Brinell Test
Brinell Test
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gn = 9.80665 kgf/N
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7.6.3 For tests on flat surfaces, the difference between the
numbers may be obtained for a given material by using different forces on largest and smallest measured diameters for the same indenta-
the same size of ball. For the purpose of obtaining a continuous scale of
values, it may be desirable to use a single force to cover the complete
tion shall not exceed 0.1 mm unless it is specified in the
range of hardness for a given class of materials. product specification, such as for an anisotropic grain structure
where the difference can be 0.2 mm.
7.2 The Brinell hardness test is not recommended for
7.6.4 When indentations are made on a curved surface, the
materials above 650 HBW 10/3000.
minimum radius of curvature of the surface shall be two and a
7.3 Direct comparisons of Brinell hardness numbers for half times the diameter of the ball. Indentations made on
tests using different scales can be made only if the force- curved surfaces may be slightly elliptical rather than circular in
diameter ratio is maintained (see Table 3). Brinell hardness shape. The measurements of the indentation shall be taken as
tests made on the same test material, but using different force- the mean of the major and minor axes.
diameter ratios, will produce different Brinell hardness num-
7.7 Indentation Spacing—The distance between the centers
bers.
of two adjacent indentations shall be at least three times the
7.3.1 Example—An HBW 10/500 test will usually approxi-
diameter of the mean indentation.
mate an HBW 5/125 test since the force-diameter ratio is 5 for
7.7.1 The distance from the center of any indentation to an
both scales. However, a value of 160 HBW 10/500 will be
edge of the test piece shall be at least two and a half times the
approximately equal to 180 HBW 10/3000 on the same test
diameter of the mean indentation.
material because of different force-diameter ratios (5 and 30,
respectively). 7.8 Brinell hardness tests should be carried out at an
ambient temperature within the limits of 10 to 35°C (50 to
7.4 Daily Verification—A daily verification of the testing
95°F). Users of the Brinell test are cautioned that the tempera-
machine shall be performed in accordance with Annex A1 prior
ture of the test material and the temperature of the hardness
to making hardness tests. Hardness measurements shall be
tester may affect the test results. Consequently, users should
made only on the calibrated surface of the test block. It is also
ensure that the test temperature does not adversely affect the
recommended that the operation of the machine be checked in
hardness measurement.
accordance with the daily verification method specified in
Annex A1 after each change of the test force, anvil or the 8. Conversion to Other Hardness Scales or Tensile
indenter. Strength Values
7.5 Indentation Procedure—The Brinell hardness test shall 8.1 There is no general method of accurately converting the
be carried out as follows: Brinell hardness numbers on one scale to Brinell hardness
7.5.1 Bring the indenter into contact with the test surface in numbers on another scale, or to other types of hardness
a direction perpendicular to the surface without shock, vibra- numbers, or to tensile strength values. Such conversions are, at
tion or overshoot. The angle between the indenter force-line best, approximations and, therefore should be avoided except
and the surface of the specimen should be perpendicular. for special cases where a reliable basis for the approximate
7.5.2 Apply the test force F within 1 to 8 s. Faster force conversion has been obtained by comparison tests.
application times are permitted if it is demonstrated that test NOTE 4—The Standard Hardness Conversion Tables for Metals, E140,
results are not affected. give approximate conversion values for specific materials such as steel,
7.5.3 Maintain the fully applied test force for 10 s to 15 s, austenitic stainless steel, nickel and high-nickel alloys, cartridge brass,
with the following exception. copper alloys, and alloyed white cast irons.
7.5.3.1 In the case of materials exhibiting excessive plastic
9. Report
flow after application of the test force, special considerations
may be necessary since the indenter will continue to penetrate 9.1 At a minimum, the test report shall include the following
into the material. Testing of these materials may require the use information:
of a longer applied force dwell time than stated above, which 9.1.1 The Brinell hardness value H̄ of the test results
should be specified in the product specification. When an rounded to three significant digits, including all zero digits, in
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material; RPB is the interval representing the difference be-
tween two test results for the same material, obtained by
different operators using different equipment in different labo-
ratories.
10.4 Any judgment in accordance with statements 10.2 or
10.3 would have an approximate 95 % probability of being
correct.
10.5 Results from the interlaboratory study are summarized
in Table 5.
10.6 Bias—At the time of the study, there was no accepted
reference material suitable for determining the bias for this test
method, therefore no statement on bias can be made.
11. Keywords
11.1 Brinell; hardness; mechanical test; metals
5
Supporting data have been filed at ASTM International Headquarters and may
be obtained by requesting Research Report RR:E28-1023.
