Experiment #7

7.1 Objective:
To determine the Rockwell hardness number for different metals using hardness
testing machine.

7.2 Apparatus:
1. Hardness testing machine

Fig 7.2: Steel indenter

Fig.7.1: Hardness Testing Machine

Fig.7.3: Diamond indenter

 7.3 Theory:

The Rockwell scale is a hardness scale based on indentation hardness of a material. The
Rockwell test determines the hardness by measuring the depth of penetration of an indenter
under a large load compared to the penetration made by a preload.

The determination of the Rockwell hardness of a material involves the application of a minor
load followed by a major load, and then noting the depth of penetration from a dial, on which a
harder material gives a higher number. The chief advantage of Rockwell hardness is its ability to
display hardness values exactly.

The steel spherical ball is used for soft materials (Aluminum, brass, soft steels, Etc.) and the cone
shape diamond indenter is used for harder steels (e-g high carbon steel) and tungsten carbide.
HRA means Rockwell hardness measured on A scale.

HRB means Rockwell hardness measured on B scale.

HRC means Rock well hardness measured on C scale.

Scale Abbreviation Load Indenter Use

A HRA 60 kg 120° diamond cone Tungsten carbide
1
⁄ -inch-diameter (1.588 mm) steel Aluminum, brass, and soft
B HRB 100 kg 16
sphere steels
C HRC 150 kg 120° diamond cone Harder steels >B100

E.g.: 70 HRCW indicates the reading was 70 in the Rockwell C scale using a Tungsten/Carbide
indenter.

7.4 Procedure:

1. Clean the surface of the specimen with an emery sheet.

2. Place the specimen on the testing platform.
3. Raise the platform until the longer needle comes to rest,
4. Release the load.
5. Apply the load and maintain until the longer needle comes to rest
6. After releasing the load, note down the dial reading.
7. The dial reading gives the Rockwell hardness number of the specimen.
8. Repeat the same procedure three times with specimen.
9. Find the average. This gives the Rockwell hardness number of the given specimen.

7.5 Observations & Calculations:

Sr. #. Scale Load Rockwell hardness Rockwell
(N) Hardness
Number Number
(Mean)
1
2
3

1
2
3

1
2
3
7.6 Practical Applications:
7.7 Results & Conclusion: