A substantial indentation test is a Brinell test. It is ideal for a large plate, bars, rods, forgings, etc., but not for thin strips or wire. The indenter is a ball made of either tungsten carbide or hardened steel (results identified by HBS) (results designated by HBW). This test results in huge indentations, which makes it far less sensitive to local microstructural changes. This makes it perfect for microstructures that contain big particles, such as those in copper-nickel silicon chromium alloys. However, only materials thicker than 0.125 inches may be subjected to Brinell testing (3.2 mm).

Depending on the alloy, temper (hardness), and part thickness, a variety of hardness tests are suitable for copper beryllium, copper nickel tin, and other high-performance copper alloys. For thorough details on test techniques and equipment calibration, consult the relevant ASTM standard.

NextGen’s BrinGen – 3000 Series – Digital Brinell and Automatic Brinell Hardness Tester Hardness Value Reference for Copper is 35 HB.

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