ASTM E10 Brinell Hardness Testing Method

Written by Rahul Verma | Updated: September 18, 2025
ASTM E10

Scope:

ASTM E10 is a widely used method to assess the Brinell hardness testing of metallic materials. It provides a crucial indicator of the material’s ductility, wear resistance, and tensile strength by assessing its capacity to tolerate indentation under a specific force. It is used in the manufacturing, aerospace, and automotive industries and is crucial for quality control applications.

Procedure:

The test involves pushing a ball composed of hardened steel or cyclic carbide into the material’s surface while applying a preset load. The diameter of the indentation is then precisely measured to calculate the Brinell hardness number. This figure directly corresponds to the physical properties of the material and aids in both material selection and quality control.

Data:

The two primary inputs obtained from the test are the applied force and the diameter of the indentation. By dividing the applied force by the spherical area of the indentation and taking into consideration factors like the diameter of the ball and the depth of the indentation, these points of information may be used to calculate the Brinell hardness number.

Specimen Size:

To avoid distortion, the specimen under test needs to be at least ten times thicker than the indentation’s depth. It should also have a minimum width that satisfies indentation spacing criteria and a flat, smooth surface free from flaws like cracks or scratches.

Further Analysis:

The results of this hardness test can be used to evaluate a material’s general quality, resistance to deterioration, and appropriateness for certain applications. The test findings may be useful for analyzing defects or evaluating the caliber of the welds in the produced materials.

There are different methodologies used for this procedure:

Depending on the kind of material and the demands of the particular application, this test is frequently employed in place of or in addition to other hardness tests, such as the Rockwell and Vickers tests. While the primary objective of each test is to determine the material’s hardness, the tests also provide varying insights into the material’s properties.

Some additional information on this subject:

  • Surface Readiness: There is more to preparing the test specimen’s surface than merely making sure it is nice and level. Moreover, the surface needs to be free of any visible dirt, scale, lubricant, or oxidation because these might compromise the precision of the indentation measurement and the test’s overall outcomes.
  • Options for Indenter Material: In addition to the typical hardened steel ball, tungsten carbide balls can be used as an alternative. Tungsten carbide is the preferred material for examining hard materials because of its superior resistance to wear and distortion.
  • Duration of Load: The duration for which the test load is applied is a critical determinant in the Brinell hardness test. When testing steel, the weight is typically placed for a duration of 10 to 15 seconds. However, for softer metals, such as aluminum, the load can be applied for a longer period of up to 30 seconds. The indentation’s diameter and depth may change during this time.
  • Calibration and Verification: For the Brinell hardness test to produce reliable results, the testing apparatus must be regularly calibrated and validated against specific requirements.  This guarantees precision while measuring the indentation diameter and applying the test force.
  • Uses for Non-Metallic Materials: Usually used to assess the hardness of metals, this test may also, under some circumstances, be used to determine the hardness of more resilient materials like some kinds of plastic and very stiff rubbers.
  • Adherence to Standards: This procedure is regularly reviewed and updated to include the latest techniques in industrial processes and technology. To guarantee that test findings are legitimate and accepted in various regulatory contexts and industries, laboratories must adhere to the most recent version of the standard.
  • Limitations: The Brinell hardness test has drawbacks despite its benefits, especially when dealing with materials that show elastic recovery. Measuring accuracy may be compromised if the load is removed since the indentation’s size may alter. Furthermore, thin or extremely small specimens are not appropriate for this examination.

A deeper comprehension of the uses, subtleties of the technique, and significance of the Brinell hardness test in material science and engineering can be attained by taking into account these further details.

Conclusion:

An important instrument for material testing, the Brinell hardness test yields vital information about the mechanical characteristics of metals. It is the method of choice for sectors that demand stringent material testing because of its affordability, ease of use, and deep understanding of material behavior under stress. Utilizing ASTM E10 standards, Infinita Lab provides accurate and dependable Brinell hardness numbers (BHN), serving customers worldwide with their extensive network of certified laboratories and professional analysis.

ASTM E10 Brinell Hardness Testing with Infinita Lab

Infinita Lab specializes in ASTM E10 Brinell hardness testing, crucial for assessing material hardness in metals. Our wide array of labs and expert technicians ensure precise, reliable results. Using standardized methods, we apply a specific load to a metal sample and measure the indentation, determining its hardness.

Our comprehensive services cater to various industries, ensuring quality control, material selection, and compliance with industry standards. Leveraging a collaborative network of specialized labs across the U.S., we guarantee fast turnaround times and high-quality outcomes. Trust Infinita Lab for accurate and efficient Brinell hardness testing. Subscribe to our services today!

Brinell Hardness Test


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