ANNEXES
(Mandatory Information)
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unused indenter balls meeting the requirements of Annex A3. A2.7.5 Monitoring Methods—Control charts or other com-
parable methods should be used to monitor the performance of
A2.6.7 Direct Verification Failure—If any of the direct the standardizing machine between direct verifications. Control
verifications fail the specified requirements, the standardizing charts provide a method for detecting lack of statistical control.
machine shall not be used until it is adjusted or repaired. Any There are many publications available that discuss the design
parameter that may have been affected by an adjustment or and use of control charts, such as the ASTM “Manual on
repair shall be verified again by direct verification. Presentation of Data and Control Chart Analysis: 6th Edition,”
A2.7 Monitoring Verification Procedures prepared by Committee E11 on Quality and Statistics. The
standardizing laboratory should develop and use control charts
A2.7.1 This section describes the monitoring procedures for that best apply to their specific needs.
the standardizing hardness machine. NOTE A2.3—Control chart data should be interpreted by the laboratory
A2.7.2 The standardizing laboratory shall monitor the stan- based on past experience. The need for corrective action does not depend
solely on data falling outside the control limits, but also on the prior data
dardizing machine by performing monitoring verifications each leading to this occurrence. As a general rule, however, once the standard-
day that test block calibrations are made, according to the izing machine is determined to be in control, a single occurrence of data
schedule given in Table A2.4. Monitoring verifications shall be falling outside the control limits should alert the laboratory to a possible
performed prior to the test block calibrations, and may be made problem. The level of action that is required depends on the history of the
machine performance. It may be precautionary such as increasing the
either by direct verification or by performance verification monitoring frequency, or corrective such as performing new direct and
using test blocks. indirect verifications.
A2.7.3 Monitoring Direct Verification—When the monitor-
A2.8 Verification Report
ing verification is to be made by direct verification, it shall be
in accordance with the requirements of A2.6 for the force level A2.8.1 Direct Verification:
and ball size of the Brinell scale to be used that day. A2.8.1.1 Reference to this ASTM test method.
A2.8.1.2 Identification of the hardness standardizing
A2.7.4 Monitoring Performance Verifications—When the
machine, including the serial number, manufacturer and model
monitoring verification is to be made by performance
number.
verification, the following monitoring procedures shall be
A2.8.1.3 Identification of all devices (elastic proving
performed.
devices, etc.) used for the verification, including serial numbers
A2.7.4.1 Depending on the Brinell scales for which test
and identification of standards to which traceability is made.
blocks will be calibrated on that day, monitoring tests shall be
A2.8.1.4 Test temperature at the time of verification re-
performed on at least one monitoring test block for each force
ported to a resolution of at least 1°C.
level that will be used and on at least one monitoring test block
A2.8.1.5 The individual measurement values and calculated
for each ball size that will be used. The monitoring test blocks
results used to determine whether the standardizing machine
shall meet the requirements of Annex A4. The hardness level of
meets the requirements of the verification performed. It is
each monitoring block should be chosen that is in the mid
recommended that the uncertainty in the calculated results used
range of the hardness scale.
to determine whether the standardizing machine meets the
A2.7.4.2 Make at least two hardness tests distributed uni-
requirements of the verification performed also are reported.
formly over the surface of the test block. Determine the error
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which will give the necessary homogeneity, stability of test block shall be calibrated. The Brinell standard to which the
