The Brinell hardness test is a test method used to test substances that are extremely coarse through a Brinell hardness tester. The surface is too uneven for other testing methods to be used such as Rockwell and Vickers testing. It determines the hardness of castings and hoardings. The test is for a high load of about 3000kgf and a ball of 10mm diameter. The impression left after pressure has been applied to the ball is measured by a Brinell Optical system. The results are considered accurate when the ball size to test force ratio remains the same during variations of Brinell test conditions. There are various types of testers for the Brinell hardness. These include:
- Analogue
- Optical
- Computerised
- Semi automatic
- Fully automatic
Steps taken during the brinell hardness test
As it is an indentation test, the first step is to have a determined force and indenter. One applies the force to the indenter at a perpendicular to the substance that is to be tested. You hold the force for a particular period. The next step is to assess the diameter of the indentation caused. It should be perpendicular to two various directions. The Brinell hardness merit is determined by calculating the mean of the diameter recordings by the Brinell hardness tester. This is through the mathematical formula of determining the Brinell hardness. The results are an indicator used in diverse industries such as the receipt of commercial shipments and also in quality control.