ASTM E10 Brinell Hardness Test on Metallic Materials

ASTM E10 is used to determine the Brinell hardness of metals by the Brinell indentation hardness principle. In this test, an indenter forces a load on the specimen for a specified time. The load is removed, and the resulting indentation's diameter is measured to calculate the Brinell hardness number. Read more about ASTM E10 Test for Brinell Hardness of Metallic Materials below.

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Introduction

ASTM E10 Brinell hardness test of metallic materials is essential in many diverse areas. Calculating the hardness of metallic materials is critical to understanding, and the Brinell hardness test using ASTM E10 is one of the widely acceptable methods developed for it. Under ASTM E10, this test has given entirely consistent and reasonably accurate results. The Brinell hardness number, BHN, is computed after that from the diameter of the indentation. This number is a characteristic number that indicates the hardness of the material. ASTM E10 standardizes this test to perform reliably with specifications regarding indenter size, test load, and other procedures.

Scope of Hardness Testing in Metal Analysis

Hardness testing is an activity invariably carried out on metals. Utilization of the material for a specified application is required. As per ASTM E10, the Brinell hardness tester is quite well applicable to materials with a coarse or very rough grain structure. This test produces a satisfactory measurement of the hardness of the testing material. This test is generally conducted in combination with other methods of tests. Taken together, they describe all the characteristics of the material. When the hardness of a material is known, its resistance to wear and its durability can be predicted. Hardness also aids in knowing if the material has been heat-treated or not.

ASTM E10 Test Procedure

According to ASTM E10, the Brinell test is simple yet effective: indent the material with a hardened steel or carbide ball under a specified load. To that effect, the indenter size and the test load were determined using the Brinell Hardness Test ASTM E10 to standardize the hardness testing for labs and industries. The diameter of indentation forms the basis of calculation for obtaining the Brinell hardness number, BHN. This number is the material’s hardness. The calibration of the testing equipment is proper to ensure the results are correct. ASTM E10 provides guidelines in this regard. This test can be automated when extensive tests need to be performed.

Sample Size and Result Analysis

The following are the technical specifications of ASTM E10:

Sample size	The standard ball for ASTM E10 Brinell hardness testing shall be 10,000 mm in diameter, with a deviation from this value of no more than 0.005 mm in any diameter.
Result	The Brinell hardness number (BHN) is a crucial output of the ASTM E10 test, which measures the material’s hardness. A higher BHN indicates a more rigid material, which can help predict metallic materials’ wear resistance and durability.

Conclusion

ASTM E10 is an essential standard in materials testing to date. The standard operational guidelines for Brinell hardness testers ensure that this kind of test provides consistent and accurate hardness test results within and amongst various laboratories and industries. For over five decades, the standard has undergone revision after revision, enabling new technological advancements and changing industrial needs. It is still internationally recognized and adopted in many different industries worldwide. Understanding ASTM E10 can help resolve disputes related to material specifications. It is essential to ensure product reliability and safety for critical applications.

FAQs

What is the E10 method?

The ASTM E10 Brinell test is a simple yet effective method. It involves indenting the material with a hardened steel or carbide ball under a specified load. ASTM E10 guides the size of the indenter and the test load, ensuring consistency and accuracy in hardness testing across laboratories and industries.

What material is tested by the Brinell hardness test?

Brinell hardness testing is typically used to test aluminum and copper alloys (at lower forces) and steels and cast irons at higher force ranges.

What are the limitations of the Brinell hardness test?

The Brinell Hardness Test method evaluates an object's hardness, especially for non-ferrous metals, cast irons, and steel products at the higher strength ranges and aluminum and copper alloys at the lower strength ranges. However, it cannot measure extremely hardened materials like steel.

Why is Brinell better than Rockwell?

Its spherical indenter makes the Brinell test more accurate than the Rockwell testing method, as it evenly distributes the load on the material surface.