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.

Designation: E10 − 23 American Association State Highway

and Transportation Officials Standard
AASHTO No.: T70–86

Standard Test Method for

Brinell Hardness of Metallic Materials1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E10; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of original
adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A superscript
epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.

This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.

1. Scope* 1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the Brinell safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
hardness of metallic materials by the Brinell indentation responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
hardness principle. This standard provides the requirements for priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
a Brinell testing machine and the procedures for performing mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
Brinell hardness tests. 1.7 This international standard was developed in accor-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
1.2 This test method includes requirements for the use of ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
portable Brinell hardness testing machines that measure Brinell Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
hardness by the Brinell hardness test principle and can meet the mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
requirements of this test method, including the direct and
iTeh Standards
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
indirect verifications of the testing machine. Portable Brinell
hardness testing machines that cannot meet the direct verifica-
2. Referenced Documents
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tion requirements and can only be verified by indirect verifi-
cation requirements are covered in Test Method E110.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
A833 Test Method for Indentation Hardness of Metallic
2

following annexes: Document Preview

1.3 This standard includes additional requirements in the Materials by Comparison Hardness Testers
A956/A956M Test Method for Leeb Hardness Testing of
Verification of Brinell Hardness Testing Machines Steel Products
Annex A1
Brinell Hardness Standardizing Machines Annex A2
A1038 Test Method for Portable Hardness Testing by the
Standardization of Brinell Hardness Indenters ASTM E10-23 Ultrasonic Contact Impedance Method
Annex A3
Standardization of Brinell Hardness Test Blocks Annex A4
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1.4 This standard includes nonmandatory information in the B647 Test Method for Indentation Hardness of Aluminum
following appendixes that relates to the Brinell hardness test: Alloys by Means of a Webster Hardness Gage
E29 Practice for Using Significant Digits in Test Data to
Table of Brinell Hardness Numbers Appendix X1
Examples of Procedures for Determining Appendix X2 Determine Conformance with Specifications
Brinell Hardness Uncertainty E74 Practices for Calibration and Verification for Force-
1.5 At the time the Brinell hardness test was developed, the Measuring Instruments
force levels were specified in units of kilograms-force (kgf). E110 Test Method for Rockwell and Brinell Hardness of
Although this standard specifies the unit of force in the Metallic Materials by Portable Hardness Testers
International System of Units (SI) as the Newton (N), because E140 Hardness Conversion Tables for Metals Relationship
of the historical precedent and continued common usage of kgf Among Brinell Hardness, Vickers Hardness, Rockwell
units, force values in kgf units are provided for information and Hardness, Superficial Hardness, Knoop Hardness, Sclero-
much of the discussion in this standard refers to forces in kgf scope Hardness, and Leeb Hardness
units. E384 Test Method for Microindentation Hardness of Mate-
rials
1
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E28 on
Mechanical Testing and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E28.06 on
2
Indentation Hardness Testing. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Current edition approved July 1, 2023. Published August 2023. Originally contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
approved in 1924. Last previous edition approved in 2018 as E10 – 18. DOI: Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
10.1520/E0010-23. the ASTM website.

*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard

Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States

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 E10 − 23
2.2 American Bearings Manufacturer Association Stan- TABLE 1 Symbols and Designations
dard: Symbol Designation
ABMA 10-1989 Metal Balls3 D Diameter of the ball, mm
2.3 ISO Standards: F Test force, N
ISO/IEC 17011 Conformity Assessment—General Require-
ments for Accreditation Bodies Accrediting Conformity Fkgf Test force, kgf
Assessment Bodies4 1
F kgf 5 ×F
ISO/IEC 17025 General Requirements for the Competence gn
of Calibration and Testing4 where gn is the acceleration due to gravity.
gn = 9.80665 N/kgf
3. Terminology and Equations
d Diameter value of the indentation, mm
3.1 Definitions:
d s 1 d 1 d s 2 d 1{1 d s N d
3.1.1 calibration—determination of the values of the sig- d5
N
nificant parameters by comparison with values indicated by a
reference instrument or by a set of reference standards. where d(1), d(2) ... d(N) are the measured indentation
diameters in mm, and N is the number of diameter mea-
3.1.2 verification—checking or testing to assure confor- surements (typically 2).
mance with the specification.
h Depth of the indentation, mm
3.1.3 standardization—to bring in conformance with a
known standard through verification or calibration. D 2 œD 2 2 d 2
h5
2
3.1.4 Brinell hardness test—an indentation hardness test
using a verified machine to force an indenter (tungsten carbide
Force-
ball with diameter D), under specified conditions, into the Diameter
F kgf
5 2
surface of the material under test. The diameter of the resulting ratio D
indentation d is measured after removal of the force.
iTeh Standards
3.1.5 Brinell hardness number—a number, which is propor-
tional to the quotient obtained by dividing the test force by the
HBW Brinell hardness
Test Force

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5
curved surface area of the indentation which is assumed to be Surface area of indentation
spherical and of the diameter of the ball.

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2 F kgf
3.1.6 Brinell hardness scale—a designation that identifies 5
π D s D 2 œD 2 2 d 2 d
the specific combination of ball diameter and applied force
used to perform the Brinell hardness test.
3.1.7 Brinell hardness testing machine—a Brinell hardness
ASTM E10-23
machine used for general testing purposes.
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3.1.8 Brinell hardness standardizing machine—a Brinell
machine that is designed to move into the testing position prior
to a test, (for example, securely fixed to a moving support arm),
hardness machine used for the standardization of Brinell and has been previously verified to ensure that such moves will
hardness test blocks. The standardizing machine differs from a not affect the hardness result.
regular Brinell hardness testing machine by having tighter
3.2 Equations:
tolerances on certain parameters.
3.2.1 The Brinell hardness number is calculated as:
3.1.9 force-diameter ratio—a number calculated as the ratio
2F kgf
of the test force in kgf to the square of the indenter ball HBW 5 (1)
diameter in mm (see Table 1). πD ~ D 2 =D 2 2 d 2 !
3.1.10 portable Brinell hardness testing machine—a Brinell where:
hardness testing machine that is designed to be transported, Fkgf = test force in kgf,
carried, set up, and operated by the users, and that measures D = diameter of the indenter ball in mm, and
Brinell hardness by the Brinell hardness test principle. d = measured mean diameter of the indentation in mm
3.1.11 movable Brinell hardness testing machine—a Brinell (see Table 1).
hardness testing machine that is designed to be moved to 3.2.2 The average mean diameter d̄ of a set of n indentations
different locations on a moveable frame, table or similar is calculated as:
support that is integral to the testing machine (for example,
securely fixed to a rolling table), or a Brinell hardness testing d 1 1d 2 1…1d n
d̄ 5 (2)
n

3
Available from American Bearing Manufacturers Association (ABMA), 1001
where:
N. Fairfax Street, Suite 500 Alexandria, VA 22314, http:// d1, d2, ... dn = diameter values of the indentations in mm,
www.americanbearings.org. and
4
Available from American National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St.,
n = number of indentations (see Annex A4).
4th Floor, New York, NY 10036, http://www.ansi.org.

