Astm E18
Astm E18
Astm E18
for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
metallic materials by the Rockwell indentation hardness prin- (SI); that is, force in Newtons (N) and length in millimeters
ciple. This standard provides the requirements for Rockwell (mm). However, because of the historical precedent and
hardness machines and the procedures for performing Rock- continued common usage, force values in kgf units and ball
well hardness tests. diameters in inch units are provided for information and much
of the discussion in this standard refers to these units.
1.2 This test method includes requirements for the use of
portable Rockwell hardness testing machines that measure 1.6 The test principles, testing procedures, and verification
Rockwell hardness by the Rockwell hardness test principle and procedures are essentially identical for both the Rockwell and
can meet all the requirements of this test method, including the Rockwell superficial hardness tests. The significant differences
direct and indirect verifications of the testing machine. Portable between the two tests are that the test forces are smaller for the
Rockwell hardness testing machines that cannot meet the direct Rockwell superficial test than for the Rockwell test. The same
verification requirements and can only be verified by indirect type and size indenters may be used for either test, depending
verification requirements are covered in Test Method E110. on the scale being employed. Accordingly, throughout this
standard, the term Rockwell will imply both Rockwell and
1.3 This standard includes additional requirements in the Rockwell superficial unless stated otherwise.
following annexes:
1.7 This standard does not purport to address all of the
Verification of Rockwell Hardness Testing Machines Annex A1
Rockwell Hardness Standardizing Machines Annex A2
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
Standardization of Rockwell Indenters Annex A3 responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
Standardization of Rockwell Hardness Test Blocks Annex A4 priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
Guidelines for Determining the Minimum Thickness of a Annex A5
Test Piece
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
Hardness Value Corrections When Testing on Convex Annex A6 1.8 This international standard was developed in accor-
Cylindrical Surfaces dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
1.4 This standard includes nonmandatory information in the ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
following appendixes that relates to the Rockwell hardness Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
test. mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
List of ASTM Standards Giving Hardness Values Appendix X1 Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Corresponding
to Tensile Strength 2. Referenced Documents
Examples of Procedures for Determining Rockwell Appendix X2
Hardness Uncertainty 2.1 ASTM Standards:3
1.5 Units—At the time the Rockwell hardness test was A370 Test Methods and Definitions for Mechanical Testing
developed, the force levels were specified in units of of Steel Products
A623 Specification for Tin Mill Products, General Require-
ments
1
These test methods are under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E28 on A623M Specification for Tin Mill Products, General Re-
Mechanical Testing and are the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E28.06 on quirements [Metric]
Indentation Hardness Testing.
Current edition approved Feb. 1, 2020. Published March 2020. Originally
approved in 1932. Last previous edition approved in 2019 as E18 – 19. DOI:
3
10.1520/E0018-20 For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
2
In this test method, the term Rockwell refers to an internationally recognized contact ASTM Customer Service at [email protected]. For Annual Book of ASTM
type of indentation hardness test as defined in Section 3, and not to the hardness Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
testing equipment of a particular manufacturer. the ASTM website.
hardness machine at each hardness level, under the particular the preliminary test force. After holding the preliminary test
verification conditions, is estimated by the range of n hardness force for a specified dwell time, the final depth of indentation
measurements made on a standardized test block as part of a is measured. The Rockwell hardness value is derived from the
performance verification, defined as: difference h in the final and baseline indentation depths while
R 5 H max 2 H min (3) under the preliminary test force. The preliminary test force is
removed and the indenter is removed from the test specimen.
where: 5.1.1 There are two general classifications of the Rockwell
Hmax = highest hardness value, and test: the Rockwell hardness test and the Rockwell superficial
Hmin = lowest hardness value. hardness test. The significant difference between the two test
classifications is in the test forces that are used. For the
4. Significance and Use
Rockwell hardness test, the preliminary test force is 10 kgf (98
4.1 The Rockwell hardness test is an empirical indentation N) and the total test forces are 60 kgf (589 N), 100 kgf (981 N),
hardness test that can provide useful information about metallic and 150 kgf (1471 N). For the Rockwell superficial hardness
materials. This information may correlate to tensile strength, test, the preliminary test force is 3 kgf (29 N) and the total test
wear resistance, ductility, and other physical characteristics of forces are 15 kgf (147 N), 30 kgf (294 N), and 45 kgf (441 N).
metallic materials, and may be useful in quality control and 5.1.2 Indenters for the Rockwell hardness test include a
selection of materials. diamond spheroconical indenter and tungsten carbide ball
4.2 Rockwell hardness tests are considered satisfactory for indenters of specified diameters.
acceptance testing of commercial shipments, and have been 5.1.2.1 Steel indenter balls may be used only for testing thin
used extensively in industry for this purpose. sheet tin mill products specified in Specifications A623 and
A623M using the HR15T and HR30T scales with a diamond
4.3 Rockwell hardness testing at a specific location on a part spot anvil. Testing of this product may give significantly
may not represent the physical characteristics of the whole part differing results using a tungsten carbide ball as compared to
or end product. historical test data using a steel ball.
4.4 Adherence to this standard test method provides trace-
NOTE 1—Previous editions of this standard have stated that the steel
ability to national Rockwell hardness standards except as stated ball was the standard type of Rockwell indenter ball. The tungsten carbide
otherwise. ball is considered the standard type of Rockwell indenter ball. The use of
tungsten carbide balls provide an improvement to the Rockwell hardness
5. Principles of Test and Apparatus test because of the tendency of steel balls to flatten with use, which results
5.1 Rockwell Hardness Test Principle—The general prin- in an erroneously elevated hardness value. The user is cautioned that
Rockwell hardness tests comparing the use of steel and tungsten carbide
ciple of the Rockwell indentation hardness test is illustrated in balls have been shown to give different results. For example, depending on
Fig. 1. The test is divided into three steps of force application the material tested and its hardness level, Rockwell B scale tests using a
and removal. tungsten carbide ball indenter have given results approximately one
6
K ⁄ -in.
18 (3.175-mm) ball 150 red
L 1⁄4-in. (6.350-mm) ball 60 red
M 1⁄4-in. (6.350-mm) ball 100 red Bearing metals and other very soft or thin materials. Use smallest ball and heaviest load that does
P 1⁄4-in. (6.350-mm) ball 150 red not give anvil effect.
R 1⁄2-in. (12.70-mm) ball 60 red
S 1⁄2-in. (12.70-mm) ball 100 red
V 1⁄2-in. (12.70-mm) ball 150 red
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5.4 Indenters—The standard Rockwell indenters are either 5.5.6 Special anvils or fixtures, including clamping fixtures,
diamond spheroconical indenters or tungsten carbide balls of may be required for testing pieces or parts that cannot be
1.588 mm (1⁄16 in.), 3.175 mm (1⁄8 in.), 6.350 mm (1⁄4 in.), or supported by standard anvils. Auxiliary support may be used
12.70 mm (1⁄2 in.) in diameter. Indenters shall meet the for testing long pieces with so much overhang that the piece is
requirements defined in Annex A3. Steel ball indenters may be not firmly seated by the preliminary force.
used in certain circumstances (see 5.1.2.1). 5.6 Verification—Rockwell testing machines shall be veri-
5.4.1 Dust, dirt, or other foreign materials shall not be fied periodically in accordance with Annex A1.
allowed to accumulate on the indenter, as this will affect the
test results. 5.7 Test Blocks—Test blocks meeting the requirements of
Annex A4 shall be used to verify the testing machine in
NOTE 3—Indenters certified to revision E18-07 or later meet the accordance with Annex A1.
requirements of this standard.
