MET 147

Student’s copy

ACTIVITY 5: ROCKWELL HARDNESS TEST

I. Introduction

Hardness is one of the mechanical properties of any metals. It is a property of a material

to resist permanent deformation and penetration. The hardness of a material can be
measured by its resistance to scratching or to indentation. The resistance to scratching is
usually determined by the well known Mohs’ Hardness test in which the scratch resistance
of the tested material is matched with the scratch resistance of one of the ten minerals,
arranged in order of their increasing hardness from 1 (talc) to 10 (diamond).
Most widely used hardness tests involve the determination of the material resistance to
indentation under strictly standardized conditions. A hard indenter of a standard shape is
pressed into the surface of the material under a specific load, causing first elastic and then
plastic deformation. The resulting area of indentation or the depth of indentation is
measured and assigned a numerical value. This can be accomplished by various methods
and, accordingly, there are many different hardness scales in use. One of these methods is
the Rockwell hardness test.
The determination of the Rockwell hardness of a material involves the application of a
minor load followed by a major load. The minor load establishes the zero position. The
major load is applied, then removed while still maintaining the minor load. The depth of
penetration from the zero datum is measured from a dial, on which a harder material gives a
higher number. That is, the penetration depth and hardness are inversely proportional.
Hardness testing provides useful information, which can be correlated to tensile
strength, wear resistance, ductility and other physical characteristics of metallic materials.
Hardness testing is therefore useful for monitoring quality control and for aiding in the
materials selection process.

II. Objectives

1. To familiarize the students with the mechanism and operating procedure of the Rockwell
Hardness Tester.
2. To perform hardness testing on steel sample using the Rockwell Testing Machine.

III. Materials and Equipment Required

1. Steel sample (smooth surface finish)

2. Rockwell Testing Machine and accessories

IV. Procedure

Refer to “Operating Procedure of Digital Rockwell Hardness Tester” for the operation of
machine.

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MET 147
Student’s copy

V. Hardness Test Report

HARDNESS TEST RESULT

(Photo of specimen with hardness

indentations; label the indentations made;
markings should be visible)

Size: 2.5” x 3.0”

Sample :

Sample ID :

Location of : ____mm from the edge of specimen

Indentations

Hardness : (Indicate HRB or HRC)

Readings

Average :
Hardness Value

Tested By:
Date Tested: