Unique Metallurgical Services
Makarpura - Vadodara
Title : Brinell Hardness Test
Doc. No. Issue No. Issue Date Rev. No. Rev. Date Page No.
UMS/SOP/05 001 23.03.2013 00 --- 1 of 2
1.0 Purpose :
To establish and maintain the documented Standard Operating Procedure to ensure that the
testing is carried out as per the applicable specifications / standards.
2.0 Scope :
This standard operating procedure is intended to determine a number which is proportional to the
quotient obtained by dividing the test force by the curved surface area of the indentation which is
assumed to be spherical and of diameter of the ball.
3.0 Responsibility and Authority :
Responsibility of complying with this SOP lies with the Technicians and Engineers. Authority of
changing this SOP rests with the Techanical Manager.
4.0 Reference Documents :
As per ASTM E 10- 2012 , IS 1500 - 2013 and customer Specification.
5.0 Testing Instruments :
Sr. No Description Identification Range Least Count
OPAB - 3000 650 BHN /
1 Brinell Hardness Testing Machine +/- 3
IPC HBW Max
2 Tungsten Carbide Ball -- -- --
3 Measuring Device -- -- --
4 Flat Anvil -- -- --
6.0 Test Specimen Preparation
6.1 The samples shall be prepared as per ASTM A 370 – 2011 , ASTM E 10 – 2001.
6.2 Specimens shall be taken from the material as specified by the Specification.
6.3 There is no standard shape or size for a brinell test specimen. The specimen upon which the
indentation is made shall conform to the following:
The type of specimen chosen depend upon the characteristics,limitation,and respective operating
procedure.
6.4 The thickness of specimen tested shall be such that no bulge or other marking showing the effect of
the test force appears on the side of the piece opposite to the indentation. As a general rule, the
thickness of the specimen shall be at least ten times the depth of the indentation.
6.5 The minimum width shall conform with the requirement at least two and half times the diameter
of the indentation.
6.6 When necessary, the surface on which the indentation is to be made shall be fine grind, machined
or polished with abrasive material so that the edge of the indentation shall be clearly defined to
permit the measurement of the diameter to the specified accuracy. Care should be taken to avoid
overheating or cold working the surface.
Prepared By Issued By Approved By
Chandrakant Makwana Kartik Solanki Chandrakant Makwana
Techanical Manager Quality Manager Techanical Manager
Unique Metallurgical Services
Makarpura - Vadodara
Title : Brinell Hardness Test
Chandrakant Makwana Kartik Solanki Chandrakant Makwana
Techanical Manager Quality Manager Techanical Manager
Doc. No. Issue No. Issue Date Rev. No. Rev. Date Page No.
UMS/SOP/05 001 23.03.2013 00 --- 2 of 2
7. 0 Preliminary Checking before testing
7.1 Ensure that the Brinell Hardness Testing Machine is cleaned properly.
7.2 The reference instrument shall have valid calibration and traceable to the National standard.
7.3 Technician / Engineer shall verify the sample size preparation.
8. 0 Test Method :
8.1 While checking hardness of a specimen ensure that the specimen surface is flat.
8.2 Actuate the toggle switch to switch on the lamp of light source.
8.3 Start the motor and keep the handle to unload position and wait until lever and hanger bracket
reaches its top position.
8.4 Place the specimen on the test table
8.5 Turn the main nut in clockwise direction so that it just touches the bottom face of the lower
support plate.
8.6 Now turn the handle to 'load' position. Lever starts coming down and load applied on specimen
increases. When the load is fully applied a load indicating light illuminates.
8.7 The time of loading period should be 8 to 10 seconds. On completion of loading period turn the
handle to unload position and load indicating light is put off.
8.8 Measure the indentation on the sample using auto mode or manual mode. In manual mode adjust
the X-Y axis to cover the indentation and then measure the diameter.
8.9 The hardness reading is automatically obtained on screen.
9.0 Acceptance/Rejection Criteria :
As per product or customer specification.
10.0 Record :
Results are recorded in observation sheet UMS/F/13 and report is prepared as per UMS/F/04.
11.0 Accomodation & Enviromental Conditions :
The machine is kept in area 1.1m X 300 cm
The test should be carried out within the temperature range of 10°C to 35°C, unless otherwise
specified. Ideally test is to be carried out in controlled enviroment within the temperature range of
18°C to 28°C
12.0 Uncertainty Components (Type B)
12.1 Uncertainty due to error in calibration certificate (Normal Distribution)
12.2 Uncertainity due to accuracy of the instrument, +/- 1% (Rectangular Distribution)
12.3 Uncertainity due to error in calibration of standard block (Normal Distribution)
12.4 Uncertainity due resolution of equipment, 0.001 (Rectangular Distribution)
Prepared By Issued By Approved By
Unique Metallurgical Services
Makarpura - Vadodara
Title : Brinell Hardness Test
Chandrakant Makwana Kartik Solanki Chandrakant Makwana
Techanical Manager Quality Manager Techanical Manager
