THE EFFECT OF SUGGESTED CHANGES TO THE ROCKWELL HARDNESS TEST METHOD

S. R. Low, D. J. Pitchure, C. D. Flanigan

Abstract

In the latest revision of the ISO Rockwell hardness test standard (ISO/FDIS 6508(E), 1999), the introductory paragraphs introduce changes to the test practice; one new to this revision, and one suggested as a possibility for the next revision. The change to the new revision is the addition of allowing the use of hardmetal or tungsten-carbide balls for all Rockwell scales that use ball indenters. The change suggested for the next revision is to redefine the standard test forces presently based on rounded kilogram-force values, to converted and rounded Newton values. Since the development of the test method over 80 years ago, an incalculable amount of Rockwell hardness measurements have been made following essentially the same procedures. This paper discusses how these new changes could effect the Rockwell hardness measurement results.

Keywords

hardmetal ball, indenter, Rockwell hardness

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IMEKO-WC-2000-TC5-P170.pdf

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IMEKO TC

TC5 - Hardness Measurement

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