Hardness Testing
Hardness Testing
Hardness Testing
Permission to proceed does not constitute acceptance or approval of Design Detail, Calculations, Analysis, Test Methods or Materials developed OR selected by Vendor, and does NOT
relieve Vendor from FULL compliance with Contractual Obligations
Program No MRP Number Excluding Discipline & Type Unit No(Plant WBS) Cat. No Seq. No. Rev No
JN3102 PT-J22N02-D10JEG-PZMM01-WIPL-P-00-C - E 0 0 0 - J 0 2 - 0 0 3 - 0 1
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Equipment needed:
Procedure: Add reference of Reliance RPMS Spec., ASME Sec II Part A, ASME Sec VIII Div.1
1. Clean the surface of the steel plate to remove any dirt, oil, or contaminants that could
affect the test results.
2. Place the steel plate specimen on the anvil of the Rockwell hardness testing machine.
3. Select the appropriate scale and indenter type based on the steel grade and
expected hardness range. The most common scales for steel plates are B and C.
4. Lower the indenter gently onto the surface of the steel plate using the testing
machine's lever.
5. Apply the main load to the indenter. The machine will automatically apply the required
load, which is maintained for a specific dwell time to allow for indentation.
6. Release the load, allowing the machine to return to its initial position.
7. Measure and record the Rockwell hardness value displayed on the machine's scale or digital
display. For example, if you used the B scale, the result could be expressed as HRB (Rockwell
B hardness).
8. Perform multiple hardness tests at different locations on the steel plate to account for
any possible variations in hardness.
In Rockwell hardness testing, the hardness value is determined based on the depth of penetration of
the indenter into the material. The hardness values are represented by an alphabetic letter followed
by a numeric value. For example, HRB 65 or HRC 30, where "HR" stands for Rockwell hardness, "B"
or "C" indicates the type of scale used, and the numeric value represents the hardness reading.
The table below shows an example of readings in Rockwell hardness testing for steel samples
using the Rockwell B and Rockwell C scales:
Hardness
Rockwell Scale Indenter Type Load Applied (kgf) Reading
HRB 1/16" (1.588 mm) steel ball 100 HRB 20
HRB 1/16" (1.588 mm) steel ball 150 HRB 30
HRB 1/16" (1.588 mm) steel ball 100 HRB 40
HRB 1/16" (1.588 mm) steel ball 100 HRB 50
HRB 1/16" (1.588 mm) steel ball 100 HRB 60
HRB 1/16" (1.588 mm) steel ball 100 HRB 70
Hardness
Rockwell Scale Indenter Type Load Applied (kgf) Reading
HRC Diamond Cone 150 HRC 20
HRC Diamond Cone 150 HRC 30
HRC Diamond Cone 100 HRC 40
HRC Diamond Cone 100 HRC 50
HRC Diamond Cone 100 HRC 60
HRC Diamond Cone 100 HRC 70
Please note that the hardness readings will vary depending on the material being tested, the
condition of the material's surface, and the accuracy of the testing equipment. Additionally, the loads
and indenter types used may differ based on the specific Rockwell scale used and the
material's hardness range. It is essential to follow the appropriate standards and guidelines for
Rockwell hardness testing to obtain accurate and reliable results.
Hardness testing of steel plates using a portable hardness testing machine is a practical and
convenient way to assess the material's hardness quickly in the field or on-site. The following
procedure outlines the steps for conducting hardness testing using a portable hardness tester:
Equipment Needed:
Portable hardness testing machine (e.g., a portable Rockwell, Brinell, or Vickers hardness tester)
Steel plate specimens
Surface preparation tools (cleaning materials, if needed)
Calibration block (if required)
Procedure:
Prepare the Surface:
Ensure the surface of the steel plate is clean and free from any contaminants that could affect the test
results. Clean the surface using a wire brush, solvent, or other appropriate cleaning materials.
Calibration (if required):
Some portable hardness testers may require periodic calibration using a known reference material.
Check the manufacturer's guidelines for calibration procedures specific to your device.
Select the Hardness Scale:
Depending on the portable hardness testing machine you're using, select the appropriate hardness
scale (e.g., Rockwell, Brinell, Vickers) based on the material and the expected hardness range.
Choose the Indenter and Load:
For Rockwell hardness testing, select the appropriate indenter type (steel ball or diamond cone) and
load based on the scale and the steel's hardness range. Consult the manufacturer's instructions for
load selection.
For Brinell and Vickers hardness testing, ensure that the machine is equipped with the appropriate
indenter (a hardened steel ball for Brinell, and a diamond pyramid for Vickers) and load application
system.
Position the Tester:
Place the portable hardness testing machine on the surface of the steel plate where you want to
measure hardness. Ensure it's stable and properly aligned.
Apply Load and Measure Hardness:
Follow the manufacturer's instructions to apply the load. This often involves activating the machine to
apply the load and hold it for a specified time.
The machine will calculate and display the hardness reading on its screen. Ensure the reading has
stabilized before recording it.
Repeat Measurements:
For accuracy, it's a good practice to take multiple hardness measurements at different locations on
the steel plate. This helps account for potential variations in hardness within the material.
Record and Report:
Record the hardness values obtained at each measurement point. Note the scale and any relevant
information.
If required, report the average hardness value and include it in your documentation or inspection
report.
Post-Test Cleaning:
Clean the surface of the steel plate again if necessary, especially if it was contaminated during the
testing process.
Data Analysis:
Analyze the hardness data in the context of your project requirements or quality control standards.
Determine whether the hardness values meet the specified criteria.