---
code: "ISO 6506-1"
title: "Metallic materials — Brinell hardness test"
institution: "ISO"
category: "material-testing"
revision: "2023"
scope: "Describes the Brinell hardness test for metallic materials using a spherical indenter and specified test forces. Commonly applied to castings, forgings, and coarse microstructures where averaged hardness over a larger indentation is desirable."
testMethod: "A tungsten carbide ball indenter is forced into the specimen; the mean diameter of the residual impression is measured and Brinell hardness (HBW) is calculated from force and ball diameter."
specimenRequirements: "Specimen thickness shall be at least eight times the impression depth. The test surface should be flat and perpendicular to the indenter axis; edge distances and spacing between impressions must meet standard spacing rules."
url: "https://vectorbtc.com.tr/resources/standards/iso-6506-1/"
---

Brinell testing remains common in heavy industry when representative bulk hardness is needed.