ISO 2039 Plastic Hardness Testing Services (Ball Indentation & Rockwell)
ISO 2039 specifies a method for determining the hardness of plastic materials using a Barcol Impressor. The Barcol Impressor is a handheld instrument that measures the indentation hardness of materials by pressing a sharp point into the surface of the sample. The test method ISO 2039 applies to a wide range of plastic materials, including thermoplastics, thermosetting plastics, and reinforced plastics.
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- Overview
- Scope, Applications, and Benefits
- Test Process
- Specifications
- Instrumentation
- Results and Deliverables
Overview
ISO 2039 outlines a standardised procedure for determining plastic hardness via Ball Indentation and Rockwell tests. The tests subject the plastic to a given load, enabling an evaluation of its resistance to denting, hence providing an insight into its hardness, flexibility, and overall stiffness.
This is a common test in engineering, applicable to thermoplastics as well as thermosetting materials. The Ball Indentation involves pressing a steel ball into the plastic, with the depth of penetration being a measure of its hardness. The Rockwell test is based on the depth of penetration, with standardised loads and indenters.
Scope, Applications, and Benefits
Scope
ISO 2039 is an ISO standard test method that aims to measure the hardness of plastic materials and their resistance to surface wear. The standard is applicable to the widest range of plastic materials, from thermoplastics and thermosets to rigid plastic sheets and moldings. The test assesses the resistance of the plastic material to indentation and permanent surface change after the application of force.
Important properties that the standard seeks to measure include:
– Ball indentation hardness
– Rockwell hardness of plastics
– Permanent deformation resistance
Applications
- Quality control of plastic products
- Evaluation of molded plastic components
- Material selection for engineering applications
- Automotive plastic parts testing
- Electrical and electronic component housings
- Consumer product materials
- Plastic sheet and laminate testing
- Research and development of plastic materials
Benefits
- Determines resistance to surface indentation
- Evaluates the mechanical hardness of plastics
- Provides standardised hardness values
- Supports material comparison and selection
- Helps identify variations in plastic formulations
- Improves product durability and quality
- Ensures consistent manufacturing performance
Test Process
Sample Preparation
Plastic specimens are prepared with flat and smooth surfaces according to ISO 2039 standard requirements.
1Indentation Test
A hardened steel ball or standardized Rockwell indenter is pressed into the plastic surface under a specified load.
2Indentation Measurement
The depth of penetration created by the applied load is measured to determine the material’s hardness.
3Data Interpretation
Hardness values are calculated and reported as ball indentation hardness or Rockwell hardness according to ISO 2039 procedures.
4Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Applicable Materials | Thermoplastics and thermosetting plastics |
| Test Methods | Ball Indentation Method, Rockwell Hardness Method |
| Indenter Type | Steel ball or Rockwell indenter |
| Measurement Output | Hardness value based on indentation depth |
| Output Units | Hardness scale values (Rockwell or indentation hardness) |
Instrumentation Used for Testing
- Ball indentation hardness tester
- Rockwell hardness testing machine
- Steel ball indenters
- Standardised loading mechanism
- Precision depth measurement system
- Sample preparation tools
- Data acquisition and analysis software
Results and Deliverables
- Ball indentation hardness values
- Rockwell hardness values for plastics
- Surface deformation analysis
- Comparative material hardness reports
- Reports
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Frequently Asked Questions
ISO 2039 is a standard test for determining the hardness of plastic materials by measuring the level of resistance they have against indentation. The test is usually performed using the Ball Indentation or the Rockwell hardness test.
This test is applicable for thermoplastics, thermosetting plastics, rigid plastic sheets, molded parts, laminates, and engineering plastic materials.
Hardness tests measure the level of resistance of the plastic material against deformation and wear.
The samples used must offer a flat, smooth surface to ensure precise indentation readings. They are usually molded parts, sheets, or machined samples.
The results usually include the Ball Indentation hardness values, Rockwell hardness values, deformation characteristics, along with the relevant quality control documentation.
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