NOTE 4—Test blocks certified to revision E18-07 or later meet the
5.5 Specimen Support—A specimen support or “anvil” shall requirements of this standard.
be used that is suitable for supporting the specimen to be NOTE 5—It is recognized that appropriate standardized test blocks are
tested. The seating and supporting surfaces of all anvils shall be not available for all geometric shapes, or materials, or both.
clean and smooth and shall be free from pits, deep scratches, 5.8 Use of Portable Rockwell Hardness Testing Machines:
and foreign material. Damage to the anvil may occur from 5.8.1 A fixed-location Rockwell hardness testing machine
testing too thin material or accidental contact of the anvil by may not be capable of testing certain samples because of the
the indenter. If the anvil is damaged from any cause, it shall be sample size or weight, sample location, accessibility of the test
repaired or replaced. Anvils showing the least visibly percep- point or other requirements. In these circumstances, the use of
tible damage may give inaccurate results, particularly on thin a portable Rockwell hardness testing machine is an acceptable
material. method to test these samples. This method allows the use of a
5.5.1 Common specimen support anvils should have a portable Rockwell hardness testing machine as follows.
minimum hardness of 58 HRC. Some specialty support anvils 5.8.1.1 The portable Rockwell hardness testing machine
require a lower material hardness. shall meet the requirements of this method, including the test
5.5.2 Flat pieces should be tested on a flat anvil that has a principle, apparatus, indenters, applied forces, test procedures
smooth, flat bearing surface whose plane is perpendicular to and the direct and indirect verifications of the testing machine
the axis of the indenter. (except as indicated in Table A1.1). Test Method E110 covers
5.5.3 Small diameter cylindrical pieces shall be tested with portable Rockwell hardness testing machines that cannot be
a hard V-grooved anvil with the axis of the V-groove directly directly verified or cannot pass direct verification but meet the
under the indenter, or on hard, parallel, twin cylinders properly other requirements of this method.
positioned and clamped in their base. These types of specimen 5.8.1.2 A portable Rockwell hardness testing machine shall
supports shall support the specimen with the apex of the be used only when testing circumstances make it impractical to
cylinder directly under the indenter. use a fixed-location Rockwell hardness testing machine. In
5.5.4 For thin materials or specimens that are not perfectly such cases, it is recommended that an agreement or under-
flat, an anvil having an elevated, flat “spot” 3 mm (1⁄8 in.) to standing be made between all parties involved (for example,
12.5 mm (1⁄2 in.) in diameter should be used. This spot shall be testing service and customer) that a portable Rockwell hard-
polished smooth and flat. Very soft material should not be ness testing machine will be used instead of a fixed-location
tested on the “spot” anvil because the applied force may cause Rockwell hardness testing machine (see 5.8.1.)
the penetration of the anvil into the under side of the specimen 5.8.1.3 The portable Rockwell hardness testing machine
regardless of its thickness. shall measure hardness by the Rockwell hardness test principle
5.5.5 When testing thin sheet metal with a ball indenter, it is (see 5.1). Portable hardness testing machines or instruments
recommended that a diamond spot anvil be used. The highly that measure hardness by other means or procedures different
polished diamond surface shall have a diameter between 4.0 than the Rockwell hardness test principle, such as those defined
mm (0.157 in.) and 7.0 mm (0.2875 in.) and be centered within in Test Methods A883, A956, A1038 or B647, produce
0.5 mm (0.02 in.) of the test point. converted Rockwell hardness values and do not comply with
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6.1 For best results, both the test surface and the bottom 7.2 Rockwell hardness tests should be carried out at ambient
surface of the test piece should be smooth, even and free from temperature within the limits of 10 to 35 °C (50 to 95 °F).
oxide scale, foreign matter, and lubricants. An exception is Users of the Rockwell hardness test are cautioned that the
made for certain materials such as reactive metals that may temperature of the test material and the temperature of the
adhere to the indenter. In such situations, a suitable lubricant hardness tester may affect test results. Consequently, users
such as kerosene may be used. The use of a lubricant shall be should ensure that the test temperature does not adversely
defined on the test report. affect the hardness measurement.
6.2 Preparation shall be carried out in such a way that any 7.3 The test piece shall be supported rigidly so that displace-
alteration of the surface hardness of the test surface (for ment of the test surface is minimized (see 5.5).
example, due to heat or cold-working) is minimized. 7.4 Test Cycle—This standard specifies the Rockwell test
6.3 The thickness of the test piece or of the layer under test cycle by stating recommendations or requirements for five
should be as defined in tables and presented graphically in separate parts of the cycle. These parts are illustrated for a
Annex A5. These tables were determined from studies on strips Rockwell C scale test in Fig. 2, and defined as follows:
of carbon steel and have proven to give reliable results. For all (1) Contact Velocity, vA—The velocity of the indenter at the
other materials, it is recommended that the thickness should point of contact with the test material.
exceed 10 times the depth of indentation. In general, no (2) Preliminary Force Dwell Time, tPF—The dwell time
deformation should be visible on the back of the test piece after beginning when the preliminary force is fully applied and
the test, although not all such marking is indicative of a bad ending when the first baseline depth of indentation is
test. measured, (also see 7.4.1.3).
6.3.1 Special consideration should be made when testing (3) Additional Force Application Time, tTA—The time for
parts that exhibit hardness gradients; for example, parts that applying the additional force to obtain the full total force.
were case-hardened by processes such as carburizing, (4) Total Force Dwell Time, tTF—The dwell time while the
carbonitriding, nitriding, induction, etc. The minimum thick- total force is fully applied.
ness guidelines given in Annex A5 only apply to materials of (5) Dwell Time for Elastic Recovery, tR—The dwell time at
uniform hardness, and should not be used to determine the the preliminary force level, beginning when the additional
appropriate scale for measuring parts with hardness gradients. force is fully removed, and ending when the second and final
The selection of an appropriate Rockwell scale for parts with depth of indentation is measured.
hardness gradients should be made by special agreement. 7.4.1 The standard Rockwell test cycle is specified in Table
3. The test cycle used for Rockwell hardness tests shall be in
NOTE 6—A table listing the minimum effective case depth needed for accordance with these test cycle values and tolerances (see
different Rockwell scales is given in SAE J417. Note 9), with the following exceptions.
6.4 When testing on convex cylindrical surfaces, the result 7.4.1.1 Precautions for Materials Having Excessive Time-
may not accurately indicate the true Rockwell hardness; Dependent Plasticity (Indentation Creep)—In the case of
therefore, the corrections given in Annex A6 shall be applied. materials exhibiting excessive plastic flow after application of
For diameters between those given in the tables, correction the total test force, special considerations may be necessary
factors may be derived by linear interpolation. Tests performed since the indenter will continue to penetrate. When materials
on diameters smaller than those given in Annex A6 are not require the use of a longer total force dwell time than for the
acceptable. Corrections for tests on spherical and concave standard test cycle stated in Table 3, this should he specified in
surfaces should be the subject of special agreement. the product specification. In these cases, the actual extended
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8.1 There is no general method of accurately converting the blocks of the type readily available were used for this study.
