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
ISO 2039 Hardness Testing Overview
ISO 2039 outlines a standardized 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 and providing insight into its hardness, flexibility, and overall stiffness.
This is a common test in engineering, applicable to both thermoplastics and thermosetting materials. The Ball Indentation involves pressing a steel ball into the plastic, with the depth of penetration indicating its hardness. The Rockwell test is based on the depth of penetration, with standardized loads and indenters.
Scope, Applications, and Benefits
Scope
ISO 2039 testing evaluates:
- Indentation hardness (N/mm² or Rockwell scale)
- Resistance to permanent deformation
- Surface stiffness and durability
- Depth of indentation under load
- Mechanical performance of rigid plastics
Applications
ISO 2039 testing evaluates:
- Indentation hardness (N/mm² or Rockwell scale)
- Resistance to permanent deformation
- Surface stiffness and durability
- Depth of indentation under load
- Mechanical performance of rigid plastics
Benefits
- Provides standardized hardness measurement
- Enables comparison between materials
- Supports product design and material selection
- Detects variations in material properties
- Improves quality control and consistency
Test Process
Sample Preparation
Specimens are prepared with smooth surfaces and conditioned at ~23°C and 50% RH.
1Preload Application
A minor preload (~9.8 N) is applied to establish a reference indentation depth.
2Load Application
A major load (typically 49–961 N) is applied using a steel ball indenter.
3Data Analysis
Indentation depth is measured and converted into hardness value (HB or HR).
4Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Applicable Materials | Plastics, ebonite, insulating materials |
| Test Load Range | ~49 N to 980 N |
| Indenter Type | Steel ball or Rockwell indenter |
| Indentation Depth | Typically 0.15–0.35 mm range |
| Measurement Units | HB (N/mm²), HR (Rockwell scale) |
| 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
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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