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3.2.3 The repeatability R in the performance of a Brinell 5. Principles of Test and Apparatus
hardness machine at each hardness level, under the particular 5.1 Brinell Hardness Test Principle—The general principle
verification conditions, is estimated by the percent range of of the Brinell indentation hardness test consists of two steps
diameter values of n indentations made on a standardized test (see Fig. 1).
block as part of a performance verification, relative to the 5.1.1 Step 1—The indenter is brought into contact with the
average of the n measured diameter values d̄ (Eq 2), defined as: test specimen in a direction perpendicular to the surface, and
d max 2 d min the test force F is applied. The test force is held for a specified
R 5 100 × (3) dwell time and then removed.
d̄
5.1.2 Step 2—The diameter of the indentation is measured
where: in at least two directions perpendicular to each other. The
dmax = diameter value of the largest measured indentation Brinell hardness value is derived from the mean of the diameter
dmin = diameter value of the smallest measured indentation, measurements.
and 5.2 Brinell Testing Machine—Equipment for Brinell hard-
d̄ (Eq = average of the diameter values of the n indentations. ness testing usually consists of a testing machine, which
2) supports the test specimen and applies an indenting force to a
3.2.4 The average H̄ of a set of n Brinell hardness measurement ball in contact with the specimen, and a system for measuring
values H1, H2, ..., Hn is calculated as: the mean diameter of the indentation in accordance with the
Brinell hardness test principle. The design of the testing
H 1 1H 2 1…1H n
H̄ 5 (4) machine shall be such that no rocking or lateral movement of
n
the indenter or specimen occurs while the force is being
3.2.5 The error E in the performance of a Brinell hardness applied. The design of the testing machine shall ensure that the
machine at each hardness level, under the particular verifica- force to the indenter is applied smoothly and without impact
tion conditions, is estimated by the percent error of the average forces. Precautions shall be taken to prevent a momentary high
of n indentation measurements made on a standardized test test force caused by the inertia of the system, hydraulic system

iTeh Standards
block as part of a performance verification relative to the
certified average hardness value of the standardized test block,
overshoot, etc.
5.2.1 See the Equipment Manufacturer’s Instruction Manual
for a description of the machine’s characteristics, limitations,

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defined as:
?D
and respective operating procedures.
?
E 5 100 ×
H̄ 2 H STD
(5) 5.2.2 Anvils—An anvil, or specimen support, should be used

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H STD that is suitable for the specimen to be tested. The seating and
where: supporting surfaces of all anvils should be clean and free of
H̄ (Eq 4) = average of n hardness tests H1, H2, ..., Hn made foreign material. Typically, anvils need only be replaced if they
on a standardized test block as part ofASTM fail to support the test surface perpendicular to the indenter, or
a perfor-E10-23
mance verification, they are deemed unsafe.
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= certified average hardness value of the standard- 5.2.3 Indenters—Indenters for the Brinell hardness test shall
ized test block, and be tungsten carbide balls of four allowed diameters (1, 2.5, 5
|H̄2H STD | = absolute value (non-negative value without re- and 10 mm). Indenters shall meet the requirements defined in
gard to its sign) of the difference between H̄ and Annex A3.
5.2.4 Oil, dirt, or other foreign materials shall not be
HSTD.
allowed to accumulate on the indenter, as this will affect the
4. Significance and Use test results.
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 metal-
lic 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. FIG. 1 Principle of Test

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5.2.5 Measurement Device—The measurement device used TABLE 3 Test Conditions and Recommended Hardness Range
for the measurement of the diameter of Brinell indentations Brinell
Ball
Force- Nominal Value of Recommended
may be an integral part of the hardness machine or a separate Diameter Test Force, F Hardness
Hardness Diameter
D Range
stand-alone instrument. The allowable measurement devices Scale RatioA N kgf
mm HBW
are classified into two types. The Type A device includes HBW 10/3000 10 30 29420 3000 95.5 to 650
microscopes having movable measuring lines with some type HBW 10/1500 10 15 14710 1500 47.7 to 327
of indicator or computerized measuring system, or an image HBW 10/1000 10 10 9807 1000 31.8 to 218
HBW 10/500 10 5 4903 500 15.9 to 109
analysis system. The Type B device is a hand-held microscope HBW 10/250 10 2.5 2452 250 7.96 to 54.5
(usually 20× or 40×) with fixed measuring lines. HBW 10/125 10 1.25 1226 125 3.98 to 27.2
5.2.5.1 Type A Device—The acceptable minimum resolution HBW 10/100 10 1 980.7 100 3.18 to 21.8
HBW 5/750 5 30 7355 750 95.5 to 650
for a Type A device shall be as given in Table 2. HBW 5/250 5 10 2452 250 31.8 to 218
5.2.5.2 Type B Device—The acceptable maximum spacing HBW 5/125 5 5 1226 125 15.9 to 109
HBW 5/62.5 5 2.5 612.9 62.5 7.96 to 54.5
between the graduated lines of Type B devices shall be as given HBW 5/31.25 5 1.25 306.5 31.25 3.98 to 27.2
in Table 2. Type B devices shall not be used for measuring HBW 5/25 5 1 245.2 25 3.18 to 21.8
indentations made with 2.5 mm and 1 mm ball indenters. HBW 2.5/ 2.5 30 1839 187.5 95.5 to 650
187.5
5.3 Verification—Brinell testing machines and indentation HBW 2.5/62.5 2.5 10 612.9 62.5 31.8 to 218
measurement devices shall be verified periodically in accor- HBW 2.5/ 2.5 5 306.5 31.25 15.9 to 109
31.25
dance with Annex A1. HBW 2.5/ 2.5 2.5 153.2 15.625 7.96 to 54.5
15.625
5.4 Test Blocks—Test blocks meeting the requirements of HBW 2.5/ 2.5 1.25 76.61 7.8125 3.98 to 27.2
Annex A4 shall be used to verify the testing machine in 7.8125
accordance with Annex A1. HBW 2.5/6.25 2.5 1 61.29 6.25 3.18 to 21.8
HBW 1/30 1 30 294.2 30 95.5 to 650
5.5 Brinell Hardness Scales—The combinations of indent- HBW 1/10 1 10 98.07 10 31.8 to 218
ers and test forces define the Brinell hardness scales. The HBW 1/5 1 5 49.03 5 15.9 to 109
HBW 1/2.5 1 2.5 24.52 2.5 7.96 to 54.5
standard Brinell hardness scales and test forces are given in
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HBW 1/1.25 1 1.25 12.26 1.25 3.98 to 27.2
Table 3, corresponding to force-diameter ratios (see Table 1) of HBW 1/1 1 1 9.807 1 3.18 to 21.8
1, 1.25, 2.5, 5, 10 and 30. Brinell hardness values should be A
See Table 1.