structure, and uniformity of surface hardness. test blocks are traceable shall be stated in the certification.
A4.3.2 The test blocks, if of steel, shall be demagnetized at A4.5.2 The standardization procedure involves making
the end of the manufacturing process. hardness tests on the test block surface using the forces and
A4.3.3 To assure that material is not removed from the test type of indenter that are appropriate for the hardness scale.
surface after standardization, an identifying mark shall be Make at least five hardness tests distributed uniformly over the
made on the test surface. The mark shall be such that it cannot test surface.
be removed by any method other than removal of test block A4.5.3 Calculate the mean diameters for each indentation
material. using Eq 5 and the average of the mean diameters d̄ using Eq
A4.3.4 The standardized test block shall meet the physical 6.
requirements of Table A4.1. A4.5.4 Determine the range dR for the measurements as:
APPENDIXES
(Nonmandatory Information)
NOTE 1—The values given in the table for Brinell numbers are merely solutions of the equation for Brinell hardness, and include values for indentation
diameters outside the recommended ranges. These values are indicated by italics.
Diameter of Indentation, d (mm) Brinell Hardness Number
HBW 10/ HBW 10/
HBW 10/3000 HBW 10/1500 HBW 10/1000 HBW 10/500 HBW 10/100
250 125
HBW HBW
10 mm 5 mm 2.5 mm 1 mm HBW 5/750 HBW 5/250 HBW 5/125 HBW 5/25
5/62.5 5/31.25
HBW 2.5/ HBW 2.5/
ball ball ball ball HBW 2.5/187.5 HBW 2.5/62.5 HBW 2.5/31.25 HBW 2.5/6.25
15.625 7.8125
HBW
HBW 1/30 HBW 1/10 HBW 1/5 HBW 1/2 HBW 1/1
1/1.25
2.00 1.000 0.5000 0.200 945 473 315 158 78.8 39.4 31.5
2.01 1.005 0.5025 0.201 936 468 312 156 78.0 39.0 31.2
2.02 1.010 0.5050 0.202 926 463 309 154 77.2 38.6 30.9
2.03 1.015 0.5075 0.203 917 459 306 153 76.4 38.2 30.6
2.04 1.020 0.5100 0.204 908 454 303 151 75.7 37.8 30.3
2.05 1.025 0.5125 0.205 899 450 300 150 74.9 37.5 30.0
2.06 1.030 0.5150 0.206 890 445 297 148 74.2 37.1 29.7
2.07 1.035 0.5175 0.207 882 441 294 147 73.5 36.7 29.4
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3.61 1.805 0.9025 0.361 283 142 94.4 47.2 23.6 11.8 9.44
3.62 1.810 0.9050 0.362 282 141 93.9 46.9 23.5 11.7 9.39
3.63 1.815 0.9075 0.363 280 140 93.3 46.7 23.3 11.7 9.33
3.64 1.820 0.9100 0.364 278 139 92.8 46.4 23.2 11.6 9.28
3.65 1.825 0.9125 0.365 277 138 92.3 46.1 23.1 11.5 9.23
3.66 1.830 0.9150 0.366 275 138 91.8 45.9 22.9 11.5 9.18
3.67 1.835 0.9175 0.367 274 137 91.2 45.6 22.8 11.4 9.12
3.68 1.840 0.9200 0.368 272 136 90.7 45.4 22.7 11.3 9.07
3.69 1.845 0.9225 0.369 271 135 90.2 45.1 22.6 11.3 9.02
3.70 1.850 0.9250 0.370 269 135 89.7 44.9 22.4 11.2 8.97
3.71 1.855 0.9275 0.371 268 134 89.2 44.6 22.3 11.2 8.92
3.72 1.860 0.9300 0.372 266 133 88.7 44.4 22.2 11.1 8.87
3.73 1.865 0.9325 0.373 265 132 88.2 44.1 22.1 11.0 8.82
3.74 1.870 0.9350 0.374 263 132 87.7 43.9 21.9 11.0 8.77
3.75 1.875 0.9375 0.375 262 131 87.2 43.6 21.8 10.9 8.72
3.76 1.880 0.9400 0.376 260 130 86.8 43.4 21.7 10.8 8.68
3.77 1.885 0.9425 0.377 259 129 86.3 43.1 21.6 10.8 8.63
3.78 1.890 0.9450 0.378 257 129 85.8 42.9 21.5 10.7 8.58
3.79 1.895 0.9475 0.379 256 128 85.3 42.7 21.3 10.7 8.53
3.80 1.900 0.9500 0.380 255 127 84.9 42.4 21.2 10.6 8.49
3.81 1.905 0.9525 0.381 253 127 84.4 42.2 21.1 10.6 8.44
3.82 1.910 0.9550 0.382 252 126 83.9 42.0 21.0 10.5 8.39
3.83 1.915 0.9575 0.383 250 125 83.5 41.7 20.9 10.4 8.35
3.84 1.920 0.9600 0.384 249 125 83.0 41.5 20.8 10.4 8.30
3.85 1.925 0.9625 0.385 248 124 82.6 41.3 20.6 10.3 8.26
3.86 1.930 0.9650 0.386 246 123 82.1 41.1 20.5 10.3 8.21
3.87 1.935 0.9675 0.387 245 123 81.7 40.9 20.4 10.2 8.17
3.88 1.940 0.9700 0.388 244 122 81.3 40.6 20.3 10.2 8.13
3.89 1.945 0.9725 0.389 242 121 80.8 40.4 20.2 10.1 8.08
3.90 1.950 0.9750 0.390 241 121 80.4 40.2 20.1 10.0 8.04
3.91 1.955 0.9775 0.391 240 120 80.0 40.0 20.0 10.0 8.00
3.92 1.960 0.9800 0.392 239 119 79.5 39.8 19.9 9.94 7.95
3.93 1.965 0.9825 0.393 237 119 79.1 39.6 19.8 9.89 7.91
3.94 1.970 0.9850 0.394 236 118 78.7 39.4 19.7 9.84 7.87
3.95 1.975 0.9875 0.395 235 117 78.3 39.1 19.6 9.79 7.83
3.96 1.980 0.9900 0.396 234 117 77.9 38.9 19.5 9.73 7.79
3.97 1.985 0.9925 0.397 232 116 77.5 38.7 19.4 9.68 7.75
