A metal hardness chart is a reference tool that provides information about the resistance of various metals to indentation or scratching. It's a valuable resource in engineering and manufacturing for selecting materials with appropriate properties.
In essence, a metal hardness chart is a quick reference guide that allows people working with metals to understand the properties of those metals, and how those properties compare to other metals.
| HRC (Rockwell C) | BHN (Brinell) |
|---|---|
| 20 | 229 |
| 25 | 255 |
| 30 | 285 |
| 35 | 324 |
| 40 | 375 |
| 45 | 429 |
| 50 | 495 |
| 55 | 578 |
| 60 | 698 |
| 61 | 720 |
| 62 | 746 |
| 63 | 774 |
| 64 | 806 |
| 65 | 839 |
| 66 | 876 |
| 67 | 917 |
| 68 | 960 |
| 69 | 1008 |
| 70 | 1059 |
Hardness is a measure of a material's resistance to localized plastic deformation caused by indentation or scratching. It's not a single, absolute value, but rather a property that's determined by the material's microstructure.
Hardness directly impacts a material's:
A hardened steel or tungsten carbide ball is pressed into the material's surface. The diameter of the indentation is measured, and the BHN is calculated.
A diamond cone or steel ball is pressed into the material under specific loads. The difference in indentation depth is measured. Various Rockwell scales exist (HRC, HRB, HRA, etc.).
A diamond pyramid indenter is pressed into the material. The diagonals of the indentation are measured, and the HV is calculated.
A diamond pyramid indenter with an elongated shape is used. Primarily used for thin materials and coatings.
A qualitative scale based on scratch resistance, primarily used for minerals.
Metal hardness charts:
Charts typically include:
Hardness values can vary due to:
Used in:
