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 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
tion requirements and can only be verified by indirect verifi-
2.1 ASTM Standards:2
cation requirements are covered in Test Method E110.
A833 Test Method for Indentation Hardness of Metallic
1.3 This standard includes additional requirements in the Materials by Comparison Hardness Testers
following annexes: A956/A956M Test Method for Leeb Hardness Testing of
Verification of Brinell Hardness Testing Machines Annex A1 Steel Products
Brinell Hardness Standardizing Machines Annex A2
A1038 Test Method for Portable Hardness Testing by the
Standardization of Brinell Hardness Indenters Annex A3
Standardization of Brinell Hardness Test Blocks Annex A4 Ultrasonic Contact Impedance Method
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 [email protected]. 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
 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
surface of the material under test. The diameter of the resulting ratio D2
indentation d is measured after removal of the force.
3.1.5 Brinell hardness number—a number, which is propor- HBW Brinell hardness
tional to the quotient obtained by dividing the test force by the Test Force
5
curved surface area of the indentation which is assumed to be Surface area of indentation
spherical and of the diameter of the ball.
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
machine used for general testing purposes.
machine that is designed to move into the testing position prior
3.1.8 Brinell hardness standardizing machine—a Brinell 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.

2
 E10 − 23
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
block as part of a performance verification relative to the overshoot, etc.
certified average hardness value of the standardized test block, 5.2.1 See the Equipment Manufacturer’s Instruction Manual
defined as: for a description of the machine’s characteristics, limitations,

S? ?D
and respective operating procedures.
H̄ 2 H STD 5.2.2 Anvils—An anvil, or specimen support, should be used
E 5 100 × (5)
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 of a perfor- fail to support the test surface perpendicular to the indenter, or
mance verification, they are deemed unsafe.
HSTD = 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

3
 E10 − 23
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 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.
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 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 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.
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.

4
 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 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
testing and after testing is completed. 4.2 4.6 0.182
5.7.3 Additional reporting requirements, when using a por- 4.4 5.1 0.201
table Brinell hardness testing machine, are given in 9.2. 4.6 5.6 0.221
4.8 6.1 0.242
5.7.4 Portable hardness testing machines by the nature of 5.0 6.7 0.264
their application may induce errors that could influence the test 5.2 7.3 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 5.8 9.3 0.365
machines, the user should compare the results of the precision
and 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.

5
 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:
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
tion or overshoot. The angle between the indenter force-line
diameter of the mean indentation.
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 7.8 Brinell hardness tests should be carried out at an
application times are permitted if it is demonstrated that test ambient temperature within the limits of 10 °C to 35 °C (50 °F
results are not affected. 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. hardness 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
flow 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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 E10 − 23
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 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
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
350 HBW/P 5/750 = Brinell hardness of 350 determined with different operators using different equipment in different labo-
a ball of 5 mm diameter and with a test force of 750 kgf (7.355 ratories.
kN) applied for 10 s to 15 s. 10.4 Any judgment in accordance with statements 10.2 or
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.
(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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 E10 − 23
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
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
scale that will be used, the corresponding test force shall be
A1.2.2 The temperature at the verification site shall be measured. The test forces shall be measured by means of a
measured with an instrument having an accuracy of at least Class A elastic force measuring instrument having an accuracy
62.0 °C or 63.6 °F. It is recommended that the temperature be of at least 0.25 %, as described in Practice E74.
monitored throughout the verification period, and significant 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 however, longer dwell times are allowed when necessary to
daily verification. enable the measuring device to obtain accurate measurements.
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

8
 E10 − 23
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. (2) For each indenter-ball size that will be used, at least two
A1.4.3 Standardized test blocks used for the indirect veri- blocks shall be tested, one from a low hardness level and one
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
the test block. available test blocks. In cases where more than one of the
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 assessed as part of
force shall be verified on a high hardness level block to
an indirect verification. This is important for documenting the
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.

9
 E10 − 23
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
A4.5.6) chosen from the reference blocks to be used for the NOTE A1.4—Proper indentation spacing may be ensured by various
indirect verification. Locate the reference indentation on each techniques, such as using devices that correctly space indentations, using
test blocks having appropriately spaced gridlines or circles marked on the
reference block. The two reference indentations to be measured test surface, using systems that move the test block to the correct position,
shall be the indentation having the smallest diameter and the or by measuring the distance between the indentation and adjacent
indentation having the largest diameter. For Type A devices, the 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.
diameter values within 60.02 mm for 10 mm ball indentations
and 60.01 mm for 5 mm ball indentations. If any of the A1.5.2.4 Determine the error E in the performance of the
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.

10
 E10 − 23
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.
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.
verification unless the temperature is outside recommended A1.6.4.9 Identification of the person performing the verifi-
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:
results used to determine whether the testing machine meets A1.6.5.1 No verification report is required; however, it is
the requirements of the verification performed. It is recom- 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
of the verification performed also be reported. the name of the person that performed the verification, etc. (see
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/

11
 E10 − 23
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-
the tolerances specified in Table A2.2 for each part of the test quired by this Annex shall be calibrated traceable to national
cycle. standards where a system of traceability exists, except as noted
otherwise.
A2.4 Laboratory Environment
A2.5.4 The standardizing machine shall be verified at the
A2.4.1 The standardizing machine shall be located in a location where it will be used.
temperature and relative-humidity controlled room with toler-
ances for these conditions given in Table A2.3. The accuracy of 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. machine in accordance with the schedule given in Table A2.4.
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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 E10 − 23
A2.6.3.1 Make three measurements of each force. The for each ball size that will be used. The monitoring test blocks
forces shall be measured as they are applied during testing. The shall meet the requirements of Annex A4. The hardness level of
extension of dwell times to obtain force measurements is not each monitoring block should be chosen that is in the mid
permitted. No adjustments are allowed between measurements. range of the hardness scale.
A2.6.3.2 Each test force F shall be accurate to within A2.7.4.2 Make at least two hardness tests distributed uni-
0.25 % of the nominal test force as defined in Table 3. formly over the surface of the test block. Determine the error
A2.6.4 Verification of the Indentation Measuring System— E (Eq 5) and the repeatability R (Eq 3) in the performance of
The measuring device used to determine the diameter of the the standardizing machine for each monitoring test block that
indentation shall be verified at five intervals over the working is measured. If the error E and the repeatability R for each test
range by the use of an accurate scale such as a stage block are within the tolerances given in Table A2.6, then the
micrometer or by other suitable means to ensure that the standardizing machine with the indenter may be regarded as
accuracy of the measurements is within the tolerances given in performing satisfactorily.
Table A2.5 for the size of indentation to be measured. The A2.7.4.3 If any of the error E or repeatability R measure-
accuracy of the stage micrometer shall be 0.00025 mm. ments fall outside of the specified tolerances, the standardizing
machine shall not be considered to have passed the monitoring
A2.6.5 Verification of the Testing Cycle—The standardizing verification, and shall not be used for standardizations. When-
machine shall be verified to be capable of meeting the testing ever a standardizing machine fails a monitoring verification,
cycle tolerances specified in Table A2.2. the standardizations made since the last valid monitoring
A2.6.6 Indenter Balls—At the time of the direct verification, verification may be suspect.
all indenter balls that have been used shall be replaced by new A2.7.5 Monitoring Methods—Control charts or other com-
unused indenter balls meeting the requirements of Annex A3. 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,”
prepared by Committee E11 on Quality and Statistics. The
A2.7 Monitoring Verification Procedures 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
based on past experience. The need for corrective action does not depend
A2.7.2 The standardizing laboratory shall monitor the stan- 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
falling outside the control limits should alert the laboratory to a possible
schedule given in Table A2.4. Monitoring verifications shall be problem. The level of action that is required depends on the history of the
performed prior to the test block calibrations, and may be made 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
A2.8.1 Direct Verification:
in accordance with the requirements of A2.6 for the force level
A2.8.1.1 Reference to this ASTM test method.
and ball size of the Brinell scale to be used that day.
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
performed on at least one monitoring test block for each force
level that will be used and on at least one monitoring test block TABLE A2.6 Maximum Allowable Repeatability and Error of
Standardizing Machines
Maximum Maximum Permis-
TABLE A2.5 Maximum Error of Indentation Measuring Device Reference Block
Permissible sible
Hardness
Repeatability, R Error, E
Ball Indenter Diameter Maximum Error HBW
% of d̄ % of H
mm mm
10 ±0.004 (See Eq 3) (See Eq 5)
5 ±0.004 HBW # 125 2 2
2.5 ±0.002 125 < HBW # 225 2 2
1 ±0.002 HBW > 225 1.5 1.5

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A2.8.1.4 Test temperature at the time of verification re- A2.8.2.4 Test temperature at the time of verification re-
ported to a resolution of at least 1°C. ported to a resolution of at least 1 °C.
A2.8.1.5 The individual measurement values and calculated A2.8.2.5 The Brinell hardness scale(s) verified.
results used to determine whether the standardizing machine A2.8.2.6 The individual measurement values and calculated
meets the requirements of the verification performed. It is results used to determine whether the standardizing machine
recommended that the uncertainty in the calculated results used meets the requirements of the verification performed. Measure-
to determine whether the standardizing machine meets the ments made to determine the as-found condition of the
requirements of the verification performed also are reported. standardizing machine shall be included whenever they are
A2.8.1.6 Description of adjustments or maintenance done to made. It is recommended that the uncertainty in the calculated
the standardizing machine, when applicable. results used to determine whether the standardizing machine
A2.8.1.7 Date of verification and reference to the verifying meets the requirements of the verification performed also are
agency or department. reported.
A2.8.2.7 Description of maintenance done to the standard-
A2.8.1.8 Identification of the person performing the verifi-
izing machine, when applicable.
cation.
A2.8.2.8 Date of verification and reference to the verifying
A2.8.1.9 Accreditation certification number.
agency or department.
A2.8.2 Indirect Verification: A2.8.2.9 Identification of the person performing the verifi-
A2.8.2.1 Reference to this ASTM test method. cation.
A2.8.2.2 Identification of the standardizing machine, in- A2.8.2.10 Accreditation certification number.
cluding the serial number, manufacturer and model number. A2.8.3 Monitoring Verification:
A2.8.2.3 Identification of all devices (test blocks, indenters, A2.8.3.1 No verification report is required; however, it is
etc.) used for the verification, including serial numbers and required that records be kept of the monitoring verification
identification of standards to which traceability is made. results, see A2.7.5.

A3. STANDARDIZATION OF BRINELL HARDNESS INDENTERS

A3.1 Scope A3.3.3 Ball indenters frequently consist of a holder, a cap

A3.1.1 Annex A3 specifies the requirements for Brinell and a ball. The ball may be changed without affecting the
hardness indenter balls. The Annex covers the Brinell tungsten- assembly’s verification provided the ball conforms to all the
carbide ball indenters for use with all Brinell scales. requirements in this section.

A3.2 Accreditation A3.4 Indenter Balls

A3.2.1 The agency conducting the standardizations of in- A3.4.1 Indenter balls are verified for correct geometry,
denters shall be accredited to the requirements of ISO 17025 hardness, density, and chemical composition in accordance
(or an equivalent) by an accrediting body recognized by the with the schedule specified in Table A3.1.
International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC) as A3.4.2 The hardness of the ball shall be not less than 1500
operating to the requirements of ISO/IEC 17011. The standard- HV10 when measured on the spherical surface of the ball in
izing laboratory shall have a certificate of accreditation stating accordance with ASTM E92, or not less than 1500 HV 1 when
the class and types of indenters that are covered by the measured on the flat surface of a sectioned ball in accordance
accreditation. with ASTM E92 or Test Method E384. When testing on the
NOTE A3.1—Accreditation is a new requirement starting with this spherical surface of the ball, the hardness result must be
edition of the standard. corrected due to the curved surface as specified in ASTM E92.
A3.3 General Requirements A3.4.3 The material of the balls shall have a density of 14.8
A3.3.1 The standard indenters are tungsten carbide balls of g/cm3 6 0.2 g/cm3 and the following chemical composition:
four specified diameters (10 mm, 5 mm, 2.5 mm, and 1 mm) to
be used for the Brinell hardness scales as given in Table 3.
TABLE A3.1 Indenter Ball Verification Schedule
A3.3.2 All instruments used to make measurements re-
Verification Schedule
quired by this Annex shall be calibrated traceable to national
Geometrical features, density, When an indenter is new
standards where a system of traceability exists, except as noted chemical composition, and hardness
otherwise.

