 or E18 For example, this test method does not apply to the methods defined in ASTM standard Practice A833, Test Methods A956 and A1038 or B647.  
1.5 A report section is included to define how to indicate that the test result was obtained by using a portable device that conforms to this document.  
1.6 Annex A1 is included that defines the periodic indirect verification and daily verification requirements for these instruments.  
1.7 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.

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 The Brinell hardness test is an indentation hardness test that can provide useful information about metallic materials. This information may correlate to tensile strength, wear resistance, ductility, or other physical characteristics of metallic materials, and may be useful in quality control and selection of materials.  
4.2 Brinell hardness tests are considered satisfactory for acceptance testing of commercial shipments, and have been used extensively in industry for this purpose.  
4.3 Brinell hardness testing at a specific location on a part may not represent the physical characteristics of the whole part or end product.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the Brinell hardness of metallic materials by the Brinell indentation hardness principle. This standard provides the requirements for a Brinell testing machine and the procedures for performing Brinell hardness tests.  
1.2 This standard includes additional requirements in four annexes:    
Verification of Brinell Hardness Testing Machines  
Annex A1  
Brinell Hardness Standardizing Machines  
Annex A2  
Standardization of Brinell Hardness Indenters  
Annex A3  
Standardization of Brinell Hardness Test Blocks  
Annex A4  
1.3 This standard includes nonmandatory information in an appendix which relates to the Brinell hardness test:    
Table of Brinell Hardness Numbers  
Appendix X1  
Examples of Procedures for Determining
Brinell Hardness Uncertainty  
Appendix X2  
1.4 At the time the Brinell hardness test was developed, the force levels were specified in units of kilograms-force (kgf). Although this standard specifies the unit of force in the International System of Units (SI) as the Newton (N), because of the historical precedent and continued common usage of kgf units, force values in kgf units are provided for information and much of the discussion in this standard refers to forces in kgf units.  
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.

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 The Rockwell hardness test is an empirical indentation hardness test that can provide useful information about metallic materials. This information may correlate to tensile strength, wear resistance, ductility, and other physical characteristics of metallic materials, and may be useful in quality control and selection of materials.  
4.2 Rockwell hardness tests are considered satisfactory for acceptance testing of commercial shipments, and have been used extensively in industry for this purpose.  
4.3 Rockwell hardness testing at a specific location on a part may not represent the physical characteristics of the whole part or end product.  
4.4 Adherence to this standard test method provides traceability to national Rockwell hardness standards except as stated otherwise.
SCOPE
1.1 These test methods cover the determination of the Rockwell hardness and the Rockwell superficial hardness of metallic materials by the Rockwell indentation hardness principle. This standard provides the requirements for Rockwell hardness machines and the procedures for performing Rockwell hardness tests.  
1.2 This standard includes additional requirements in annexes:    
Verification of Rockwell Hardness Testing Machines  
Annex A1  
Rockwell Hardness Standardizing Machines  
Annex A2  
Standardization of Rockwell Indenters  
Annex A3  
Standardization of Rockwell Hardness Test Blocks  
Annex A4  
Guidelines for Determining the Minimum Thickness of a
Test Piece  
Annex A5  
Hardness Value Corrections When Testing on Convex
Cylindrical Surfaces  
Annex A6
1.3 This standard includes nonmandatory information in appendixes which relates to the Rockwell hardness test.    
List of ASTM Standards Giving Hardness Values Corresponding
to Tensile Strength  
Appendix X1  
Examples of Procedures for Determining Rockwell
Hardness Uncertainty  
Appendix X2
1.4 Units—At the time the Rockwell hardness test was developed, the force levels were specified in units of kilograms-force (kgf) and the indenter ball diameters were specified in units of inches (in.). This standard specifies the units of force and length in the International System of Units (SI); that is, force in Newtons (N) and length in millimeters (mm). However, because of the historical precedent and continued common usage, force values in kgf units and ball diameters in inch units are provided for information and much of the discussion in this standard refers to these units.  
1.5 The test principles, testing procedures, and verification procedures are essentially identical for both the Rockwell and Rockwell superficial hardness tests. The significant differences between the two tests are that the test forces are smaller for the Rockwell superficial test than for the Rockwell test. The same type and size indenters may be used for either test, depending on the scale being employed. Accordingly, throughout this standard, the term Rockwell will imply both Rockwell and Rockwell superficial unless stated otherwise.  
1.6 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.

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 The Rockwell hardness test is an empirical indentation hardness test that can provide useful information about metallic materials. This information may correlate to tensile strength, wear resistance, ductility, and other physical characteristics of metallic materials, and may be useful in quality control and selection of materials.  
4.2 Rockwell hardness tests are considered satisfactory for acceptance testing of commercial shipments, and have been used extensively in industry for this purpose.  
4.3 Rockwell hardness testing at a specific location on a part may not represent the physical characteristics of the whole part or end product.  
4.4 Adherence to this standard test method provides traceability to national Rockwell hardness standards except as stated otherwise.
SCOPE
1.1 These test methods cover the determination of the Rockwell hardness and the Rockwell superficial hardness of metallic materials by the Rockwell indentation hardness principle. This standard provides the requirements for Rockwell hardness machines and the procedures for performing Rockwell hardness tests.  
1.2 This standard includes additional requirements in annexes:    
Verification of Rockwell Hardness Testing Machines  
Annex A1  
Rockwell Hardness Standardizing Machines  
Annex A2  
Standardization of Rockwell Indenters  
Annex A3  
Standardization of Rockwell Hardness Test Blocks  
Annex A4  
Guidelines for Determining the Minimum Thickness of a
Test Piece  
Annex A5  
Hardness Value Corrections When Testing on Convex
Cylindrical Surfaces  
Annex A6
1.3 This standard includes nonmandatory information in appendixes which relates to the Rockwell hardness test.    
List of ASTM Standards Giving Hardness Values Corresponding
to Tensile Strength  
Appendix X1  
Examples of Procedures for Determining Rockwell
Hardness Uncertainty  
Appendix X2
1.4 Units—At the time the Rockwell hardness test was developed, the force levels were specified in units of kilograms-force (kgf) and the indenter ball diameters were specified in units of inches (in.). This standard specifies the units of force and length in the International System of Units (SI); that is, force in Newtons (N) and length in millimeters (mm). However, because of the historical precedent and continued common usage, force values in kgf units and ball diameters in inch units are provided for information and much of the discussion in this standard refers to these units.  
1.5 The test principles, testing procedures, and verification procedures are essentially identical for both the Rockwell and Rockwell superficial hardness tests. The significant differences between the two tests are that the test forces are smaller for the Rockwell superficial test than for the Rockwell test. The same type and size indenters may be used for either test, depending on the scale being employed. Accordingly, throughout this standard, the term Rockwell will imply both Rockwell and Rockwell superficial unless stated otherwise.  
1.6 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.

