Brinell Scale Hardness Testing

Automatic Brinell Scope
to scan impressions

High Volume
Brinell

Automatic Brinell Systems

Portable Hydraulic Brinell

High Accuracy
Brinelll

Download complete product literature for these testers at the page for that tester.

Also see links for Brinell Scopes, Test Blocks, and Brinell Accessories. (Accessories are listed under each product.)
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The Fundamentals of Brinell Testing

Widely used on castings and forgings, the Brinell test method applies a predetermined test force to a carbide ball of fixed diameter which is held for a predetermined time and then removed. The diameter of the indentation width is measured twice - usually at right angles to each other and averaged. A formula or chart is then used to convert the averaged diameter measurements to a Brinell hardness number.
Brinell calculation chart using a 10mm ball - Brinell calculation chart using a 5mm ball

Test forces usually range from 500 to 3000 kilograms (occasionally down to 1kg in less frequently used tests). Carbide* indenters are 10mm in diameter, although there are less frequently used tests using light loads and smaller diameter indenters (from 5mm to 1mm). Generally, the test load must be held for 10 - 15 seconds although in practice shorter dwell times are often used if it is known not to influence the test result. The Brinell measurement is typically done to the nearest 0.05mm and occasionally 0.01mm although using a standard 20X scope such a measurement is subject to operator influence.
*As of the latest revision (2000) of the ASTM Brinell standard E-10 the indenter must be carbide.

There are limitations and conditions in the use of the Brinell test. The test surface may need to be prepared with a grinder to make the test area brighter so the impression is measurable able using the scope, to remove hardness surface effects from heat treating, or to smooth the surface to produce an even impression. Other conditions limit the use of a Brinell test: on materials that are too thin (less than ten times the depth of indentation); locations too close to the sample edge (less than 2-1/2 impression diameters); or too close to another indentation (less than 2-1/2 impression diameters). Other conditions require the direction of the load to be perpendicular to the test surface within 2 degrees. Curved surfaces should be at least 2-1/2 times the diameter of the ball diameter being used.

How Newage Testers Can Improve Your Brinell Testing

Brinell testing often presents some challenges for users. Testing results are usually heavily influenced by error in the operator's scope measurement. Often the measurement results can be disputed between vendor and customer. Also, the test procedure can be lengthy and have a high labor cost especially in high volume test applications. Sometimes the test specimens present special problems of size or configuration. Newage testers provide answers to these problems.

While the tester operates according to ASTM E10 in making the indentation, it also eliminates operator influence by automatically measuring the depth of the indentation (according to ASTM E103) which is correlated to the diameter measurement. It is most often used in in-line or high volume test applications. This tester is used by many automotive, aerospace and primary metals companies. Documentation is automatic - recording errors are eliminated.

To purchase a copy of the complete Brinell test method standard, designated E10, contact ASTM
Books describing hardness testing are available from a number of organization such as ASM