14
 E10 − 23

Total other carbides 2.0 % maximum sample selected at random from a batch. The balls verified for
Cobalt (Co) 5.0 % to 7.0 % hardness shall be discarded.
Tungsten carbide (WC) balance
A3.4.4 The diameter, when measured at not less than three A3.4.7 To meet the above requirements for indenter balls,
positions, shall not differ from the nominal diameter by more the ball-standardizing laboratory may either verify that the
than the tolerances given in Table A3.2. balls meet the requirements, or obtain a certificate of verifica-
A3.4.5 The mean surface roughness of the ball shall not tion from the ball manufacturer.
exceed 0.00005 mm (2 µin.). A3.5 Certificate
NOTE A3.2—Balls that conform to ABMA Grade 24 satisfy the
requirements for size and finish as specified in ABMA Standard 10-1989. A3.5.1 At a minimum, each indenter ball shall have a test
A3.4.6 For the purpose of verifying the density, size, finish certificate with the following information:
and hardness of the ball, it is considered sufficient to test a A3.5.1.1 Reference to this ASTM test method.
A3.5.1.2 Identification of the lot or batch.
TABLE A3.2 Diameter Tolerances for Indenter Balls
A3.5.1.3 Date.
Ball Diameter, mm mm
10 ±0.005 A3.5.1.4 A statement declaring that the indenter meets all of
5 ±0.004 the geometrical, density and hardness requirements for a
2.5 ±0.003 Brinell hardness indenter.
1 ±0.003
A3.5.1.5 Accreditation certification number.

A4. STANDARDIZATION OF BRINELL HARDNESS TEST BLOCKS

A4.1 Scope made on the test surface. The mark shall be such that it cannot
A4.1.1 Annex A4 specifies the requirements and procedures be removed by any method other than removal of test block
for the standardization of Brinell hardness test blocks. These material.
standardized test blocks are to be used for the verification of A4.3.4 The standardized test block shall meet the physical
the performance of Brinell hardness testing machines by way requirements of Table A4.1.
of daily verifications and indirect verifications as described in
Annex A1. The standardized test blocks are also to be used for A4.4 General Requirements
the monitoring verifications of Brinell standardizing machines A4.4.1 The standardizing laboratory environment, the stan-
as described in Annex A2. dardizing machine, and the standardizing test cycle shall
satisfy the requirements of Annex A2.
A4.2 Accreditation
A4.4.2 All instruments used to make measurements re-
A4.2.1 The agency conducting the standardizations of test quired by this Annex shall have been calibrated traceable to
blocks shall be accredited to the requirements of ISO 17025 (or national standards where a system of traceability exists, except
an equivalent) by an accrediting body recognized by the as noted otherwise.
International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC) as
operating to the requirements of ISO/IEC 17011. The standard- A4.5 Standardization Procedure
izing agency shall have a certificate/scope of accreditation A4.5.1 A test block is standardized by calibrating the
stating the Brinell hardness scales that are covered by the average hardness of the test surface. Only one surface of the
accreditation, and the standards to which the test block
standardizations are traceable.
NOTE A4.1—Accreditation is a new requirement starting with this TABLE A4.1 Physical Requirements of Standardized Test Blocks
edition of the standard. Test Block Parameter Tolerance
Thickness $16.0 mm for 10 mm ball tests
A4.3 Manufacture $12.0 mm for 5 mm ball tests
$6.0 mm for smaller ball tests
A4.3.1 The attention of the manufacturer of test blocks is Test surface area #150 cm2 for $ 5 mm ball tests
drawn to the need to use material and a manufacturing process, #40 cm2 for < 5 mm ball tests
which will give the necessary homogeneity, stability of Deviation from surface flatness #0.02 mm for $ 5 mm ball tests
(test & bottom) #0.005 mm for < 5 mm ball tests
structure, and uniformity of surface hardness. Deviation from surface parallelism #0.0008 mm per mm for $ 5 mm ball
(test & bottom) tests
A4.3.2 The test blocks, if of steel, shall be demagnetized at #0.0002 mm per mm for < 5 mm ball
the end of the manufacturing process. tests
Mean test surface roughness #0.0003 mm Ra for 10 mm ball tests
A4.3.3 To assure that material is not removed from the test #0.00015 mm Ra for smaller ball tests
surface after standardization, an identifying mark shall be

15
 E10 − 23
test block shall be calibrated. The Brinell standard to which the A4.6 Marking
test blocks are traceable shall be stated in the certification. A4.6.1 Markings placed on the side of the block shall be
A4.5.2 The standardization procedure involves making upright when the calibrated test surface is the upper surface.
hardness tests on the test block surface using the forces and A4.6.2 Each standardized block shall be marked with the
type of indenter that are appropriate for the hardness scale. following:
Make at least five hardness tests distributed uniformly over the A4.6.2.1 The standardized hardness value H̄ of the test
test surface. block rounded to no better than three significant digits in
A4.5.3 Calculate the diameter values for d1, d2, ... dn for accordance with Practice E29, for example, 125 HBW, 99
each indentation (see Table 1) and the average of the diameter HBW, or 99.2 HBW.
values d̄ using Eq 2. A4.6.2.2 Identification of the reference indentation(s).
A4.5.4 Determine the percent range dR for the measure- A4.6.2.3 A mark identifying the test surface, which will be
ments as: obliterated if the surface is reground.
A4.6.2.4 Unique serial number.
d max 2 d min
d R 5 100 × (A4.1) A4.6.2.5 Year of standardization. It is sufficient that the year
d̄ of standardization be incorporated into the serial number of the
where: block.
dmax = diameter value of the largest measured indentation, A4.7 Certificate
and
A4.7.1 At a minimum, each standardized test block shall be
dmin = diameter value of the smallest measured indentation.
supplied with a certificate from the standardizing laboratory
A4.5.4.1 The percent range dR provides an indication of the stating the following standardization information:
non-uniformity of the test block hardness. For acceptability, the A4.7.1.1 Reference to this ASTM test method.
percent range dR shall be within the tolerances of Table A4.2. A4.7.1.2 Serial number of the test block.
A4.5.5 The standardized value of the test block is defined as A4.7.1.3 The results of the individual standardizing tests,
the average of the standardization measurements H̄ (Eq 4). including:
(1) The diameter values d1, d2, ..., dn of the n indentations
A4.5.6 Reference Indentation—In addition to calibrating the
(see Table 1).
average hardness of the test surface, one or more of the
(2) The average of the diameter values d̄ (see Eq 2).
calibration indentations shall be certified for the measurement
(3) The calculated hardness values H1, H2, ..., Hn.
of the diameter and will be known as a reference indentation.
The reference indentation will be measured as part of the (4) The average hardness value H̄ rounded to three signifi-
indirect and daily verifications. cant digits in accordance with Practice E29, for example, 125
HBW, 99.2 HBW.
A4.7.1.4 Information about the location of the reference
indentation(s), the orientation of the measured diameter(s), and
TABLE A4.2 Maximum Nonuniformity for Standardized the certified value of the reference indentation(s) diameter (see
Test Blocks
A4.5.6).
Reference Block Hardness Maximum Range, dR
HBW
A4.7.1.5 The body that maintains the Brinell hardness scale
% of d̄ (see Eq A4.1)
to which the test block is traceable.
HBW # 225 2
HBW > 225 1 A4.7.1.6 Date of standardization.
A4.7.1.7 Accreditation agency certification number.

APPENDIXES

(Nonmandatory Information)

X1. TABLE OF BRINELL HARDNESS NUMBERS

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TABLE X1.1 Brinell Hardness Numbers

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
2.08 1.040 0.5200 0.208 873 437 291 146 72.8 36.4 29.1
2.09 1.045 0.5225 0.209 865 432 288 144 72.1 36.0 28.8
2.10 1.050 0.5250 0.210 856 428 285 143 71.4 35.7 28.5
2.11 1.055 0.5275 0.211 848 424 283 141 70.7 35.3 28.3
2.12 1.060 0.5300 0.212 840 420 280 140 70.0 35.0 28.0
2.13 1.065 0.5325 0.213 832 416 277 139 69.4 34.7 27.7
2.14 1.070 0.5350 0.214 824 412 275 137 68.7 34.4 27.5
2.15 1.075 0.5375 0.215 817 408 272 136 68.1 34.0 27.2
2.16 1.080 0.5400 0.216 809 405 270 135 67.4 33.7 27.0
2.17 1.085 0.5425 0.217 802 401 267 134 66.8 33.4 26.7
2.18 1.090 0.5450 0.218 794 397 265 132 66.2 33.1 26.5
2.19 1.095 0.5475 0.219 787 393 262 131 65.6 32.8 26.2
2.20 1.100 0.5500 0.220 780 390 260 130 65.0 32.5 26.0
2.21 1.105 0.5525 0.221 772 386 257 129 64.4 32.2 25.7
2.22 1.110 0.5550 0.222 765 383 255 128 63.8 31.9 25.5
2.23 1.115 0.5575 0.223 758 379 253 126 63.2 31.6 25.3
2.24 1.120 0.5600 0.224 752 376 251 125 62.6 31.3 25.1
2.25 1.125 0.5625 0.225 745 372 248 124 62.1 31.0 24.8
2.26 1.130 0.5650 0.226 738 369 246 123 61.5 30.8 24.6
2.27 1.135 0.5675 0.227 732 366 244 122 61.0 30.5 24.4
2.28 1.140 0.5700 0.228 725 363 242 121 60.4 30.2 24.2
2.29 1.145 0.5725 0.229 719 359 240 120 59.9 29.9 24.0
2.30 1.150 0.5750 0.230 712 356 237 119 59.4 29.7 23.7
2.31 1.155 0.5775 0.231 706 353 235 118 58.8 29.4 23.5
2.32 1.160 0.5800 0.232 700 350 233 117 58.3 29.2 23.3
2.33 1.165 0.5825 0.233 694 347 231 116 57.8 28.9 23.1
2.34 1.170 0.5850 0.234 688 344 229 115 57.3 28.7 22.9
2.35 1.175 0.5875 0.235 682 341 227 114 56.8 28.4 22.7
2.36 1.180 0.5900 0.236 676 338 225 113 56.3 28.2 22.5
2.37 1.185 0.5925 0.237 670 335 223 112 55.9 27.9 22.3
2.38 1.190 0.5950 0.238 665 332 222 111 55.4 27.7 22.2
2.39 1.195 0.5975 0.239 659 330 220 110 54.9 27.5 22.0
2.40 1.200 0.6000 0.240 653 327 218 109 54.5 27.2 21.8
2.41 1.205 0.6025 0.241 648 324 216 108 54.0 27.0 21.6
2.42 1.210 0.6050 0.242 643 321 214 107 53.5 26.8 21.4
2.43 1.215 0.6075 0.243 637 319 212 106 53.1 26.5 21.2
2.44 1.220 0.6100 0.244 632 316 211 105 52.7 26.3 21.1
2.45 1.225 0.6125 0.245 627 313 209 104 52.2 26.1 20.9
2.46 1.230 0.6150 0.246 621 311 207 104 51.8 25.9 20.7
2.47 1.235 0.6175 0.247 616 308 205 103 51.4 25.7 20.5
2.48 1.240 0.6200 0.248 611 306 204 102 50.9 25.5 20.4
2.49 1.245 0.6225 0.249 606 303 202 101 50.5 25.3 20.2
2.50 1.250 0.6250 0.250 601 301 200 100 50.1 25.1 20.0
2.51 1.255 0.6275 0.251 597 298 199 99.4 49.7 24.9 19.9
2.52 1.260 0.6300 0.252 592 296 197 98.6 49.3 24.7 19.7
2.53 1.265 0.6325 0.253 587 294 196 97.8 48.9 24.5 19.6
2.54 1.270 0.6350 0.254 582 291 194 97.1 48.5 24.3 19.4
2.55 1.275 0.6375 0.255 578 289 193 96.3 48.1 24.1 19.3
2.56 1.280 0.6400 0.256 573 287 191 95.5 47.8 23.9 19.1
2.57 1.285 0.6425 0.257 569 284 190 94.8 47.4 23.7 19.0
2.58 1.290 0.6450 0.258 564 282 188 94.0 47.0 23.5 18.8
2.59 1.295 0.6475 0.259 560 280 187 93.3 46.6 23.3 18.7
2.60 1.300 0.6500 0.260 555 278 185 92.6 46.3 23.1 18.5
2.61 1.305 0.6525 0.261 551 276 184 91.8 45.9 23.0 18.4
2.62 1.310 0.6550 0.262 547 273 182 91.1 45.6 22.8 18.2
2.63 1.315 0.6575 0.263 543 271 181 90.4 45.2 22.6 18.1