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
The Brinell hardness test is an indentation hardness test that can provide useful information about metallic materials. This information may correlate to tensile strength, wear resistance, ductility, or other physical characteristics of metallic materials, and may be useful in quality control and selection of materials.
Brinell hardness tests are considered satisfactory for acceptance testing of commercial shipments, and have been used extensively in industry for this purpose.
Brinell hardness testing at a specific location on a part may not represent the physical characteristics of the whole part or end product.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the Brinell hardness of metallic materials by the Brinell indentation hardness principle. This standard provides the requirements for a Brinell testing machine and the procedures for performing Brinell hardness tests.
1.2 This standard includes additional requirements in four annexes: Verification of Brinell Hardness Testing MachinesAnnex A1 Brinell Hardness Standardizing MachinesAnnex A2 Standardization of Brinell Hardness IndentersAnnex A3 Standardization of Brinell Hardness Test BlocksAnnex A4
1.3 This standard includes nonmandatory information in an appendix which relates to the Brinell hardness test: Table of Brinell Hardness NumbersAppendix X1 Examples of Procedures for Determining
Brinell Hardness UncertaintyAppendix X2
1.4 At the time the Brinell hardness test was developed, the force levels were specified in units of kilograms-force (kgf). Although this standard specifies the unit of force in the International System of Units (SI) as the Newton (N), because of the historical precedent and continued common usage of kgf units, force values in kgf units are provided for information and much of the discussion in this standard refers to forces in kgf units.
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.

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
This practice is used when it is desired to make Brinell type hardness tests very rapidly on a high volume of samples, as in the inspection of the output of a heat-treating furnace.
This practice requires the measurement of indentation depth and eliminates the need to measure the diameter of the indent optically as required in a Brinell hardness test.
This practice is not a standard Brinell hardness test method and does not meet the requirements of Test Method E10.
4.4 Since the test forces and method of display of the depth measurement differ between manufacturers of rapid indentation hardness testing equipment, the test results from equipment from different manufacturers are not comparable.
SCOPE
1.1 This practice covers a procedure for rapid indentation hardness testing of metallic materials.
1.2 This practice includes additional requirements in Annex A1 for the direct, indirect, and daily verification of rapid indentation hardness testing machines.
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.
1.4 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.

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
The Rockwell hardness test is an empirical indentation hardness test that can provide useful information about metallic materials. This information may correlate to tensile strength, wear resistance, ductility, and other physical characteristics of metallic materials, and may be useful in quality control and selection of materials.
Rockwell hardness tests are considered satisfactory for acceptance testing of commercial shipments, and have been used extensively in industry for this purpose.
Rockwell hardness testing at a specific location on a part may not represent the physical characteristics of the whole part or end product.
Adherence to this standard test method provides traceability to national Rockwell hardness standards except as stated otherwise.
SCOPE
1.1 These test methods cover the determination of the Rockwell hardness and the Rockwell superficial hardness of metallic materials by the Rockwell indentation hardness principle. This standard provides the requirements for Rockwell hardness machines and the procedures for performing Rockwell hardness tests.
1.2 This standard includes additional requirements in annexes: Verification of Rockwell Hardness Testing MachinesAnnex A1 Rockwell Hardness Standardizing MachinesAnnex A2 Standardization of Rockwell IndentersAnnex A3 Standardization of Rockwell Hardness Test BlocksAnnex A4 Guidelines for Determining the Minimum Thickness of a
Test PieceAnnex A5 Hardness Value Corrections When Testing on Convex
Cylindrical SurfacesAnnex A6
1.3 This standard includes nonmandatory information in appendixes which relates to the Rockwell hardness test.  List of ASTM Standards Giving Hardness Values Corresponding
to Tensile StrengthAppendix X1 Examples of Procedures for Determining Rockwell
Hardness UncertaintyAppendix X2
1.4 Units—At the time the Rockwell hardness test was developed, the force levels were specified in units of kilograms-force (kgf) and the indenter ball diameters were specified in units of inches (in.). This standard specifies the units of force and length in the International System of Units (SI); that is, force in Newtons (N) and length in millimeters (mm). However, because of the historical precedent and continued common usage, force values in kgf units and ball diameters in inch units are provided for information and much of the discussion in this standard refers to these units.
1.5 The test principles, testing procedures, and verification procedures are essentially identical for both the Rockwell and Rockwell superficial hardness tests. The significant differences between the two tests are that the test forces are smaller for the Rockwell superficial test than for the Rockwell test. The same type and size indenters may be used for either test, depending on the scale being employed. Accordingly, throughout this standard, the term Rockwell will imply both Rockwell and Rockwell superficial unless stated otherwise.
1.6 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.

