ASTM E110 Rockwell and Brinell Hardness of Metallic Materials by Portable Hardness Testers

Get Certified ASTM E110 Testing for Reliable Metal Hardness Evaluation

Hardness testing provides information about a metallic material’s resistance to indentation. However, large, heavy, or fixed components may not be suitable for testing with conventional laboratory instruments. ASTM E110 addresses these situations by defining requirements for portable Rockwell and Brinell hardness testers. The method supports hardness measurements on materials that may be difficult to bring to a laboratory because of their size, location, or specific testing requirements. For more information about hardness testing, consult Matestlab Inc.

• Material type: Metallic materials tested using portable Rockwell or Brinell hardness testers.
• Purpose: Measurement of Rockwell or Brinell indentation hardness using portable instruments.
• Testing location: Field locations, areas outside laboratories, or situations where large or heavy test pieces cannot be tested using fixed hardness testers.
• Testing method: Portable testers follow the applicable principles and test conditions of ASTM E10 for Brinell hardness or ASTM E18 for Rockwell hardness.
• Equipment requirements: Portable hardness testers use indenters that meet the requirements of the applicable standard methods.
• Results: Report Rockwell and Brinell hardness values according to the applicable standard methods, with “/P” added to indicate testing with a portable hardness tester.
• Test limitations: ASTM E110 does not apply to portable hardness testers that use different hardness-measurement principles or procedures, such as Leeb or ultrasonic contact impedance methods.
• Applications: Field hardness evaluation, testing of large or heavy components, and hardness measurements at locations where conventional fixed hardness testers are impractical.

What are the Uses of ASTM E110 Testing?

The standard is used in the automotive and oil and gas industries to ensure high-performance materials and the reliability and safety of metallic aerospace, automotive, and oil and gas components, including pipeline materials and drilling equipment. ASTM E110 testing is useful when metallic components cannot be conveniently tested using traditional fixed hardness-testing machines. This test method-

• Evaluates the hardness of metallic materials.
• Supports field hardness testing.
• Tests large or heavy components that cannot easily be moved to a laboratory.
• Allows testing at specific locations on components.
• Determines Rockwell hardness using a portable tester.
• Determines Brinell hardness using a portable tester.
• Supports material evaluation where size, location, or test-point requirements limit the use of fixed instruments.

Which materials can be tested under ASTM E110?

ASTM E110 applies to metallic materials that can be tested using the Rockwell or Brinell indentation principles specified in ASTM E18 or ASTM E10. This standard measures the hardness of steel, iron, and alloys in hardened or heat-treated materials. It is especially useful in high-pressure applications such as carbon steel and stainless steel. The test piece must meet the applicable requirements of the standard method used for the indentation. The standard is particularly useful for components that are too large or heavy to move to a laboratory, are located in the field or outside a conventional testing laboratory, are difficult to position on a fixed hardness tester, and must be tested at a particular location.

Why is ASTM E110 important?

The standard is important for hardness testing of large or installed metallic components in the field. It provides an immediate assessment of material properties, quality control, and safety at the industry level, keeping it within set standards. It detects eventual weaknesses or inconsistencies.

ASTM E110 Testing Process and Data Collection

Technicians select the metallic test piece and prepare the test surface according to the applicable ASTM E10 or E18 requirements. Technicians verify the portable hardness tester before testing and position it to minimize movement, with the indenter perpendicular to the test surface. The operator performs the applicable Rockwell or Brinell hardness test. For Rockwell testing, the indentation depth is measured; for Brinell testing, the indentation diameter is measured. Finally, the measured hardness value is recorded and reported according to the applicable standard method, with “/P” indicating the use of a portable hardness tester.

Common Challenges and Troubleshooting 

Common challenges include indenter alignment, incorrect test-force timing, relative movement between the tester and test piece, damage to the portable tester during transportation, uncontrolled pressure on rough surfaces, and a lack of parallelism between the tester and its portable counterpart. Troubleshooting involves using proper test blocks, recalibrating the device, and ensuring stable surfaces. Reliable hardness measurements require proper operating technique and the right indenter. 

• The laboratory reports the measured Rockwell or Brinell hardness number in accordance with the applicable ASTM E10 or E18 requirements.
• The reported hardness value is appended with “/P” to indicate that a portable hardness tester was used.
• Rockwell results are reported using the applicable Rockwell scale, while Brinell results include the ball diameter, test force, and force duration where applicable.
• Higher hardness values generally indicate greater resistance to indentation and a harder metallic material, while lower values indicate a softer material. The obtained hardness value results correlate properties such as tensile strength, ductility, and wear resistance.

FAQs

What is ASTM E110 used for?

ASTM E110 is used for portable Rockwell and Brinell hardness testing of metallic materials in the field, outside a laboratory, or on large or heavy test pieces that cannot be tested using conventional fixed hardness testers.

What does ASTM E110 measure?

ASTM E110 measures Rockwell or Brinell hardness through indentation testing using portable hardness testers.

What are the main factors affecting ASTM E110 results?

Indenter alignment, test-force timing, relative movement between the tester and test piece, test-piece preparation, and the condition of the portable tester can influence the results.

Link to ASTM E110