17
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TABLE X1.1 Continued
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
2.64 1.320 0.6600 0.264 538 269 179 89.7 44.9 22.4 17.9
2.65 1.325 0.6625 0.265 534 267 178 89.0 44.5 22.3 17.8
2.66 1.330 0.6650 0.266 530 265 177 88.4 44.2 22.1 17.7
2.67 1.335 0.6675 0.267 526 263 175 87.7 43.8 21.9 17.5
2.68 1.340 0.6700 0.268 522 261 174 87.0 43.5 21.8 17.4
2.69 1.345 0.6725 0.269 518 259 173 86.4 43.2 21.6 17.3
2.70 1.350 0.6750 0.270 514 257 171 85.7 42.9 21.4 17.1
2.71 1.355 0.6775 0.271 510 255 170 85.1 42.5 21.3 17.0
2.72 1.360 0.6800 0.272 507 253 169 84.4 42.2 21.1 16.9
2.73 1.365 0.6825 0.273 503 251 168 83.8 41.9 20.9 16.8
2.74 1.370 0.6850 0.274 499 250 166 83.2 41.6 20.8 16.6
2.75 1.375 0.6875 0.275 495 248 165 82.6 41.3 20.6 16.5
2.76 1.380 0.6900 0.276 492 246 164 81.9 41.0 20.5 16.4
2.77 1.385 0.6925 0.277 488 244 163 81.3 40.7 20.3 16.3
2.78 1.390 0.6950 0.278 485 242 162 80.8 40.4 20.2 16.2
2.79 1.395 0.6975 0.279 481 240 160 80.2 40.1 20.0 16.0
2.80 1.400 0.7000 0.280 477 239 159 79.6 39.8 19.9 15.9
2.81 1.405 0.7025 0.281 474 237 158 79.0 39.5 19.8 15.8
2.82 1.410 0.7050 0.282 471 235 157 78.4 39.2 19.6 15.7
2.83 1.415 0.7075 0.283 467 234 156 77.9 38.9 19.5 15.6
2.84 1.420 0.7100 0.284 464 232 155 77.3 38.7 19.3 15.5
2.85 1.425 0.7125 0.285 461 230 154 76.8 38.4 19.2 15.4
2.86 1.430 0.7150 0.286 457 229 152 76.2 38.1 19.1 15.2
2.87 1.435 0.7175 0.287 454 227 151 75.7 37.8 18.9 15.1
2.88 1.440 0.7200 0.288 451 225 150 75.1 37.6 18.8 15.0
2.89 1.445 0.7225 0.289 448 224 149 74.6 37.3 18.6 14.9
2.90 1.450 0.7250 0.290 444 222 148 74.1 37.0 18.5 14.8
2.91 1.455 0.7275 0.291 441 221 147 73.6 36.8 18.4 14.7
2.92 1.460 0.7300 0.292 438 219 146 73.0 36.5 18.3 14.6
2.93 1.465 0.7325 0.293 435 218 145 72.5 36.3 18.1 14.5
2.94 1.470 0.7350 0.294 432 216 144 72.0 36.0 18.0 14.4
2.95 1.475 0.7375 0.295 429 215 143 71.5 35.8 17.9 14.3
2.96 1.480 0.7400 0.296 426 213 142 71.0 35.5 17.8 14.2
2.97 1.485 0.7425 0.297 423 212 141 70.5 35.3 17.6 14.1
2.98 1.490 0.7450 0.298 420 210 140 70.1 35.0 17.5 14.0
2.99 1.495 0.7475 0.299 417 209 139 69.6 34.8 17.4 13.9
3.00 1.500 0.7500 0.300 415 207 138 69.1 34.6 17.3 13.8
3.01 1.505 0.7525 0.301 412 206 137 68.6 34.3 17.2 13.7
3.02 1.510 0.7550 0.302 409 205 136 68.2 34.1 17.0 13.6
3.03 1.515 0.7575 0.303 406 203 135 67.7 33.9 16.9 13.5
3.04 1.520 0.7600 0.304 404 202 135 67.3 33.6 16.8 13.5
3.05 1.525 0.7625 0.305 401 200 134 66.8 33.4 16.7 13.4
3.06 1.530 0.7650 0.306 398 199 133 66.4 33.2 16.6 13.3
3.07 1.535 0.7675 0.307 395 198 132 65.9 33.0 16.5 13.2
3.08 1.540 0.7700 0.308 393 196 131 65.5 32.7 16.4 13.1
3.09 1.545 0.7725 0.309 390 195 130 65.0 32.5 16.3 13.0
3.10 1.550 0.7750 0.310 388 194 129 64.6 32.3 16.2 12.9
3.11 1.555 0.7775 0.311 385 193 128 64.2 32.1 16.0 12.8
3.12 1.560 0.7800 0.312 383 191 128 63.8 31.9 15.9 12.8
3.13 1.565 0.7825 0.313 380 190 127 63.3 31.7 15.8 12.7
3.14 1.570 0.7850 0.314 378 189 126 62.9 31.5 15.7 12.6
3.15 1.575 0.7875 0.315 375 188 125 62.5 31.3 15.6 12.5
3.16 1.580 0.7900 0.316 373 186 124 62.1 31.1 15.5 12.4
3.17 1.585 0.7925 0.317 370 185 123 61.7 30.9 15.4 12.3
3.18 1.590 0.7950 0.318 368 184 123 61.3 30.7 15.3 12.3
3.19 1.595 0.7975 0.319 366 183 122 60.9 30.5 15.2 12.2
3.20 1.600 0.8000 0.320 363 182 121 60.5 30.3 15.1 12.1
3.21 1.605 0.8025 0.321 361 180 120 60.1 30.1 15.0 12.0
3.22 1.610 0.8050 0.322 359 179 120 59.8 29.9 14.9 12.0
3.23 1.615 0.8075 0.323 356 178 119 59.4 29.7 14.8 11.9
3.24 1.620 0.8100 0.324 354 177 118 59.0 29.5 14.8 11.8
3.25 1.625 0.8125 0.325 352 176 117 58.6 29.3 14.7 11.7
3.26 1.630 0.8150 0.326 350 175 117 58.3 29.1 14.6 11.7
3.27 1.635 0.8175 0.327 347 174 116 57.9 29.0 14.5 11.6
3.28 1.640 0.8200 0.328 345 173 115 57.5 28.8 14.4 11.5
3.29 1.645 0.8225 0.329 343 172 114 57.2 28.6 14.3 11.4
3.30 1.650 0.8250 0.330 341 170 114 56.8 28.4 14.2 11.4

18
 E10 − 23
TABLE X1.1 Continued
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
3.31 1.655 0.8275 0.331 339 169 113 56.5 28.2 14.1 11.3
3.32 1.660 0.8300 0.332 337 168 112 56.1 28.1 14.0 11.2
3.33 1.665 0.8325 0.333 335 167 112 55.8 27.9 13.9 11.2
3.34 1.670 0.8350 0.334 333 166 111 55.4 27.7 13.9 11.1
3.35 1.675 0.8375 0.335 331 165 110 55.1 27.5 13.8 11.0
3.36 1.680 0.8400 0.336 329 164 110 54.8 27.4 13.7 11.0
3.37 1.685 0.8425 0.337 326 163 109 54.4 27.2 13.6 10.9
3.38 1.690 0.8450 0.338 325 162 108 54.1 27.0 13.5 10.8
3.39 1.695 0.8475 0.339 323 161 108 53.8 26.9 13.4 10.8
3.40 1.700 0.8500 0.340 321 160 107 53.4 26.7 13.4 10.7
3.41 1.705 0.8525 0.341 319 159 106 53.1 26.6 13.3 10.6
3.42 1.710 0.8550 0.342 317 158 106 52.8 26.4 13.2 10.6
3.43 1.715 0.8575 0.343 315 157 105 52.5 26.2 13.1 10.5
3.44 1.720 0.8600 0.344 313 156 104 52.2 26.1 13.0 10.4
3.45 1.725 0.8625 0.345 311 156 104 51.8 25.9 13.0 10.4
3.46 1.730 0.8650 0.346 309 155 103 51.5 25.8 12.9 10.3
3.47 1.735 0.8675 0.347 307 154 102 51.2 25.6 12.8 10.2
3.48 1.740 0.8700 0.348 306 153 102 50.9 25.5 12.7 10.2
3.49 1.745 0.8725 0.349 304 152 101 50.6 25.3 12.7 10.1
3.50 1.750 0.8750 0.350 302 151 101 50.3 25.2 12.6 10.1
3.51 1.755 0.8775 0.351 300 150 100 50.0 25.0 12.5 10.0
3.52 1.760 0.8800 0.352 298 149 99.5 49.7 24.9 12.4 9.95
3.53 1.765 0.8825 0.353 297 148 98.9 49.4 24.7 12.4 9.89
3.54 1.770 0.8850 0.354 295 147 98.3 49.2 24.6 12.3 9.83
3.55 1.775 0.8875 0.355 293 147 97.7 48.9 24.4 12.2 9.77
3.56 1.780 0.8900 0.356 292 146 97.2 48.6 24.3 12.1 9.72
3.57 1.785 0.8925 0.357 290 145 96.6 48.3 24.2 12.1 9.66
3.58 1.790 0.8950 0.358 288 144 96.1 48.0 24.0 12.0 9.61
3.59 1.795 0.8975 0.359 286 143 95.5 47.7 23.9 11.9 9.55
3.60 1.800 0.9000 0.360 285 142 95.0 47.5 23.7 11.9 9.50
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

19
 E10 − 23
TABLE X1.1 Continued
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
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
4.09 2.045 1.0225 0.409 218 109 72.8 36.4 18.2 9.10 7.28
4.10 2.050 1.0250 0.410 217 109 72.4 36.2 18.1 9.05 7.24
4.11 2.055 1.0275 0.411 216 108 72.0 36.0 18.0 9.01 7.20
4.12 2.060 1.0300 0.412 215 108 71.7 35.8 17.9 8.96 7.17
4.13 2.065 1.0325 0.413 214 107 71.3 35.7 17.8 8.91 7.13
4.14 2.070 1.0350 0.414 213 106 71.0 35.5 17.7 8.87 7.10
4.15 2.075 1.0375 0.415 212 106 70.6 35.3 17.6 8.82 7.06
4.16 2.080 1.0400 0.416 211 105 70.2 35.1 17.6 8.78 7.02
4.17 2.085 1.0425 0.417 210 105 69.9 34.9 17.5 8.74 6.99
4.18 2.090 1.0450 0.418 209 104 69.5 34.8 17.4 8.69 6.95
4.19 2.095 1.0475 0.419 208 104 69.2 34.6 17.3 8.65 6.92
4.20 2.100 1.0500 0.420 207 103 68.8 34.4 17.2 8.61 6.88
4.21 2.105 1.0525 0.421 205 103 68.5 34.2 17.1 8.56 6.85
4.22 2.110 1.0550 0.422 204 102 68.2 34.1 17.0 8.52 6.82
4.23 2.115 1.0575 0.423 203 102 67.8 33.9 17.0 8.48 6.78
4.24 2.120 1.0600 0.424 202 101 67.5 33.7 16.9 8.44 6.75
4.25 2.125 1.0625 0.425 201 101 67.1 33.6 16.8 8.39 6.71
4.26 2.130 1.0650 0.426 200 100 66.8 33.4 16.7 8.35 6.68
4.27 2.135 1.0675 0.427 199 100 66.5 33.2 16.6 8.31 6.65
4.28 2.140 1.0700 0.428 198 99.2 66.2 33.1 16.5 8.27 6.62
4.29 2.145 1.0725 0.429 198 98.8 65.8 32.9 16.5 8.23 6.58
4.30 2.150 1.0750 0.430 197 98.3 65.5 32.8 16.4 8.19 6.55
4.31 2.155 1.0775 0.431 196 97.8 65.2 32.6 16.3 8.15 6.52
4.32 2.160 1.0800 0.432 195 97.3 64.9 32.4 16.2 8.11 6.49
4.33 2.165 1.0825 0.433 194 96.8 64.6 32.3 16.1 8.07 6.46
4.34 2.170 1.0850 0.434 193 96.4 64.2 32.1 16.1 8.03 6.42
4.35 2.175 1.0875 0.435 192 95.9 63.9 32.0 16.0 7.99 6.39
4.36 2.180 1.0900 0.436 191 95.4 63.6 31.8 15.9 7.95 6.36
4.37 2.185 1.0925 0.437 190 95.0 63.3 31.7 15.8 7.92 6.33
4.38 2.190 1.0950 0.438 189 94.5 63.0 31.5 15.8 7.88 6.30
4.39 2.195 1.0975 0.439 188 94.1 62.7 31.4 15.7 7.84 6.27
4.40 2.200 1.1000 0.440 187 93.6 62.4 31.2 15.6 7.80 6.24
4.41 2.205 1.1025 0.441 186 93.2 62.1 31.1 15.5 7.76 6.21
4.42 2.210 1.1050 0.442 185 92.7 61.8 30.9 15.5 7.73 6.18
4.43 2.215 1.1075 0.443 185 92.3 61.5 30.8 15.4 7.69 6.15
4.44 2.220 1.1100 0.444 184 91.8 61.2 30.6 15.3 7.65 6.12
4.45 2.225 1.1125 0.445 183 91.4 60.9 30.5 15.2 7.62 6.09
4.46 2.230 1.1150 0.446 182 91.0 60.6 30.3 15.2 7.58 6.06
4.47 2.235 1.1175 0.447 181 90.5 60.4 30.2 15.1 7.55 6.04
4.48 2.240 1.1200 0.448 180 90.1 60.1 30.0 15.0 7.51 6.01
4.49 2.245 1.1225 0.449 179 89.7 59.8 29.9 14.9 7.47 5.98
4.50 2.250 1.1250 0.450 179 89.3 59.5 29.8 14.9 7.44 5.95
4.51 2.255 1.1275 0.451 178 88.9 59.2 29.6 14.8 7.40 5.92
4.52 2.260 1.1300 0.452 177 88.4 59.0 29.5 14.7 7.37 5.90
4.53 2.265 1.1325 0.453 176 88.0 58.7 29.3 14.7 7.34 5.87
4.54 2.270 1.1350 0.454 175 87.6 58.4 29.2 14.6 7.30 5.84
4.55 2.275 1.1375 0.455 174 87.2 58.1 29.1 14.5 7.27 5.81
4.56 2.280 1.1400 0.456 174 86.8 57.9 28.9 14.5 7.23 5.79
4.57 2.285 1.1425 0.457 173 86.4 57.6 28.8 14.4 7.20 5.76
4.58 2.290 1.1450 0.458 172 86.0 57.3 28.7 14.3 7.17 5.73
4.59 2.295 1.1475 0.459 171 85.6 57.1 28.5 14.3 7.13 5.71
4.60 2.300 1.1500 0.460 170 85.2 56.8 28.4 14.2 7.10 5.68
4.61 2.305 1.1525 0.461 170 84.8 56.5 28.3 14.1 7.07 5.65
4.62 2.310 1.1550 0.462 169 84.4 56.3 28.1 14.1 7.03 5.63
4.63 2.315 1.1575 0.463 168 84.0 56.0 28.0 14.0 7.00 5.60
4.64 2.320 1.1600 0.464 167 83.6 55.8 27.9 13.9 6.97 5.58

