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.
ISO 6506-1
Revision: 2023
Material testing
Metallic materials — Brinell hardness test
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.
Test method
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.
Specimen requirements
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.
Brinell testing remains common in heavy industry when representative bulk hardness is needed.