Rockwell hardness numbers on one scale to Rockwell hardness Test blocks at three different hardness levels (high, medium,
numbers on another scale, or to other types of hardness and low) in each scale were tested three times each. The results
numbers, or to tensile strength values. Such conversions are, at from the first study are filed under ASTM Research Report
best, approximations and, therefore, should be avoided except RR:E28-1021.7,8
for special cases where a reliable basis for the approximate
10.2 Starting with version E18-05, this standard changed
conversion has been obtained by comparison tests.
from the use of steel balls to carbide balls for all scales that use
NOTE 10—The Standard Hardness Conversion Tables for Metals, E140,
give approximate conversion values for specific materials such as steel, a ball indenter. Due to this change, a second study was
austenitic stainless steel, nickel and high-nickel alloys, cartridge brass, conducted in 2006. The second study was performed in
copper alloys, and alloyed white cast irons. The Rockwell hardness data in accordance with Practice E691 and was identical to the initial
the conversion tables of E140 was determined using steel ball indenters. study except it was limited to the HRBW, HR30TW, and
NOTE 11—ASTM standards giving approximate hardness-tensile
strength relationships are listed in Appendix X1.
HREW scales, all of which use carbide ball indenters. The
results from that study are filed under ASTM Research Report
9. Report RR:E28-1022.
9.1 The test report shall include the following information: 10.3 A total of 14 different labs participated in the two
9.1.1 The Rockwell hardness number. All reports of Rock- studies. Eight participated in the first study and nine in the
well hardness numbers shall indicate the scale used. The second study. Three labs participated in both studies. The labs
reported number shall be rounded in accordance with Practice chosen to participate in this study were a combination of
E29 (see 5.2.4 and Note 2), commercial testing labs (6), in-house labs (5) and test block
9.1.2 The total force dwell time, if outside the specified manufacturer’s calibration labs (3). Each lab was instructed to
standard test cycle tolerances (see Table 3), and test each block in three specific locations around the surface of
the blocks. All testing was to be done according to ASTM
E18-05.
10.4 The results given in Table 4 may be useful in inter-
preting measurement differences. It is a combination of the two
studies. The diamond scales, HRC, HRA, and HR30N are from
the first study and the ball scales, HRBW, HREW, and
HR30TW are from the second study. This combination reflects
the testing that is being done currently.
10.5 The value of rPB indicates the typical amount of
variation that can be expected between test results obtained for
the same material by the same operator using the same
7
Supporting data have been filed at ASTM International Headquarters and may
be obtained by requesting Research Report RR:E28-1021.
8
Supporting data have been filed at ASTM International Headquarters and may
FIG. 3 Schematic of Minimum Indentation Spacing be obtained by requesting Research Report RR:E28-1022.
hardness tester on the same day. When comparing two test examination of the raw data reveled that one lab’s results were
results made under these conditions, a measurement difference much higher than the others, significantly affecting the overall
of less than the rPB value for that Rockwell scale is an results in that scale. The results from all of the other scales
indication that the results may be equivalent. seem to be reasonable.
10.6 The value of RPB indicates the typical amount of 10.11 Bias—There are no recognized standards by which to
variation that can be expected between test results obtained for fully estimate the bias of this test method.
the same material by different operators using different hard-
ness testers on different days. When comparing two test results 11. Keywords
made under these conditions, a measurement difference of less 11.1 hardness; mechanical test; metals; Rockwell
ANNEXES
(Mandatory Information)
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difference in hardness between any of the standardized test may be made at any time after the indirect verification, and
blocks shall be at least 5 hardness points for each Rockwell may be performed by the user as follows.
scale. The user may find that high, medium and low range test A1.4.10.1 The testing machine and indenter shall be verified
blocks are unavailable commercially for some scales. In these together using the indirect verification procedures of A1.4.9
cases, one of the following two procedures shall be followed. with the following exception. The verification shall be per-
(1) Alternative Procedure 1—The testing machine shall be formed on at least two standardized test blocks (high and low
verified using the standardized blocks from the one or two ranges) for each Rockwell scale that the indenter will be used.
A2.1 Scope greater than 0.002 mm/mm (0.002 in./in.). This characteristic
A2.1.1 Annex A2 specifies the requirements for the of the standardizing machine is not likely to vary with time. As
capabilities, usage, periodic verification, and monitoring of a such, the accuracy of this dimension shall only be certified by
Rockwell hardness standardizing machine. The Rockwell hard- the machine manufacturer and need not be periodically verified
ness standardizing machine differs from a Rockwell hardness by direct verification unless the components have been
testing machine by having tighter tolerances on certain perfor- changed.
mance attributes such as force application and machine hys- A2.3.1.4 Indenters—Class A ball indenters and Class A or
teresis. A Rockwell standardizing machine is used for the Reference diamond indenters as described in Annex A3 (see
standardization of Rockwell hardness indenters as described in Note 3) shall be used.
Annex A3, and for the standardization of Rockwell test blocks A2.3.1.5 Testing Cycle—The standardizing machine shall be
as described in Annex A4. capable of meeting each part of the testing cycle within the
tolerances specified in Table A2.1. The manufacturer of the
A2.1.2 Adherence to this standard and annex provide trace- standardizing machine shall verify each of the five components
ability to national standards, except as stated otherwise. of the testing cycle at the time of manufacture, or when the
testing machine is returned to the manufacturer for repair.
A2.2 Accreditation
A2.3.1.6 It is important that the final portion of the addi-
A2.2.1 The agency conducting direct and/or indirect verifi- tional force application be controlled. Two recommended
cations of Rockwell hardness standardizing machines shall be procedures for properly applying the additional force are as
accredited to the requirements of ISO 17025 (or an equivalent) follows: (1) the average indenter velocity vF (see Fig. 2) during
by an accrediting body recognized by the International Labo- the final 40 % of additional force application should be
ratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC) as operating to the between 0.020 mm/s and 0.040 mm/s, or (2) the amount of
requirements of ISO/IEC 17011. An agency accredited to force applied during the final 10 % of the additional force
perform verifications of Rockwell hardness standardizing ma- application time should be less than 5 % of the additional force.
chines may perform the verifications of its own standardizing A2.3.1.7 During the period between verifications, no adjust-
machines. The standardizing laboratory shall have a certificate/ ments may be made to the force application system, the force
scope of accreditation stating the types of verifications (direct measurement system, the indenter depth measurement system,
and/or indirect) and the Rockwell scales that are covered by the or the test cycle that is used for each Rockwell scale.
accreditation.
A2.4 Laboratory Environment
A2.3 Apparatus A2.4.1 The standardizing machine shall be located in a
A2.3.1 The standardizing machine shall satisfy the require- temperature and relative-humidity controlled room with toler-
ments of Section 5 for a Rockwell hardness testing machine ances for these conditions given in Table A2.2. The accuracy of
with the following additional requirements.
