Brinell Hardness Tester

QATM's Brinell Hardness tester range comprises models for both micro and macro hardness testing. All models are suitable for multiple test methods in addition to Brinell testing and range from semi-automatic operation to full automation. QATM products are characterized by operating comfort, sophisticated engineering and accurate results.

Micro Brinell Hardness Tester Test force range: 0.25 g – 62.5 kg

NEW

Brinell Hardness Tester QNESS 10/60 M

Semiautomatic
Test force range 20 gf – 10 kgf
Option: 0.25 gf – 62.5 kgf
Vickers, Knoop, Brinell, Option: Rockwell
Manual XY movable cross table
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NEW

Brinell Hardness Tester QNESS 10/60 A+

Fully automated
Test force range 20 gf – 10 kgf
Option: 0.25 gf – 62.5 kgf
Vickers, Knoop, Brinell, Option: Rockwell
Very precise XY slide ± 2µm
Sample image camera:
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NEW

Brinell Hardness Tester Qness 60 A+ EVO

High-End fully automated
Test force range 0.25 gf – 62.5 kgf
Vickers, Knoop, Brinell, Rockwell
High precision XY slide ± 0.2µm
Sample image camera
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Macro Brinell Hardness Tester Test force range: 0.3 kg – 3000 kg

Brinell Hardness Tester Version CS/C EVO

Test methods: Brinell, Knoop, Rockwell, Vickers
Test force range: 0.3 kg – 3000 kg
Proven concept – redefined
Ideal for small samples
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Brinell Hardness Tester Version M EVO

Test methods: Brinell, Knoop, Rockwell, Vickers
Test force range: 0.3 kg – 3000 kg
Manual height adjustable test head
Ideal for large samples
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Brinell Hardness Tester Version E EVO

Test methods: Brinell, Knoop, Rockwell, Vickers
Test force range: 0.3 kg – 3000 kg
Comfortable test head height-adjustment via motor
All work piece sizes and large clamping forces
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Fully Automatic Brinell Hardness Tester Test force range: 0.3 kg – 3000 kg

Brinell Hardness Tester Version CA/CA+ EVO

Test methods: Brinell, Knoop, Rockwell, Vickers
Test force range: 0.5 kg – 750 kg
Proven concept – full automation with high precise XY slide
For applications with consistent sample height
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Brinell Hardness Tester Version A/A+ EVO

Test methods: Brinell, Knoop, Rockwell, Vickers
Test force range: 0.3 kg – 3000 kg
Highly precise test head control by asynchronous motor
Automatic XYZ test progression for different sample heights
Base cabinet and safety fully integrated into machine design
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Brinell Testing Plant

Test methods: Brinell, Rockwell
Test force range: 60 kg - 3000 kg
Fully automatic hardness testing plant with test point preparation
HBW 10/3000, HBW 5/750, HRC
Product details

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Background information Brinell Hardness Testing (DIN EN ISO 6506)

Johann August Brinell (Sweden) presented his new hardness testing method at the world exhibition in Paris in 1900.

In this method, a carbide ball is pressed vertically into the surface of a sample with a certain force. This creates an indentation in the sample surface. The diameter of the indentation d is determined using a measuring microscope and the Brinell hardness is calculated or referred to from the corresponding tables.

1. Indentation of a hard metal ball with ØD and test force F in the specimen

2. Measurement of the indentation with diameter d

Calculation of the Brinell Hardness

Calculation formula for Brinell hardness:

For the Brinell hardness test, the selection of suitable test parameters is of decisive importance.

The Brinell method becomes inaccurate for very small or very large penetration depths. For this reason, the test load must be selected such that the following conditions are met for the mean indentation diameter:

0,24 * D < d <0,6 * D

In order to meet these conditions, 'Stress level B' was introduced. This depends on the material group to be tested.

The stress level is selected according to the following table:

Stress level B for Brinell Hardness Testers

Material	Stress level B [N/mm²]	Ball diameterD [mm]	Test forceF [N]	Recordable Hardness Range [HBW]
Steel and cast steel Nickel and titanium alloys Cast iron ≥ 140 HBW Cu and Cu alloys ≥ 200 HBW	30	1 2,5 5 10	2,94,2 1839 7355 29420	95 – 650
Light metals and their alloys ≥ 35 HBW	15	1 2,5 5 10	- - - 14710	48 – 327
Cast iron < 140 HBW Cu and Cu alloys 350-200 HBW	10	1 2,5 5 10	98,07 612,9 2452 9807	32 – 218
Cu and Cu alloys < 35 HBW Light metals and their alloys ≥ 35 < HBW < 80	5	1 2,5 5 10	49,03 306,5 1226 4903	16 – 109
Light metals and their alloys ≥ 35 HBW	2,5	1 2,5 5 10	24,52 153,2 612,9 2452	8 – 55
Lead and tin	1	1 2,5 5 10	9,807 61,29 245,2 98,7	3 – 22

According to DIN EN ISO 6506
Only ball diameters >1 mm may be used for testing cast iron

After the degree of stress has been determined, test load F and ball diameter D can be determined according to the table. In principle, the ball diameter should be as large as possible in order to cover
as large and therefore representative a part of the sample surface as possible.

Hardness values determined with different ball diameters at the same degree of loading can only be compared to a limited extent. Hardness values determined with the same ball diameter but different degrees of loading are not comparable. Therefore, it is essential that all parameters are always specified when specifying a hardness value.

Brinell Hardness testing Results

According to DIN EN IS 6506-1 the result of a Brinell hardness test is indicated as follows:

310 HBW 2,5 / 187,2 / 20 ⇒ Hardness value as per Brinell

310 HBW 2,5 / 187,2 / 20 ⇒ Abbreviation for Brinell hardness

310 HBW 2,5 / 187,2 / 20 ⇒ Ball diameter in mm

310 HBW 2,5 / 187,2 / 20 ⇒ Test force [N] = 9.807 * test force specification

310 HBW 2,5 / 187,2 / 20 ⇒

Application time of the test force

(omitted if it is between 1-15 s)

Further prerequisites for Brinell hardness testing

More prerequisites need to be fulfilled for standard-compliant testing:

Test temperature

normal requirements: 10°C bis 35°C
high requirements: 23°C ± 5°C

Distances between the indentations and from the edge

a ≥ 2,5 * d
b ≥ 3,5 * d

Brinell Hardness Tester - FAQ

What is a Brinell hardness tester used for?

A Brinell hardness tester is used to determine the hardness of materials by pressing a hard steel or carbide ball into the surface under a specific load. It's commonly used for testing metals and alloys to assess their suitability for various applications.

How does the Brinell hardness test work?

The test involves pressing a ball of a specific diameter into the material's surface under a predetermined load. The diameter of the indentation left on the surface is then measured, and the Brinell hardness number (BHN) is calculated using the load and the indentation size.

What materials are suitable for Brinell hardness testing?

Brinell hardness testing is ideal for metals and alloys with coarse or uneven grain structures, such as cast iron, aluminum, and steel. It's particularly useful for materials that might not provide reliable results with other hardness testing methods.

What are the advantages of using a Brinell hardness tester?

The Brinell test is advantageous for its ability to test large samples and materials with coarse grain structures. It provides a broader average of hardness due to the size of the indentation, making it less affected by surface conditions.

What factors can affect the accuracy of a Brinell hardness test?

Accuracy can be influenced by factors such as the surface finish of the specimen, the alignment of the tester, the consistency of the applied load, and the precise measurement of the indentation diameter. Proper calibration and maintenance of the equipment are essential for accurate results.