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
This test method is used when it is desired to make hardness tests very rapidly, as in the inspection of the output of a heat-treating furnace.
This test method is not to be regarded as a standard Brinell hardness test method.
Since the test forces and method of display of the depth measurement differ between manufacturers of rapid indentation hardness testing equipment, the test results from equipment from different manufacturers are not comparable. A. GENERAL DESCRIPTION AND TEST PROCEDURE   Top
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the procedure for rapid indentation hardness testing of metallic materials as an alternative to Test Method E 10 on standard Brinell hardness. It includes methods for the verification of rapid indentation hardness testing machines, Part B, and the calibration of reference hardness test blocks, Part C.  
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard.  
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.
WITHDRAWN RATIONALE
This test method covers the procedure for rapid indentation hardness testing of metallic materials as an alternative to Test Method E10 on standard Brinell hardness. It includes methods for the verification of rapid indentation hardness testing machines, Part B, and the calibration of reference hardness test blocks, Part C.
Formerly under the jurisdiction of Committee E28 on Mechanical Testing, this test method was withdrawn in July 2011 in accordance with section 10.6.3.1 of the Regulations Governing ASTM Technical Committees, which requires that standards shall be updated by the end of the eighth year since the last approval date.

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
The Brinell hardness test is an indentation hardness test that can provide useful information about metallic materials. This information may correlate to tensile strength, wear resistance, ductility, or other physical characteristics of metallic materials, and may be useful in quality control and selection of materials.
Brinell hardness tests are considered satisfactory for acceptance testing of commercial shipments, and have been used extensively in industry for this purpose.
Brinell hardness testing at a specific location on a part may not represent the physical characteristics of the whole part or end product.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the Brinell hardness of metallic materials by the Brinell indentation hardness principle. This standard provides the requirements for a Brinell testing machine and the procedures for performing Brinell hardness tests.
1.2 This standard includes additional requirements in four annexes:

ABSTRACT
This test method establishes the standard procedures, including the calibration, precision and bias of the apparatus used, for the determination of indentation hardness of metallic materials by means of portable hardness testers.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers determination of the indentation hardness of metallic materials by means of portable hardness testers.
1.2 This test method applies only to those portable hardness testers which apply the same nominal forces and use the same indenters as are used in the methods listed in Section 2.
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.

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
The Brinell hardness test is an indentation hardness test that can provide useful information about metallic materials. This information may correlate to tensile strength, wear resistance, ductility, or other physical characteristics of metallic materials, and may be useful in quality control and selection of materials.
Brinell hardness tests are considered satisfactory for acceptance testing of commercial shipments, and have been used extensively in industry for this purpose.
Brinell hardness testing at a specific location on a part may not represent the physical characteristics of the whole part or end product.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the Brinell hardness of metallic materials by the Brinell indentation hardness principle. This standard provides the requirements for a Brinell testing machine and the procedures for performing Brinell hardness tests.
1.2 This standard includes additional requirements in four annexes: Verification of Brinell Hardness Testing MachinesAnnex A1 Brinell Hardness Standardizing MachinesAnnex A2 Standardization of Brinell Hardness IndentersAnnex A3 Standardization of Brinell Hardness Test BlocksAnnex A4
1.3 This standard includes nonmandatory information in an appendix which relates to the Brinell hardness test: Table of Brinell Hardness NumbersAppendix X1 Examples of Procedures for Determining
Brinell Hardness UncertaintyAppendix X2
1.4 At the time the Brinell hardness test was developed, the force levels were specified in units of kilograms-force (kgf). Although this standard specifies the unit of force in the International System of Units (SI) as the Newton (N), because of the historical precedent and continued common usage of kgf units, force values in kgf units are provided for information and much of the discussion in this standard refers to forces in kgf units.
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.

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
The Rockwell hardness test is an empirical indentation hardness test that can provide useful information about metallic materials. This information may correlate to tensile strength, wear resistance, ductility, and other physical characteristics of metallic materials, and may be useful in quality control and selection of materials.
Rockwell hardness tests are considered satisfactory for acceptance testing of commercial shipments, and have been used extensively in industry for this purpose.
Rockwell hardness testing at a specific location on a part may not represent the physical characteristics of the whole part or end product.
Adherence to this standard test method provides traceability to national Rockwell hardness standards except as stated otherwise.
SCOPE
1.1 These test methods cover the determination of the Rockwell hardness and the Rockwell superficial hardness of metallic materials by the Rockwell indentation hardness principle. This standard provides the requirements for Rockwell hardness machines and the procedures for performing Rockwell hardness tests.
1.2 This standard includes additional requirements in annexes: Verification of Rockwell Hardness Testing MachinesAnnex A1 Rockwell Hardness Standardizing MachinesAnnex A2 Standardization of Rockwell IndentersAnnex A3 Standardization of Rockwell Hardness Test BlocksAnnex A4 Guidelines for Determining the Minimum Thickness of a
Test PieceAnnex A5 Hardness Value Corrections When Testing on Convex
Cylindrical SurfacesAnnex A6
1.3 This standard includes nonmandatory information in appendixes which relates to the Rockwell hardness test.  List of ASTM Standards Giving Hardness Values Corresponding
to Tensile StrengthAppendix X1 Examples of Procedures for Determining Rockwell
Hardness UncertaintyAppendix X2
1.4 Units—At the time the Rockwell hardness test was developed, the force levels were specified in units of kilograms-force (kgf) and the indenter ball diameters were specified in units of inches (in.). This standard specifies the units of force and length in the International System of Units (SI); that is, force in Newtons (N) and length in millimeters (mm). However, because of the historical precedent and continued common usage, force values in kgf units and ball diameters in inch units are provided for information and much of the discussion in this standard refers to these units.
1.5 The test principles, testing procedures, and verification procedures are essentially identical for both the Rockwell and Rockwell superficial hardness tests. The significant differences between the two tests are that the test forces are smaller for the Rockwell superficial test than for the Rockwell test. The same type and size indenters may be used for either test, depending on the scale being employed. Accordingly, throughout this standard, the term Rockwell will imply both Rockwell and Rockwell superficial unless stated otherwise.
1.6 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.