TABLE A2.1 Testing Cycle Requirements
A2.3.1.1 The standardizing machine shall be designed so
Test Cycle Parameter Tolerance
that: (1) each test force can be selected by the operator, and (2)
Indenter contact velocity, vA #1.0 mm/s
adjustments to test forces cannot be made by the operator. Dwell time for preliminary force, tPF (when the time to apply 3.0 ± 1.0 s
A2.3.1.2 The system for displaying the hardness measure- the preliminary force tPA $ 1 s, then calculate this parameter
t PA
ment value shall be digital with a resolution of 0.1 Rockwell as 1t PF)
2
units or better. Additional force application, tTA (see A2.3.1.6) 1.0 to 8.0 s
Dwell time for total force, tTF 5.0 ± 1.0 s
A2.3.1.3 Deviation in parallelism between the indenter Dwell time for elastic recovery, tR 4.0 ± 1.0 s
mounting surface and the anvil mounting surface shall not be
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measuring device shall have a resolution of at least 1 °C. A2.6.2.1 Verification of the Test Forces—For each Rockwell
A2.4.2 The temperature and relative-humidity of the stan- scale that will be used, the associated forces (preliminary test
dardizing laboratory shall be monitored beginning at least one force, total test force, and test force during elastic recovery)
hour prior to standardization and throughout the standardizing shall be measured. The test forces shall be measured by means
procedure. of a Class AA elastic force measuring instrument having an
A2.4.3 The standardizing machine, indenter(s), and test accuracy of at least 0.05 %, as described in Practices E74.
blocks to be standardized must be in an environment meeting A2.6.2.2 Make three measurements of each force. The
the tolerances of Table A2.2 for at least one hour prior to forces shall be measured as they are applied during testing.
standardization. A2.6.2.3 Each preliminary test force F0 and each total test
force F shall be accurate to within 0.25 % in accordance with
A2.4.4 During the standardization process, the standardiz- Table A2.4.
ing machine shall be isolated from any vibration that may A2.6.2.4 Verification of the Depth Measuring System—The
affect the measurements. depth measuring system shall be verified by means of an
A2.4.5 The power supply to the standardizing machine shall instrument having an accuracy of at least 0.0001 mm.
be isolated from any electrical surges that could affect its A2.6.2.5 Verify the standardizing machine’s measurement
performance. of depth at not less than four evenly spaced increments of
approximately 0.05 mm at the range of the normal working
A2.5 Verifications depth of the standardizing machine. The normal working depth
A2.5.1 The standardizing machine shall undergo direct and range shall correspond to the lowest and highest hardness
indirect verifications at periodic intervals and when circum- values for the Rockwell scales that will be standardized or that
stances occur that may affect the performance of the standard- will be used for indenter calibrations.
izing machine, according to the schedule given in Table A2.3. A2.6.2.6 For testing machines with long stroke actuators
A2.5.2 A standardizing machine used for the standardiza- and fixed anvils, the depth measurement verification shall be
tion of test blocks shall undergo monitoring verifications each repeated at positions corresponding to each thickness of test
day that standardizations are made, according to the schedule block that will be standardized or that will be used for indenter
given in Table A2.3. calibrations.
A2.6.2.7 The indentation depth measuring device shall have
A2.5.3 All instruments used to make measurements re- an accuracy of at least 0.0002 mm over the normal working
quired by this Annex shall be calibrated traceable to national depth range which corresponds to 0.1 regular Rockwell hard-
standards where a system of traceability exists, except as noted ness units and 0.2 Rockwell Superficial hardness units.
otherwise. A2.6.2.8 Verification of Machine Hysteresis—Most Rock-
A2.5.4 The standardizing machine shall be directly and well hardness machines will undergo flexure in the machine
indirectly verified at the location where it will be used. frame and some machine components each time a test is made.
If the flexure is not entirely elastic during the application and
removal of the additional force F1, the testing machine may
TABLE A2.3 Verification Schedule for a Rockwell Hardness
Standardizing Machine exhibit hysteresis in the indenter depth measuring system,
resulting in an offset or bias in the test result. The goal of the
Verification
Schedule
Procedure
Direct Shall be every 12 months. TABLE A2.4 Tolerances on Applied Force for the
verification When a standardizing machine is new, moved, or when Standardizing Machine
adjustments, modifications or repairs are made that could
affect the application of the test forces, the depth measuring Force, kgf (N) Tolerance, kgf (N)
system, or the machine hysteresis. 10 (98.07) 0.025 (0.245)
60 (588.4) 0.150 (1.471)
Indirect Shall be within 12 months prior to standardization testing. 100 (980.7) 0.250 (2.452)
verification Following a direct verification(limited number of scales). 150 (1471) 0.375 (3.678)
3 (29.42) 0.008 (0.074)
Monitoring Shall be before and after each lot is standardized, and at the 15 (147.1) 0.038 (0.368)
verification end of each day and the start of the following day when a 30 (294.2) 0.075 (0.736)
single lot is standardized over multiple days. 45 (441.3) 0.113 (1.103)
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of test block non-uniformity. A2.7.4 Monitoring Test Blocks—Test blocks that meet the
A2.6.3.9 If any of the error E or repeatability R measure- physical requirements (see Table A4.1) and the uniformity
ments fall outside of the specified tolerances, the standardizing requirements (see Table A4.2) of Annex A4 shall be used. The
machine shall not be considered to have passed the indirect monitoring test blocks shall be at each of the appropriate
verification. A number of corrective actions may be attempted hardness ranges of each hardness scale that will be used. These
to bring the standardizing machine within tolerances. These ranges are given in Table A2.6. It is to the advantage of the
actions include cleaning and maintenance or replacing the
laboratory to use test blocks that exhibit high uniformity in
anvil. No adjustments to the force application system, force
hardness across the test surface. The laboratory may, in all
cases, perform the monitoring tests using primary standardized
test blocks.
A2.7.5 Procedure for Calibrating Monitoring Test Blocks—
Monitoring test blocks for a specific Rockwell scale shall be
calibrated by the standardizing laboratory following an indirect
verification of the scales for which monitoring blocks will be
calibrated. An adequate number of monitoring blocks should
be calibrated for each hardness scale and hardness level. The
number of blocks required is dependent on each laboratory’s
needs and experience.
A2.7.5.1 Prior to calibrating the monitoring test blocks,
ensure that the testing machine is working freely, and that the
indenter and anvil are seated adequately. Each time the
hardness scale is changed, make at least two hardness mea-
surements on a uniform test piece for the scale to be verified.
FIG. A2.1 Suggested Pattern for Repeatability Measurements The results of these measurements need not be recorded.
--``,``,,``,`,,`,,`,`,,``,`,`,,-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---
trol charts or other comparable methods be used to monitor the charts or other monitoring systems that are being used (see
performance of the standardizing machine between verifica- Note A2.2). If the monitoring verification data indicates that
tions. Control charts provide a method for detecting lack of the standardizing machine is within control parameters, stan-
statistical control. There are many publications available that dardizations are considered to be valid.
discuss the design and use of control charts, such as the ASTM
“Manual on Presentation of Data and Control Chart Analysis: NOTE A2.2—Control chart data should be interpreted by the laboratory
based on past experience. The need for corrective action does not depend
6th Edition,” prepared by Committee E11 on Quality and
solely on data falling outside the control limits, but also on the prior data
Statistics. The standardizing laboratory should develop and use leading to this occurrence. As a general rule, however, once the standard-
control charts that best apply to their specific needs. 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
A2.7.8 Monitoring Procedures—The following monitoring problem. The level of action that is required depends on the history of the
procedures shall be performed before and after each lot of test machine performance. It may be precautionary such as increasing the
blocks is standardized. When standardizations of a single lot of monitoring frequency, or corrective such as performing new direct and
test blocks spans multiple days, the monitoring procedures indirect verifications.
shall be performed at the end of the work day and at the start A2.8 Verification Report
of the following day during the period that the lot is standard-
ized. In addition, the monitoring procedures shall be performed A2.8.1 Direct Verification:
whenever the indenter, anvil, or test force is changed. A2.8.1.1 Reference to this ASTM test method.