20
 E10 − 23
TABLE X1.1 Continued
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
4.65 2.325 1.1625 0.465 167 83.3 55.5 27.8 13.9 6.94 5.55
4.66 2.330 1.1650 0.466 166 82.9 55.3 27.6 13.8 6.91 5.53
4.67 2.335 1.1675 0.467 165 82.5 55.0 27.5 13.8 6.88 5.50
4.68 2.340 1.1700 0.468 164 82.1 54.8 27.4 13.7 6.84 5.48
4.69 2.345 1.1725 0.469 164 81.8 54.5 27.3 13.6 6.81 5.45
4.70 2.350 1.1750 0.470 163 81.4 54.3 27.1 13.6 6.78 5.43
4.71 2.355 1.1775 0.471 162 81.0 54.0 27.0 13.5 6.75 5.40
4.72 2.360 1.1800 0.472 161 80.7 53.8 26.9 13.4 6.72 5.38
4.73 2.365 1.1825 0.473 161 80.3 53.5 26.8 13.4 6.69 5.35
4.74 2.370 1.1850 0.474 160 79.9 53.3 26.6 13.3 6.66 5.33
4.75 2.375 1.1875 0.475 159 79.6 53.0 26.5 13.3 6.63 5.30
4.76 2.380 1.1900 0.476 158 79.2 52.8 26.4 13.2 6.60 5.28
4.77 2.385 1.1925 0.477 158 78.9 52.6 26.3 13.1 6.57 5.26
4.78 2.390 1.1950 0.478 157 78.5 52.3 26.2 13.1 6.54 5.23
4.79 2.395 1.1975 0.479 156 78.2 52.1 26.1 13.0 6.51 5.21
4.80 2.400 1.2000 0.480 156 77.8 51.9 25.9 13.0 6.48 5.19
4.81 2.405 1.2025 0.481 155 77.5 51.6 25.8 12.9 6.46 5.16
4.82 2.410 1.2050 0.482 154 77.1 51.4 25.7 12.9 6.43 5.14
4.83 2.415 1.2075 0.483 154 76.8 51.2 25.6 12.8 6.40 5.12
4.84 2.420 1.2100 0.484 153 76.4 51.0 25.5 12.7 6.37 5.10
4.85 2.425 1.2125 0.485 152 76.1 50.7 25.4 12.7 6.34 5.07
4.86 2.430 1.2150 0.486 152 75.8 50.5 25.3 12.6 6.31 5.05
4.87 2.435 1.2175 0.487 151 75.4 50.3 25.1 12.6 6.29 5.03
4.88 2.440 1.2200 0.488 150 75.1 50.1 25.0 12.5 6.26 5.01
4.89 2.445 1.2225 0.489 150 74.8 49.8 24.9 12.5 6.23 4.98
4.90 2.450 1.2250 0.490 149 74.4 49.6 24.8 12.4 6.20 4.96
4.91 2.455 1.2275 0.491 148 74.1 49.4 24.7 12.4 6.18 4.94
4.92 2.460 1.2300 0.492 148 73.8 49.2 24.6 12.3 6.15 4.92
4.93 2.465 1.2325 0.493 147 73.5 49.0 24.5 12.2 6.12 4.90
4.94 2.470 1.2350 0.494 146 73.2 48.8 24.4 12.2 6.10 4.88
4.95 2.475 1.2375 0.495 146 72.8 48.6 24.3 12.1 6.07 4.86
4.96 2.480 1.2400 0.496 145 72.5 48.3 24.2 12.1 6.04 4.83
4.97 2.485 1.2425 0.497 144 72.2 48.1 24.1 12.0 6.02 4.81
4.98 2.490 .2450 0.498 144 71.9 47.9 24.0 12.0 5.99 4.79
4.99 2.495 1.2475 0.499 143 71.6 47.7 23.9 11.9 5.97 4.77
5.00 2.500 1.2500 0.500 143 71.3 47.5 23.8 11.9 5.94 4.75
5.01 2.505 1.2525 0.501 142 71.0 47.3 23.7 11.8 5.91 4.73
5.02 2.510 1.2550 0.502 141 70.7 47.1 23.6 11.8 5.89 4.71
5.03 2.515 1.2575 0.503 141 70.4 46.9 23.5 11.7 5.86 4.69
5.04 2.520 1.2600 0.504 140 70.1 46.7 23.4 11.7 5.84 4.67
5.05 2.525 1.2625 0.505 140 69.8 46.5 23.3 11.6 5.81 4.65
5.06 2.530 1.2650 0.506 139 69.5 46.3 23.2 11.6 5.79 4.63
5.07 2.535 1.2675 0.507 138 69.2 46.1 23.1 11.5 5.76 4.61
5.08 2.540 1.2700 0.508 138 68.9 45.9 23.0 11.5 5.74 4.59
5.09 2.545 1.2725 0.509 137 68.6 45.7 22.9 11.4 5.72 4.57
5.10 2.550 1.2750 0.510 137 68.3 45.5 22.8 11.4 5.69 4.55
5.11 2.555 1.2775 0.511 136 68.0 45.3 22.7 11.3 5.67 4.53
5.12 2.560 1.2800 0.512 135 67.7 45.1 22.6 11.3 5.64 4.51
5.13 2.565 1.2825 0.513 135 67.4 45.0 22.5 11.2 5.62 4.50
5.14 2.570 1.2850 0.514 134 67.1 44.8 22.4 11.2 5.60 4.48
5.15 2.575 1.2875 0.515 134 66.9 44.6 22.3 11.1 5.57 4.46
5.16 2.580 1.2900 0.516 133 66.6 44.4 22.2 11.1 5.55 4.44
5.17 2.585 1.2925 0.517 133 66.3 44.2 22.1 11.1 5.53 4.42
5.18 2.590 1.2950 0.518 132 66.0 44.0 22.0 11.0 5.50 4.40
5.19 2.595 1.2975 0.519 132 65.8 43.8 21.9 11.0 5.48 4.38
5.20 2.600 1.3000 0.520 131 65.5 43.7 21.8 10.9 5.46 4.37
5.21 2.605 1.3025 0.521 130 65.2 43.5 21.7 10.9 5.43 4.35
5.22 2.610 1.3050 0.522 130 64.9 43.3 21.6 10.8 5.41 4.33
5.23 2.615 1.3075 0.523 129 64.7 43.1 21.6 10.8 5.39 4.31
5.24 2.620 1.3100 0.524 129 64.4 42.9 21.5 10.7 5.37 4.29
5.25 2.625 1.3125 0.525 128 64.1 42.8 21.4 10.7 5.34 4.28
5.26 2.630 1.3150 0.526 128 63.9 42.6 21.3 10.6 5.32 4.26
5.27 2.635 1.3175 0.527 127 63.6 42.4 21.2 10.6 5.30 4.24
5.28 2.640 1.3200 0.528 127 63.3 42.2 21.1 10.6 5.28 4.22
5.29 2.645 1.3225 0.529 126 63.1 42.1 21.0 10.5 5.26 4.21
5.30 2.650 1.3250 0.530 126 62.8 41.9 20.9 10.5 5.24 4.19
5.31 2.655 1.3275 0.531 125 62.6 41.7 20.9 10.4 5.21 4.17

21
 E10 − 23
TABLE X1.1 Continued
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
5.32 2.660 1.3300 0.532 125 62.3 41.5 20.8 10.4 5.19 4.15
5.33 2.665 1.3325 0.533 124 62.1 41.4 20.7 10.3 5.17 4.14
5.34 2.670 1.3350 0.534 124 61.8 41.2 20.6 10.3 5.15 4.12
5.35 2.675 1.3375 0.535 123 61.5 41.0 20.5 10.3 5.13 4.10
5.36 2.680 1.3400 0.536 123 61.3 40.9 20.4 10.2 5.11 4.09
5.37 2.685 1.3425 0.537 122 61.0 40.7 20.3 10.2 5.09 4.07
5.38 2.690 1.3450 0.538 122 60.8 40.5 20.3 10.1 5.07 4.05
5.39 2.695 1.3475 0.539 121 60.6 40.4 20.2 10.1 5.05 4.04
5.40 2.700 1.3500 0.540 121 60.3 40.2 20.1 10.1 5.03 4.02
5.41 2.705 1.3525 0.541 120 60.1 40.0 20.0 10.0 5.01 4.00
5.42 2.710 1.3550 0.542 120 59.8 39.9 19.9 10.0 4.99 3.99
5.43 2.715 1.3575 0.543 119 59.6 39.7 19.9 9.93 4.97 3.97
5.44 2.720 1.3600 0.544 119 59.3 39.6 19.8 9.89 4.95 3.96
5.45 2.725 1.3625 0.545 118 59.1 39.4 19.7 9.85 4.93 3.94
5.46 2.730 1.3650 0.546 118 58.9 39.2 19.6 9.81 4.91 3.92
5.47 2.735 1.3675 0.547 117 58.6 39.1 19.5 9.77 4.89 3.91
5.48 2.740 1.3700 0.548 117 58.4 38.9 19.5 9.73 4.87 3.89
5.49 2.745 1.3725 0.549 116 58.2 38.8 19.4 9.69 4.85 3.88
5.50 2.750 1.3750 0.550 116 57.9 38.6 19.3 9.66 4.83 3.86
5.51 2.755 1.3775 0.551 115 57.7 38.5 19.2 9.62 4.81 3.85
5.52 2.760 1.3800 0.552 115 57.5 38.3 19.2 9.58 4.79 3.83
5.53 2.765 1.3825 0.553 114 57.2 38.2 19.1 9.54 4.77 3.82
5.54 2.770 1.3850 0.554 114 57.0 38.0 19.0 9.50 4.75 3.80
5.55 2.775 1.3875 0.555 114 56.8 37.9 18.9 9.47 4.73 3.79
5.56 2.780 1.3900 0.556 113 56.6 37.7 18.9 9.43 4.71 3.77
5.57 2.785 1.3925 0.557 113 56.3 37.6 18.8 9.39 4.70 3.76
5.58 2.790 1.3950 0.558 112 56.1 37.4 18.7 9.35 4.68 3.74
5.59 2.795 1.3975 0.559 112 55.9 37.3 18.6 9.32 4.66 3.73
5.60 2.800 1.4000 0.560 111 55.7 37.1 18.6 9.28 4.64 3.71
5.61 2.805 1.4025 0.561 111 55.5 37.0 18.5 9.24 4.62 3.70
5.62 2.810 1.4050 0.562 110 55.2 36.8 18.4 9.21 4.60 3.68
5.63 2.815 1.4075 0.563 110 55.0 36.7 18.3 9.17 4.59 3.67
5.64 2.820 1.4100 0.564 110 54.8 36.5 18.3 9.14 4.57 3.65
5.65 2.825 1.4125 0.565 109 54.6 36.4 18.2 9.10 4.55 3.64
5.66 2.830 1.4150 0.566 109 54.4 36.3 18.1 9.06 4.53 3.63
5.67 2.835 1.4175 0.567 108 54.2 36.1 18.1 9.03 4.51 3.61
5.68 2.840 1.4200 0.568 108 54.0 36.0 18.0 8.99 4.50 3.60
5.69 2.845 1.4225 0.569 107 53.7 35.8 17.9 8.96 4.48 3.58
5.70 2.850 1.4250 0.570 107 53.5 35.7 17.8 8.92 4.46 3.57
5.71 2.855 1.4275 0.571 107 53.3 35.6 17.8 8.89 4.44 3.56
5.72 2.860 1.4300 0.572 106 53.1 35.4 17.7 8.85 4.43 3.54
5.73 2.865 1.4325 0.573 106 52.9 35.3 17.6 8.82 4.41 3.53
5.74 2.870 1.4350 0.574 105 52.7 35.1 17.6 8.79 4.39 3.51
5.75 2.875 1.4375 0.575 105 52.5 35.0 17.5 8.75 4.38 3.50
5.76 2.880 1.4400 0.576 105 52.3 34.9 17.4 8.72 4.36 3.49
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