3.98 1.990 0.9950 0.398 231 116 77.1 38.5 19.3 9.63 7.71
3.99 1.995 0.9975 0.399 230 115 76.7 38.3 19.2 9.58 7.67
4.00 2.000 1.0000 0.400 229 114 76.3 38.1 19.1 9.53 7.63
4.01 2.005 1.0025 0.401 228 114 75.9 37.9 19.0 9.48 7.59
4.02 2.010 1.0050 0.402 226 113 75.5 37.7 18.9 9.43 7.55
4.03 2.015 1.0075 0.403 225 113 75.1 37.5 18.8 9.38 7.51
4.04 2.020 1.0100 0.404 224 112 74.7 37.3 18.7 9.34 7.47
4.05 2.025 1.0125 0.405 223 111 74.3 37.1 18.6 9.29 7.43
4.06 2.030 1.0150 0.406 222 111 73.9 37.0 18.5 9.24 7.39
4.07 2.035 1.0175 0.407 221 110 73.5 36.8 18.4 9.19 7.35
4.08 2.040 1.0200 0.408 219 110 73.2 36.6 18.3 9.14 7.32
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5.77 2.885 1.4425 0.577 104 52.1 34.7 17.4 8.68 4.34 3.47
5.78 2.890 1.4450 0.578 104 51.9 34.6 17.3 8.65 4.33 3.46
5.79 2.895 1.4475 0.579 103 51.7 34.5 17.2 8.62 4.31 3.45
5.80 2.900 1.4500 0.580 103 51.5 34.3 17.2 8.59 4.29 3.43
5.81 2.905 1.4525 0.581 103 51.3 34.2 17.1 8.55 4.28 3.42
5.82 2.910 1.4550 0.582 102 51.1 34.1 17.0 8.52 4.26 3.41
5.83 2.915 1.4575 0.583 102 50.9 33.9 17.0 8.49 4.24 3.39
5.84 2.920 1.4600 0.584 101 50.7 33.8 16.9 8.45 4.23 3.38
5.85 2.925 1.4625 0.585 101 50.5 33.7 16.8 8.42 4.21 3.37
5.86 2.930 1.4650 0.586 101 50.3 33.6 16.8 8.39 4.20 3.36
5.87 2.935 1.4675 0.587 100 50.2 33.4 16.7 8.36 4.18 3.34
5.88 2.940 1.4700 0.588 100 50.0 33.3 16.7 8.33 4.16 3.33
5.89 2.945 1.4725 0.589 100 49.8 33.2 16.6 8.30 4.15 3.32
5.90 2.950 1.4750 0.590 99.2 49.6 33.1 16.5 8.26 4.13 3.31
5.91 2.955 1.4775 0.591 98.8 49.4 32.9 16.5 8.23 4.12 3.29
5.92 2.960 1.4800 0.592 98.4 49.2 32.8 16.4 8.20 4.10 3.28
5.93 2.965 1.4825 0.593 98.0 49.0 32.7 16.3 8.17 4.09 3.27
5.94 2.970 1.4850 0.594 97.7 48.8 32.6 16.3 8.14 4.07 3.26
5.95 2.975 1.4875 0.595 97.3 48.7 32.4 16.2 8.11 4.05 3.24
5.96 2.980 1.4900 0.596 96.9 48.5 32.3 16.2 8.08 4.04 3.23
5.97 2.985 1.4925 0.597 96.6 48.3 32.2 16.1 8.05 4.02 3.22
5.98 2.990 1.4950 0.598 96.2 48.1 32.1 16.0 8.02 4.01 3.21
5.99 2.995 1.4975 0.599 95.9 47.9 32.0 16.0 7.99 3.99 3.20
6.00 3.000 1.5000 0.600 95.5 47.7 31.8 15.9 7.96 3.98 3.18
6.01 3.005 1.5025 0.601 95.1 47.6 31.7 15.9 7.93 3.96 3.17
6.02 3.010 1.5050 0.602 94.8 47.4 31.6 15.8 7.90 3.95 3.16
6.03 3.015 1.5075 0.603 94.4 47.2 31.5 15.7 7.87 3.93 3.15
6.04 3.020 1.5100 0.604 94.1 47.0 31.4 15.7 7.84 3.92 3.14
6.05 3.025 1.5125 0.605 93.7 46.9 31.2 15.6 7.81 3.91 3.12
6.06 3.030 1.5150 0.606 93.4 46.7 31.1 15.6 7.78 3.89 3.11
6.07 3.035 1.5175 0.607 93.0 46.5 31.0 15.5 7.75 3.88 3.10
6.08 3.040 1.5200 0.608 92.7 46.3 30.9 15.4 7.72 3.86 3.09
6.09 3.045 1.5225 0.609 92.3 46.2 30.8 15.4 7.69 3.85 3.08
6.31 3.155 1.5775 0.631 85.2 42.6 28.4 14.2 7.10 3.55 2.84
6.32 3.160 1.5800 0.632 84.9 42.4 28.3 14.1 7.07 3.54 2.83
6.33 3.165 1.5825 0.633 84.6 42.3 28.2 14.1 7.05 3.52 2.82
6.34 3.170 1.5850 0.634 84.3 42.1 28.1 14.0 7.02 3.51 2.81
6.35 3.175 1.5875 0.635 84.0 42.0 28.0 14.0 7.00 3.50 2.80
6.36 3.180 1.5900 0.636 83.7 41.8 27.9 13.9 6.97 3.49 2.79
6.37 3.185 1.5925 0.637 83.4 41.7 27.8 13.9 6.95 3.47 2.78
6.38 3.190 1.5950 0.638 83.1 41.5 27.7 13.8 6.92 3.46 2.77
6.39 3.195 1.5975 0.639 82.8 41.4 27.6 13.8 6.90 3.45 2.76
6.40 3.200 1.6000 0.640 82.5 41.2 27.5 13.7 6.87 3.44 2.75
6.41 3.205 1.6025 0.641 82.2 41.1 27.4 13.7 6.85 3.42 2.74
6.42 3.210 1.6050 0.642 81.9 40.9 27.3 13.6 6.82 3.41 2.73
6.43 3.215 1.6075 0.643 81.6 40.8 27.2 13.6 6.80 3.40 2.72
6.44 3.220 1.6100 0.644 81.3 40.6 27.1 13.5 6.77 3.39 2.71
6.45 3.225 1.6125 0.645 81.0 40.5 27.0 13.5 6.75 3.37 2.70
6.46 3.230 1.6150 0.646 80.7 40.3 26.9 13.4 6.72 3.36 2.69
6.47 3.235 1.6175 0.647 80.4 40.2 26.8 13.4 6.70 3.35 2.68
6.48 3.240 1.6200 0.648 80.1 40.1 26.7 13.4 6.68 3.34 2.67
6.49 3.245 1.6225 0.649 79.8 39.9 26.6 13.3 6.65 3.33 2.66
6.50 3.250 1.6250 0.650 79.6 39.8 26.5 13.3 6.63 3.31 2.65
6.51 3.255 1.6275 0.651 79.3 39.6 26.4 13.2 6.61 3.30 2.64
6.52 3.260 1.6300 0.652 79.0 39.5 26.3 13.2 6.58 3.29 2.63
6.53 3.265 1.6325 0.653 78.7 39.4 26.2 13.1 6.56 3.28 2.62
6.54 3.270 1.6350 0.654 78.4 39.2 26.1 13.1 6.54 3.27 2.61
6.55 3.275 1.6375 0.655 78.2 39.1 26.1 13.0 6.51 3.26 2.61
6.56 3.280 1.6400 0.656 77.9 38.9 26.0 13.0 6.49 3.24 2.60
6.57 3.285 1.6425 0.657 77.6 38.8 25.9 12.9 6.47 3.23 2.59
6.58 3.290 1.6450 0.658 77.3 38.7 25.8 12.9 6.44 3.22 2.58
6.59 3.295 1.6475 0.659 77.1 38.5 25.7 12.8 6.42 3.21 2.57
