Fraud Blocker

Rockwell Hardness test result: the ultimate guide

How to correct Rockwell hardness test results on round, spherical and cylindrical objects

Because of its wide use, the Rockwell hardness test is often used to measure the hardness of round or cylindrical objects, such as shafts and metal tubes.

However, when testing hardness on non-flat surfaces, it is important to take into account the effect of non-flatness of the samples on the results.

This is because a not perfectly flat object can cause errors in the test results due to uneven force distribution. The hardness values will consequently not be true and accurate.

Reference standards help us in this.  ASTM-E18 and ISO-6508 show how to easily correct results.

Let’s see how together: just 3 steps are needed.

STEP #1: Are you using the right Rockwell hardness test scale?

First of all, keep in mind that the correction coefficient does not apply indifferently on all Rockwell hardness test scales: those mentioned by ISO-6508 and ASTM-E18 are A, C, D, B, F, G, 15N, 30N, 45N, 15T, 30T and 45T.

So, if you want to apply the correction on other scales not mentioned here, know that you are not respecting international reference standards.

In that case, we suggest you consider other hardness detection methods.

Do you need advice?

in this article

  1. How to correct Rockwell hardness test results on round, spherical and cylindrical objects
  2. STEP #1: Are you using the right Rockwell hardness test scale?
  3. STEP #2: Respect the minimum diameter/ radius
  4. STEP #3: Let’s calculate

STEP #2: Respect the minimum diameter/ radius

To apply the correction coefficient on cylindrical or spherical samples, it is essential to verify that the minimum diameter/radius is respected with reference to the Rockwell hardness test scale chosen.

For your convenience we have summarized below the minimum and maximum thicknesses for each scale following the ISO-6508-1 standard.

Is everything clear so far? Let’s continue then.

STEP #3: Let’s calculate

Now that we have all the basic elements of application of the correction coefficient on the rounds, the only thing we have to do now is to calculate it.

In the latest generation of digital Rockwell hardness testers, the calculation is superfluous: Simply indicate in the software settings the diameter/radius of the test sample and the correction is automatically applied by returning the correct HR value at the end of the test cycle.

In the analog versions (i.e. those with mechanical comparator), unfortunately you will have to calculate it.

According to ASTM-E18 and ISO-6508 standards, the application of the correct correction coefficient depends on 3 essential parameters:

1. radius or diameter of test sample

2. type of indenter used

3. type of Rockwell hardness test scale used

Once this information is collected, it is sufficient to perform a Rockwell hardness test cycle, obtain the value and consult the table provided by the regulations

Let’s take an example:

Scale used: HRA

Test sample radius: 8 mm

Value obtained: 20HRA

Correction coefficient to be applied: 20HRA + 2,5 = 22,5 HRA

GDPR

  • Privacy Policy
  • Statistical Cookies
  • Necessary Cookies

Privacy Policy

Your Privacy is important for us. This website uses cookies to monitor statistics of access. By either pressing “Save Settings” or continuing browsing you agree to our use of cookies.

Statistical Cookies

Statistical cookies help website owners understand how visitors interact with websites by collecting and transmitting information anonymously.

Necessary Cookies

Necessary cookies help make a website usable by enabling basic functions like page navigation and access to secure areas of the website. The website cannot function properly without these cookies.