Brinell hardness testing in laboratory
You would like to carry out a Brinell hardness (HB) testing on your materials
What is Brinell hardness ?
Brinell hardness measurement (HB) is a method for analysing the hardness of materials, particularly metals. This method is one of the techniques used by the FILAB laboratory teams to carry out a hardness test.
Brinell hardness is calculated by measuring the diameter of the impression left by the ball on the material. This method is standardised by various norms, including ASTM E10 and ISO 6506-1.
Why measure Brinell hardness?
The Brinell hardness measurement is used to assess a material’s resistance to penetration under load, mainly for metals and alloys. Here’s why it’s important:
Assessing the strength of materials
- Brinell hardness provides a direct indication of the resistance of metals to wear and deformation under static loading. The harder the material, the more it will withstand difficult conditions, such as high mechanical stress.
Quality control
- This measurement is commonly used in industrial processes to ensure that materials meet the required hardness specifications. This ensures that mechanical properties are consistent from one batch to the next, guaranteeing the reliability of finished products.
Selecting materials
- By knowing the Brinell hardness of a material, it is possible to select it according to the specific needs of the application, whether for parts subject to high forces, impact or pressure, such as gears, shafts or machine components.
In short, measuring Brinell hardness helps to assess the performance of metals under stress and ensure their suitability for specific industrial uses.
Applications of Brinell hardness testing
Brinell Steel hardness
Brinell hardness testing is commonly used to test steels because of their high strength and use in heavy industrial applications. Measuring the Brinell hardness of steels gives an accurate indication of their ability to resist wear and deformation under stress. In general, steels have Brinell hardness values of between 100 and 500 HB, depending on their composition and heat treatment. These measurements are essential for selecting steels for the manufacture of mechanical parts, structures and tools.
Brinell hardness Steel S235
S235 steel, a commonly used structural steel, has a typical Brinell hardness of around 120 to 160 HB. This steel is widely used for steel structures such as beams and frames, where moderate stresses are present. The Brinell hardness test verifies that this steel has the necessary strength to withstand structural loads, while remaining sufficiently malleable to facilitate its fabrication.
Brinell hardness Steel S355
S355 steel is stronger than S235, with a Brinell hardness generally between 170 and 220 HB. This steel is used in structural applications requiring greater mechanical strength, such as bridges, cranes and heavy equipment. Measuring the Brinell hardness of S355 steel ensures that it can withstand high stresses while remaining reliable for high-performance structures.
Brinell hardness Aluminium
La dureté Brinell de l’aluminium varie en fonction de l’alliage, mais elle se situe généralement entre 25 et 150 HB. Cette mesure est particulièrement utile pour les alliages d’aluminium utilisés dans l’industrie aérospatiale et automobile, où un bon compromis entre légèreté et résistance mécanique est essentiel.
Brinell hardness Wood
The Brinell hardness test is also applied to non-metallic materials such as wood. The Brinell hardness of wood depends on its species and density, with hard woods such as oak having higher values, around 20 to 70 HB, while soft woods such as pine can have much lower values, between 10 and 30 HB. This measurement is often used to assess the resistance of wood to wear in applications such as flooring, furniture or carpentry.
Brinell hardness Lead
Lead, a very soft material, has a relatively low Brinell hardness, typically between 5 and 15 HB. This test is used to assess lead ‘s ability to resist deformation, a key factor in applications where the material needs to be malleable, such as in batteries, anti-corrosion coatings and certain industrial alloys. Lead’s low Brinell hardness reflects its high ductility and ease of forming.
These applications show how measuring Brinell hardness is essential for characterising different materials, ensuring their suitability for specific performance and durability requirements.
The FILAB laboratory assists manufacturers with Brinell hardness testing
Why choose FILAB for Brinell hardness measurement?
Through our three levels of services: analysis, expertise and R&D support, FILAB assists companies in all sectors with their laboratory Brinell hardness measurement needs.
FILAB provides its customers with the know-how and experience of its team, as well as a range of state-of-the-art analytical equipment.
What are the standards governing Brinell hardness testing ?
ASTM E10
ASTM E10 defines the Brinell hardness measurement method for metallic materials. It details the specifications of the equipment to be used, the test procedure, and how to calculate and report the results.