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determined and reported in accordance with one of these
standard scales. Other scales using non-standard test forces
may be used by special agreement. Examples of other scales
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5.6.1.3 The applied force dwell time, s, if other than 10 s to
and the corresponding force-diameter ratio (in parentheses) are
15 s.
HBW 10/750 (7.5), HBW 10/2000 (20), HBW 10/2500 (25),
5.6.2 The only exception to the above requirement is for the
HBW 5/187.5 (7.5), and HBW 5/500 (20). HBW 10/3000 scale when a 10 s to 15 s dwell time is used.
5.6 Calculation of the Brinell Hardness Number—The ASTM E10-23
Only in the case of this one Brinell hardness scale may the
Brinell hardness number shall be calculated from the mean designation be reported simply as HBW.
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diameter d of the indentation using Eq 1 or from the values 5.6.3 Examples:
given in Appendix X1. 220 HBW = Brinell hardness of 220 determined with a ball of 10 mm diameter
5.6.1 Brinell hardness values shall not be designated by a and with a test force of 29.42 kN (3000 kgf) applied for 10 s to 15 s
number alone because it is necessary to indicate which indenter 350 HBW 5/750 = Brinell hardness of 350 determined with a ball of 5 mm
and which force has been employed in making the test (see diameter and with a test force of 7.355 kN (750 kgf) applied for 10 s to 15 s
Table 3). Brinell hardness numbers shall be followed by the
600 HBW 1/30/20 = Brinell hardness of 600 determined with a ball of 1 mm
symbol HBW, and be supplemented by an index indicating the diameter and with a test force of 294.2 N (30 kgf) applied for 20 s
test conditions in the following order:
5.7 Use of Portable Brinell Hardness Testing Machines:
5.6.1.1 Diameter of the ball, mm,
5.7.1 A fixed-location Brinell hardness testing machine may
5.6.1.2 A value representing the test force, kgf, (see Table 3)
not be capable of testing certain samples because of the sample
and,
size or weight, sample location, accessibility of the test point or
other requirements. In these circumstances, the use of a
portable Brinell hardness testing machine is an acceptable
method to test these samples. This method allows the use of a
TABLE 2 Resolution and Graduation Spacing of Indentation
Measuring Devices
portable Brinell hardness testing machine as follows.
5.7.1.1 The portable Brinell hardness testing machine shall
Type A Type B
meet the requirements of this method, including the test
Minimum Maximum
Ball Diameter
Indicator Resolution Graduation Spacing principle, apparatus, indenters, applied forces, test procedures
mm
mm mm and the direct and indirect verifications of the testing machine
10 0.0100 0.100 (except as indicated in Table A1.1). Test Method E110 covers
5 0.0050 0.050 portable Brinell hardness testing machines that cannot be
2.5 0.0025 –
1 0.0010 – directly verified or cannot pass direct verification, but meet the
other requirements of this method.

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 E10 − 23
5.7.1.2 A portable Brinell hardness testing machine shall be TABLE 4 Minimum Specimen Thickness Based on Ten-Times the
used only when testing circumstances make it impractical to Indentation Depth
use a fixed-location Brinell hardness testing machine. In such Diameter of Minimum Specimen Thickness
cases, it is recommended that an agreement or understanding Indentation, 10 mm 5 mm 2.5 mm 1 mm
d Ball Ball Ball Ball
be made between all parties involved (for example, testing
mm mm in. mm in. mm in. mm in.
service and customer) that a portable Brinell hardness testing
0.2 0.1 0.004
machine will be used instead of a fixed-location Brinell 0.3 0.2 0.009
hardness testing machine (see 5.7.1). 0.4 0.4 0.016
5.7.1.3 The portable Brinell hardness testing machine shall 0.5 0.7 0.026
0.6 0.4 0.014 1.0 0.039
measure hardness by the Brinell hardness test principle (see 0.7 0.5 0.020
5.1). Portable hardness testing machines or instruments that 0.8 0.7 0.026
measure hardness by other means or procedures different than 0.9 0.8 0.033
1.0 1.0 0.041
the Brinell hardness test principle, such as those defined in Test 1.1 1.3 0.050
Methods A833, A956/A956M, A1038 or B647, produce con- 1.2 0.7 0.029 1.5 0.060
verted Brinell hardness values and do not comply with this 1.3 0.9 0.034 1.8 0.072
1.4 1.0 0.039 2.1 0.084
method. 1.5 1.2 0.045 2.5 0.098
5.7.2 Daily Verification of portable hardness testing 1.6 1.3 0.052
machines—Portable hardness testing machines are susceptible 1.7 1.5 0.059
1.8 1.7 0.066
to damage when they are transported or carried from one test 1.9 1.9 0.074
site to another. Therefore, in addition to complying with the 2.0 2.1 0.082
daily verification requirements specified in 7.1 and Annex A1, 2.2 2.6 0.100
2.4 1.5 0.058 3.1 0.121
a daily verification shall be performed at each test worksite 2.6 1.7 0.068 3.6 0.144
where the hardness tests are to be made just prior to making the 2.8 2.0 0.079 4.3 0.169
hardness tests. The verification shall be performed with the 3.0 2.3 0.091 5.0 0.197
3.2 2.6 0.104
portable hardness testing machine oriented as closely as
iTeh Standards
3.4 3.0 0.117
practical to the position that it will be used. It is recommended 3.6 3.4 0.132
that the daily verification be repeated occasionally during 3.8 3.8 0.148
4.0 4.2 0.164

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testing and after testing is completed.
5.7.3 Additional reporting requirements, when using a por-
table Brinell hardness testing machine, are given in 9.2.
4.2
4.4
4.6
4.6
5.1
5.6
0.182
0.201
0.221