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
The Rockwell hardness test is an empirical indentation hardness test that can provide useful information about metallic materials. This information may correlate to tensile strength, wear resistance, ductility, and other physical characteristics of metallic materials, and may be useful in quality control and selection of materials.
Rockwell hardness tests are considered satisfactory for acceptance testing of commercial shipments, and have been used extensively in industry for this purpose.
Rockwell hardness testing at a specific location on a part may not represent the physical characteristics of the whole part or end product.
Adherence to this standard test method provides traceability to national Rockwell hardness standards except as stated otherwise.
SCOPE
1.1 These test methods cover the determination of the Rockwell hardness and the Rockwell superficial hardness of metallic materials by the Rockwell indentation hardness principle. This standard provides the requirements for Rockwell hardness machines and the procedures for performing Rockwell hardness tests.
1.2 This standard includes additional requirements in annexes: Verification of Rockwell Hardness Testing MachinesAnnex A1 Rockwell Hardness Standardizing MachinesAnnex A2 Standardization of Rockwell IndentersAnnex A3 Standardization of Rockwell Hardness Test BlocksAnnex A4 Guidelines for Determining the Minimum Thickness of a
Test PieceAnnex A5 Hardness Value Corrections When Testing on Convex
Cylindrical SurfacesAnnex A6
1.3 This standard includes nonmandatory information in appendixes which relates to the Rockwell hardness test.  List of ASTM Standards Giving Hardness Values Corresponding
to Tensile StrengthAppendix X1 Examples of Procedures for Determining Rockwell
Hardness UncertaintyAppendix X2
1.4 Units—At the time the Rockwell hardness test was developed, the force levels were specified in units of kilograms-force (kgf) and the indenter ball diameters were specified in units of inches (in.). This standard specifies the units of force and length in the International System of Units (SI); that is, force in Newtons (N) and length in millimeters (mm). However, because of the historical precedent and continued common usage, force values in kgf units and ball diameters in inch units are provided for information and much of the discussion in this standard refers to these units.
1.5 The test principles, testing procedures, and verification procedures are essentially identical for both the Rockwell and Rockwell superficial hardness tests. The significant differences between the two tests are that the test forces are smaller for the Rockwell superficial test than for the Rockwell test. The same type and size indenters may be used for either test, depending on the scale being employed. Accordingly, throughout this standard, the term Rockwell will imply both Rockwell and Rockwell superficial unless stated otherwise.
1.6 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.

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
The Rockwell hardness test is an empirical indentation hardness test that can provide useful information about metallic materials. This information may correlate to tensile strength, wear resistance, ductility, and other physical characteristics of metallic materials, and may be useful in quality control and selection of materials.
Rockwell hardness tests are considered satisfactory for acceptance testing of commercial shipments, and have been used extensively in industry for this purpose.
Rockwell hardness testing at a specific location on a part may not represent the physical characteristics of the whole part or end product.
Adherence to this standard test method provides traceability to national Rockwell hardness standards except as stated otherwise.
SCOPE
1.1 These test methods cover the determination of the Rockwell hardness and the Rockwell superficial hardness of metallic materials by the Rockwell indentation hardness principle. This standard provides the requirements for Rockwell hardness machines and the procedures for performing Rockwell hardness tests.
1.2 This standard includes additional requirements in annexes:Verification of Rockwell Hardness Testing MachinesRockwell Hardness Standardizing MachinesStandardization of Rockwell IndentersStandardization of Rockwell Hardness Test BlocksGuidelines for Determining the Minimum Thickness of aTest PieceHardness Value Corrections When Testing on ConvexCylindrical Surfaces
1.3 This standard includes nonmandatory information in appendixes which relates to the Rockwell hardness test. List of ASTM Standards Giving Hardness Values Correspondingto Tensile StrengthExamples of Procedures for Determining RockwellHardness Uncertainty
1.4 At the time the Rockwell hardness test was developed, the force levels were specified in units of kilograms-force (kgf) and the indenter ball diameters were specified in units of inches (in.). This standard specifies the units of force and length in the International System of Units (SI); that is, force in Newtons (N) and length in millimeters (mm). However, because of the historical precedent and continued common usage, force values in kgf units and ball diameters in inch units are provided for information and much of the discussion in this standard refers to these units.
1.5 The test principles, testing procedures, and verification procedures are essentially identical for both the Rockwell and Rockwell superficial hardness tests. The significant differences between the two tests are that the test forces are smaller for the Rockwell superficial test than for the Rockwell test. The same type and size indenters may be used for either test, depending on the scale being employed. Accordingly, throughout this standard, the term Rockwell will imply both Rockwell and Rockwell superficial unless stated otherwise.
1.6 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.