A2.7.8.1 At least two monitoring test blocks shall be used in A2.8.1.2 Identification of the hardness standardizing
the appropriate hardness ranges that bracket the hardness level machine, including the serial number, manufacturer and model
to be standardized. These ranges are given in Table A2.6. For number.
some Rockwell scales (for example, HRR and HRS) there may A2.8.1.3 Identification of all devices (elastic proving
be only one monitoring test block that can be used. devices, etc.) used for the verification, including serial numbers
A2.7.8.2 Prior to testing the monitoring test blocks, ensure and identification of standards to which traceability is made.
that the testing machine is working freely, and that the indenter A2.8.1.4 Test temperature at the time of verification re-
and anvil are seated adequately. Make at least two hardness ported to a resolution of at least 1 °C.
measurements on a uniform test piece for the scale to be A2.8.1.5 The individual measurement values and calculated
verified. The results of these measurements need not be results used to determine whether the standardizing machine
recorded. Repeat this procedure each time the hardness scale is meets the requirements of the verification performed. It is
changed. recommended that the uncertainty in the calculated results used
A2.7.8.3 On each monitoring test block, make at least four to determine whether the standardizing machine meets the
measurements distributed uniformly over the surface of the requirements of the verification performed also be reported.
block. A2.8.1.6 Description of adjustments or maintenance done to
the standardizing machine, when applicable.
A2.7.8.4 Error—Determine the error E (Eq 2) in the perfor-
mance of the standardizing machine for each monitoring test A2.8.1.7 Date of verification and reference to the verifying
block that is measured. The error E shall be within the agency or department.
tolerances of Table A2.6. A2.8.1.8 Identification of the person performing the verifi-
cation.
A2.7.8.5 Repeatability—Determine the repeatability R in
A2.8.1.9 Accreditation certification number.
the performance of the standardizing machine (Eq 3) for each
standardized test block that is measured. The repeatability R A2.8.2 Indirect Verification:
shall be within the tolerances of Table A2.6. A2.8.2.1 Reference to this ASTM test method.
HR15TW scale
⁄ (1.588)
1 16 30 to 77 HR30TW ± 0.8 HR30TW
HR30TW scale FIG. A3.1 Diagram of Cross-Sectional View of Spheroconical Dia-
mond Indenter Tip
--``,``,,``,`,,`,,`,`,,``,`,`,,-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---
A3.5.3.2 Diamond indenters may be verified for use on
limited Rockwell scales as follows: regular Rockwell scales
only; superficial Rockwell scales only; or both regular and TABLE A3.7 Test Blocks to be Used for Singular or Limited Scale
Diamond Indenter Performance Verifications and the Maximum
superficial Rockwell scales. Special diamond indenters in-
Tolerance on the Performance Relative to the Class A or
tended for single or limited scale use and indenters, such as Reference Indenter
side cut diamond indenters, that because of their geometries Tolerance
cannot support the heavier loads of some Rockwell scales are Ranges of as Compared to
also allowed. In all cases the test report shall define the scale or Indenter Type Required Test Class A or
Blocks Reference Indenter
scales the indenter is certified to perform.
H̄ Q 2H̄ V
A3.5.3.3 The performance verification is accomplished by
HRA Scale 61 to 65 HRA ± 0.8 HRA
making hardness measurements on test blocks meeting the 81 to 84 HRA ± 0.5 HRA
manufacturing requirements of A4.3.
A3.5.3.4 Prior to the performance verification, ensure that HRD Scale 41 to 46 HRD ± 0.8 HRD
70 to 75 HRD ± 0.5 HRD
the testing machine is working freely, and that the indenter and
anvil are seated adequately. Make at least two hardness HR15N Scale 70 to 74 HR15N ± 0.8 HR15N
measurements on a uniform test piece using a total force of 150 88 to 94 HR15N ± 0.5 HR15N
kgf, or the greatest test force that the indenter can support. The HR30N Scale 43 to 49 HR30N ± 0.8 HR30N
results of these measurements need not be recorded. This 77 to 82 HR30N ± 0.5 HR30N
procedure shall be repeated each time the indenter is changed.
A3.5.3.5 Using the qualifying indenter, perform the daily
verification procedures of A1.5.3 for the scales and hardness used in the 15N and 30N scales only is desired, then 4 test
levels that will be used for the indenter performance verifica- blocks would be used, 2 in the 15N scale and 2 in the 30N scale
tion. If any of the error E measurements or the repeatability R as defined in the table. Record each test result and the location
measurements fall outside of the specified tolerances, the of the indentation. Let H̄ Q be the average of the qualifying
standardizing machine shall not be considered to have passed measurements.
the verification, and shall not be used for standardization until
A3.5.3.8 Using the Class B indenter to be verified, perform
the problem is determined and corrections have been made.
verification tests on the test blocks previously tested with the
Once corrections have been made, the verification procedure
Class A or Reference indenter. One verification test shall be
shall be repeated. This verification procedure is required only
made within 6 mm of each qualifying indent. Let H̄ V be the
at the start of the indenter performance verification.
average of the verifying measurements.
A3.5.3.6 The following procedures for performance verifi-
cation involve making qualifying hardness tests on test blocks A3.5.3.9 The number of verifying tests that can be made
with a Class A or Reference indenter, then performing verifi- adjacent to each qualifying test is limited by the requirements
cation tests on the same blocks with the Class B indenters to be to be within 6 mm of the qualifying indent while adhering to
verified. the indent to indent spacing requirements given in 7.9. To make
A3.5.3.7 Using the qualifying indenter, perform one set of at additional verifying tests, perform additional qualifying tests
least three qualifying tests on each test block from each range with the Class A or Reference indenter, and repeat the above
defined in Table A3.6 for the type of indenter to be verified. verifying procedure. This process may be repeated until there
Special singular or limited scale indenters (see A3.5.3.2) shall is no longer space on the test block.
be certified for use on singular or limited scales using the test A3.5.3.10 For acceptability, the difference between the
blocks defined in Table A3.7. For example, if an HRA scale qualifying and verifying averages, H̄ Q 2H̄ V , shall be within the
only diamond indenter is desired, the two HRA scale test tolerances for Class B indenters of Table A3.6 or Table A3.7
blocks defined in the table would be used. If an indenter to be for the singular or limited scale indenter being verified.
--``,``,,``,`,,`,,`,`,,``,`,`,,-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---
indenter holder shall have a calibration certificate with the
following information: surements with the hardness levels of the test blocks used.
A3.9.1.1 Reference to this ASTM test method. A3.9.4.6 The performance differences between the Refer-
A3.9.1.2 Serial number of the indenter. ence standardizing indenter and the verified Class A indenter
A3.9.1.3 Date of standardization. H̄ Q 2H̄ V for each test block used.