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5.7.4 Portable hardness testing machines by the nature of
their application may induce errors that could influence the test
4.8
5.0
5.2
6.1
6.7
7.3
0.242
0.264
0.287
results. To understand the differences in results expected 5.4 7.9 0.312
5.6 8.6 0.338
between portable and fixed-location Brinell hardness testing
ASTM E10-23 5.8 9.3 0.365
machines, the user should compare the results of the precision
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bias studies given in Section 10 and in Test Method E110.
polished flat with abrasive material so that the edge of the
6. Test Piece indentation can be clearly defined to permit the measurement
6.1 There is no standard shape or size for a Brinell test of the diameter to the specified accuracy. Preparation shall be
specimen. The test piece on which the indentation is made carried out in such a way that any alteration of the surface
should conform to the following: hardness of the test surface (for example, due to overheating or
6.1.1 Thickness—The thickness of the specimen tested shall cold-working) is minimized.
be such that no bulge or other marking showing the effect of
the test force appears on the side of the piece opposite the 7. Test Procedure
indentation. The thickness of the material under test should be 7.1 The diameter of the indentation should be between 24 %
at least ten times the depth of the indentation h (see Table 4). and 60 % of the ball diameter. Approximate Brinell hardness
Table 4 can also be used as a guideline for the minimum depth numbers are given in Table 3 for the above range of indentation
of a layer of a material, such as a coating. diameters.
NOTE 1—Brinell hardness testing can use high test forces. Under certain NOTE 2—A lower limit in indentation diameter is recommended
conditions of testing a relatively thin material or coating on a material with because of the risk in damaging the ball and the difficulty in measuring the
high hardness, there is a potential for the test material to break or shatter indentation. The upper limit is recommended because of a reduction in
under load resulting in serious personal injury or damage to equipment. sensitivity as the diameter of the indentation approaches the ball diameter.
Users are strongly cautioned to exercise extreme care when testing a The thickness and spacing requirements may determine the maximum
material that could potentially fail under load. If there is a concern or permissible diameter of indentation for a specific test.
doubt, do not test the material. NOTE 3—It is not mandatory that Brinell tests conform to the hardness
6.1.2 Width—The minimum width shall conform to the scales of Table 3. It should be realized that different Brinell hardness
numbers may be obtained for a given material by using different forces on
requirements for indentation spacing. the same size of ball. For the purpose of obtaining a continuous scale of
6.1.3 Finish—When necessary, the surface on which the values, it may be desirable to use a single force to cover the complete
indentation is to be made should be filed, ground, machined or range of hardness for a given class of materials.

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 E10 − 23
7.2 The Brinell hardness test is not recommended for arithmetic mean of the measurements shall be used for the
materials above 650 HBW 10/3000. calculation of the Brinell hardness number.
7.3 Direct comparisons of Brinell hardness numbers for 7.6.2 For routine testing, the diameter of the indentation
tests using different scales can be made only if the force- shall be measured to the resolution of the measuring device
diameter ratio is maintained (see Table 3). Brinell hardness when using a Type A device, or one-half the graduation spacing
tests made on the same test material, but using different force- when using a Type B device.
diameter ratios, will produce different Brinell hardness num- 7.6.3 For tests on flat surfaces, the difference between the
bers. largest and smallest measured diameters for the same indenta-
7.3.1 Example—An HBW 10/500 test will usually approxi- tion shall not exceed 1% of the indenter ball diameter unless it
mate an HBW 5/125 test since the force-diameter ratio is 5 for is specified in the product specification, such as for an
both scales. However, a value of 160 HBW 10/500 will be anisotropic grain structure.
approximately equal to 180 HBW 10/3000 on the same test 7.6.3.1 Example—For indentations made using ball indent-
material because of different force-diameter ratios (5 and 30, ers having 10 mm, 5 mm, 2.5 mm and 1 mm diameters, the
respectively). maximum differences between the largest and smallest mea-
sured diameters are 0.1 mm, 0.05 mm, 0.025 mm and 0.01 mm,
7.4 Daily Verification—A daily verification of the testing respectively.
machine shall be performed in accordance with Annex A1 prior
7.6.4 When indentations are made on a curved surface, the
to making hardness tests. Hardness measurements shall be
minimum radius of curvature of the surface shall be two and a
made only on the calibrated surface of the test block. It is also
half times the diameter of the ball. Indentations made on
recommended that the operation of the machine be checked in
curved surfaces may be slightly elliptical rather than circular in
accordance with the daily verification method specified in
shape. The measurements of the indentation shall be taken as
Annex A1 after each change of the test force, anvil or the
the mean of the major and minor axes.
indenter.
7.7 Indentation Spacing—The distance between the centers
7.5 Indentation Procedure—The Brinell hardness test shall
of two adjacent indentations shall be at least three times the
be carried out as follows:
iTeh Standards
diameter of the mean indentation.
7.5.1 Bring the indenter into contact with the test surface in
7.7.1 The distance from the center of any indentation to an
a direction perpendicular to the surface without shock, vibra-
edge of the test piece shall be at least two and a half times the
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tion or overshoot. The angle between the indenter force-line
and the surface of the specimen should be perpendicular.
7.5.2 Apply the test force F within 1 s to 8 s. Faster force
diameter of the mean indentation.
7.8 Brinell hardness tests should be carried out at an
Document Preview
application times are permitted if it is demonstrated that test
results are not affected.
ambient temperature within the limits of 10 °C to 35 °C (50 °F
to 95 °F). Users of the Brinell test are cautioned that the
7.5.3 Maintain the fully applied test force for 10 s to 15 s, temperature of the test material and the temperature of the
with the following exception. ASTM E10-23hardness tester may affect the test results. Consequently, users
7.5.3.1 In the case of materials exhibiting excessive plastic should ensure that the test temperature does not adversely
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after application of the test force, special considerations affect the hardness measurement.
may be necessary since the indenter will continue to penetrate
into the material. Testing of these materials may require the use 8. Conversion to Other Hardness Scales or Tensile
of a longer applied force dwell time than stated above, which Strength Values
should be specified in the product specification. When an 8.1 There is no general method of accurately converting the
extended applied force dwell time is used, the dwell time shall Brinell hardness numbers on one scale to Brinell hardness
be recorded and reported with the test results (see 5.6.1). numbers on another scale, or to other types of hardness
7.5.4 At the end of the dwell time, immediately remove the numbers, or to tensile strength values. Such conversions are, at
test force without shock or vibration. best, approximations and, therefore should be avoided except
7.6 Measurement of Indentation: for special cases where a reliable basis for the approximate
7.6.1 Measure the diameter of each indentation in two conversion has been obtained by comparison tests. Additional
directions, perpendicular (90°) to each other. Additional mea- requirements are specified in 9.3 and 9.4 when reporting
surements of the indentation diameter may also be made. The converted hardness values.

TABLE 5 Summary of Statistical Information

Test Block X̄ SX̄ Sr SR rPB RPB
100 HBW 5/500 101.71 2.31 0.91 2.42 2.56 6.78
170 HBW 10/1500 175.42 2.08 0.89 2.21 2.49 6.18
225 HBW 10/1500 221.83 4.00 2.20 4.38 6.16 12.28
300 HBW 10/1500 284.63 5.48 2.64 5.89 7.39 16.48
500 HBW 10/3000 502.21 11.78 4.74 12.40 13.28 34.71
300 HBW 10/3000 291.25 6.72 2.08 6.93 5.83 19.42
200 HBW 10/3000 197.71 5.64 4.47 6.72 12.51 18.80