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
IIT Instruments are used to quantitatively measure various mechanical properties of thin coatings and other volumes of material when other traditional methods of determining material properties cannot be used due to the size or condition of the sample. This practice will establish the basic requirements for those instruments. It is intended that IIT based test methods will be able to refer to this practice for the basic requirements for force and displacement accuracy, reproducibility, verification, reporting, etc., that are necessary for obtaining meaningful test results.
IIT is not restricted to specific test forces, displacement ranges, or indenter types. This practice covers the requirements for a wide range of nano, micro, and macro (see ISO 14577-1) indentation testing applications. The various IIT instruments are required to adhere to the requirements of the practice within the their specific design ranges.
SCOPE
1.1 This practice defines the basic steps of Instrumented Indentation Testing (IIT) and establishes the requirements, accuracies, and capabilities needed by an instrument to successfully perform the test and produce the data that can be used for the determination of indentation hardness and other material characteristics. IIT is a mechanical test that measures the response of a material to the imposed stress and strain of a shaped indenter by forcing the indenter into a material and monitoring the force on, and displacement of, the indenter as a function of time during the full loading-unloading test cycle.
1.2 The operational features of an IIT instrument, as well as requirements for Instrument Verification Annex A1), Standardized Reference Blocks (Annex A2) and Indenter Requirements (Annex A3) are defined. This practice is not intended to be a complete purchase specification for an IIT instrument.
1.3 With the exception of the non-mandatory Appendix X4, this practice does not define the analysis necessary to determine material properties. That analysis is left for other test methods. Appendix X4 includes some basic analysis techniques to allow for the indirect performance verification of an IIT instrument by using test blocks.
1.4 Zero point determination, instrument compliance determination and the indirect determination of an indenters area function are important parts of the IIT process. The practice defines the requirements for these items and includes non-mandatory appendixes to help the user define them.
1.5 The use of deliberate lateral displacements is not included in this practice (that is, scratch testing).
1.6 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.
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.

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 IIT Instruments are used to quantitatively measure various mechanical properties of thin coatings and other volumes of material when other traditional methods of determining material properties cannot be used due to the size or condition of the sample. This practice will establish the basic requirements for those instruments. It is intended that IIT based test methods will be able to refer to this practice for the basic requirements for force and displacement accuracy, reproducibility, verification, reporting, etc., that are necessary for obtaining meaningful test results.  
5.2 IIT is not restricted to specific test forces, displacement ranges, or indenter types. This practice covers the requirements for a wide range of nano, micro, and macro (see ISO 14577-1) indentation testing applications. The various IIT instruments are required to adhere to the requirements of the practice within the their specific design ranges.
SCOPE
1.1 This practice defines the basic steps of Instrumented Indentation Testing (IIT) and establishes the requirements, accuracies, and capabilities needed by an instrument to successfully perform the test and produce the data that can be used for the determination of indentation hardness and other material characteristics. IIT is a mechanical test that measures the response of a material to the imposed stress and strain of a shaped indenter by forcing the indenter into a material and monitoring the force on, and displacement of, the indenter as a function of time during the full loading-unloading test cycle.  
1.2 The operational features of an IIT instrument, as well as requirements for Instrument Verification (Annex A1), Standardized Reference Blocks (Annex A2) and Indenter Requirements (Annex A3) are defined. This practice is not intended to be a complete purchase specification for an IIT instrument.  
1.3 With the exception of the non-mandatory Appendix X4, this practice does not define the analysis necessary to determine material properties. That analysis is left for other test methods. Appendix X4 includes some basic analysis techniques to allow for the indirect performance verification of an IIT instrument by using test blocks.  
1.4 Zero point determination, instrument compliance determination and the indirect determination of an indenter’s area function are important parts of the IIT process. The practice defines the requirements for these items and includes non-mandatory appendixes to help the user define them.  
1.5 The use of deliberate lateral displacements is not included in this practice (that is, scratch testing).  
1.6 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.  
1.7 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.

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
The Brinell hardness test is an indentation hardness test that can provide useful information about metallic materials. This information may correlate to tensile strength, wear resistance, ductility, or other physical characteristics of metallic materials, and may be useful in quality control and selection of materials.
Brinell hardness tests are considered satisfactory for acceptance testing of commercial shipments, and have been used extensively in industry for this purpose.
Brinell hardness testing at a specific location on a part may not represent the physical characteristics of the whole part or end product.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the Brinell hardness of metallic materials by the Brinell indentation hardness principle. This standard provides the requirements for a Brinell testing machine and the procedures for performing Brinell hardness tests.
1.2 This standard includes additional requirements in four annexes:Verification of Brinell Hardness Testing MachinesBrinell Hardness Standardizing MachinesStandardization of Brinell Hardness IndentersStandardization of Brinell Hardness Test Blocks
1.3 This standard includes nonmandatory information in an appendix which relates to the Brinell hardness test:Table of Brinell Hardness NumbersExamples of Procedures for Determining Brinell Hardness Uncertainty
1.4 At the time the Brinell hardness test was developed, the force levels were specified in units of kilograms-force (kgf). Although this standard specifies the unit of force in the International System of Units (SI) as the Newton (N), because of the historical precedent and continued common usage of kgf units, force values in kgf units are provided for information and much of the discussion in this standard refers to forces in kgf units.
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.

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
The Rockwell hardness test is an empirical indentation hardness test that can provide useful information about metallic materials. This information may correlate to tensile strength, wear resistance, ductility, and other physical characteristics of metallic materials, and may be useful in quality control and selection of materials.
Rockwell hardness tests are considered satisfactory for acceptance testing of commercial shipments, and have been used extensively in industry for this purpose.
Rockwell hardness testing at a specific location on a part may not represent the physical characteristics of the whole part or end product.
Adherence to this standard test method provides traceability to national Rockwell hardness standards except as stated otherwise.
SCOPE
1.1 These test methods cover the determination of the Rockwell hardness and the Rockwell superficial hardness of metallic materials by the Rockwell indentation hardness principle. This standard provides the requirements for Rockwell hardness machines and the procedures for performing Rockwell hardness tests.
1.2 This standard includes additional requirements in annexes:Verification of Rockwell Hardness Testing MachinesRockwell Hardness Standardizing MachinesStandardization of Rockwell IndentersStandardization of Rockwell Hardness Test BlocksGuidelines for Determining the Minimum Thickness of a Test PieceHardness Value Corrections When Testing on Convex Cylindrical Surfaces
1.3 This standard includes nonmandatory information in appendixes which relates to the Rockwell hardness test. List of ASTM Standards Giving Hardness Values Corresponding to Tensile StrengthExamples of Procedures for Determining Rockwell Hardness Uncertainty
1.4 At the time the Rockwell hardness test was developed, the force levels were specified in units of kilograms-force (kgf) and the indenter ball diameters were specified in units of inches (in.). This standard specifies the units of force and length in the International System of Units (SI); that is, force in Newtons (N) and length in millimeters (mm). However, because of the historical precedent and continued common usage, force values in kgf units and ball diameters in inch units are provided for information and much of the discussion in this standard refers to these units.
1.5 The test principles, testing procedures, and verification procedures are essentially identical for both the Rockwell and Rockwell superficial hardness tests. The significant differences between the two tests are that the test forces are smaller for the Rockwell superficial test than for the Rockwell test. The same type and size indenters may be used for either test, depending on the scale being employed. Accordingly, throughout this standard, the term Rockwell will imply both Rockwell and Rockwell superficial unless stated otherwise.
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.

