Practical No.
14: Rockwell Hardness Test on
Metals
Metals Used: Mild Steel, Brass
I. Practical Significance
Hardness is the resistance of a metal to plastic deformation, indentation, scratching, or
wear.
Hardness testing helps understand material behavior during machining, cutting, and
forming.
II. Industry/Employer Expected Outcome
Understand reaction of metals under machining and material hardness properties.
III. Course-Level Outcome (COs)
CO2: Analyze structural behavior of components under different loading conditions.
IV. Laboratory Learning Outcome (LLO)
LLO 14.1: Determine hardness number using Rockwell Hardness Tester.
V. Affective Outcomes
Use safe behaviors effectively.
Maintain high standards of hygiene.
Efficiently operate tools, equipment, and machinery.
Follow professional and ethical standards.
VI. Theoretical Background
Rockwell Hardness (HR): Measured by depth of indentation.
Depth is inversely proportional to hardness.
Scales:
o A-Scale: Diamond indenter, load 60 kgf – for thin steel, shallow case-hardened
steel.
o B-Scale: 1.588 mm steel ball, load 100 kgf – for soft steel, brass, copper,
aluminum alloys.
o C-Scale: Diamond indenter, load 150 kgf – for hard steel.
Test is suitable for finished or machined parts of simple shapes.
VII. Experimental Setup
Rockwell Hardness Tester (analog/digital, 3N–30/45N range)
Vernier Caliper (0.02 mm least count)
Specimens: Mild Steel, Brass
VIII. Required Equipment
Sr. No Equipment Specification Quantity
01 Rockwell Hardness Tester Capacity 3–45 N 01
02 Vernier Caliper Least count 0.02 mm, range 0.02–150 mm 01
03 Test Specimen Mild Steel, Brass 02
IX. Precautions
1. Use V-type platform for cylindrical specimens.
2. Calibrate machine with standard test blocks.
3. Place thicker backing under thin specimens.
4. Wait 2–8 seconds after major load application for stabilization.
5. Surface must be smooth, clean, oxide-free.
6. Specimens should not be cold-worked or heated.
7. Thickness ≥ 8× indentation depth.
8. Distance between indentations ≥ 4× diameter; edge distance ≥ 2.5× diameter.
X. Procedure
1. Select load and indenter.
2. Clean test piece and place on machine anvil.
3. Elevate specimen into contact with indenter using capstan wheel.
4. Apply Minor load (98.07 N) by rotating wheel 3 turns.
5. Set pointer on scale dial.
6. Apply Major load gradually; wait until pointer stabilizes.
7. Release Major load, keep Minor load; pointer rotates in reverse.
8. Read Rockwell hardness on scale dial.
XI. Observation Table (Sample Data)
Test No Material Hardness Value (HRB) Average (HRB)
01 Mild Steel 72 71
02 Mild Steel 70
03 Mild Steel 71
01 Brass 48 47
02 Brass 46
03 Brass 47
Specimen Details:
Thickness of test piece: Mild Steel 10 mm, Brass 8 mm
Hardness Scale used: B-Scale
Minor Load: 10 kgf (98.07 N)
Major Load: 90 kgf (882.3 N)
XII. Result
Average Hardness of Mild Steel: 71 HRB
Average Hardness of Brass: 47 HRB
XIII. Interpretation
Mild Steel is harder than Brass.
Rockwell B-Scale suitable for soft metals and non-case-hardened steels.
Hardness correlates with resistance to machining, wear, and plastic deformation.
XIV. Conclusions
1. Rockwell Hardness Test provides quick, reliable hardness measurement.
2. Mild Steel has higher hardness and can resist indentation better.
3. Brass is softer, suitable for applications requiring machinability.
4. Proper surface finish and thickness ensure accurate readings.
XV. Practical Questions with Answers
1. Applications of Rockwell Hardness Scales:
o A-Scale: Thin or case-hardened steel, shallow surfaces.
o B-Scale: Soft metals like brass, copper, aluminum alloys.
o C-Scale: Hard steels, tools, and die steels.
2. Ball Indenter Size for B-Scale:
o Diameter = 1.588 mm steel ball