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NOTE 4—The Standard Hardness Conversion Tables for Metals, E140, 9.3.2 Other formats for reporting converted hardness values,
give approximate conversion values for specific materials such as steel, such as data tables, may be used, however, the original
austenitic stainless steel, nickel and high-nickel alloys, cartridge brass,
copper alloys, and alloyed white cast irons.
measurement number and test scale shall also be reported and
clearly identified.
9. Report 9.4 Since all converted hardness values are considered
9.1 At a minimum, the test report shall include the following approximate, the reported hardness values shall be rounded in
information: accordance with the Rounding Method of Practice E29 and
9.1.1 The Brinell hardness value H̄ of the test results should have no more significant digits than is given for the data
rounded to three significant digits, including all zero digits, in in the applicable conversion or correction table.
accordance with Practice E29, for example, 225 HBW, 100 10. Precision and Bias
HBW 10/500, 95.9 HBW or 9.10 HBW 5/62.5.
10.1 The precision of this test method is based on an
9.1.2 The test conditions, when other than a 3000 kgf (29.42 interlaboratory study of Test Method E10 conducted in 2006.
kN) applied force, a 10 mm ball diameter, and a 10 s to 15 s This replaces a previous study which used steel ball indenters.
application of test force are used (see 5.6.1). Each of eight laboratories tested the Brinell hardness of
9.1.3 A statement that the indentation measuring device was metallic materials. Three analyses were performed on a total of
Type A, when such a device is used. When a Type B seven different materials of varying levels of hardness. Three
indentation measuring device is used, no statement is required. replicates of each analysis were performed. The results from
9.1.4 The ambient temperature of the test, if outside the this study are filed in an ASTM Research Report.5
limits of 10 °C to 35 °C (50 °F to 95 °F), unless it has been
shown to not affect the measurement result. 10.2 Repeatability—Two test results obtained within one
laboratory shall be judged not equivalent if they differ by more
9.2 Reporting Portable Testing Machine Hardness Values— than the rPB value for that material; rPB is the interval
When using a portable Brinell hardness testing machine, the representing the critical difference between two test results for
measured hardness number shall be reported in accordance the same material, obtained by the same operator using the
with 9.1, and appended with a /P to indicate that it was
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same equipment on the same day in the same laboratory.
determined by a portable Brinell hardness testing machine. For
example: 10.3 Reproducibility—Two test results should be judged not

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220 HBW/P 10/3000 = Brinell hardness of 220 determined equivalent if they differ by more than the RPB value for that
with a tungsten carbide ball of 10 mm diameter and with a test material; RPB is the interval representing the difference be-
force of 3000 kgf (29.42 kN) applied for 10 s to 15 s. tween two test results for the same material, obtained by
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350 HBW/P 5/750 = Brinell hardness of 350 determined with
a ball of 5 mm diameter and with a test force of 750 kgf (7.355
different operators using different equipment in different labo-
ratories.
kN) applied for 10 s to 15 s. 10.4 Any judgment in accordance with statements 10.2 or
ASTM E10-23
600 HBW/P 2.5/62.5/20 = Brinell hardness of 600 determined 10.3 would have an approximate 95 % probability of being
with a ball of 2.5 mm diameter and with a test force of 62.5 kgf correct.
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(612.9 N) applied for 20 s. 10.5 Results from the interlaboratory study are summarized
9.3 Reporting Converted Hardness Values—When reporting in Table 5.
hardness values that have been converted from one type of 10.6 Bias—At the time of the study, there was no accepted
hardness test or hardness scale to another type of hardness test reference material suitable for determining the bias for this test
or hardness scale, the original measurement number and test method, therefore no statement on bias can be made.
scale shall also be reported (see E140).
9.3.1 A common historical practice is to report the con- 11. Keywords
verted hardness value followed by the measured hardness value 11.1 Brinell; hardness; mechanical test; metals
given in parentheses. For example: 372 HV (353 HBW), where
372 HV is the converted hardness value and 353 HBW is the 5
Supporting data have been filed at ASTM International Headquarters and may
original measurement value. be obtained by requesting Research Report RR:E28-1023.

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ANNEXES

(Mandatory Information)

A1. VERIFICATION OF BRINELL HARDNESS TESTING MACHINES

A1.1 Scope A1.2.4 Indirect verification of the testing machine shall be

A1.1.1 Annex A1 specifies three types of procedures for performed at the location where it will be used.
verifying Brinell hardness testing machines: direct verification, A1.2.5 Direct verification of newly manufactured or rebuilt
indirect verification, and daily verification. testing machines may be performed at the place of
A1.1.2 Direct verification is a process for verifying that manufacture, rebuild, repair or the location of use.
NOTE A1.1—It is recommended that the calibration agency that is used
critical components of the hardness testing machine are within to conduct the verifications of Brinell hardness testing machines be
allowable tolerances by directly measuring the test forces, accredited to the requirements of ISO 17025 (or an equivalent) by an
indentation measuring system, and testing cycle. accrediting body recognized by the International Laboratory Accreditation
Cooperation (ILAC) as operating to the requirements of ISO/IEC 17011.
A1.1.3 Indirect verification is a process for periodically
verifying the performance of the testing machine by means of A1.3 Direct Verification
standardized test blocks and indenters.
A1.3.1 A direct verification of the testing machine shall be
A1.1.4 The daily verification is a process for monitoring the performed at specific instances in accordance with Table A1.1.
performance of the testing machine between indirect verifica- The test forces, indentation measuring system and testing cycle
tions by means of standardized test blocks. shall be verified as follows.
NOTE A1.2—Direct verification is a useful tool for determining the
A1.2 General Requirements sources of error in a Brinell hardness testing machine. It is recommended
A1.2.1 The testing machine shall be verified at specific that testing machines undergo direct verification periodically to make
certain that errors in one component of the machine are not being offset by

