Hardness – Part 2

Two common hardness test methods

• Rockwell
• Brinell

Brinell indenter is larger than Rockwell indenter

Rockwell test results reported as XX HRB or XX HRC.

• HRB indicates testing using Rockwell B test conditions. HRC indicates testing using Rockwell C test conditions.
• XX is the hardness reading. For example 80 HRB or 42 HRC
• Rockwell B conditions used for softer metals such as annealed steel. Rockwell C conditions used for harder metals such as PH alloys. 32 HRC metal has higher hardness than 80 HRB metal

Brinell test results are reported as XX HB.

XX is the hardness reading. For example 240 HB