6.60 3.300 1.6500 0.660 76.8 38.4 25.6 12.8 6.40 3.20 2.56
6.61 3.305 1.6525 0.661 76.5 38.3 25.5 12.8 6.38 3.19 2.55
6.62 3.310 1.6550 0.662 76.2 38.1 25.4 12.7 6.35 3.18 2.54
6.63 3.315 1.6575 0.663 76.0 38.0 25.3 12.7 6.33 3.17 2.53
6.64 3.320 1.6600 0.664 75.7 37.9 25.2 12.6 6.31 3.15 2.52
6.65 3.325 1.6625 0.665 75.4 37.7 25.1 12.6 6.29 3.14 2.51
6.66 3.330 1.6650 0.666 75.2 37.6 25.1 12.5 6.26 3.13 2.51
6.67 3.335 1.6675 0.667 74.9 37.5 25.0 12.5 6.24 3.12 2.50
6.68 3.340 1.6700 0.668 74.7 37.3 24.9 12.4 6.22 3.11 2.49
6.69 3.345 1.6725 0.669 74.4 37.2 24.8 12.4 6.20 3.10 2.48
6.70 3.350 1.6750 0.670 74.1 37.1 24.7 12.4 6.18 3.09 2.47
6.71 3.355 1.6775 0.671 73.9 36.9 24.6 12.3 6.16 3.08 2.46
6.72 3.360 1.6800 0.672 73.6 36.8 24.5 12.3 6.13 3.07 2.45
6.73 3.365 1.6825 0.673 73.4 36.7 24.5 12.2 6.11 3.06 2.45
6.74 3.370 1.6850 0.674 73.1 36.5 24.4 12.2 6.09 3.05 2.44
6.75 3.375 1.6875 0.675 72.8 36.4 24.3 12.1 6.07 3.04 2.43
6.76 3.380 1.6900 0.676 72.6 36.3 24.2 12.1 6.05 3.02 2.42
X2.1 Scope way is not reported on the verification certificate and report,
X2.1.1 The intent of this appendix is to provide a basic this value and its uncertainty are needed to calculate measure-
approach to evaluating the uncertainty of Brinell hardness ment uncertainties when verification of the hardness machine is
measurement values in order to simplify and unify the inter- only made by the direct verification method. The procedure
pretation of uncertainty by users of Brinell hardness. described in section X2.7 provides a method for determining
the uncertainty in this measurement “error” of the hardness
X2.1.2 This appendix provides basic procedures for deter- machine.
mining the uncertainty of the following values of hardness: X2.1.2.3 Brinell Hardness Value Measured by a User (see
X2.1.2.1 The Hardness Machine “Error” Determined as X2.8)—The procedure provides a method for determining the
Part of an Indirect Verification (see X2.6)—As part of an uncertainty in the hardness values measured by a user during
indirect verification, a number of Brinell hardness measure- the normal use of a Brinell hardness machine. The user may
ments are made on a reference test block. The average of the report the uncertainty value with the measurement value.
measurement values is compared to the certified value of the X2.1.2.4 Certified Value of a Brinell Hardness Test Block
reference block to determine the “error” (see 3.2.4) of the (see X2.9)—The procedure provides a method for determining
hardness machine. The procedure described in section X2.6 the uncertainty in the certified value of standardized test
provides a method for determining the uncertainty in this blocks. The standardizing agency may report the uncertainty
measurement “error” of the hardness machine. The uncertainty value on the test block certificate.
value may be reported on the verification certificate and report.
X2.1.2.2 The Hardness Machine “Error” Determined from NOTE X2.1—When calculated, uncertainty values reported by a field
calibration agency (see X2.5.7 and X2.7) are not the measurement
Measurements Made as Part of a Direct Verification (see
uncertainties of the hardness machine in operation, but only that of the
X2.7)—As part of a direct verification, errors in separate measurements made at the time of verification to determine machine
components of the hardness machine are determined. These are “error.”
the force application system, the indentation measuring system, NOTE X2.2—The procedures outlined in this appendix for the determi-
and the indenter. In addition to these, there are other potential nation of uncertainties are based primarily on measurements made as part
sources of error that should be considered. The measurement of the verification and standardization procedures of this test method. This
is done to provide a method that is based on familiar procedures and
“error” of the hardness machine can be estimated by determin- practices of Brinell hardness users and standardizing agencies. The reader
ing how each of the errors in these components contributes to should be aware that there are other methods that may be employed to
the overall error of the hardness measurement. Although the determine the same uncertainties.