iTeh Standards
instances and at periodic intervals as specified in Table A1.1, errors in another component.
and when circumstances occur that may affect the performance
of the testing machine. A1.3.2 Verification of the Test Forces—For each Brinell
A1.2.2 The temperature at (https://standards.iteh.ai)
the verification site shall be
measured with an instrument having an accuracy of at least
scale that will be used, the corresponding test force shall be
measured. The test forces shall be measured by means of a
Class A elastic force measuring instrument having an accuracy
monitored throughout the verificationDocument
period, and significant Preview
62.0 °C or 63.6 °F. It is recommended that the temperature be of at least 0.25 %, as described in Practice E74.
A1.3.2.1 Make three measurements of each force. The
temperature variations be recorded and reported. The tempera- forces shall be measured as they are applied during testing;
ture at the verification site does not need to be measured for a
daily verification. ASTM E10-23
however, longer dwell times are allowed when necessary to
enable the measuring device to obtain accurate measurements.
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A1.2.3 All instruments used to make measurements re- A1.3.2.2 Each test force F shall be accurate to within 61 %
quired by this Annex shall be calibrated traceable to national of the nominal test force as defined in Table 3.
standards when a system of traceability exists, except as noted A1.3.3 Verification of the Indentation Measuring System—
otherwise. The measuring device used to determine the diameter of the
indentation shall be verified at five intervals over the working
range by comparison with an accurate scale such as a stage
TABLE A1.1 Verification Schedule for a Brinell Testing Machine micrometer. The accuracy of the stage micrometer used to
Verification verify both Type A and Type B devices shall be at least 0.005
Schedule
Procedure mm for 5 mm and 10 mm ball tests and at least 0.001 mm for
Direct • When a testing machine is new, or when adjustments, 2.5 mm and 1 mm ball tests.
verification modifications or repairs are made that could affect the A1.3.3.1 For Type A devices, the error between the stage
application of the test forces or the measuring system.
• When a testing machine fails an indirect verification. micrometer and the measuring device over each interval shall
not exceed the Type A minimum indicator resolution shown in
Indirect • Recommended every 12 months, or more often if Table 2 for the size of ball to be used.
verification needed.
• Shall be no longer than every 18 months. A1.3.3.2 For Type B devices, it is not possible to determine
• When a test machine is installed or moved, only the a quantitative error value. Position the measuring device such
procedure for verifying the as-found condition is required,
(see A1.4.4). Indirect verification is not required after
that the lines of the measuring device line-up with the lines of
moving a portable or moveable Brinell hardness testing the stage micrometer as closely as possible. If any lines of the
machine (see 3.1.10, 3.1.11, and 5.7). measuring device do not, at least partially, overlap the corre-
• Following a direct verification.
sponding lines of the stage micrometer, then the measuring
Daily • Required each day that hardness tests are made. device shall be adjusted.
verification • Recommended whenever the indenter or test force is
changed. A1.3.4 Verification of the Testing Cycle—The testing ma-
chine shall be verified to be capable of meeting the testing

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cycle tolerances specified in 7.5. Direct verification of the TABLE A1.2 Repeatability and Error of the Testing Machine
testing cycle is to be verified by the testing machine manufac- Reference Block Maximum Permissible Maximum Permissible
turer at the time of manufacture, or when the testing machine Hardness Repeatability, R Error, E
HBW % of d̄ % of H
is returned to the manufacturer for repair, or when a problem
(See Eq 3) (See Eq 5)
with the testing cycle is suspected. Verification of the testing
HBW # 125 3 3
cycle is recommended but not required as part of the direct 125 < HBW # 225 2.5 3
verification at other times. HBW > 225 2 3

A1.3.5 Direct Verification Failure—If any of the direct

verifications fail the specified requirements, the testing ma-
chine shall not be used until it is adjusted or repaired. If the test
forces, indentation measuring system or testing cycle may have
A1.4.6 Indirect Verification Procedure—The indirect verifi-
been affected by an adjustment or repair, the affected compo-
cation procedure is designed to verify that for all of the Brinell
nents shall be verified again by a direct verification.
hardness scales to be used, each test force is being accurately
A1.4 Indirect Verification applied, each indenter-ball size is correct, and the measuring
device is calibrated correctly for the range of indentation sizes
A1.4.1 An indirect verification of the testing machine shall that these scales produce. This is accomplished by making
be performed in accordance with the schedule given in Table Brinell hardness tests on test blocks that have been calibrated
A1.1 Indirect verifications may be required more frequently for appropriate Brinell hardness scales that employ each of the
than stated in Table A1.1 and should be based on the usage of corresponding test forces and indenter ball sizes.
the testing machine. A1.4.6.1 The calibrated values and Brinell hardness scales
A1.4.2 The testing machine shall be verified for each test of the test blocks shall be chosen such that the following
force and for each ball diameter that will be used prior to the criteria are met:
next indirect verification. Hardness tests made using Brinell (1) For each test force that will be used, at least one block
scales that have not been verified within the schedule given in shall be tested.
Table A1.1 do not meet this standard.
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A1.4.3 Standardized test blocks used for the indirect veri-
(2) For each indenter-ball size that will be used, at least two
blocks shall be tested, one from a low hardness level and one

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fication shall meet the requirements of Annex A4. Hardness from a high hardness level. As best as practical, choose the low
measurements shall be made only on the calibrated surface of and high hardness levels from the range of commercially
available test blocks. In cases where more than one of the
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the test block.
NOTE A1.3—It is recognized that appropriate standardized test blocks Brinell hardness scales to be verified employs the same ball
are not available for all geometric shapes, materials, or hardness ranges. size, then the Brinell scale using the highest test force shall be
verified on a low hardness level block to produce the largest
A1.4.4 As-found Condition—It is recommended that the
indentation size, and the Brinell scale using the lowest test
as-found condition of the testing machine be assessedASTM as part ofE10-23
force shall be verified on a high hardness level block to
an indirect verification. This is important for documenting the
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produce the smallest indentation size. The two extremes of
historical performance of the machine. This procedure should
indentation size will verify the capability of the measuring
be conducted by the verification agency prior to any cleaning,
device. The blocks need not be from scales of the same
maintenance, adjustments, or repairs.
force/diameter ratio.
A1.4.4.1 When the as-found condition of the testing ma-
(3) Each test block’s calibrated Brinell scale is one of the
chine is assessed, the assessment shall be made using the user’s
scales to be verified.
indenter ball that is normally used with the testing machine.
(4) In cases where a Brinell scale should be verified using
A1.4.4.2 One or more standardized test blocks in the range
a low level and high level test block, but test blocks are
of normal testing should be tested for each Brinell scale that
commercially available for only one hardness level, perform
will undergo indirect verification.
the indirect verification using the one block, and directly verify
A1.4.4.3 On each standardized test block, make at least two
the measuring device according to A1.3.3.
Brinell hardness tests distributed uniformly over the test
(5) In cases where no test blocks are commercially
surface. Determine the repeatability R and the error E (Eq 3
available for a specific Brinell scale that requires verification,
and Eq 5) in the performance of the testing machine for each
directly verify the force level employed by the scale according
standardized test block that is measured.
to A1.3.2 and the measuring device according to A1.3.3.
A1.4.4.4 The repeatability R and the error E should be Example 1—A testing machine is to be verified for the
within the tolerances of Table A1.2. If the calculated values of HBW 10/3000 and HBW 5/750 scales. At a minimum, two
the repeatability R or the error E fall outside the specified blocks for each of the two ball sizes are required for the
tolerances, this is an indication that the hardness tests made verification, for a total of four test blocks: one block from a low
since the last indirect verification may be suspect. hardness level of the HBW 10/3000 scale, one block from a
A1.4.5 Cleaning and Maintenance—Perform cleaning and high hardness level of the HBW 10/3000 scale, one block from
routine maintenance of the testing machine (when required) in a low hardness level of the HBW 5/750 scale, and one block
accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications and instruc- from a high hardness level of the HBW 5/750 scale. Note that
tions. both test forces are also tested.