A3.9.1.4 A statement declaring that the indenter meets all of A3.9.4.7 A statement declaring that the indenter meets all of
the material hardness, ball protrusion and performance require- the geometrical and performance requirements for a Class A
ments for the particular Class of Rockwell ball indenter. indenter.
A3.9.1.5 Accreditation agency certification number. A3.9.4.8 Accreditation agency certification number.
A3.9.1.6 The scale(s) that the indenter is certified to per-
form when certified for singular or limited scales. A3.9.5 Reference Diamond Indenters—Each Reference dia-
mond indenter shall have a calibration certificate or report with
A3.9.2 Indenter balls for Class B and Class A indenters shall
the following information:
have a report, applicable to one or more balls, with the
following information: A3.9.5.1 Serial number of the indenter.
A3.9.2.1 Reference to this ASTM test method. A3.9.5.2 Date of standardization.
A3.9.2.2 Identification of the lot or batch. A3.9.5.3 The results of all geometrical verifications.
A3.9.2.3 A statement declaring that the ball meets all of the A3.9.5.4 Serial number of the reference indenter.
geometrical, density, chemical composition and hardness re- A3.9.5.5 All qualifying and verifying performance mea-
quirements for the particular Class of Rockwell ball indenter. surements with the hardness levels of the test blocks used.
A3.9.3 Class B Diamond Indenters—Each Class B diamond A3.9.5.6 The performance differences between the refer-
indenter shall have a calibration certificate with the following ence indenter and the verified Reference indenter H̄ Q 2H̄ V for
information: each test block used.
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TABLE A4.2 Maximum Nonuniformity for Standardized
calibrated. When possible, the test blocks should be calibrated Test Blocks
traceable to national Rockwell standards (see Note A4.1). The Max.
Rockwell standard to which the test blocks are traceable shall Nonuniformity
Nominal Hardness of Range,
be stated in the certification. Standardized Test Block HR
NOTE A4.1—In the United States, the national Rockwell hardness (HR
standardizing laboratory is the National Institute of Standards and units)
Technology (NIST), Gaithersburg, MD 20899. HRA $20 and <80 1.0
NOTE A4.2—Primary standardized test blocks are available as Standard $80 and <92 0.5
Reference Material from NIST, Gaithersburg, MD 20899. HRBW $0 and <45 1.5
$45 and <100 1.0
A4.5.2 Class A ball indenters and Class A or Reference HRC $20 and <60 1.0
diamond indenters as described in Annex A3 (see Note 3) shall $60 and <70 0.5
be used for the standardization of test blocks. HRD $40 and <60 1.0
$60 and <87 0.5
HREW, HRFW, HRGW, HRHW, 1.0
TABLE A4.1 Physical Requirements of Standardized Test Blocks HRKW, HRLW, HRMW, HRPW,
HRRW, HRSW, HRVW
Test Block Parameter Tolerance HR15N $69 and <90 1.0
Thickness $6.0 mm (0.236 in.) $90 and <97 0.7
#16.0 mm (0.630 in.) HR30N $41 and <77 1.0
Test surface area #2600 mm2 (4 in.2) $77 and <92 0.7
Deviation from surface flatness #0.005 mm (0.0002 in.) HR45N $19 and <66 1.0
(test & bottom) $66 and <87 0.7
Deviation from surface parallelism #0.0002 mm per mm HR15TW, HR30TW, HR45TW 1.0
(test & bottom) (0.0002 in. per in.) HR15WW, HR30WW, HR45WW, 1.0
Mean surface roughness Ra # 0.003 mm (12 µin.) HR15XW, HR30XW, HR45XW,
(test & bottom) center line average HR15YW, HR30YW, HR45YW
Minimum Thickness
A C
Hardness Approximate Hardness
in. mm
Reading Hardness C-ScaleA Reading
0.014 0.36 ... ... ...
0.016 0.41 86 69 ...
0.018 0.46 84 65 ...
0.020 0.51 82 61.5 ...
0.022 0.56 79 56 69
0.024 0.61 76 50 67
0.026 0.66 71 41 65
0.028 0.71 67 32 62
0.030 0.76 60 19 57
0.032 0.81 ... ... 52
0.034 0.86 ... ... 45
0.036 0.91 ... ... 37
0.038 0.96 ... ... 28
0.040 1.02 ... ... 20
A
These approximate hardness numbers are for use in selecting a suitable scale
and should not be used as hardness conversions. If necessary to convert test
readings to another scale, refer to Hardness Conversion Tables E140 (Relation-
ship Between Brinell Hardness, Vickers Hardness, Rockwell Hardness, Rockwell
Superficial Hardness, and Knoop Hardness).
TABLE A5.3 A Minimum Thickness Guide for Selection of Scales Using the Diamond Indenter (see Fig. A5.1)
NOTE 1—For any given thickness, the indicated Rockwell hardness is the minimum value acceptable for testing. For a given hardness, material of any
greater thickness than that corresponding to that hardness can be tested on the indicated scale.
Rockwell Superficial Scale
Minimum Thickness
15N 30N 45N
Approximate Approximate Approximate
Hardness Hardness Hardness
in. mm Hardness Hardness Hardness
Reading Reading Reading
C-ScaleA C-ScaleA C-ScaleA
0.006 0.15 92 65 ... ... . .. ...
0.008 0.20 90 60 ... ... ... ...
0.010 0.25 88 55 ... ... ... ...
0.012 0.30 83 45 82 65 77 69.5
0.014 0.36 76 32 78.5 61 74 67
0.016 0.41 68 18 74 56 72 65
0.018 0.46 ... ... 66 47 68 61
0.020 0.51 ... ... 57 37 63 57
0.022 0.56 ... ... 47 26 58 52.5
0.024 0.61 ... ... ... ... 51 47
0.026 0.66 ... ... ... ... 37 35
0.028 0.71 ... ... ... ... 20 20.5
0.030 0.76 ... ... ... ... ... ...
A
These approximate hardness numbers are for use in selecting a suitable scale, and should not be used as hardness conversions. If necessary to convert test readings
to another scale, refer to Hardness Conversion Tables E140 (Relationship Between Brinell Hardness, Vickers Hardness, Rockwell Hardness, Rockwell Superficial
Hardness and Knoop Hardness).
--``,``,,``,`,,`,,`,`,,``,`,`,,-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---
to another scale refer to Hardness Conversion Tables E140 (Relationship Between Brinell Hardness, Vickers Hardness, Rockwell Hardness, Rockwell Superficial Hardness
and Knoop Hardness).
NOTE 1—Locate a point corresponding to the thickness-hardness combination to be tested. Only scales falling to the left of this point may be used to --``,``,,``,`,,`,,`,`,,``,`,`,,-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---
NOTE 1—Locate a point corresponding to the thickness-hardness combination to be tested. Only scales falling to the left of this point may be used to
test this combination.
FIG. A5.2 Thickness Limits for Rockwell Hardness Testing Using the 1/16-in. (1.588-mm) Diameter Ball Indenter
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A
When testing cylindrical specimens, the accuracy of the test will be seriously affected by alignment of elevating screw, V-anvil, indenters, surface finish, and the
straightness of the cylinder.
B
These corrections are approximate only and represent the averages to the nearest 0.5 Rockwell number, of numerous actual observations.