22
 E10 − 23
TABLE X1.1 Continued
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
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
6.10 3.050 1.5250 0.610 92.0 46.0 30.7 15.3 7.67 3.83 3.07
6.11 3.055 1.5275 0.611 91.7 45.8 30.6 15.3 7.64 3.82 3.06
6.12 3.060 1.5300 0.612 91.3 45.7 30.4 15.2 7.61 3.80 3.04
6.13 3.065 1.5325 0.613 91.0 45.5 30.3 15.2 7.58 3.79 3.03
6.14 3.070 1.5350 0.614 90.6 45.3 30.2 15.1 7.55 3.78 3.02
6.15 3.075 1.5375 0.615 90.3 45.2 30.1 15.1 7.53 3.76 3.01
6.16 3.080 1.5400 0.616 90.0 45.0 30.0 15.0 7.50 3.75 3.00
6.17 3.085 1.5425 0.617 89.6 44.8 29.9 14.9 7.47 3.74 2.99
6.18 3.090 1.5450 0.618 89.3 44.7 29.8 14.9 7.44 3.72 2.98
6.19 3.095 1.5475 0.619 89.0 44.5 29.7 14.8 7.42 3.71 2.97
6.20 3.100 1.5500 0.620 88.7 44.3 29.6 14.8 7.39 3.69 2.96
6.21 3.105 1.5525 0.621 88.3 44.2 29.4 14.7 7.36 3.68 2.94
6.22 3.110 1.5550 0.622 88.0 44.0 29.3 14.7 7.33 3.67 2.93
6.23 3.115 1.5575 0.623 87.7 43.8 29.2 14.6 7.31 3.65 2.92
6.24 3.120 1.5600 0.624 87.4 43.7 29.1 14.6 7.28 3.64 2.91
6.25 3.125 1.5625 0.625 87.1 43.5 29.0 14.5 7.25 3.63 2.90
6.26 3.130 1.5650 0.626 86.7 43.4 28.9 14.5 7.23 3.61 2.89
6.27 3.135 1.5675 0.627 86.4 43.2 28.8 14.4 7.20 3.60 2.88
6.28 3.140 1.5700 0.628 86.1 43.1 28.7 14.4 7.18 3.59 2.87
6.29 3.145 1.5725 0.629 85.8 42.9 28.6 14.3 7.15 3.57 2.86
6.30 3.150 1.5750 0.630 85.5 42.7 28.5 14.2 7.12 3.56 2.85
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

23
 E10 − 23
TABLE X1.1 Continued
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
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
6.77 3.385 1.6925 0.677 72.3 36.2 24.1 12.1 6.03 3.01 2.41
6.78 3.390 1.6950 0.678 72.1 36.0 24.0 12.0 6.01 3.00 2.40
6.79 3.395 1.6975 0.679 71.8 35.9 23.9 12.0 5.99 2.99 2.39
6.80 3.400 1.7000 0.680 71.6 35.8 23.9 11.9 5.97 2.98 2.39
6.81 3.405 1.7025 0.681 71.3 35.7 23.8 11.9 5.94 2.97 2.38
6.82 3.410 1.7050 0.682 71.1 35.5 23.7 11.8 5.92 2.96 2.37
6.83 3.415 1.7075 0.683 70.8 35.4 23.6 11.8 5.90 2.95 2.36
6.84 3.420 1.7100 0.684 70.6 35.3 23.5 11.8 5.88 2.94 2.35
6.85 3.425 1.7125 0.685 70.4 35.2 23.5 11.7 5.86 2.93 2.35
6.86 3.430 1.7150 0.686 70.1 35.1 23.4 11.7 5.84 2.92 2.34
6.87 3.435 1.7175 0.687 69.9 34.9 23.3 11.6 5.82 2.91 2.33
6.88 3.440 1.7200 0.688 69.6 34.8 23.2 11.6 5.80 2.90 2.32
6.89 3.445 1.7225 0.689 69.4 34.7 23.1 11.6 5.78 2.89 2.31
6.90 3.450 1.7250 0.690 69.2 34.6 23.1 11.5 5.76 2.88 2.31
6.91 3.455 1.7275 0.691 68.9 34.5 23.0 11.5 5.74 2.87 2.30
6.92 3.460 1.7300 0.692 68.7 34.3 22.9 11.4 5.72 2.86 2.29
6.93 3.465 1.7325 0.693 68.4 34.2 22.8 11.4 5.70 2.85 2.28
6.94 3.470 1.7350 0.694 68.2 34.1 22.7 11.4 5.68 2.84 2.27
6.95 3.475 1.7375 0.695 68.0 34.0 22.7 11.3 5.66 2.83 2.27
6.96 3.480 1.7400 0.696 67.7 33.9 22.6 11.3 5.64 2.82 2.26
6.97 3.485 1.7425 0.697 67.5 33.8 22.5 11.3 5.63 2.81 2.25
6.98 3.490 1.7450 0.698 67.3 33.6 22.4 11.2 5.61 2.80 2.24
6.99 3.495 1.7475 0.699 67.0 33.5 22.3 11.2 5.59 2.79 2.23

X2. EXAMPLES OF PROCEDURES FOR DETERMINING BRINELL HARDNESS UNCERTAINTY

X2.1 Scope components of the hardness machine are determined. These are
X2.1.1 The intent of this appendix is to provide a basic the force application system, the indentation measuring system,
approach to evaluating the uncertainty of Brinell hardness and the indenter. In addition to these, there are other potential
measurement values in order to simplify and unify the inter- sources of error that should be considered. The measurement
pretation of uncertainty by users of Brinell hardness. “error” of the hardness machine can be estimated by determin-
ing how each of the errors in these components contributes to
X2.1.2 This appendix provides basic procedures for deter-
the overall error of the hardness measurement. Although the
mining the uncertainty of the following values of hardness:
measurement “error” of the hardness machine estimated in this
X2.1.2.1 The Hardness Machine “Error” Determined as
way is not reported on the verification certificate and report,
Part of an Indirect Verification (see X2.6)—As part of an
this value and its uncertainty are needed to calculate measure-
indirect verification, a number of Brinell hardness measure-
ment uncertainties when verification of the hardness machine is
ments are made on a reference test block. The average of the
measurement values is compared to the certified value of the only made by the direct verification method. The procedure
reference block to determine the “error” (see 3.2.5) of the described in section X2.7 provides a method for determining
hardness machine. The procedure described in section X2.6 the uncertainty in this measurement “error” of the hardness
provides a method for determining the uncertainty in this machine.
measurement “error” of the hardness machine. The uncertainty X2.1.2.3 Brinell Hardness Value Measured by a User (see
value may be reported on the verification certificate and report. X2.8)—The procedure provides a method for determining the
X2.1.2.2 The Hardness Machine “Error” Determined from uncertainty in the hardness values measured by a user during
Measurements Made as Part of a Direct Verification (see the normal use of a Brinell hardness machine. The user may
X2.7)—As part of a direct verification, errors in separate report the uncertainty value with the measurement value.

24
 E10 − 23
X2.1.2.4 Certified Value of a Brinell Hardness Test Block where:
(see X2.9)—The procedure provides a method for determining H̄ = average of the set of n hardness measurements H1, H2,
the uncertainty in the certified value of standardized test …, Hn as defined in [Eq X2.1].
blocks. The standardizing agency may report the uncertainty
X2.2.3 The absolute value (ABS) of a number is the
value on the test block certificate.
magnitude of the value irrespective of the sign, for example:
NOTE X2.1—When calculated, uncertainty values reported by a field ABS(0.12) = 0.12
calibration agency (see X2.5.7 and X2.7) are not the measurement and
uncertainties of the hardness machine in operation, but only that of the
measurements made at the time of verification to determine machine ABS(–0.12) = 0.12
“error.” X2.2.4 An incremental change in hardness ∆H resulting
NOTE X2.2—The procedures outlined in this appendix for the determi-
from an incremental change in indentation diameter ∆d may be
nation of uncertainties are based primarily on measurements made as part
of the verification and standardization procedures of this test method. This calculated as:
is done to provide a method that is based on familiar procedures and
practices of Brinell hardness users and standardizing agencies. The reader
should be aware that there are other methods that may be employed to
determine the same uncertainties.
∆H 5 2∆d × S ~
H × D1 =D 2 2 d 2
d × =D 2 2 d 2
!
D (X2.3)

NOTE X2.3—This standard states tolerances or limits on the acceptable where:

repeatability and error of a Brinell hardness machine and the nonunifor- H = Brinell hardness value prior to the incremental change
mity of standardized blocks. These limit values were originally established
based on the testing experience of many users of the Brinell hardness test, in hardness ∆H,
and therefore reflect the normal performance of a properly functioning d = mean diameter of the indentation in mm prior to the
Brinell hardness machine, including the normal errors associated with the incremental change in diameter ∆d, and
measurement procedure and the machine’s performance. Because the D = diameter of the indenter ball in mm.
limits are based on testing experience, it is believed that the stated limit
values take into account a level of uncertainty that is typical for valid X2.2.5 An incremental change in indentation diameter ∆d
Brinell hardness measurements. Consequently, when determining compli- resulting from an incremental change in hardness ∆H may be
ance with the stated tolerances, the user’s measurement uncertainty should calculated as:

S D
not be subtracted from the tolerance limit values given in the tables, as is
commonly done for other types of metrological measurements. The d × =D 2 2 d 2
calculated values for repeatability, error or block nonuniformity should be ∆d 5 2∆H × (X2.4)
directly compared to the tolerance limits given in the tables. ~
H × D1 =D 2 2 d 2 !
NOTE X2.4—Most product specification tolerances for Brinell hardness
were established based on testing and performance experience. The
where:
tolerance values reflect the normal performance of a properly functioning H = Brinell hardness value prior to the incremental change
Brinell hardness machine, including the normal acceptable errors associ- in hardness ∆H,
ated with the hardness measurement process. For these products, the stated d = mean diameter of the indentation in mm prior to the
tolerance limits take into account a level of uncertainty that is typical for
valid Brinell hardness measurements. Consequently, when acceptance
incremental change in diameter ∆d, and
testing most products for Brinell hardness, the user’s measurement D = diameter of the indenter ball in mm.
uncertainty should not be subtracted from the tolerance limit values given X2.2.6 An incremental change in hardness ∆H resulting
in the specification. The measured hardness values should be directly
compared to the tolerances. There may be exceptional circumstances
from an incremental change in the applied force ∆F may be
where the hardness of a product must fall within determined ranges to a calculated as:
high level of confidence. In these rare occasions, special agreement
between the parties involved should be obtained before the hardness
measurement uncertainty is subtracted from the tolerance limits. Before
∆H 5 ∆F × S D
H
F
(X2.5)

such an agreement is made, it is recommended that the product design take where:
into consideration the anticipated influence of material and metallurgical
factors on the product variation as well as typical industry hardness H = Brinell hardness value prior to the incremental change
uncertainty values. in hardness ∆H, and
X2.1.3 This appendix does not address uncertainties at the F = applied force prior to the incremental change in applied
primary reference standardizing level. force ∆F (F and ∆F having the same units).
X2.2.7 Combining equations [Eq X2.3] and [Eq X2.5], an
X2.2 Equations incremental change in indentation diameter ∆d resulting from
X2.2.1 The average (AVG), H̄, of a set of n hardness an incremental change in applied force ∆F may be calculated
measurements H1, H2, …, Hn is calculated as: as:

AVG~ H 1 , H 2 , …, H n ! 5 H̄ 5
H 1 1H 2 1…1H n
n
(X2.1) ∆d 5 2
∆F
F
× S d × =D 2 2 d 2
D1 =D 2 2 d 2
D (X2.6)

X2.2.2 The standard deviation (STDEV) of a set of n

where:
hardness measurements H1, H2, …, Hn is calculated as:

Œ~
F = applied force prior to the incremental change in applied
H 1 2 H̄ ! 1…1 ~ H n 2 H̄ ! force ∆F (F and ∆F having the same units),
2 2