measurement “error” of the hardness machine estimated in this NOTE X2.3—This standard states tolerances or limits on the acceptable
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S D
H 1 1H 2 1…1H n
AVG~ H 1 , H 2 , …, H n ! 5 H̄ 5 (X2.1) ∆F d 3 =D 2 2 d 2
n ∆d 5 2 3 (X2.6)
F D1 =D 2 2 d 2
X2.2.2 The standard deviation (STDEV) of a set of n
hardness measurements H1, H2, …, Hn is calculated as: where:
STDEV~ H 1 , H 2 , …, H n ! 5 Œ~ 2
H 1 2 H̄ ! 1…1 ~ H n 2 H̄ !
n21
2 F = applied force prior to the incremental change in applied
force ∆F (F and ∆F having the same units),
d = mean diameter of the indentation in mm prior to the
(X2.2) incremental change in diameter ∆d, and
D = diameter of the indenter ball in mm.
where:
NOTE X2.5—Equations [Eq X2.3], [Eq X2.4], and [Eq X2.6] should
H̄ = average of the set of n hardness measurements H1, H2, only be used for small values of ∆H and ∆d. These equations are suitable
…, Hn as defined in [Eq X2.1]. for use with the typical values of ∆H and ∆d used by the procedures in this
appendix; however, the equations produce significant errors as the values
X2.2.3 The absolute value (ABS) of a number is the of ∆H and ∆d become large.
magnitude of the value irrespective of the sign, for example:
ABS(0.12) = 0.12 X2.3 General Requirements
and X2.3.1 The main approach for determining uncertainty
ABS(–0.12) = 0.12 presented in this appendix considers only those uncertainties
X2.2.4 An incremental change in hardness ∆H resulting associated with the overall measurement performance of the
from an incremental change in indentation diameter ∆d may be Brinell hardness machine with respect to reference standards.
calculated as: Because of this approach, it is important that the individual
machine components are operating within tolerances. It is
∆H 5 2∆d 3 S ~
H 3 D1 =D 2 2 d 2
d 3 =D 2 d 2 2
!
D (X2.3) strongly recommended that this procedure be applied only after
successfully passing a direct verification.
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new value of B ~ HBW! as:
value of the reference test block in terms of
indentation diameter (mm), and
kRefBlk(mm) = coverage factor used to calculate the uncer-
tainty in the certified value of the reference
B ~ HBW! 5 B ~ mm! 3
d 3 =D 2 2 d 2
S ~
H 3 D1 =D 2 2 d 2
(X2.19)
!
D
NOTE X2.11—The measurement bias B ~ HBW! is in Brinell hardness units
standard (usually 2). (HBW).
X2.5.5.2 For this analysis, the uncertainty in the stated X2.5.6.4 Direct Verification—In the case that the hardness
certified value of the reference block must be in terms of machine is verified only by direct verification, the measure-
indentation diameter (mm). In the case that the reference test ment error of the hardness machine is estimated by combining
block certificate only provides uncertainty in terms of the the individual errors of the components of the machine.
Brinell hardness value, then this uncertainty must be converted Although there are potentially many contributing sources of
using [Eq X2.4], where u RefBlk~ HBW! is substituted for ∆H. The error for a Brinell hardness machine, typically the most
calculated value of ∆d then becomes the new value of u RefBlk~ mm! , significant sources of error are in the force application system
in mm, as: E Force and the indentation measuring system E Indentation. Other
sources may include error in the indenter ball diameter, error in
u RefBlk~ mm! 5 u RefBlk~ HBW! 3 S d 3 =D 2 2 d 2
~
H 3 D1 =D 2 2 d 2 ! D (X2.16) the timing of the stated hold time, error in the rate of
indentation, etc. It is recommended that an analysis of all error
sources be done to determine the significance of these errors.
X2.5.6 Measurement Bias (B)—The verification section of
For simplicity, only the two errors E Force and E Indentation will be
this test method provides two acceptable procedures for
considered.
determining measurement bias of a Brinell hardness machine:
(1) by indirect verification through the use of reference blocks, X2.5.6.5 These contributing sources of error are calculated
and (2) by direct verification of components of the machine, in terms of their units of measurement, for example, E Indentation
including the applied forces and the indentation measuring and E Force are determined in units of length (mm) and force (kgf
system. The measurement bias is the difference between the or N), respectively. Procedures for calculating E Indentation and
“true” hardness of a material and the hardness measurement E Force are not presented here. To calculate the measurement bias
values as measured by the hardness machine. B, these errors must be determined in terms of indentation
X2.5.6.1 Indirect Verification—In the case that the hardness diameter. The error in the indentation measuring system
machine is verified by indirect verification, the measurement E Indentation is already in the correct units; however, the error
error of the hardness machine is estimated by performing E Force~ kgf or N ! must be converted to an error in indentation
Brinell hardness measurements on reference standards. The diameter using [Eq X2.6], where E Force~ kgf or N ! is substituted for
measurement bias B may be estimated by the “error” deter- ∆F. The calculated value of ∆d then becomes a new value of
mined as part of the indirect verification, either in terms of E Force~ mm! , in mm as:
indentation diameter or in terms of Brinell hardness numbers.