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Example 2—A testing machine is to be verified for the indenter ball shall be verified for use with the specific testing
HBW 10/3000, HBW 10/1500 and HBW 10/1000 scales. At a machine. The user may perform the verification by following
minimum, one block for each of the force levels are required the verification procedures for the as-found condition given
for the verification, for a total of three test blocks: one block above in A1.4.4.
from a low hardness level of the HBW 10/3000 scale, one
block from a high hardness level of the HBW 10/1000 scale, A1.5 Daily Verification
and one block from any hardness level of the HBW 10/1500 A1.5.1 The daily verification is intended as a tool for the
scale. In this case, although there is only one ball size, there are user to monitor the performance of the testing machine
three test forces that must be verified. The highest test force between indirect verifications. At a minimum, the daily veri-
(29420 N, 3000 kgf) scale is tested on a low hardness level fication shall be performed in accordance with the schedule
hardness block, and the lowest test force (9807 N, 1000 kgf) given in Table A1.1 for each Brinell scale that will be used.
scale is tested on a high hardness level test block. The middle
A1.5.2 Daily Verification Procedure—The procedure to use
test force (14710 N, 1500 kgf) scale may be tested on either a
when performing a daily verification are as follows.
low or high hardness level test block.
A1.5.2.1 At least one standardized test block that meets the
Example 3—A testing machine is to be verified for only the
requirements of Annex A4 shall be tested for each Brinell scale
HBW 10/3000 scale. At a minimum, two test blocks are
to be used prior to its use. When test blocks are commercially
required for the verification: one block from a low hardness
available, the hardness level of the test blocks should be chosen
level of the HBW 10/3000 scale, and one block from a high
at approximately the same hardness value as the material to be
hardness level of the HBW 10/3000 scale. In this case,
measured.
although there is only one Brinell scale to be verified, two test
A1.5.2.2 The indenter ball to be used for the daily verifica-
blocks of different hardness levels are required for the verifi-
tion shall be the indenter ball that is normally used for testing.
cation.
A1.5.2.3 Make at least two hardness tests on each of the
A1.4.6.2 Prior to making the indirect verification hardness
daily verification test blocks adhering to the spacing require-
tests, the measuring device shall be indirectly verified by
ments given in 7.7.
measuring the diameters of two reference indentations (see
iTeh Standards
A4.5.6) chosen from the reference blocks to be used for the
indirect verification. Locate the reference indentation on each
NOTE A1.4—Proper indentation spacing may be ensured by various
techniques, such as using devices that correctly space indentations, using
test blocks having appropriately spaced gridlines or circles marked on the
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reference block. The two reference indentations to be measured
shall be the indentation having the smallest diameter and the
indentation having the largest diameter. For Type A devices, the
test surface, using systems that move the test block to the correct position,
or by measuring the distance between the indentation and adjacent

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indentations or the block edge after making the indentation. The user is
measured dimensions shall agree with the certified diameter cautioned that depending on the spacing between the boundaries of spaced
values within 0.5 %. For Type B devices, the measured gridlines or circles marked on the test surface, proper indentation spacing
may not be ensured since indentations can be placed anywhere within the
dimensions shall be estimated to agree with the certified marked test areas.
ASTM E10-23A1.5.2.4 Determine the error E in the performance of the
diameter values within 60.02 mm for 10 mm ball indentations
and 60.01 mm for 5 mm ball indentations. If any of the
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differences is larger, the measuring device shall be directly testing machine (Eq 5) for each standardized test block that is
verified in accordance with A1.3.3. As an alternative to measured. If the difference between any of the hardness test
measuring reference indentations, the measuring device may values and the certified value of the test block is outside the
be directly verified in accordance with A1.3.3. maximum permissible error tolerances given in Table A1.2,
A1.4.6.3 The testing machine shall be verified with the then also determine the repeatability R (Eq 3).
user’s indenter ball(s) that will normally be used for testing. A1.5.2.5 If the error E and the repeatability R (if calculated)
for each test block are within the tolerances given in Table
A1.4.6.4 On each standardized test block, make three tests
A1.2, then the testing machine with the indenter may be
when using a 5 mm or 10 mm ball, or make five tests when
regarded as performing satisfactorily.
using a 2.5 mm or 1 mm ball distributed uniformly over the test
surface. Determine the repeatability R and the error E (Eq 3 A1.5.2.6 If the error E or the repeatability R (if calculated)
and Eq 5) in the performance of the testing machine for each for any of the test blocks is outside the tolerances, the daily
hardness level of each Brinell scale to be verified. The verification may be repeated with a different ball or indenter. If
repeatability R and the error E shall be within the tolerances of the error E or the repeatability R again falls outside of
Table A1.2. tolerances for any of the test blocks, an indirect verification
shall be performed. Whenever a testing machine fails a daily
A1.4.6.5 If the measurements of error E or repeatability R
verification, the hardness tests made since the last valid daily
using the user’s indenter fall outside of the specified tolerances,
verification may be suspect.
the indirect verification tests may be repeated using a different
A1.5.2.7 If the Brinell testing machine fails daily verifica-
ball.
tion using test blocks, the measuring device should be verified
A1.4.6.6 The indirect verification shall be approved only
by measuring a reference indentation (see A4.5.6) on the
when the testing machine measurements of repeatability and
standardized test block. The measured dimension should agree
error meet the specified tolerances with the user’s indenter ball.
with the certified diameter value within the tolerances given in
A1.4.7 In cases where it is necessary to replace the indenter A1.4.6.2. If the difference is larger, the measuring device
ball during the period between indirect verifications, the new should be directly verified in accordance with A1.3.3.

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NOTE A1.5—It is highly recommended that the results obtained from A1.6.3.8 Date of verification and reference to the verifying
the daily verification testing be recorded using accepted Statistical Process agency or department.
Control techniques, such as, but not limited to, X-bar (measurement
averages) and R-charts (measurement ranges), and histograms.
A1.6.3.9 Identification of the person performing the verifi-
cation.
A1.6 Verification Report A1.6.4 Indirect Verification:
A1.6.1 A verification report is required for direct and A1.6.4.1 Reference to this ASTM test method.
indirect verifications. A verification report is not required for a A1.6.4.2 Identification of the hardness testing machine,
daily verification. including the serial number and model number.
A1.6.2 The verification report shall be produced by the A1.6.4.3 Identification of all devices (test blocks, indenters,
person performing the verification and include the following etc.) used for the verification, including serial numbers, and
information when available as a result of the verification identification of standards to which traceability is made.
performed. A1.6.4.4 Test temperature at the time of verification re-
ported to a resolution of 1°C.
A1.6.3 Direct Verification:
A1.6.4.5 The Brinell hardness scale(s) verified.
A1.6.3.1 Reference to this ASTM test method.
A1.6.4.6 The individual test values and calculated results
A1.6.3.2 Identification of the hardness testing machine,
used to determine whether the testing machine meets the
including the serial number, and model number.
requirements of the verification performed. Measurements
A1.6.3.3 Identification of the indentation measuring
made to determine the as-found condition of the testing
device(s), including the serial number, model number, and
machine shall be included whenever they are made. It is
whether it is a Type A or B device.
recommended that the uncertainty in the calculated results used
A1.6.3.4 Identification of all devices (elastic proving
to determine whether the testing machine meets the require-
devices, etc.) used for the verification, including serial
ments of the verification performed also be reported.
numbers, and identification of standards to which traceability is
made. A1.6.4.7 Description of maintenance done to the testing
A1.6.3.5 Test temperature at the time of verification re- machine, when applicable.