STDEV~ H 1 , H 2 , …, H n ! 5 d = mean diameter of the indentation in mm prior to the

n21
(X2.2)
incremental change in diameter ∆d, and

25
 E10 − 23

D = diameter of the indenter ball in mm. There are a number of possible methods for incorporating
NOTE X2.5—Equations [Eq X2.3], [Eq X2.4], and [Eq X2.6] should biases into an uncertainty calculation, each of which has both
only be used for small values of ∆H and ∆d. These equations are suitable advantages and disadvantages. A simple and conservative
for use with the typical values of ∆H and ∆d used by the procedures in this method is to combine the bias with the calculation of the
appendix; however, the equations produce significant errors as the values
of ∆H and ∆d become large.
expanded uncertainty as:
U 5 kuc 1ABS~ B ! (X2.9)
X2.3 General Requirements
where:
X2.3.1 The main approach for determining uncertainty ABS(B) = absolute value of the bias.
presented in this appendix considers only those uncertainties
associated with the overall measurement performance of the X2.4.6 Because several approaches may be used to evaluate
Brinell hardness machine with respect to reference standards. and express measurement uncertainty, a brief description of
Because of this approach, it is important that the individual what the reported uncertainty values represent should be
machine components are operating within tolerances. It is included with the reported uncertainty value.
strongly recommended that this procedure be applied only after
successfully passing a direct verification. X2.5 Sources of Uncertainty
X2.3.2 To estimate the overall uncertainty of Brinell hard- X2.5.1 This section describes the most significant sources
ness measurement values, contributing components of uncer- of uncertainty in a Brinell hardness measurement and provides
tainty must be determined. Because many of the uncertainties procedures and formulas for calculating the total uncertainty in
may vary depending on the specific hardness scale and the hardness value. In later sections, it will be shown how these
hardness level, an individual measurement uncertainty should sources of uncertainty contribute to the total measurement
be determined for each hardness scale and hardness level of uncertainty for the three measurement circumstances described
interest. In many cases, a single uncertainty value may be in X2.1.2.
applied to a range of hardness levels based on the laboratory’s X2.5.2 The sources of uncertainty to be discussed are (1) the
experience and knowledge of the operation of the hardness lack of repeatability of the hardness machine and measuring
machine. system, (2) the non-uniformity in hardness of the material
X2.3.3 Uncertainty should be determined with respect to a under test, (3) the long-term lack of reproducibility of the
country’s national reference standards. hardness machine and measuring system, (4) the resolution of
the hardness machine’s measurement system, and (5) the
X2.4 General Procedure uncertainty in the certified value of reference test block
X2.4.1 All uncertainty calculations are initially based on standards. An estimation of the measurement bias and its
indentation diameter values in mm units. These uncertainties, inclusion into the expanded uncertainty will also be discussed.
in terms of indentation diameter, may also be converted to X2.5.3 Uncertainty Due to Lack of Repeatability (uRepeat)
uncertainties in terms of Brinell hardness numbers. and When Combined With Non-Uniformity (uRep&NU)—The
X2.4.2 This procedure calculates a combined standard un- lack of repeatability is an indication of how well the Brinell
certainty uc by combining the contributing components of hardness machine and indentation measuring system can con-
uncertainty u1, u2, …, un, such that: tinually produce the same hardness value each time a measure-
ment is made. Imagine there is a material, which is perfectly
u c 5 =u 21 1u 22 1…1u 2n (X2.7) uniform in hardness over its entire surface. Also imagine that
X2.4.3 Measurement uncertainty is usually expressed as an hardness measurements are made repeatedly on this uniform
expanded uncertainty U which is calculated by multiplying the material over a short period of time without varying the testing
combined standard uncertainty uc by a numerical coverage conditions (including the operator). Even though the actual
factor k, such that: hardness of every test location is exactly the same, it would be
U 5 k × uc (X2.8)
found that, due to random errors, each measurement value
would differ from all other measurement values (assuming
X2.4.4 A coverage factor is chosen that depends on how sufficient measurement resolution). Therefore, lack of repeat-
well the standard uncertainty was estimated (number of ability prevents the hardness machine from being able to
measurements), and the level of uncertainty that is desired. For always measure the true hardness of the material, and hence
this analysis, a coverage factor of k = 2 should be used. This contributes to the uncertainty in the measurement.
coverage factor provides a confidence level of approximately X2.5.3.1 The contribution that the lack of repeatability of a
95 %. hardness machine and indentation measurement system makes
X2.4.5 The measurement bias B of the hardness machine is to the overall measurement uncertainty is determined differ-
the difference between the expected hardness measurement ently depending on whether a single measurement value or an
values as displayed by the hardness machine and the “true” average of multiple measurements is to be reported.
hardness of a material. Ideally, measurement biases should be Additionally, in cases where the reported average measurement
corrected. When test systems are not corrected for measure- value is intended to be an estimate of the average hardness of
ment bias, as often occurs in Brinell hardness testing, the bias the material tested, the uncertainty contributions due to the
then contributes to the overall uncertainty in a measurement. machine’s lack of repeatability and the non-uniformity in the

26
 E10 − 23
hardness of the test material are difficult to separate and must material as a whole. For example, this may be done when
be determined together. The uncertainty contributions for each making quality control measurements during the manufacture
of these circumstances may be estimated as follows. of many types of products; when determining the machine
X2.5.3.2 Single Hardness Measurement—For a future “error” as part of an indirect verification; and when calibrating
single hardness measurement, the standard uncertainty contri- a test block. Because all materials exhibit some degree of
bution u Repeat, due to the lack of repeatability, may be estimated hardness non-uniformity across the test surface, the extent of a
by the standard deviation of the values from a number of material’s non-uniformity also contributes to the uncertainty in
hardness measurements made on a uniform test sample as: this estimate of the average hardness of the material. When the
u Repeat 5 STDEV~ d 1 , d 2 , …, d n ! (X2.10)
average of multiple hardness measurement values is calculated
as an estimate of the average material or product hardness, it
where: may be desired to state the uncertainty in this value with
d1, d2, ..., dn = measured average indentation diameters in respect to the true hardness of the material. In this case, the
mm of the n indentations. combined uncertainty contributions due to the lack of repeat-
NOTE X2.6—In general, the estimate of repeatability is improved as the ability in the hardness machine and indentation measurement
number of hardness measurements is increased. Usually, the hardness system and due to the non-uniformity in the test material may
measurements made during an indirect verification (as indentation diam-
be estimated from the “standard deviation of the mean” of the
eters) will provide an adequate estimate of u Repeat; however, the caution
given in Note X2.8 should be considered. It may be more appropriate for hardness measurement values. This is calculated as the stan-
the user to determine a value of u Repeat by making hardness measurements dard deviation of the hardness values, divided by the square-
close together (within spacing limitations) on a uniform material, such as root of the number of measurements as:
a test block.
NOTE X2.7—The uncertainty u Repeat, due to the lack of repeatability of STDEV~ d T1 , d T2 , …, d Tn!
u Rep&NU 5 (X2.12)
a hardness machine as discussed above, should not be confused with the =n T
historically defined “repeatability” that is a requirement to be met as part
of an indirect verification (see 3.2.3). The calculations of the uncertainty where:
u Repeat and of the historically defined repeatability do not produce the same
value. The uncertainty u Repeat is the contribution to the overall uncertainty dT1, dT2, ..., dTn = the nT average diameter measurement
of a hardness measurement value due to a machine’s lack of repeatability, values.
while the historically defined repeatability is the range of hardness values
measured during an indirect verification. X2.5.4 Uncertainty Due to Lack of Reproducibility
NOTE X2.8—All materials exhibit some degree of hardness non- (uReprod)—Lack of reproducibility is the day-to-day variation in
uniformity across the test surface. Therefore, the above evaluation of the the performance of the hardness measurement system. Varia-
uncertainty contribution due to the lack of repeatability will also include tions such as different machine operators and changes in the
a contribution due to the hardness non-uniformity of the measured
material. When evaluating repeatability as discussed above, any uncer-
test environment often influence the performance of the hard-
tainty contribution due to the hardness non-uniformity should be mini- ness machine. The level of reproducibility is best determined
mized as much as possible. The laboratory should be cautioned that if the by monitoring the performance of the hardness machine over
measurements of repeatability are based on tests made across the surface an extended period of time during which the hardness machine
of the material, then the repeatability value will likely include a significant
is subjected to the extremes of variations in the testing
uncertainty contribution due to the material’s non-uniformity. A machine’s
repeatability is better evaluated by making hardness measurements close variables. It is very important that the test machine be in
together (within spacing limitations). control during the assessment of reproducibility. If the machine
X2.5.3.3 Average of Multiple Measurements—When the is in need of maintenance or is operated incorrectly, the lack of
average of multiple hardness measurements is to be reported, reproducibility will be overestimated.
¯ , due to the lack of
the standard uncertainty contribution u Repeat X2.5.4.1 An assessment of a hardness machine’s lack of
repeatability of the hardness machine, may be estimated by reproducibility should be based on periodic monitoring mea-
dividing the standard uncertainty contribution uRepeat (previ- surements of the hardness machine, such as daily verification
ously calculated from a number of indentations made on a measurements made on the same test block over time. The
uniform test sample, see X2.5.3.2) by the square-root of the uncertainty contribution may be estimated by the standard
number of hardness test values being averaged, as: deviation of the average of each set of monitoring values, as:
u Repeat M1 , d M2 , …, d Mn!
u Reprod 5 STDEV~ d¯ ¯ ¯ (X2.13)
¯ 5
u Repeat (X2.11)
=n T where:
where: dM1, dM2, ..., dMn = the n sets of the average of each day’s
uRepeat = calculation by [Eq X2.10], and set of multiple monitoring measurement
nT = number of individual test values being averaged. values.
NOTE X2.9—The uncertainty contribution due to the lack of
X2.5.3.4 Estimate of the Material Hardness—Hardness reproducibility, as calculated in [Eq X2.13], also includes a contribution
measurements are often made at several locations and the due to the machine’s lack of repeatability and the non-uniformity of the
values averaged to estimate the average hardness of the monitoring test block; however, these contributions are based on the

27
 E10 − 23
average of multiple measurements and should not significantly overesti- (1) by indirect verification through the use of reference blocks,
mate the reproducibility uncertainty. and (2) by direct verification of components of the machine,
X2.5.4.2 Uncertainty Due to the Resolution of the Indenta- including the applied forces and the indentation measuring
tion Measurement System (uResol)—The finite resolution of the system. The measurement bias is the difference between the
indentation diameter measurement system prevents the deter- “true” hardness of a material and the hardness measurement
mination of an absolutely accurate hardness value. This uncer- values as measured by the hardness machine.
tainty may be significant when some types of hand-held X2.5.6.1 Indirect Verification—In the case that the hardness
measuring scopes are used. machine is verified by indirect verification, the measurement
X2.5.4.3 The uncertainty contribution u Resol, due to the error of the hardness machine is estimated by performing
influence of the resolution of the indentation measurement Brinell hardness measurements on reference standards. The
system, may be described by a rectangular distribution and measurement bias B may be estimated by the “error” deter-
estimated as: mined as part of the indirect verification, either in terms of
indentation diameter or in terms of Brinell hardness numbers.
r/2 r
u Resol 5 5 (X2.14) X2.5.6.2 The measurement bias B ~ mm! , in terms of indenta-
=3 =12 tion diameter, may be calculated as:
where:
B ~ mm! 5 d̄ 2 d̄ RefBlk (X2.17)
r = resolution limit that a indentation diameter can be
estimated from the indentation measurement system in where:
mm. d̄ = average indentation diameter as measured during the
X2.5.5 Standard Uncertainty in the Certified Value of the indirect verification, and
Reference Test Block (uRefBlk)—The certificate accompanying d̄ RefBlk = certified average indentation diameter of the refer-
reference test blocks should provide an uncertainty in the stated ence test block standard used for the indirect
certified value. This uncertainty contributes to the measure- verification.
NOTE X2.10—The measurement bias B ~ mm! is in length units (mm).
ment uncertainty of hardness machines calibrated or verified
with the blocks. X2.5.6.3 The measurement bias B ~ HBW! , in terms of Brinell
X2.5.5.1 Note that the uncertainty reported on reference test hardness numbers, may be calculated as:
block certificates is typically stated as an expanded uncer-
B ~ HBW! 5 H̄ 2 H̄ RefBlk (X2.18)
tainty. As indicated by [Eq X2.9], the expanded uncertainty is
calculated by multiplying the standard uncertainty by a cov- where:
erage factor (often 2). This analysis uses the standard uncer- H̄ = mean hardness value as measured by the hardness
tainty and not the expanded uncertainty value. Thus, the machine during the indirect verification, and
uncertainty in the certified average indentation diameter value H̄ RefBlk = certified average hardness value of the reference test
of the reference test block usually may be calculated as: block standard used for the indirect verification.
U RefBlk~ mm! The measurement bias B ~ HBW! may also be calculated
u RefBlk~ mm! 5 (X2.15)
k RefBlk~ mm! from B ~ mm! using [Eq X2.3], where B ~ mm! is substituted
for ∆d. The calculated value of ∆H then becomes the
where: new value of B ~ HBW! as:

S D
URefBlk(mm) = reported expanded uncertainty of the certified
value of the reference test block in terms of ~
H × D1 =D 2 2 d 2 !
B ~ HBW! 5 B ~ mm! × (X2.19)
indentation diameter (mm), and d × =D 2 d 2 2

kRefBlk(mm) = coverage factor used to calculate the uncer- NOTE X2.11—The measurement bias B ~ HBW! is in Brinell hardness units
tainty in the certified value of the reference (HBW).
standard (usually 2). X2.5.6.4 Direct Verification—In the case that the hardness
X2.5.5.2 For this analysis, the uncertainty in the stated machine is verified only by direct verification, the measure-
certified value of the reference block must be in terms of ment error of the hardness machine is estimated by combining
indentation diameter (mm). In the case that the reference test the individual errors of the components of the machine.
block certificate only provides uncertainty in terms of the Although there are potentially many contributing sources of
Brinell hardness value, then this uncertainty must be converted error for a Brinell hardness machine, typically the most
using [Eq X2.4], where u RefBlk~ HBW! is substituted for ∆H. The significant sources of error are in the force application system
calculated value of ∆d then becomes the new value of u RefBlk~ mm! , E Force and the indentation measuring system E Indentation. Other
in mm, as: sources may include error in the indenter ball diameter, error in

S D
the timing of the stated hold time, error in the rate of
d × =D 2 2 d 2 indentation, etc. It is recommended that an analysis of all error
u RefBlk~ mm! 5 u RefBlk~ HBW! × (X2.16)
~
H × D1 =D 2 2 d 2 ! 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: X2.5.6.5 These contributing sources of error are calculated

