The Brinell scale determines the indentation hardness of materials by measuring the depth of penetration of an indenter placed onto a material test piece. There are several ways to define hardness in the study of materials.

The standard test uses a steel ball with a diameter of 10 mm (0.39 in) as the indenter and applies a force to it of 3,000 kgf (29.42 kN; 6,614 lbf). For softer materials, a smaller force is used, and for harder materials, a tungsten carbide ball is used in place of the steel ball.

The Brinell hardness number (BHN, or more commonly, HB) must be quoted with the test circumstances that were used to calculate it. The “HBW 10/3000” example serves as an example of how tests should be specified using the accepted format. In contrast to “HBS,” which indicates the use of a hardened steel ball, the designation “HBW” specifies the use of a tungsten carbide ball indenter. The “10” is the diameter of the ball in millimetres. The kilos of force are represented by the number “3000.”

Here are Brinell Scales applicable to NextGen’s BrinGen – 3000 Series – Digital Brinell and Automatic Brinell Hardness Tester: HBW2.5/62.5, HBW2.5/187.5, HBW5/62.5, HBW5/125, HBW5/250, HBW5/750, HBW10/100, HBW10/1500, HBW10/3000, HBW10/250, HBW10/500, HBW10/1000

Click here to obtain a personalized quote!