TABLE A6.2 Corrections to be Added to Rockwell B, F, and G Values Obtained on Convex Cylindrical Surfaces of Various DiametersA
Diameters of Convex Cylindrical Surfaces
Hardness 14⁄ in. ⁄ in.
38 ⁄ in.
12 5⁄8 in. 3⁄4 in. 7⁄8 in. 1 in.
Reading (6.4 mm) (10 mm) (13 mm) (16 mm) (19 mm) (22 mm) (25 mm)
Corrections to be Added to Rockwell B, F, and G ValuesB
0 12.5 8.5 6.5 5.5 4.5 3.5 3.0
10 12.0 8.0 6.0 5.0 4.0 3.5 3.0
20 11.0 7.5 5.5 4.5 4.0 3.5 3.0
30 10.0 6.5 5.0 4.5 3.5 3.0 2.5
40 9.0 6.0 4.5 4.0 3.0 2.5 2.5
50 8.0 5.5 4.0 3.5 3.0 2.5 2.0
60 7.0 5.0 3.5 3.0 2.5 2.0 2.0
70 6.0 4.0 3.0 2.5 2.0 2.0 1.5
80 5.0 3.5 2.5 2.0 1.5 1.5 1.5
90 4.0 3.0 2.0 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.0
100 3.5 2.5 1.5 1.5 1.0 1.0 0.5
A
When testing cylindrical specimens, the accuracy of the test will be seriously affected by alignment of elevating screw, V-anvil, indenters, surface finish, and the
straightness of the cylinder.
B
These corrections are approximate only and represent the averages to the nearest 0.5 Rockwell number, of numerous actual observations.
TABLE A6.3 Corrections to be Added to Rockwell Superficial 15N, 30N, and 45N Values Obtained on Convex Cylindrical Surfaces of
Various DiametersA
Diameters of Convex Cylindrical Surfaces
Hardness ⁄ in.
18 ⁄ in.
14 3⁄8 in. 1⁄2 in. 3⁄4 in. 1 in.
Reading (3.2 mm) (6.4 mm) (10 mm) (13 mm) (19 mm) (25 mm)
Corrections to be Added to Rockwell Superficial 15N, 30N, and 45N ValuesB
20 6.0 3.0 2.0 1.5 1.5 1.5
25 5.5 3.0 2.0 1.5 1.5 1.0
30 5.5 3.0 2.0 1.5 1.0 1.0
35 5.0 2.5 2.0 1.5 1.0 1.0
40 4.5 2.5 1.5 1.5 1.0 1.0
45 4.0 2.0 1.5 1.0 1.0 1.0
50 3.5 2.0 1.5 1.0 1.0 0.5
55 3.5 2.0 1.5 1.0 0.5 0.5
60 3.0 1.5 1.0 1.0 0.5 0.5
65 2.5 1.5 1.0 0.5 0.5 0.5
70 2.0 1.0 1.0 0.5 0.5 0.5
75 1.5 1.0 0.5 0.5 0.5 0
80 1.0 0.5 0.5 0.5 0 0
85 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0 0
90 0 0 0 0 0 0
A
When testing cylindrical specimens the accuracy of the test will be seriously affected by alignment of elevating screw, V-anvil, indenters, surface finish, and the
straightness of the cylinder.
B
These corrections are approximate only and represent the averages, to the nearest 0.5 Rockwell superficial number, of numerous actual observations.
APPENDIXES
(Nonmandatory Information)
X1. LIST OF ASTM SPECIFICATIONS GIVING HARDNESS VALUES CORRESPONDING TO TENSILE STRENGTH
X1.1 The following ASTM standards give approximate Specifications B19, B36/B36M, B96/B96M, B103/B103M,
Rockwell hardness or Rockwell superficial hardness values B121/B121M, B122/B122M, B130, B134/B134M, B152/
corresponding to the tensile strength values specified for the B152M, and B370.
materials covered: Test Methods and Definitions A370 and
X2.1 Scope blocks. The standardizing agency may report the uncertainty
value on the test block certificate.
X2.1.1 The intent of this appendix is to provide a basic
NOTE X2.1—When calculated, uncertainty values reported by a field
approach to evaluating the uncertainty of Rockwell hardness calibration agency (see X2.6) are not the measurement uncertainties of the
measurement values in order to simplify and unify the inter- hardness machine in operation, but only that of the measurements made at
pretation of uncertainty by users of Rockwell hardness. the time of verification to determine machine “error.”
NOTE X2.2—The procedures outlined in this appendix for the determi-
X2.1.2 This appendix provides basic procedures for deter- nation of uncertainties are based primarily on measurements made as part
mining the uncertainty of the following values of hardness: of the verification and standardization procedures of this test method. This
is done to provide a method that is based on familiar procedures and
X2.1.2.1 The Hardness Machine “Error” Determined as practices of Rockwell hardness users and standardizing agencies. The
Part of an Indirect Verification (see X2.6)—As part of an reader should be aware that there are other methods that may be employed
indirect verification, a number of Rockwell hardness measure- to determine the same uncertainties, which may provide more accurate
ments are made on a reference test block. The average of the estimations of the uncertainty values.
NOTE X2.3—This standard states tolerances or limits on the acceptable
measurement values is compared to the certified value of the repeatability and error of a Rockwell hardness machine (Table A1.3) and
reference block to determine the “error” (see 3.2.2) of the the nonuniformity of standardized blocks (Table A4.2). These limit values
hardness machine. The procedure described in section X2.6 were originally established based on the testing experience of many users
provides a method for determining the uncertainty in this of the Rockwell hardness test, and therefore reflect the normal perfor-
mance of a properly functioning Rockwell hardness machine, including
measurement “error” of the hardness machine. The uncertainty the normal errors associated with the measurement procedure and the
value may be reported on the verification certificate and report. machine’s performance. Because the limits are based on testing
X2.1.2.2 Rockwell Hardness Value Measured by a User (see experience, it is believed that the stated limit values take into account a
level of uncertainty that is typical for valid Rockwell hardness measure-
X2.7)—The procedure provides a method for determining the
ments. Consequently, when determining compliance with Table A1.3 and
uncertainty in the hardness values measured by a user during Table A4.2, the user’s measurement uncertainty should not be subtracted
--``,``,,``,`,,`,,`,`,,``,`,`,,-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---
the normal use of a Rockwell hardness machine. The user may from the tolerance limit values given in the tables, as is commonly done
report the uncertainty value with the measurement value. for other types of metrological measurements. The calculated values for
repeatability, error or block nonuniformity should be directly compared to
X2.1.2.3 Certified Value of a Rockwell Hardness Test Block the tolerance limits given in the tables.
(see X2.8) —The procedure provides a method for determining NOTE X2.4—Most product specification tolerances for Rockwell hard-
the uncertainty in the certified value of standardized test ness were established based on testing and performance experience. The
--``,``,,``,`,,`,,`,`,,``,`,`,,-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---
reference standard.