iTeh Standards
ported to a resolution of at least 1°C. The temperature at the A1.6.4.8 Date of verification and reference to the verifying
verification site does not need to be recorded for a daily agency or department.
A1.6.4.9 Identification of the person performing the verifi-
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verification unless the temperature is outside recommended
limits or can be shown to affect the test results. cation.
A1.6.3.6 The individual measurement values and calculated A1.6.5 Daily Verification:
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results used to determine whether the testing machine meets
the requirements of the verification performed. It is recom-
A1.6.5.1 No verification report is required; however, it is
recommended that records be kept of the daily verification
mended that the uncertainty in the calculated results used to results, including the verification date, measurement results,
determine whether the testing machine meets the requirements certified value of the test block, test block identification, and
ASTM E10-23
of the verification performed also be reported. the name of the person that performed the verification, etc. (see
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A1.6.3.7 Description of adjustments or maintenance done to also Note A1.5). These records can be used to evaluate the
the testing machine, when applicable. performance of the hardness machine over time.

A2. BRINELL HARDNESS STANDARDIZING MACHINES

A2.1 Scope A2.2 Accreditation

A2.1.1 Annex A2 specifies the requirements for the A2.2.1 The agency conducting direct and/or indirect verifi-
capabilities, usage, periodic verification, and monitoring of a cations of Brinell hardness standardizing machines shall be
Brinell hardness standardizing machine. The Brinell hardness accredited to the requirements of ISO 17025 (or an equivalent)
standardizing machine differs from a Brinell hardness testing by an accrediting body recognized by the International Labo-
machine by having tighter tolerances on certain performance ratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC) as operating to the
attributes such as force application and the indentation mea- requirements of ISO/IEC 17011. An agency accredited to
suring device. A Brinell standardizing machine is used for the perform verifications of Brinell hardness standardizing ma-
standardization of Brinell test blocks as described in Annex chines may perform the verifications of its own standardizing
A4. machines. The standardizing laboratory shall have a certificate/

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scope of accreditation stating the types of verifications (direct TABLE A2.2 Testing Cycle Requirements
and/or indirect) and the Brinell hardness scales that are covered Testing Cycle Parameter Tolerance
by the accreditation. Indenter contact velocity #1 mm/s
NOTE A2.1—Accreditation is a new requirement starting with this Time for application of test force 2.0 s to 8.0 s
edition of the standard. Dwell time for test force 10 s to 15 s

A2.3 Apparatus
TABLE A2.3 Standardization Laboratory Environmental
A2.3.1 The standardizing machine shall satisfy the require- Requirements
ments of Section 5 for a Brinell hardness testing machine with
Environmental Accuracy of
the following additional requirements. Parameter
Tolerance
Measuring Instrument
A2.3.2 The standardizing machine shall be designed such Temperature 23 °C ± 2 °C ±1 °C
(73 °F ± 5 °F) (2 °F)
that each test force can be selected by an operator without their Relative humidity #70 % ±10 %
ability to adjust away from the value set at the time of
verification.
A2.3.3 Measurement Device—The measuring device shall
be a Type A device as described in 5.2.5. The divisions of the that may affect the performance of the standardizing machine,
micrometer scale of the microscope or other measuring devices according to the schedule given in Table A2.4.
NOTE A2.2—Periodic direct verification (every 12 months) is a new
used for the measurement of the diameter of the indentations
requirement starting with this edition of the standard. In previous editions
shall be such as to permit the estimation of the diameter to of this standard, direct verification was used only as an alternative to
within the tolerances given in Table A2.1. indirect verification (which is no longer required) for machine verification.
A2.3.4 Indenters—Indenters as specified in Annex A3 shall A2.5.2 The standardizing machine shall undergo monitoring
be used. verifications each day that standardizations are made, accord-
A2.3.5 Testing Cycle—The standardizing machine shall be ing to the schedule given in Table A2.4.
capable of meeting a desired test cycle parameter value within A2.5.3 All instruments used to make measurements re-

cycle.
iTeh Standards
the tolerances specified in Table A2.2 for each part of the test quired by this Annex shall be calibrated traceable to national
standards where a system of traceability exists, except as noted
A2.4 Laboratory Environment (https://standards.iteh.ai) otherwise.
A2.5.4 The standardizing machine shall be verified at the
A2.4.1 The standardizing machine shall be located in a
Document
temperature and relative-humidity controlled room with toler- Preview
ances for these conditions given in Table A2.3. The accuracy of
location where it will be used.
A2.6 Direct Verification Procedures
the temperature and relative-humidity measuring instruments A2.6.1 Perform a direct verification of the standardizing
shall be as given in Table A2.3. ASTM E10-23
machine in accordance with the schedule given in Table A2.4.
https://standards.iteh.ai/catalog/standards/sist/09775a39-e8a1-4a71-a56e-3bef7f6ac57d/astm-e10-23
A2.4.2 The temperature and relative-humidity of the stan- The test forces, indentation measuring system and the testing
dardizing laboratory shall be monitored prior to standardization cycle shall be verified.
and throughout the standardizing procedure. A2.6.2 Perform Cleaning and Maintenance—If required,
A2.4.3 The standardizing machine, indenter(s), and test cleaning and routine maintenance of the standardizing machine
blocks to be standardized must be in an environment meeting shall be made before conducting direct or indirect verifications
the tolerances of Table A2.3 for at least one hour prior to in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications and
standardization. instructions.
A2.4.4 During the standardization process, the standardiz- A2.6.3 Verification of the Test Forces—For each Brinell
ing machine shall be isolated from any vibration that may scale that will be used, the associated test force shall be
affect the measurements. measured. The test forces shall be measured by means of a
Class AA elastic force measuring instrument having an accu-
A2.5 Standardizing Machine Verifications racy of at least 0.05 %, as described in Practice E74.
A2.5.1 The standardizing machine shall undergo direct
verification at periodic intervals and when circumstances occur
TABLE A2.4 Verification Schedule for a Brinell Hardness
Standardizing Machine
Verification Schedule
TABLE A2.1 Resolution of Indentation Measuring Device Direct At a maximum, shall be within 12 months prior to
Verification standardization testing.
Ball Indenter Diameter Minimum Resolution When a standardizing machine is new, moved, or when
mm mm adjustments, modifications or repairs are made that could
10 ±0.002 affect the application of the test forces, the indentation
5 ±0.002 measuring system, or the testing cycle.
2.5 ±0.001 Monitoring Each day that test blocks are to be calibrated. Either a
1 ±0.001 direct verification or performance.

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