How to Choose Between Brinell, Rockwell, and Vickers Hardness

STANDARD_GUIDE

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硬度 · 检测 · 试验方法

Applicable materials, indenters, and conversion precautions for three hardness test methods.

- Brinell (HBW): Large indenter and large indentation, suitable for castings, forgings, and thicker materials; good representativeness.
- Rockwell (HRB/HRC): Fast and simple, suitable for batch inspection; use HRB or superficial Rockwell for thin sheets.
- Vickers (HV): Small indentation, suitable for thin sheets, surface-hardened layers, and small areas; can measure gradients.

Notes:
- Conversion between different hardness systems is not an exact relationship; for important applications, the test method should be specified in the contract.
- Stainless steel thin sheets commonly use HV or HRB.
- Specimen surface roughness and thickness affect the results.

Compiled by SteelWe editors and industry experts. For industry exchange only; not trading or investment advice. Cite the source when quoting.

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