ASTM D2583: Barcol Hardness Test
ASTM D2583, the Barcol Hardness Test, is a specialized standard for professionals assessing the hardness of plastics and softer metals. This guide provides a clear, accessible overview of the test, emphasizing its practical applications and procedural essentials, ensuring compliance and accuracy in material testing.
TRUSTED BY
Precision-driven testing for dimensional accuracy and compliance
- Overview
- Scope, Applications, and Benefits
- Test Process
- Specifications
- Instrumentation
- Results and Deliverables
Overview
ASTM International ASTM D2583 describes a procedure for testing the Barcol hardness of reinforced and unreinforced rigid plastics using a portable indentation test device called a Barcol hardness impressor. The test involves measuring the resistance of the test material’s surface to indentation by a spring force, giving a rapid indication of the hardness of the test material.
The test procedure is often utilized for testing fiber-reinforced plastics, thermosets, and composite laminates. The test device is portable and simple to operate, and the test procedure can be performed in the field and in the laboratory. The test procedure is often utilized for assessing the curing status of composite materials, product quality, and uniformity of composite products like tanks, pipes, and panels.
Scope, Applications, and Benefits
Scope
ASTM D2583 covers the determination of hardness of rigid plastics using a Barcol hardness impressor.
The method is suitable for both reinforced and unreinforced plastic materials, especially composites used in industrial applications.
The scope includes:
Measurement of Barcol hardness of rigid plastics
Testing of fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) composites
Evaluation of degree of cure in thermoset resins
Hardness measurement of laminates and molded parts
Quality control and material comparison
Applications
Fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) structures
Composite laminates and panels
Polyester and epoxy resin products
Marine, aerospace, and construction components
On-site inspection of composite parts
Benefits
Quick and portable hardness testing method
Useful for checking degree of resin cure
Requires minimal sample preparation
Suitable for field and laboratory testing
Helps maintain material quality and consistency
Test Process
Specimen Preparation
The specimen surface is cleaned and ensured to be smooth and rigid enough for accurate hardness measurement.
1Instrument Setup
The Barcol hardness impressor is calibrated and positioned perpendicular to the specimen surface.
2Hardness Measurement
The impressor is pressed against the specimen, allowing the indenter to penetrate the surface under a spring-loaded force.
3Reading and Recording Results
The hardness value is read directly from the instrument scale and recorded as the Barcol hardness number.
4Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Measurement Type | Indentation hardness |
| Applicable Materials | Reinforced and rigid plastics |
| Instrument | Barcol hardness impressor |
| Hardness Scale | Barcol hardness number |
| Specimen Requirement | Flat and rigid surface |
| Measurement Principle | Depth of indentation under spring force |
Instrumentation Used for Testing
Barcol Hardness Impressor
Calibration reference blocks
Sample support platform
Results and Deliverables
Why Choose Infinita Lab for Barcol Hardness Test (ASTM D2583)?
At the core of this breadth is our network of 2,000+ accredited labs in the USA, offering access to over 10,000 test types. From advanced metrology (SEM, TEM, RBS, XPS) to mechanical, dielectric, environmental, and standardized ASTM/ISO testing, we give clients unmatched flexibility, specialization, and scale. You’re not limited by geography, facility, or methodology—Infinita connects you to the right testing, every time.
Looking for a trusted partner to achieve your research goals? Schedule a meeting with us, send us a request, or call us at (888) 878-3090 to learn more about our services and how we can support you. Request a Quote
Frequently Asked Questions
ASTM D2583 evaluates the indentation hardness of reinforced plastics and rigid polymer composites, helping determine surface hardness and indirectly assess the curing condition of thermosetting resins.
Barcol hardness testing is commonly used during manufacturing and field inspections of fiberglass laminates, composite panels, and reinforced plastic structures to quickly verify proper curing and material consistency.
Industries such as marine, construction, automotive, and chemical processing frequently use ASTM D2583 to evaluate fiberglass-reinforced plastics, storage tanks, pipelines, and other composite structures.
Hardness values are reported directly on the Barcol scale, which reflects the resistance of the material surface to indentation by the impressor’s indenter under controlled spring force.
Barcol hardness testing offers a quick, portable, and non-destructive method to evaluate composite materials, making it useful for on-site inspections and rapid quality control checks.
Case Studies
In-depth examination of genuine material testing solutions
Dopant and Ultra-Low Concentration Elemental Analysis Using STEM…
Dopant and Ultra-Low Concentration Elemental Analysis Using STEM…
Introduction to STEM-EELS for Elemental Analysis Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy (STEM) combined with Electron Energy Loss...
Read Case StudyAnalysis of PVC Pipe Degradation Using FTIR Spectroscopy
Analysis of PVC Pipe Degradation Using FTIR Spectroscopy
PVC Pipe in Infrastructure — and Why Degradation Matters Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pressure pipe is one...
Read Case StudyNano-scale roughness measurement of Si-wafers by Atomic Force…
Nano-scale roughness measurement of Si-wafers by Atomic Force…
Nano-scale surface roughness is a critical parameter in fabricated thin-films that are used in optics, solar...
Read Case Study
Request a Quote
Submit your material details and receive testing procedures, pricing, and turnaround time within 24 hours.
Quick Turnaround and Hasslefree process
Confidentiality Guarantee
Free, No-obligation Consultation
100% Customer Satisfaction
