HERITAGE INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

Department of Civil Engineering

Strength of Materials Laboratory (CIVL 2151)
ROCKWELL HARDNESS TEST
EXPERIMENT No: DATE: / / 20

OBJECT OF THE EXPERIMENT:

To determine the Rockwell hardness number of the material of given specimen.

APPARATUS USED:
1. Rockwell hardness testing machine.
Technical Data:
Total Test Load 60 kgf 100 kgf 150 kgf
Ball 1.588 mm dia.
Indentor: Diamond 120˚ Diamond 120˚
(1/16" dia.)
Scale: A B C
Dial to be read Black Red Black
Thin steel & Unhardened steel, Steel, hard cast
Typical
shallow case Copper & steel, deep case
Application
hardened steel. Aluminum alloy. hardened steel.

TEST SPECIMEN:
1. A test specimen of material …………………………………………………
THEORY:
The Rockwell hardness testing machine measures the depth of the impression on the test
piece in terms of Rockwell number. The indicator for measuring the depth of the impression
is set to zero. The load is then applied. The dial gauge records depth of the impression due to
the load in terms of Rockwell Number. Therefore, Rockwell hardness numbers are based on
the depth of penetration.

Signature of the students with date.

 HERITAGE INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
Department of Civil Engineering
Strength of Materials Laboratory (CIVL 2151)

PROCEDURE OF CARRYING OUT ROCKWELL HARDNESS TEST:

1. Adjust the weights on plunger of dash-pot according to the Rockwell scale required by
weight selector disc. No minor load adjustment is necessary for model no. RAS.
2. Keep the lever or loading handle at ideal position.
3. Fix the indentor (Diamond 120˚ or ball of 1/16") to the indentor holder as specified for
Rockwell hardness test.
3. Place specimen securely on testing Table.
4. Turn the hand wheel clockwise, so that specimen will push the indentor and show a
reading on dial gauge as small pointer at 3 (red spot) and long pointer close to 0 of outer
scale.
5. Turn the lever from ideal position to loading position slowly so that the total load is
brought into action without any jerks.
6. The long pointer of Dial Guage reaches a steady position when indentation is complete.
7. Then take the lever back to ideal position slowly. The Weights are thereby lifted off, only
the initial load remaining active.
8. Read the figure against the log pointer. That is the direct reading of the Rockwell
Hardness of specimen.
9. Use Black or Red scale as per selection of Rockwell scale.
10.Turn back the hand wheel and remove the specimen piece. Carry on the same procedure
for further tests.
11.The first hardness value so obtained may not be correct. All standard recommend to
neglect first two readings to ensure that specimen, the indentor and the anvil all setting
correctly.

Signature of the students with date.

 HERITAGE INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
Department of Civil Engineering
Strength of Materials Laboratory (CIVL 2151)
OBESERVATION:
Rockwell Hardness Mean Rockwell
Sl. No. Material Indentor & Load
No. Hardness No.

Relation between BHN & RHN:

7300
BHN  for R B from 35 to 100
130  R B
25000
BHN  for RC  40
100  RC
1420000
BHN  for RC from 20 to 40
(100  RC ) 2

RESULT:
The Rockwell hardness number of the specimen material (Mild Steel) is found
out to be =
SCHEMATIC DIAGRAM OF EXPERIMENTAL SET UP:

Rockwell hardness testing machine

Signature of the students with date.