SCOPE
1.1 Conversion Table 1 presents data in the Rockwell C hardness range on the relationship among Brinell hardness, Vickers hardness, Rockwell hardness, Rockwell superficial hardness, Knoop hardness, and Scleroscope hardness of non-austenitic steels including carbon, alloy, and tool steels in the as-forged, annealed, normalized, and quenched and tempered conditions provided that they are homogeneous.
1.2 Conversion Table 2 presents data in the Rockwell B hardness range on the relationship among Brinell hardness, Vickers hardness, Rockwell hardness, Rockwell superficial hardness, Knoop hardness, and Scleroscope hardness of non-austenitic steels including carbon, alloy, and tool steels in the as-forged, annealed, normalized, and quenched and tempered conditions provided that they are homogeneous.
1.3 Conversion Table 3 presents data on the relationship among Brinell hardness, Vickers hardness, Rockwell hardness, Rockwell superficial hardness, and Knoop hardness of nickel and high-nickel alloys (nickel content over 50 %). These hardness conversion relationships are intended to apply particularly to the following: nickel-aluminum-silicon specimens finished to commercial mill standards for hardness testing, covering the entire range of these alloys from their annealed to their heavily cold-worked or age-hardened conditions, including their intermediate conditions.
1.4 Conversion Table 4 presents data on the relationship among Brinell hardness, Vickers hardness, Rockwell hardness, and Rockwell superficial hardness of cartridge brass.
1.5 Conversion Table 5presents data on the relationship between Brinell hardness and Rockwell B hardness of austenitic stainless steel plate in the annealed condition.
1.6 Conversion Table 6 presents data on the relationship between Rockwell hardness and Rockwell superficial hardness of austenitic stainless steel sheet.
1.7 Conversion Table 7presents data on the relationship among Brinell hardness, Vickers hardness, Rockwell hardness, Rockwell superficial hardness, and Knoop hardness of copper.
1.8 Conversion Table 8 presents data on the relationship among Brinell hardness, Rockwell hardness, and Vickers hardness of alloyed white iron.
1.9 Conversion Table 9 presents data on the relationship among Brinell hardness, Vickers hardness, Rockwell hardness, and Rockwell superficial hardness of wrought aluminum products.
1.10 Many of the conversion values presented herein were obtained from computer-generated curves of actual test data. Most Rockwell hardness numbers are presented to the nearest 0.1 or 0.5 hardness number to permit accurate reproduction of these curves. Since all converted hardness values must be considered approximate, however, all converted Rockwell hardness numbers shall be rounded to the nearest whole number in accordance with Practice E 29.
1.11 Appendix X1-Appendix X9 contain equations developed from the data in Table 1-9, respectively, to convert from one hardness scale to another. Since all converted hardness values must be considered approximate, however, all converted hardness numbers shall be rounded in accordance with Practice E 29.
1.12 Conversion of hardness values should be used only when it is impossible to test the material under the conditions specified, and when conversion is made it should be done with discretion and under controlled conditions. Each type of hardness test is subject to certain errors, but if precautions are carefully observed, the reliability of hardness readings made on instruments of the indentation type will be found comparable. Differences in sensitivity within the range of a given hardness scale (for example, Rockwell B) may be greater than between two different scales or types of instruments. The conversion values, whether from the tables or calculated from the equations, are only approximate and may be inaccurate for specific application.

SCOPE
1.1 This test method (Test Method A) covers the determination of the Brinell hardness of metallic materials, including methods for the verification of Brinell hardness testing machines (Test Method B) and the calibration of standardized hardness test blocks (Test Method C).
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. Note 1 - In common terminology, the equivalent force in kgf is substituted for N.
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.

SCOPE
1.1 This test method (Test Method A) covers the determination of the Brinell hardness of metallic materials, including methods for the verification of Brinell hardness testing machines (Test Method B) and the calibration of standardized hardness test blocks (Test Method C).
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. Note 1 - In common terminology, the equivalent force in kgf is substituted for N.
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.