X2.5.6.2 The measurement bias B ~ mm! , in terms of indenta-
tion diameter, may be calculated as:
E Force~ mm! 5 2
E Force~ kgf or N !
F
3 S d 3 =D 2 2 d 2
D1 =D 2 2 d 2
D (X2.20)
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a certified average Brinell hardness value of 202 HBW 10/3000
hardness level of each Brinell scale in terms of indentation
with an expanded uncertainty of U RefBlk~ HBW! 564 HBW 10/3000.
diameter in mm:
The results of the three verification measurements are:
u Mach~ mm! 5 =u Rep&Nu
2 2
~ Ref. Block! 1u Resol 2
1u RefBlk (X2.22) Diameter length (average) of indentations: 4.25, 4.25 and 4.30 mm
Average indentation diameter: 4.267 mm
and Indentation diameter error (bias) value: 0.027 mm
Calculated average hardness value: 199.8 HBW 10/3000
U Mach~ mm! 5 kuMach~ mm! (X2.23) Hardness error (bias) value: –2.3 HBW 10/3000
Therefore:
X2.6.4 For this analysis, a coverage factor of k = 2 should STDEVs 4.25, 4.25, 4.30d
u Rep&NUs Ref. Blockd 5 [Eq X2.12], or
be used. This coverage factor provides a confidence level of u Rep&NUs Ref. Blockd 50.0167 mmœ3
approximately 95 %. 0.05
u Resol5 50.0144 mm [Eq X2.14], and
NOTE X2.12—The uncertainty contribution u Mach~ mm! , as calculated in œ12
[Eq X2.22], does not include a contribution due to the machine’s lack of 0.04
reproducibility. This is because it is assumed that the indirect verification u RefBlk5 50.02 mm [Eq X2.15]
2
Thus:
is made while the hardness machine is operating at its optimal perfor-
u Machs mmd 5 œ0.01672 10.01442 10.022 50.0298 mm [Eq X2.22], and
mance level with the best possible environmental conditions.
U Machs mmd 5 s 230.0298d 50.0596 mm [Eq X2.23]
X2.6.5 To determine the uncertainty in the measurement Therefore, the uncertainty in the 0.027 mm “error” in the hardness ma-
“error” of the hardness machine in terms of Brinell hardness chine is 0.060 mm.
u Force~ mm! 5
u Force~ kgf or N !
F
3 S d 3 =D 2 2 d 2
D1 =D 2 2 d 2
D (X2.25)
chine at 200 HBW 10/3000 is 0.0293 mm.
In terms of Brinell hardness units:
B s HBWd 52 s 0.0101d 3 S
2003 s 101 œ102 24.2652 d
4.2653 œ102 24.2652
D
[Eq X2.19], or
X2.7.4 The combined standard uncertainty u Mach and the B s HBWd 520.997 HBW 10/3000, and
expanded uncertainty U Mach are calculated by combining the
appropriate uncertainty components described above for each
U Machs HBWd 50.02933 S
2003 s 101 œ102 24.2652 d
4.2653 œ102 24.2652
D
[Eq X2.24], or
U Machs HBWd 52.89 HBW 10/3000
hardness level of each Brinell scale and u Resol, the uncertainty Therefore, the uncertainty in the –0.997 HBW 10/3000 “error” in the hard-
due to the resolution of the indentation measurement system ness machine is 2.89 HBW 10/3000. Although this evaluation was made
[Eq X2.14], as: for material having a hardness of 200 HBW 10/3000, the uncertainty may
be considered to apply to the entire mid range of the HBW 10/3000 scale.
This calculation must be made for the low and high ranges of the HBW
u Mach~ mm! 5 =u 2
Indentation
2
1u Force 2
~ mm! 1u Resol (X2.26) 10/3000 scale, as well as for the ranges of the other Brinell scales that
are verified.
and
U Mach~ mm! 5 kuMach~ mm! (X2.27) X2.8 Procedure for Calculating Uncertainty:
X2.7.5 To determine the uncertainty in the measurement Brinell Hardness Measurement Values
“error” of the hardness machine in terms of Brinell hardness X2.8.1 The uncertainty U Meas in a measurement value mea-
units U Mach~ HBW! , then the uncertainty, as calculated in [Eq sured by a user may be thought of as an indication of how well
X2.27] in terms of indentation diameter, must be converted in the measured value agrees with the “true” value for the
(X2.30)
surement system [Eq X2.14], and (4) uMach, the uncertainty in
determining the “error” of the hardness machine [Eq X2.22 or X2.8.6 When reporting uncertainty as an indication of how
Eq X2.26]. The combined standard uncertainty u Meas is calcu- well the average measurement value represents the true aver-
lated by combining the appropriate uncertainty components age hardness of the material, it is important to assure that a
described above for the applicable hardness level and Brinell sufficient number of measurements are made at the appropriate
scale as: test locations to provide an appropriate sampling of any
variations in the hardness of the material.