28
 E10 − 23
in terms of their units of measurement, for example, E Indentation expanded uncertainty U Mach~ mm! are calculated by combining the
and E Force are determined in units of length (mm) and force (kgf appropriate uncertainty components described above for each
or N), respectively. Procedures for calculating E Indentation and hardness level of each Brinell scale in terms of indentation
E Force are not presented here. To calculate the measurement bias diameter in mm:
B, these errors must be determined in terms of indentation
diameter. The error in the indentation measuring system u Mach~ mm! 5 =u Rep&Nu
2
~ Ref. Block! 1u Resol
2 2
1u RefBlk (X2.22)
E Indentation is already in the correct units; however, the error
and
E Force~ kgf or N ! must be converted to an error in indentation
diameter using [Eq X2.6], where E Force~ kgf or N ! is substituted for U Mach~ mm! 5 kuMach~ mm! (X2.23)
∆F. The calculated value of ∆d then becomes a new value of X2.6.4 For this analysis, a coverage factor of k = 2 should
E Force~ mm! , in mm as:
be used. This coverage factor provides a confidence level of

E Force~ mm! 5 2
E Force~ kgf or N !
F
× S d × =D 2 2 d 2
D1 =D 2 2 d 2
D (X2.20)
approximately 95 %.
NOTE X2.12—The uncertainty contribution u Mach~ mm! , as calculated in
[Eq X2.22], does not include a contribution due to the machine’s lack of
reproducibility. This is because it is assumed that the indirect verification
X2.5.6.6 The measurement bias B may be estimated by is made while the hardness machine is operating at its optimal perfor-
combining the individual errors determined as part of the direct mance level with the best possible environmental conditions.
verification while maintaining the correct sign (positive or
X2.6.5 To determine the uncertainty in the measurement
negative) for each of the individual errors:
“error” of the hardness machine in terms of Brinell hardness
B ~ mm! 5 E Indentation1E Force~ mm! (X2.21) units U Mach~ HBW! , then the uncertainty, as calculated in [Eq
X2.5.7 To determine the measurement “error” or bias in X2.23] in terms of indentation diameter, must be converted
terms of Brinell hardness units B ~ HBW! the bias, as calculated in using [Eq X2.3], where U Mach~ mm! is substituted for ∆d. The
[Eq X2.21] in terms of indentation diameter, must be converted calculated value of ∆H then becomes the new value of
using [Eq X2.19]. U Mach~ HBW! , in Brinell hardness units, as:

X2.6 Procedure for Calculating Uncertainty: Measure-

ment Error Determined by Indirect Verification
U Mach~ HBW! 5 U Mach~ mm! × S ~
H × D1 =D 2 2 d 2
d × =D 2 d 2 2
!
(X2.24)D
X2.6.1 As part of an indirect verification, the “error” of the NOTE X2.13—The first minus sign in [Eq X2.3] has been deleted when
hardness machine is determined from the average value of using [Eq X2.24] since uncertainty values are always positive.
NOTE X2.14—The expanded uncertainty U Mach, will commonly be
measurements made on a reference test block (see 3.2.5). This larger than the value of the hardness machine “error” (bias).
value provides an indication of how well the hardness machine
can measure the “true” hardness of a material. Since there is X2.6.6 Reporting the Measurement Uncertainty—This ex-
always uncertainty in a hardness measurement, it follows that panded uncertainty U Mach may be reported by a verification
there must be uncertainty in the determination of the average agency to its customer as an indication of the uncertainty in the
value of the measurements, and thus the determination of the hardness machine “error” reported as part of the indirect
machine “error.” This section provides a procedure that can be verification of the Brinell hardness machine. The value of U Mach
used, for example by a field calibration agency, to estimate the should be supplemented with a statement defining to what
uncertainty U Mach in the measurement “error” of the hardness Brinell scale and hardness level the uncertainty is applicable,
machine determined as the difference between the average of with an explanatory statement such as: “The expanded uncer-
the measurement values and the certified value of the reference tainty of the hardness machine “error” reported as part of the
block used for the verification. indirect verification for the stated Brinell scale(s) and hardness
level(s) was calculated in accordance with Appendix X1 of
X2.6.2 All uncertainty calculations are initially based on
ASTM E10 with a coverage factor of 2 representing a
indentation diameter values in mm. The contributions to the
confidence level of approximately 95 %.”
standard uncertainty of the measurement “error,” u Mach~ mm! , are
(1) uRep&NU(Ref. Block), the uncertainty due to the lack of X2.6.7 The standard uncertainty value u Mach~ mm! can be used
repeatability of the hardness machine combined with the as an uncertainty contribution when determining the measure-
uncertainty due to the non-uniformity in the reference test ment uncertainty of future measurements made with the
block [Eq X2.12], which is determined from the hardness hardness machine (see X2.8 and X2.9).
measurements made on a reference test block to determine the X2.6.8 Example—As part of an indirect verification of a
“error” of the hardness machine, (2) uResol, the uncertainty due Brinell hardness machine, a verification agency may need to
to the resolution of the indentation measurement system [Eq report an estimate of the uncertainty of the hardness machine
X2.14], and (3) uRefBlk, the standard uncertainty in the certified “error.” For this example, an evaluation will only be made for
value of the reference test block in terms of indentation measurements made on the mid hardness range of the HBW
diameter [Eq X2.15 and X2.16]. The notation (Ref. Block) is 10/3000 scale. The indentation measuring device is a portable
added to the term u Rep&Nu to signify that the uncertainty is hand-held scope with a resolution of 0.05 mm. The agency
determined from measurements made on the reference block performs three verification measurements on a HBW 10/3000
used for the indirect verification. hardness block with a reported certified average indentation
X2.6.3 The combined standard uncertainty u Mach~ mm! and the diameter value of 4.24 mm with an expanded uncertainty of

29
 E10 − 23
U RefBlk~ mm! 560.04 mm. The hardness block certificate also stated
a certified average Brinell hardness value of 202 HBW 10/3000
with an expanded uncertainty of U RefBlk~ HBW! 564 HBW 10/3000.
u Force~ mm! 5
u Force~ kgf or N !
F
× S d × =D 2 2 d 2
D1 =D 2 2 d 2
D (X2.25)

The results of the three verification measurements are: X2.7.4 The combined standard uncertainty u Mach and the
Diameter length (average) of indentations: 4.25, 4.25 and 4.30 mm expanded uncertainty U Mach are calculated by combining the
Average indentation diameter: 4.267 mm appropriate uncertainty components described above for each
Indentation diameter error (bias) value: 0.027 mm hardness level of each Brinell scale and u Resol, the uncertainty
Calculated average hardness value: 199.8 HBW 10/3000
Hardness error (bias) value: –2.3 HBW 10/3000 due to the resolution of the indentation measurement system
Therefore: [Eq X2.14], as:
STDEVs 4.25, 4.25, 4.30d
u Rep&NUs Ref. Blockd 5 [Eq X2.12], or
u Rep&NUs Ref. Block d 50.0167 mmœ3 u Mach~ mm! 5 =u 2
Indentation
2
1u Force 2
~ mm! 1u Resol (X2.26)
0.05
u Resol5 50.0144 mm [Eq X2.14], and
œ12 and
0.04
u RefBlk5 50.02 mm [Eq X2.15] U Mach~ mm! 5 kuMach~ mm! (X2.27)
2
Thus:
u Machs mmd 5 œ0.01672 10.01442 10.022 50.0298 mm [Eq X2.22], and X2.7.5 To determine the uncertainty in the measurement
U Machs mmd 5 s 2×0.0298d 50.0596 mm [Eq X2.23] “error” of the hardness machine in terms of Brinell hardness
Therefore, the uncertainty in the 0.027 mm “error” in the hardness ma-
chine is 0.060 mm.
units U Mach~ HBW! , then the uncertainty, as calculated in [Eq
In terms of Brinell hardness units: X2.27] in terms of indentation diameter, must be converted in
S
U Machs HBWd 50.0596×
4.267× œ102 24.2672
D
199.8× s 101 œ102 24.2672 d
[Eq X2.24], or accordance with X2.6.5.
X2.7.6 Although the standard uncertainty value u Mach, deter-
U Machs HBWd 5 5.9 HBW 10/3000
mined in this way, is not usually reported by a verification
Therefore, the uncertainty in the –2.3 HBW 10/3000 “error” in the hard- agency to its customer, it can be used as an uncertainty
ness machine is 5.9 HBW 10/3000. Although this evaluation was made on contribution when determining the measurement uncertainty of
material having a hardness of approximately 200 HBW 10/3000, the un- future measurements made with the hardness machine (see
certainty 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 X2.8 and X2.9).
of the HBW 10/3000 scale, as well as for the ranges of the other Brinell
scales that are verified. X2.7.7 Example—In cases where a Brinell hardness ma-
chine is verified by direct verification, a verification agency is
X2.7 Procedure for Calculating Uncertainty: Measure- not required to report an estimate of the uncertainty of the
ment Error Determined by Direct Verification hardness machine “error;” however, an estimate of this uncer-
tainty may be determined from the direct verification measure-
X2.7.1 As part of a direct verification, errors in separate
ments. For this example, an evaluation will only be made for
components of the hardness machine are determined. The
the mid hardness range of the HBW 10/3000 scale at 200 HBW
uncertainty of the hardness machine measurement “error” is
10/3000 (4.265 mm indentation diameter). The indentation
estimated by combining the uncertainties of the individual
measuring device is a portable hand-held scope with a resolu-
verification measurements of each of the machine components.
tion of 0.05 mm. The agency performs direct verification
X2.7.2 For each of the sources of error in a Brinell hardness measurements of the 3000 kgf force application and of the
machine and indentation measurement system, a value of error indentation measuring device. The results of the verification
and the uncertainty of the error must be determined. Some of measurements are:
these error values and uncertainties are not determined in terms Force error (bias) value, E Forces kgf or N d :215 kgf
of indentation diameter. To estimate the uncertainty U Mach in the Uncertainty in the force error, u Forces kgf or N d :2.5 kgf
measurement “error” of the hardness machine, the effect that Indentation measuring system error, E Indentations mmd :0 mm
each of these errors has on the hardness measurement in terms Uncertainty in the measuring system error, u Indentations mmd :0.002 mm (stage
of indentation diameter must be determined. micrometer uncertainty)
Therefore, for a hardness level of 200 HBW 10/3000, to calculate the ma-
chine bias in terms of indentation diameter:
X2.7.3 As done previously in X2.5.6.4, for simplicity only
E Indentation50 mm, and
the uncertainty in the error of the force application system u Force
and the uncertainty in the error of the indentation measuring E Forces mmd 52
215
3000 S ×
4.265× œ102 24.2652
101 œ102 24.2652
D
[Eq X2.20], or
system u Indentation will be considered. Procedures for calculating E Forces mmd 50.0101 mm
Thus:
the errors E Indentation and E Force are not presented here. The
B s mmd 5 E Indentation1 E Forces mmd 5010.010150.0101 mm [Eq X2.21]
uncertainty u Force is usually determined in units of force (kgf or To calculate the uncertainty in the machine “error” or bias:
N), rather than in terms of indentation diameter (mm). The u Indentation50.002 mm, and
uncertainty in the error of the indentation measuring system
u Indentation is already in the correct units; however, the uncertainty
u Forces mmd 5
2.5
3000S ×
4.265× œ102 24.2652
101 œ102 24.2652
D
[Eq X2.25], or
u Forces mmd 50.0017 mm, and
in the error of the force u Force~ kgf or N ! must be converted to an 0.05
u Resol5 50.0144 mm [Eq X2.14]
uncertainty in terms of indentation diameter u Force~ mm! using [Eq œ12
X2.6] where u Force~ kgf or N ! is substituted for ∆F. The calculated Thus:
value of ∆d then becomes a new value of u Force~ mm! , in terms of u Machs mmd 5 œ0.0022 10.00172 10.01442 50.01464 mm [Eq X2.26], and
indentation diameter as: U Machs mmd 5 s 2×0.01464d 50.0293 mm [Eq X2.27]

30
 E10 − 23

Therefore, the uncertainty in the 0.0101 mm “error” in the hardness ma- X2.8.4 The measurement uncertainty discussed above for
chine at 200 HBW 10/3000 is 0.0293 mm. the single and average measurement values only represents the
In terms of Brinell hardness units:

S
B s HBWd 52 s 0.0101d ×
200× s 101 œ102 24.2652 d
4.265× œ102 24.2652
D
[Eq X2.19], or
uncertainties of the measurement process and are independent
of any test material non-uniformity.
B s HBWd 520.997 HBW 10/3000, and