X2.2.2 The standard deviation (STDEV ) of a set of n
hardness measurements H1, H2, …, Hn is calculated as: X2.4 General Procedure
STDEV~ H 1 , H 2 , …, H n ! 5 Œ ~ H 1 2 HH ! 2 1…1 ~ H n 2 HH ! 2
n21
X2.4.1 This procedure calculates a combined standard un-
certainty uc by combining the contributing components of
(X2.2) uncertainty u1, u2, …, un, such that:
uncertainty contribution may be estimated by the standard where H̄ is the mean hardness value as measured by the
deviation of the average of each set of monitoring values, as: hardness machine during the indirect verification, and H̄RefBlk is
u Reprod 5 STDEV~ M 1 , M 2 , …, M n ! (X2.9) the certified average hardness value of the reference test block
standard used for the indirect verification.
where M1, M2, ..., Mn are individual averages of each of the
n sets of multiple monitoring measurement values. X2.6 Procedure for Calculating Uncertainty: Indirect
NOTE X2.7—The uncertainty contribution due to the lack of Verification
reproducibility, as calculated in Eq X2.10, also includes a contribution due
to the machine’s lack of repeatability and the non-uniformity of the X2.6.1 As part of an indirect verification, the “error” of the
monitoring test block; however, these contributions are based on the hardness machine is determined from the average value of
--``,``,,``,`,,`,,`,`,,``,`,`,,-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---
average of multiple measurements and should not significantly over-
measurements made on a reference test block (see 3.2.2). This
estimate the reproducibility uncertainty.
value provides an indication of how well the hardness machine
X2.5.6 Uncertainty Due to the Resolution of the Hardness can measure the “true” hardness of a material. Since there is
Measurement Display (uResol)—The finite resolution of the always uncertainty in a hardness measurement, it follows that
hardness value display prevents the hardness machine from there must be uncertainty in the determination of the average
providing an absolutely accurate hardness value. However, the value of the measurements, and thus the determination of the
influence of the display resolution on the measurement uncer- machine “error.” This section provides a procedure that can be
tainty is usually only significant when the hardness display used, for example by a field calibration agency, to estimate the
resolution is no better than 0.5 Rockwell hardness units, such uncertainty UMach in the measurement “error” of the hardness
as for some dial displays. The uncertainty contribution uResol, machine determined as the difference between the average of
due to the influence of the display resolution, may be described the measurement values and the certified value of the reference
by a rectangular distribution and estimated as: block used for the verification.
r/2 r X2.6.2 The contributions to the standard uncertainty of the
u Resol 5 5 (X2.10)
=3 =12 measurement “error,” uMach, are (1) uRep& NU (Ref. Block), the
uncertainty due to the lack of repeatability of the hardness
where r is the resolution limit that a hardness value can be machine combined with the uncertainty due to the non-
estimated from the measurement display in Rockwell hardness uniformity in the reference test block (Eq X2.9), which is
units. determined from the hardness measurements made on a refer-
X2.5.7 Standard Uncertainty in the Certified Average Hard- ence test block to determine the “error” of the hardness
ness Value of the Reference Test Block (uRefBlk)—Reference test machine, (2) uResol, the uncertainty due to the resolution of the
blocks provide the link to the Rockwell standard to which hardness machine measurement display (Eq X2.11), and (3)
traceability is claimed. The certificate accompanying reference uRefBlk, the standard uncertainty in the certified value of the
test blocks should provide an uncertainty in the stated certified reference test block (Eq X2.12). The notation (Ref. Block) is
value, and should state to which Rockwell standard the added to the term uRep& NU to clarify that the uncertainty is
--``,``,,``,`,,`,,`,`,,``,`,`,,-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---
well the average measurement value represents the true aver- monitored for an extended period of time, and from Eq X2.10,
age hardness of the material, it is important to assure that a it was determined that uReprod = 0.21 HRC for the low range of
sufficient number of measurements are made at the appropriate the HRC scale. Other uncertainty contributions are calculated
test locations to provide an appropriate sampling of any as:
variations in the hardness of the material. 0.5
u Resol 5 5 0.144 HRC and
X2.7.7 The expanded uncertainty UMeas is calculated for the =12
three cases discussed above as: 0.8
u Mach 5 5 0.4 HRC, therefore
U Meas 5 kuMeas1ABS~ B ! (X2.18) 2
u Meas 5 =0.3002 10.212 10.1442 10.42 5 0.561 HRC
For this analysis, a coverage factor of k = 2 should be used.
This coverage factor provides a confidence level of approxi- and since B = −0.3 HRC, UMeas = (2 × 0.561) + ABS(−0.3),
mately 95 %. or UMeas = 1.42 HRC for the average value of the hardness
X2.7.8 Reporting Measurement Uncertainty: measurements made on the single product item.
X2.7.8.1 Single and Average Measurement Values—When X2.8 Procedure for Calculating Uncertainty: Certified
the reported measurement value is for a single hardness test or Value of Standardized Test Blocks
the average of multiple hardness tests, then the value of UMeas
should be supplemented with an explanatory statement such as, X2.8.1 Standardizing laboratories engaged in the calibration
“The expanded measurement uncertainty of the reported hard- of reference test blocks must determine the uncertainty in the
ness value (or average hardness value) is with respect to reported certified value. This uncertainty UCert provides an
Rockwell hardness reference standards maintained at ______ indication of how well the certified value would agree with the
________ [for example, NIST], and was calculated in accor- “true” average hardness of the test block.
dance with Appendix X2 of ASTM E18 with a coverage factor X2.8.2 Test blocks are certified as having an average
of 2 representing a confidence level of approximately 95 %.” hardness value based on calibration measurements made across
X2.7.8.2 Average Measurement Value as an Estimate of the the surface of the test block. This analysis is essentially
Average Material Hardness—When it is desired to report the identical to the analysis given in 5.3.1 for measuring the
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Rep& NU Reprod Resol Mach u Rep& NU ~ Calib. Block! 5 0.028 HRC
(X2.19)
For this example, let’s assume that the standardizing ma-
and
chine has been monitored for an extended period of time, and
U Cert 5 kuCert1ABS~ B ! (X2.20) from Eq X2.10, it was determined that uReprod = 0.125 HRC for
X2.8.4 For this analysis, a coverage factor of k = 2 should the mid range of the HRC scale. Other uncertainty contribu-
be used. This coverage factor provides a confidence level of tions are calculated as:
approximately 95 %. 0.01
u Resol 5 5 0.003 HRC and
X2.8.5 Reporting the Measurement Uncertainty—The value =12
of UCert is an estimate of the uncertainty in the reported 0.16
certified average hardness value of a reference test block. The u Mach 5 5 0.08 HRC therefore,
2
reported value should be supplemented with a statement u Cert 5 =0.0282 10.1252 10.0032 10.082 5 0.151 HRC
defining to what Rockwell scale and hardness level the
uncertainty is applicable, with an explanatory statement such and, since B = +0.11 HRC, UCert = (2 × 0.151) + ABS(+0.11),
as, “The expanded uncertainty in the certified value of the test or UCert = 0.41 HRC for the certified hardness value of the
block is with respect to Rockwell hardness reference standards single calibrated test block.
SUMMARY OF CHANGES
Committee E28 has identified the location of selected changes to this standard since the last issue (E18–19)
that may impact the use of this standard. (Approved February 1, 2020.)
Committee E28 has identified the location of selected changes to this standard since the last issue (E18–18a)
that may impact the use of this standard. (Approved January 1, 2019.)
Committee E28 has identified the location of selected changes to this standard since the last issue (E18–18)
that may impact the use of this standard. (Approved October 1, 2018.)
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