u Meas~ mm! 5 =u 2
1u 2Reprod1u Resol
Repeat
2 2
1u Mach~ mm! (X2.28)
X2.8.7 The expanded uncertainty U Meas~ mm! is calculated for
X2.8.3 Average Measurement Value—In the case that mea- the three cases discussed above as:
surement uncertainty is to be determined for an average value
U Meas~ mm! 5 kuMeas~ mm! 1ABS~ B ~ mm! ! (X2.31)
of multiple hardness measurements, made either on the same
test piece or multiple test pieces, the contributions to the X2.8.8 To determine the uncertainty of a Brinell hardness
standard uncertainty u Meas~ mm! are (1) u ¯ , the uncertainty due measurement in terms of Brinell hardness units U Mach~ HBW! , then
Repeat
to the machine’s lack of repeatability based on the average of the uncertainty, as calculated in [Eq X2.31], in terms of
multiple measurements [Eq X2.11], (2) uReprod, the uncertainty indentation diameter, must be converted using [Eq X2.3],
contribution due to the lack of reproducibility [Eq X2.13], (3) where U Meas~ mm! is substituted for ∆d. The calculated value of ∆H
uResol, the uncertainty due to the resolution of the indentation then becomes the new value of U Meas~ HBW! , in Brinell hardness
measurement system [Eq X2.14], and (4) uMach, the uncertainty units, as:
in determining the “error” of the hardness machine [Eq X2.22
or Eq X2.26]. The combined standard uncertainty u Meas is
calculated by combining the appropriate uncertainty compo-
U Meas~ HBW! 5 U Meas~ mm! 3 S ~
H 3 D1 =D 2 2 d 2
d 3 =D 2 2 d 2
!
D (X2.32)
nents described above for the applicable hardness level and NOTE X2.15—The first minus sign in [Eq X2.3] has been deleted when
using [Eq X2.32] since uncertainty values are always positive.
Brinell scale as:
X2.8.9 For this analysis, a coverage factor of k = 2 should
u Meas~ mm! 5 = 2
u Repeat 2 2 2
¯ 1u Reprod1u Resol1u Mach~ mm! (X2.29) be used. This coverage factor provides a confidence level of
approximately 95 %.
X2.8.4 The measurement uncertainty discussed above for
the single and average measurement values only represents the X2.8.10 Reporting Measurement Uncertainty:
uncertainties of the measurement process and are independent X2.8.10.1 Single and Average Measurement Values—When
of any test material non-uniformity. the reported measurement value is for a single hardness test or
X2.8.5 Average Measurement Value as an Estimate of the the average of multiple hardness tests, then the value of U Meas
Average Material Hardness—Measurement laboratories and should be supplemented with an explanatory statement such as:
manufacturing facilities often measure the Brinell hardness of “The expanded measurement uncertainty of the reported hard-
a test sample or product for the purpose of estimating the ness value (or average hardness value) was calculated in
average hardness of the test material. Usually, multiple hard- accordance with Appendix X1 of ASTM E10 with a coverage
ness measurements are made across the surface of the test factor of 2 representing a confidence level of approximately
piece, and then the average of the hardness values is reported 95 %.”
as an estimation of the average hardness of the material. If it is X2.8.10.2 Average Measurement Value as an Estimate of
desired to report the uncertainty as an indication of how well the Average Material Hardness—When it is desired to report
the average measurement value represents the true average the uncertainty as an indication of how well the average
hardness of the material, then the contributions to the standard measurement value represents the true average hardness of the
--```,,,`,,```,`,,`,`,`,````,,,,-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`-
uncertainty u Meas~ mm! are (1) uRep&NU(Material), the uncertainty material, then the value of U Meas should be supplemented with
due to the machine’s lack of repeatability combined with the an explanatory statement such as: “The expanded uncertainty
uncertainty due to the material’s non-uniformity [Eq X2.12], of the reported average hardness of the material under test is
Average diameter lengths: 2.53, 2.50, 2.50, 2.51, and 2.51 mm Other uncertainty contributions are calculated as:
Calculated average indentation diameter: 2.51 mm 0.01
u Resol5 50.0029 mm [Eq X2.14] Therefore:
Calculated hardness values 97.8, 100, 100, 99.4 and 99.4 HBW 10/500 œ12
Calculated average hardness value: 99.4 HBW 10/500
Therefore: u Certs mmd 5 œ0.00552 10.0042 10.00292 10.0152 [Eq X2.33], or
STDEVs 2.53, 2.50, 2.50, 2.51, 2.51d u Certs mmd 50.167 HBW 10/500
u Rep&NUs Calib. Blockd 5 [Eq X2.12], or and since B = –0.004 mm,
œ5
U Certs mmd 5 s 230.0167d 1 ABS(–0.004) [Eq X2.34], or
u Rep&NUs Calib. Blockd 50.0055 mm U Certs mmd 50.0374 mm
For this example, assume the last direct verification of the high range of the In terms of Brinell hardness units:
HBW 10/500 scale reported:
u Machs mmd :0.015 mm
Bias, B s mmd :20.004 mm
U Certs HBWd 50.03743 S 2.513 œ102 22.512
D
99.43 s 101 œ102 22.512 d
[Eq X2.35], or
U Certs HBWd 53.0 HBW 10/500 for the certified hardness value of the single
Also assume the hardness machine has been monitored for an extended period
of time, and from [Eq X2.13], it was determined that:
calibrated test block.
u Reprod50.004 mm for the high range of the HBW 10/500 scale
SUMMARY OF CHANGES
Committee E28 has identified the location of selected changes to this standard since the last issue (E10–14)
that may impact the use of this standard. (Approved May, 1 2015)
Committee E28 has identified the location of selected changes to this standard since the last issue (E10–12)
that may impact the use of this standard. (Approved May 1, 2014)
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