S D
200× s 101 œ102 24.2652 d
X2.8.5 Average Measurement Value as an Estimate of the
U Machs HBWd 50.0293× [Eq X2.24], or Average Material Hardness—Measurement laboratories and
4.265× œ102 24.2652
U Machs HBWd 52.89 HBW 10/3000 manufacturing facilities often measure the Brinell hardness of
Therefore, the uncertainty in the –0.997 HBW 10/3000 “error” in the hard- a test sample or product for the purpose of estimating the
ness machine is 2.89 HBW 10/3000. Although this evaluation was made
for material having a hardness of 200 HBW 10/3000, the uncertainty may average hardness of the test material. Usually, multiple hard-
be considered to apply to the entire mid range of the HBW 10/3000 scale. ness measurements are made across the surface of the test
This calculation must be made for the low and high ranges of the HBW piece, and then the average of the hardness values is reported
10/3000 scale, as well as for the ranges of the other Brinell scales that
are verified. as an estimation of the average hardness of the material. If it is
desired to report the uncertainty as an indication of how well
X2.8 Procedure for Calculating Uncertainty: the average measurement value represents the true average
Brinell Hardness Measurement Values hardness of the material, then the contributions to the standard
uncertainty u Meas~ mm! are (1) uRep&NU(Material), the uncertainty
X2.8.1 The uncertainty U Meas in a measurement value mea-
due to the machine’s lack of repeatability combined with the
sured by a user may be thought of as an indication of how well
uncertainty due to the material’s non-uniformity [Eq X2.12],
the measured value agrees with the “true” value for the
which is determined from the hardness measurements made on
material under test. For this procedure, all uncertainty calcu-
the test material, (2) uReprod, the uncertainty contribution due to
lations are initially based on indentation diameter values in mm
the lack of reproducibility [Eq X2.13], (3) uResol, the uncer-
units. The combined standard uncertainty u Meas~ mm! and the
tainty due to the resolution of the indentation measurement
expanded uncertainty U Meas~ mm! , are both in terms of indentation
system [Eq X2.14], and (4) uMach(mm), the uncertainty in
diameter. The uncertainty U Meas~ mm! can then be converted to an
determining the “error” of the hardness machine [Eq X2.22 or
expanded uncertainty U Meas~ HBW! in terms of Brinell hardness
Eq X2.26]. The notation (Material) is added to the term u Rep&NU
numbers.
to signify that the uncertainty is determined from measure-
X2.8.2 Single Measurement Value—When measurement un- ments made on the material under test. The combined standard
certainty for a single hardness measurement value is to be uncertainty u Meas~ mm! is calculated by combining the appropriate
determined, the contributions to the standard uncertainty uncertainty components described above for the applicable
u Meas~ mm! are (1) uRepeat, the uncertainty due to the machine’s lack hardness level and Brinell scale as:
of repeatability [Eq X2.10], (2) uReprod, the uncertainty contri-
bution due to the lack of reproducibility [Eq X2.13], (3) uResol, u Meas~ mm! 5 =u 2
Rep&NU ~ Material! 1u Reprod
2 2
1u Resol 2
1u Mach ~ mm!
the uncertainty due to the resolution of the indentation mea- (X2.30)
surement system [Eq X2.14], and (4) uMach, the uncertainty in X2.8.6 When reporting uncertainty as an indication of how
determining the “error” of the hardness machine [Eq X2.22 or well the average measurement value represents the true aver-
Eq X2.26]. The combined standard uncertainty u Meas is calcu- age hardness of the material, it is important to assure that a
lated by combining the appropriate uncertainty components sufficient number of measurements are made at the appropriate
described above for the applicable hardness level and Brinell test locations to provide an appropriate sampling of any
scale as: variations in the hardness of the material.
u Meas~ mm! 5 =u 2 2
1u Reprod
Repeat
2
1u Resol 2
1u Mach ~ mm! (X2.28) X2.8.7 The expanded uncertainty U Meas~ mm! is calculated for
the three cases discussed above as:
X2.8.3 Average Measurement Value—In the case that mea-
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 X2.8.8 To determine the uncertainty of a Brinell hardness
test piece or multiple test pieces, the contributions to the measurement in terms of Brinell hardness units U Mach~ HBW! , then
standard uncertainty u Meas~ mm! are (1) u ¯ , the uncertainty due the uncertainty, as calculated in [Eq X2.31], in terms of
Repeat
to the machine’s lack of repeatability based on the average of indentation diameter, must be converted using [Eq X2.3],
multiple measurements [Eq X2.11], (2) uReprod, the uncertainty where U Meas~ mm! is substituted for ∆d. The calculated value of ∆H
contribution due to the lack of reproducibility [Eq X2.13], (3) then becomes the new value of U Meas~ HBW! , in Brinell hardness
uResol, the uncertainty due to the resolution of the indentation units, as:

S D
measurement system [Eq X2.14], and (4) uMach, the uncertainty
in determining the “error” of the hardness machine [Eq X2.22 ~
H × D1 =D 2 2 d 2 !
U Meas~ HBW! 5 U Meas~ mm! × (X2.32)
or Eq X2.26]. The combined standard uncertainty u Meas is d × =D 2 2 d 2
calculated by combining the appropriate uncertainty compo- NOTE X2.15—The first minus sign in [Eq X2.3] has been deleted when
nents described above for the applicable hardness level and 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
be used. This coverage factor provides a confidence level of
u Meas~ mm! 5 =u 2
¯
Repeat
2
1u Reprod 2
1u Resol 2
1u Mach ~ mm! (X2.29) approximately 95 %.

31
 E10 − 23
X2.8.10 Reporting Measurement Uncertainty: X2.9 Procedure for Calculating Uncertainty:
X2.8.10.1 Single and Average Measurement Values—When Certified Value of Standardized Test Blocks
the reported measurement value is for a single hardness test or X2.9.1 Standardizing laboratories engaged in the calibration
the average of multiple hardness tests, then the value of U Meas of reference test blocks must determine the uncertainty in the
should be supplemented with an explanatory statement such as: reported certified average hardness value of the block. This
“The expanded measurement uncertainty of the reported hard- uncertainty U Cert provides an indication of how well the
ness value (or average hardness value) was calculated in
certified value would agree with the “true” average hardness of
accordance with Appendix X1 of ASTM E10 with a coverage
the test block.
factor of 2 representing a confidence level of approximately
95 %.” X2.9.2 Test blocks are certified as having an average
hardness value based on calibration measurements made across
X2.8.10.2 Average Measurement Value as an Estimate of
the surface of the test block. This analysis is essentially
the Average Material Hardness—When it is desired to report
identical to the analysis given in X2.8.5 for measuring the
the uncertainty as an indication of how well the average
measurement value represents the true average hardness of the average hardness of a product. In this case, the product is a
material, then the value of U Meas should be supplemented with calibrated reference test block.
an explanatory statement such as: “The expanded uncertainty X2.9.3 For this procedure, all uncertainty calculations are
of the reported average hardness of the material under test is initially based on indentation diameter values in mm units. The
based on uncertainty contributions from the measurement combined standard uncertainty u Cert~ mm! and the expanded un-
process and from the hardness non-uniformity of the material. certainty U Cert~ mm! , are both in terms of indentation diameter. The
The uncertainty was calculated in accordance with Appendix uncertainty U Cert~ mm! can then be converted to an expanded
X1 of ASTM E10 with a coverage factor of 2 representing a uncertainty U Cert~ HBW! in terms of Brinell hardness numbers.
confidence level of approximately 95 %.” If the test report does
not state the number of measurements that were averaged and X2.9.4 The contributions to the standard uncertainty u Cert~ mm!
the locations that the measurements were made, then this of the certified average value of the test block are (1)
information should also be included as part of the brief uRep&NU(Calib. Block), the uncertainty due to the standardizing
explanation of how the uncertainty was calculated. machine’s lack of repeatability combined with the uncertainty
due to the calibrated block’s non-uniformity [Eq X2.12], which
X2.8.10.3 Example—For this example, a company tests its is determined from the calibration measurements made on the
product by making one Brinell hardness measurement on its test block, (2) uReprod, the uncertainty contribution due to the
surface and measures the indentation with a portable hand-held lack of reproducibility [Eq X2.13], (3) uResol, the uncertainty
scope having a resolution of 0.05 mm. The measurement value due to the resolution of the indentation measurement system
of the average indentation diameter is 4.20 mm or a Brinell [Eq X2.14], and (4) uMach(mm), the uncertainty in determining
hardness value of 103 HBW 10/1500. The testing facility the “error” of the standardizing machine [Eq X2.22 or Eq
would like to determine the measurement uncertainty in the X2.26]. The notation (Calib. Block) is added to the term u Rep&NU
single hardness value. A hardness of 104 HBW 10/1500 is in to signify that the uncertainty is determined from calibration
the mid range of the HBW 10/1500 scale. measurements made on the calibrated block.
For this example, assume the last verification of the mid range of the HBW 10/
1500 scale reported: X2.9.5 The combined standard uncertainty u Cert~ mm! and the
u Repeat:0.032 mm expanded uncertainty U Cert~ mm! are calculated by combining the
u Machs mmd :0.054 mm appropriate uncertainty components described above for each
Bias, B s mmd :20.029 mm
For this example, assume the hardness machine has been monitored for an
hardness level of each Brinell scale as:
extended period of time, and from [Eq X2.13], it was determined that:
u Reprod50.040 mm u Cert~ mm! 5 =u 2
Rep&NU~ Calib. Block! 1u Reprod
2 2
1u Resol 2
1u Mach~ mm!
Other uncertainty contributions are calculated as: (X2.33)
0.05
u Resol5 50.0144 mm [Eq X2.14]
œ12 and
Therefore:
u Meass mmd 5 œ0.0322 10.0402 10.01442 10.0542 [Eq X2.30], or U Cert 5 kuCert1ABS~ B ! (X2.34)
u Meass mmd 50.0758 mm
and since B = –0.029 mm, X2.9.6 To determine the uncertainty of the certified average
U Meass mmd 5 s 2×0.0758d 1 ABS(–0.029) [Eq X2.31], or hardness value of the block in terms of Brinell hardness units
U Meass mmd 50.1806 mm U Cert~ HBW! , then the uncertainty, as calculated in [Eq X2.34], in
In terms of Brinell hardness units:

S
U Meass HBWd 50.1806×
4.20× œ102 24.202
D
103× s 101 œ102 24.202 d
[Eq X2.32], or
terms of indentation diameter, must be converted using [Eq
X2.3], where U Cert~ mm! is substituted for ∆d. The calculated value
U Meass HBWd 59.3 HBW 10/1500 for the single value of the hardness mea- of ∆H then becomes the new value of U Cert~ HBW! , in Brinell
surement made on the single product item. hardness units, as:

32
 E10 − 23

U Cert~ HBW! 5 U Cert~ mm! × S ~

H × D1 =D 2 2 d 2
d × =D 2 d 2 2
!
D (X2.35)
10/500 is considered within the high range of the HBW 10/500
scale. The results of the five calibration measurements are:
Average diameter lengths: 2.53, 2.50, 2.50, 2.51, and 2.51 mm
NOTE X2.16—The first minus sign in [Eq X2.3] has been deleted when Calculated average indentation diameter: 2.51 mm
using [Eq X2.35] since uncertainty values are always positive. Calculated hardness values 97.8, 100, 100, 99.4 and 99.4 HBW 10/500
Calculated average hardness value: 99.4 HBW 10/500
X2.9.7 For this analysis, a coverage factor of k = 2 should Therefore:
be used. This coverage factor provides a confidence level of STDEVs 2.53, 2.50, 2.50, 2.51, 2.51d
u Rep&NUs Calib. Blockd 5 [Eq X2.12], or
approximately 95 %. œ5
u Rep&NUs Calib. Blockd 50.0055 mm
X2.9.8 Reporting the Measurement Uncertainty—The value For this example, assume the last direct verification of the high range of the
of U Cert is an estimate of the uncertainty in the reported certified HBW 10/500 scale reported:
u Machs mmd :0.015 mm
average hardness value of a reference test block. The reported
Bias, B s mmd :20.004 mm
value should be supplemented with a statement defining to Also assume the hardness machine has been monitored for an extended period
what Brinell scale and hardness level the uncertainty is of time, and from [Eq X2.13], it was determined that:
applicable, with an explanatory statement such as: “The u Reprod50.004 mm for the high range of the HBW 10/500 scale
Other uncertainty contributions are calculated as:
expanded uncertainty in the certified value of the test block was 0.01
u Resol5 50.0029 mm [Eq X2.14] Therefore:
calculated in accordance with Appendix X1 of ASTM E10 with œ12
a coverage factor of 2 representing a confidence level of u Certs mmd 5 œ0.00552 10.0042 10.00292 10.0152 [Eq X2.33], or
approximately 95 %.” u Certs mmd 50.167 HBW 10/500
and since B = –0.004 mm,
X2.9.9 Example—A test-block standardizing laboratory has U Certs mmd 5 s 2×0.0167d 1 ABS(–0.004) [Eq X2.34], or
completed the calibration of a test block in the hardness range U Certs mmd 50.0374 mm
In terms of Brinell hardness units:
of 100 HBW 10/500, and measures the indentation with a
measuring system having a resolution of 0.01 mm. The S
U Certs HBWd 50.0374×
2.51× œ102 22.512
D
99.4× s 101 œ102 22.512 d
[Eq X2.35], or
laboratory must determine the uncertainty in the certified U Certs HBWd 53.0 HBW 10/500 for the certified hardness value of the single
average hardness value of the block. A hardness of 100 HBW calibrated test block.

SUMMARY OF CHANGES

Committee E28 has identified the location of selected changes to this standard since the last issue (E10 – 18)
that may impact the use of this standard.

(1) Revised 8.1. (3) Added 9.3.

(2) Revised 9.2. (4) Added 9.4.

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33