SCOPE
1.1 Conversion Table 1 presents data in the Rockwell C hardness range on the relationship among Brinell hardness, Vickers hardness, Rockwell hardness, Rockwell superficial hardness, Knoop hardness, and Scleroscope hardness of non-austenitic steels including carbon, alloy, and tool steels in the as-forged, annealed, normalized, and quenched and tempered conditions provided that they are homogeneous.
1.2 Conversion Table 2 presents data in the Rockwell B hardness range on the relationship among Brinell hardness, Vickers hardness, Rockwell hardness, Rockwell superficial hardness, Knoop hardness, and Scleroscope hardness of non-austenitic steels including carbon, alloy, and tool steels in the as-forged, annealed, normalized, and quenched and tempered conditions provided that they are homogeneous.
1.3 Conversion Table 3 presents data on the relationship among Brinell hardness, Vickers hardness, Rockwell hardness, Rockwell superficial hardness, and Knoop hardness of nickel and high-nickel alloys (nickel content over 50 %). These hardness conversion relationships are intended to apply particularly to the following: nickel-aluminum-silicon specimens finished to commercial mill standards for hardness testing, covering the entire range of these alloys from their annealed to their heavily cold-worked or age-hardened conditions, including their intermediate conditions.
1.4 Conversion Table 4 presents data on the relationship among Brinell hardness, Vickers hardness, Rockwell hardness, and Rockwell superficial hardness of cartridge brass.
1.5 Conversion Table 5 presents data on the relationship between Brinell hardness and Rockwell B hardness of austenitic stainless steel plate in the annealed condition.
1.6 Conversion Table 6 presents data on the relationship between Rockwell hardness and Rockwell superficial hardness of austenitic stainless steel sheet.
1.7 Conversion Table 7 presents data on the relationship among Brinell hardness, Vickers hardness, Rockwell hardness, Rockwell superficial hardness, and Knoop hardness of copper.
1.8 Conversion Table 8 presents data on the relationship among Brinell hardness, Rockwell hardness, and Vickers hardness of alloyed white iron.
1.9 Conversion Table 9 presents data on the relationship among Brinell hardness, Vickers hardness, Rockwell hardness, and Rockwell superficial hardness of wrought aluminum products.
1.10 Many of the conversion values presented herein were obtained from computer-generated curves of actual test data. Most Rockwell hardness numbers are presented to the nearest 0.1 or 0.5 hardness number to permit accurate reproduction of these curves. Since all converted hardness values must be considered approximate, however, all converted Rockwell hardness numbers shall be rounded to the nearest whole number in accordance with Practice E 29.
1.11 Appendix X1-Appendix X9 contain equations developed from the data in Tables 1-9, respectively, to convert from one hardness scale to another. Since all converted hardness values must be considered approximate, however, all converted hardness numbers shall be rounded in accordance with Practice E 29.
1.12 Conversion of hardness values should be used only when it is impossible to test the material under the conditions specified, and when conversion is made it should be done with discretion and under controlled conditions. Each type of hardness test is subject to certain errors, but if precautions are carefully observed, the reliability of hardness readings made on instruments of the indentation type will be found comparable. Differences in sensitivity within the range of a given hardness scale (for example, Rockwell B) may be greater than between two different scales or types of instruments. The conversion values, whether from the tables or calculated from the equations, are only approximate and may be inaccurate for specific application.

SCOPE
1.1 Conversion presents data in the Rockwell C hardness range on the relationship among Brinell hardness, Vickers hardness, Rockwell hardness, Rockwell superficial hardness, Knoop hardness, and Scleroscope hardness of non-austenitic steels including carbon, alloy, and tool steels in the as-forged, annealed, normalized, and quenched and tempered conditions provided that they are homogeneous.
1.2 Conversion presents data in the Rockwell B hardness range on the relationship among Brinell hardness, Vickers hardness, Rockwell hardness, Rockwell superficial hardness, Knoop hardness, and Scleroscope hardness of non-austenitic steels including carbon, alloy, and tool steels in the as-forged, annealed, normalized, and quenched and tempered conditions provided that they are homogeneous.
1.3 Conversion presents data on the relationship among Brinell hardness, Vickers hardness, Rockwell hardness, Rockwell superficial hardness, and Knoop hardness of nickel and high-nickel alloys (nickel content over 50 %). These hardness conversion relationships are intended to apply particularly to the following: nickel-aluminum-silicon specimens finished to commercial mill standards for hardness testing, covering the entire range of these alloys from their annealed to their heavily cold-worked or age-hardened conditions, including their intermediate conditions.
1.4 Conversion presents data on the relationship among Brinell hardness, Vickers hardness, Rockwell hardness, and Rockwell superficial hardness of cartridge brass.
1.5 Conversion presents data on the relationship between Brinell hardness and Rockwell B hardness of austenitic stainless steel plate in the annealed condition.
1.6 Conversion presents data on the relationship between Rockwell hardness and Rockwell superficial hardness of austenitic stainless steel sheet.
1.7 Conversion presents data on the relationship among Brinell hardness, Vickers hardness, Rockwell hardness, Rockwell superficial hardness, and Knoop hardness of copper.
1.8 Conversion presents data on the relationship among Brinell hardness, Rockwell hardness, and Vickers hardness of alloyed white iron.
1.9 Conversion presents data on the relationship among Brinell hardness, Vickers hardness, Rockwell hardness, and Rockwell superficial hardness of wrought aluminum products.
1.10 Many of the conversion values presented herein were obtained from computer-generated curves of actual test data. Most Rockwell hardness numbers are presented to the nearest 0.1 or 0.5 hardness number to permit accurate reproduction of these curves. Since all converted hardness values must be considered approximate, however, all converted Rockwell hardness numbers shall be rounded to the nearest whole number in accordance with Practice E 29.
1.11 contain equations developed from the data in , respectively, to convert from one hardness scale to another. Since all converted hardness values must be considered approximate, however, all converted hardness numbers shall be rounded in accordance with Practice E 29.
1.12 Conversion of hardness values should be used only when it is impossible to test the material under the conditions specified, and when conversion is made it should be done with discretion and under controlled conditions. Each type of hardness test is subject to certain errors, but if precautions are carefully observed, the reliability of hardness readings made on instruments of the indentation type will be found comparable. Differences in sensitivity within the range of a given hardness scale (for example, Rockwell B) may be greater than between two different scales or types of instruments. The conversion values, whether from the tables or calculated from the equations, are only approximate and may be inaccurate for specific application.