The standard covers aspects such as
- The size of the steel ball, which can vary according to the material to be tested and the thickness of the sample.
- The test force applied to the sample, which is selected according to the material to be tested and must be maintained for a specified time.
- The method used to measure indentation diameter, which must be accurate to guarantee reliable results.
- The calculations required to determine the Brinell hardness, based on the indentation diameter and the test force used.
ISO 6506-1
ISO 6506-1 also specifies the principles for measuring the Brinell hardness of metallic materials. It covers the following aspects:
- Specifications for test equipment, including the steel ball and loading device.
- Requirements for sample preparation and the test procedure to be followed to ensure consistent, reproducible results.
- The method for calculating Brinell hardness from the indentation left by the ball, taking into account the diameter of the indentation and the load applied.
The Brinell hardness table
This table is useful for comparing materials according to their hardness and choosing the right one for a specific application on the basis of its mechanical properties.
Material | Brinell hardness (HB) |
Mild steel (untreated) | 120 – 160 HB |
S235 steel | 120 – 160 HB |
Steel S355 | 170 – 220 HB |
Hardened steel | 300 – 600 HB |
Grey cast iron | 150 – 250 HB |
Ductile iron | 130 – 180 HB |
Pure aluminium | 20 – 30 HB |
Aluminium alloy | 50 – 150 HB |
Pure copper | 35 – 65 HB |
Brass | 55 – 90 HB |
Hardwood (oak) | 40 – 70 HB |
Softwood (pine) | 10 – 30 HB |
Pure lead | 5 – 15 HB |
Zinc | 30 – 50 HB |
Other hardness measurement methods at FILAB ?
Vickers hardness testing
our other mechanical analysis services
Hardness measurement to ISO standards 48-4 and 48-9
FAQ
Although the objectives of ASTM E10 and ISO 6506-1 are similar, there may be minor differences in technical specifications, such as ball dimensions, applied load values, or hardness calculation procedures. Laboratories and industries should choose the standard that best suits their specific needs or applicable regulatory requirements.
Following ASTM E10 and ISO 6506-1 standards when measuring Brinell hardness is crucial to ensure consistency and comparability of test results. This enables manufacturers, testing laboratories and industries to ensure that materials meet the required quality and performance criteria. The adoption of these standards also facilitates the communication of material characteristics between the various players in the sector, thus contributing to the safety and efficiency of end products.
The Brinell and Rockwell hardness measurement methods differ mainly in their approach and field of application. The Brinell method uses a steel or tungsten carbide ball pressed against the surface of the material with a standardised load, and the hardness is determined by the size of the indentation left. It is particularly suitable for softer, thicker materials, such as non-ferrous metals, untreated steels and softer alloys. In contrast, the Rockwell method measures the depth of penetration of a conical or spherical indenter under load, making it faster and more practical for harder materials, such as hardened steels or tough alloys. Rockwell hardness is often used for mass production testing, as it provides immediate results without the need for additional indent measurements.
The Brinell and Vickers methods differ in their method of application and accuracy. Brinell hardness, measured using a ball under a high load, is ideal for testing relatively soft materials or coarse-grained metals, where the wide indentation provides a better representation of the overall hardness of the material. In contrast, the Vickers method uses a diamond pyramid indenter under a precise load, creating a much finer indentation. This method is particularly suited to very hard or brittle materials, as well as thin layers or heat-treated surfaces, where a smaller indentation allows hardness to be measured on a finer scale and with great accuracy. As a result, the Vickers method is often preferred in applications requiring detailed measurements, such as electronic components or surface treatments.
Une machine de dureté Brinell est un équipement utilisé chez FILAB pour mesurer la dureté des matériaux en appliquant une bille en acier ou en carbure de tungstène sur la surface du matériau avec une charge standardisée. La machine enregistre ensuite le diamètre de l'empreinte laissée sur la surface du matériau, qui est utilisé pour calculer la dureté Brinell (HB). Ces machines sont utilisées pour tester des matériaux comme les métaux, les alliages, et parfois le bois, afin d'évaluer leur résistance à la déformation. Elles sont couramment employées dans les industries métallurgiques, mécaniques et manufacturières.