SCOPE
1.1 These test methods cover the determination of the Rockwell hardness and the Rockwell superficial hardness of metallic materials, including test methods for the verification of machines for Rockwell hardness testing (Part B) and the calibration of standardized hardness test blocks (Part C).
1.2 Values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as the standard. SI units are provided for information only.
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. (See Note 0.)Note 2
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) maintains the national Rockwell hardness standards for the United States. In June 1998, NIST released new Rockwell C scale (HRC) test blocks as Standard Reference Materials (SRMs). The blocks were calibrated using NIST's primary reference standardizing machine. The major benefit of the NIST standards is that their HRC levels are in line with the other industrialized countries around the world. The NIST HRC levels establish the hardness of materials slightly harder than the historical standards used in the United States for the past 75 years. The revision of E 18 requires that all performance verifications of Rockwell hardness indenters and hardness machines must be made using test blocks calibrated traceable to the Rockwell standards maintained by NIST. This can be accomplished through the use of commercial test blocks calibrated traceable to the NIST standards or by directly using the NIST SRMs. This requirement will apply only to the Rockwell scale(s) for which NIST supplies primary reference test blocksNote 3
Previous editions of this standard have stated that the steel ball was the standard type of Rockwell indenter ball. Starting with this edition, the tungsten carbide ball is considered the standard type of Rockwell indenter ball. The use of tungsten carbide balls will provide an improvement to the Rockwell hardness test because of the tendency of steel balls to flatten with use, which results in an erroneously elevated hardness value. The user is cautioned that Rockwell hardness tests comparing the use of steel and tungsten carbide balls have been shown to give different results. For example, depending on the material tested and its hardness level, Rockwell B scale tests using a tungsten carbide ball indenter have given results up to one Rockwell point lower than when a steel ball indenter is used.

SCOPE
1.1 These test methods cover the determination of the Rockwell hardness and the Rockwell superficial hardness of metallic materials, including test methods for the verification of machines for Rockwell hardness testing (Part B) and the calibration of standardized hardness test blocks (Part C).
1.2 Values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as the standard. SI units are provided for information only.
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. (See Note 0.)Note 2
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) maintains the national Rockwell hardness standards for the United States. In June 1998, NIST released new Rockwell C scale (HRC) test blocks as Standard Reference Materials (SRMs). The blocks were calibrated using NIST's primary reference standardizing machine. The major benefit of the NIST standards is that their HRC levels are in line with the other industrialized countries around the world. The NIST HRC levels establish the hardness of materials slightly harder than the historical standards used in the United States for the past 75 years. The revision of E 18 requires that all performance verifications of Rockwell hardness indenters and hardness machines must be made using test blocks calibrated traceable to the Rockwell standards maintained by NIST. This can be accomplished through the use of commercial test blocks calibrated traceable to the NIST standards or by directly using the NIST SRMs. This requirement will apply only to the Rockwell scale(s) for which NIST supplies primary reference test blocksNote 3
Previous editions of this standard have stated that the steel ball was the standard type of Rockwell indenter ball. Starting with this edition, the tungsten carbide ball is considered the standard type of Rockwell indenter ball. The use of tungsten carbide balls will provide an improvement to the Rockwell hardness test because of the tendency of steel balls to flatten with use, which results in an erroneously elevated hardness value. The user is cautioned that Rockwell hardness tests comparing the use of steel and tungsten carbide balls have been shown to give different results. For example, depending on the material tested and its hardness level, Rockwell B scale tests using a tungsten carbide ball indenter have given results up to one Rockwell point lower than when a steel ball indenter is used.

SCOPE
1.1 These test methods cover the determination of the Rockwell hardness and the Rockwell superficial hardness of metallic materials, including test methods for the verification of machines for Rockwell hardness testing (Part B) and the calibration of standardized hardness test blocks (Part C).
1.2 Values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as the standard. SI units are provided for information only.
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. (See Note 6.)Note 1—The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) maintains the national Rockwell hardness standards for the United States. In June 1998, NIST released new Rockwell C scale (HRC) test blocks as Standard Reference Materials (SRMs). The blocks were calibrated using NIST's primary reference standardizing machine. The major benefit of the NIST standards is that their HRC levels are in line with the other industrialized countries around the world. The NIST HRC levels establish the hardness of materials slightly harder than the historical standards used in the United States for the past 75 years. The revision of E 18 requires that all performance verifications of Rockwell hardness indenters and hardness machines must be made using test blocks calibrated traceable to the Rockwell standards maintained by NIST. This can be accomplished through the use of commercial test blocks calibrated traceable to the NIST standards or by directly using the NIST SRMs. This requirement will apply only to the Rockwell scale(s) for which NIST supplies primary reference test blocks
Note 2—In previous editions of this standard, ball indenters were required to be of hard steel. Beginning with this edition, tungsten-carbide balls are also allowed. This change is a first step in a planned future transition to eliminate steel balls and allow only the use of tungsten carbide balls. The elimination of steel ball indenters is scheduled to occur in about two years. The use of tungsten carbide balls will provide an improvement to the Rockwell hardness test because of the tendency of steel balls to flatten with use, which results in an erroneously elevated hardness value. In addition, NIST is planning to standardize the HRB scale using tungsten-carbide balls. As a result of this change, this edition also requires that when a ball indenter is used, the Rockwell hardness value must be reported with the scale designation followed by the letter "S" to indicate the use of a steel ball or the letter "W" to indicate the use of a tungsten carbide ball. The user is cautioned that Rockwell hardness tests comparing the use of steel and tungsten carbide balls have been shown to give different results. For example, depending on the material tested and its hardness level, Rockwell B scale tests using a tungsten carbide ball indenter have given results up to one Rockwell point lower than when a steel ball indenter is used.